@rarilianie.bsky.social
Politics plays a critical role in shaping the production, consumption, and circulation of popular culture across Northeast Asia. Government decisions – particularly those involving censorship, trade policies, and diplomatic alignment – can significantly affect what cultural content is visible,
June 10, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Politics plays a critical role in shaping the production, consumption, and circulation of popular culture across Northeast Asia. Government decisions – particularly those involving censorship, trade policies, and diplomatic alignment – can significantly affect what cultural content is visible,
I have read the article titled "China, Hong Kong Drop in World Press Freedom Ranking" published by China Digital Times in May 2025, which presents statistical data highlighting the continued decline in press freedom in China and Hong Kong.
Link to the article: chinadigitaltimes.net/2025/05/chin...
Link to the article: chinadigitaltimes.net/2025/05/chin...
chinadigitaltimes.net
June 10, 2025 at 7:38 AM
I have read the article titled "China, Hong Kong Drop in World Press Freedom Ranking" published by China Digital Times in May 2025, which presents statistical data highlighting the continued decline in press freedom in China and Hong Kong.
Link to the article: chinadigitaltimes.net/2025/05/chin...
Link to the article: chinadigitaltimes.net/2025/05/chin...
Korean hip-hop artists often align themselves with African-American culture, but this alignment can be troubling when it lacks engagement with the lived realities of systemic racial marginalization. In South Korea, where ethnic homogeneity is the norm and Koreans constitute the dominant racial
May 29, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Korean hip-hop artists often align themselves with African-American culture, but this alignment can be troubling when it lacks engagement with the lived realities of systemic racial marginalization. In South Korea, where ethnic homogeneity is the norm and Koreans constitute the dominant racial
South Korea's intense materialism, as outlined by Kim Sung-kyung in "How Materialism Unites the Two Koreas, and Divides Them," is not just a cultural trait – it is a deeply rooted survival strategy shaped by decades of political instability, rapid economic development, and ongoing security threats.
May 29, 2025 at 2:28 AM
South Korea's intense materialism, as outlined by Kim Sung-kyung in "How Materialism Unites the Two Koreas, and Divides Them," is not just a cultural trait – it is a deeply rooted survival strategy shaped by decades of political instability, rapid economic development, and ongoing security threats.
If we compare K-pop girl groups from 2005–2010 with those of today, we can observe a shift in how sexualization and objectification are presented. In the past, these elements were often blatant and overt across most artists, whereas today, they tend to be more subtle and coded.
This transformation
This transformation
May 27, 2025 at 4:07 AM
If we compare K-pop girl groups from 2005–2010 with those of today, we can observe a shift in how sexualization and objectification are presented. In the past, these elements were often blatant and overt across most artists, whereas today, they tend to be more subtle and coded.
This transformation
This transformation
The persecution of Falun Gong and the international campaign against Shen Yun Performing Arts, as discussed in the article "CCP's New Push to Eliminate Falun Gong and Shen Yun Globally," reveals a deeper issue than just politics.
It reflects the philosophical differences between Western ideas of
It reflects the philosophical differences between Western ideas of
May 27, 2025 at 3:54 AM
The persecution of Falun Gong and the international campaign against Shen Yun Performing Arts, as discussed in the article "CCP's New Push to Eliminate Falun Gong and Shen Yun Globally," reveals a deeper issue than just politics.
It reflects the philosophical differences between Western ideas of
It reflects the philosophical differences between Western ideas of
Given the current gender dynamics in South Korea, it is difficult to view female empowerment messages in K-pop as entirely genuine. In many cases, they seem to serve more as marketing strategies than sincere expressions of feminist values. One of the music videos viewed during class, for example,
May 22, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Given the current gender dynamics in South Korea, it is difficult to view female empowerment messages in K-pop as entirely genuine. In many cases, they seem to serve more as marketing strategies than sincere expressions of feminist values. One of the music videos viewed during class, for example,
Japan, with a population of around 123 million people, faces several pressing environmental challenges. These include greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, urban waste, and marine plastic pollution. Although Japan is a global leader in technology, its energy sector remains carbon-intensive -
May 22, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Japan, with a population of around 123 million people, faces several pressing environmental challenges. These include greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, urban waste, and marine plastic pollution. Although Japan is a global leader in technology, its energy sector remains carbon-intensive -
I don't think we should see "soft masculinity" in K-pop as just a way to demasculinize idols or make them seem feminine. That's too simplistic - and honestly, it reflects more about the Western gaze than about the idols themselves. Yes, Western media often tries to label these men as "effeminate" or
May 20, 2025 at 3:53 AM
I don't think we should see "soft masculinity" in K-pop as just a way to demasculinize idols or make them seem feminine. That's too simplistic - and honestly, it reflects more about the Western gaze than about the idols themselves. Yes, Western media often tries to label these men as "effeminate" or
The article titled “39% of people living in Japan feel lonely: gov't study” draws immediate attention through its headline, emphasizing a high (though not majority) figure of loneliness.
Link to the article: english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05...
While not sensationalist, the use of a concrete
Link to the article: english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05...
While not sensationalist, the use of a concrete
39% of people living in Japan feel lonely: gov't study
Some 39 percent of people in Japan feel lonely at times, according to a recent government survey, with a law that took effect in April last year to address isolation apparently not yet having a signif...
english.kyodonews.net
May 20, 2025 at 1:27 AM
The article titled “39% of people living in Japan feel lonely: gov't study” draws immediate attention through its headline, emphasizing a high (though not majority) figure of loneliness.
Link to the article: english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05...
While not sensationalist, the use of a concrete
Link to the article: english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/05...
While not sensationalist, the use of a concrete
Jin and Ryoo argue that the use of English in K-pop reflects broader trends in cultural globalization, deeply connected to Korea's historical interactions with English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, and the global ambitions of its music industry. They emphasize that English
May 8, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Jin and Ryoo argue that the use of English in K-pop reflects broader trends in cultural globalization, deeply connected to Korea's historical interactions with English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, and the global ambitions of its music industry. They emphasize that English
The idea that K-pop or Hallyu was "made" by the South Korean government is oversimplified and ignores how complicated the phenomena is. The misperception stems from both orientalist prejudices and the obvious government engagement in cultural policy, even though the state was instrumental in
May 1, 2025 at 4:29 AM
The idea that K-pop or Hallyu was "made" by the South Korean government is oversimplified and ignores how complicated the phenomena is. The misperception stems from both orientalist prejudices and the obvious government engagement in cultural policy, even though the state was instrumental in
One remarkable example of a K-pop idol in advertising is Jin of BTS in his campaign with Ottogi Jin Ramen.
Link to this advertisement: youtu.be/kd2ndjo_We4?...
Launched in late 2022, the campaign became a viral success and generated a measurable economic impact.
By early 2023, Ottogi recorded
Link to this advertisement: youtu.be/kd2ndjo_We4?...
Launched in late 2022, the campaign became a viral success and generated a measurable economic impact.
By early 2023, Ottogi recorded
BTS Jin’s Jinjja Love Story
YouTube video by Jin Ramen by Otoki
youtu.be
April 15, 2025 at 1:11 PM
One remarkable example of a K-pop idol in advertising is Jin of BTS in his campaign with Ottogi Jin Ramen.
Link to this advertisement: youtu.be/kd2ndjo_We4?...
Launched in late 2022, the campaign became a viral success and generated a measurable economic impact.
By early 2023, Ottogi recorded
Link to this advertisement: youtu.be/kd2ndjo_We4?...
Launched in late 2022, the campaign became a viral success and generated a measurable economic impact.
By early 2023, Ottogi recorded
The article "Overtourism in Japan" by Responsible Travel begins by emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural tradition of omotenashi or Japanese hospitality.
Link to the article: www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/jap...
The Japanese people are historically known for their respectful and accommodating
Link to the article: www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/jap...
The Japanese people are historically known for their respectful and accommodating
Overtourism in Japan
Overtourism in Japan. Rapid growth in tourism to Japan is causing cultural tensions in a place where traditional ways of life are deeply rooted.
www.responsibletravel.com
April 15, 2025 at 3:12 AM
The article "Overtourism in Japan" by Responsible Travel begins by emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural tradition of omotenashi or Japanese hospitality.
Link to the article: www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/jap...
The Japanese people are historically known for their respectful and accommodating
Link to the article: www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/jap...
The Japanese people are historically known for their respectful and accommodating
In the late 1990s, in Seoul's Mapo district, Yang Hyeonseok (Korean: 양현석), a former member of the influential group Seo Taeji and Boys, began laying the foundation for what would later become YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's most prominent entertainment companies. After the disbandment of Seo
April 10, 2025 at 6:39 AM
In the late 1990s, in Seoul's Mapo district, Yang Hyeonseok (Korean: 양현석), a former member of the influential group Seo Taeji and Boys, began laying the foundation for what would later become YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's most prominent entertainment companies. After the disbandment of Seo
I have read the article "Ethnic Korean students in Japan visit North Korea for first time since pandemic" by the NK News. Link to the article: www.nknews.org/2024/08/ethn...
Students from a pro-Pyeongyang university in Tokyo recently visited North Korea for the first time since the pandemic. This
Students from a pro-Pyeongyang university in Tokyo recently visited North Korea for the first time since the pandemic. This
Ethnic Korean students in Japan visit North Korea for first time since pandemic | NK News
Students attending a pro-Pyongyang university in Tokyo have returned to North Korea for the first time since the start of the pandemic, according to state media, a major step toward resuming regular i...
www.nknews.org
April 10, 2025 at 2:30 AM
I have read the article "Ethnic Korean students in Japan visit North Korea for first time since pandemic" by the NK News. Link to the article: www.nknews.org/2024/08/ethn...
Students from a pro-Pyeongyang university in Tokyo recently visited North Korea for the first time since the pandemic. This
Students from a pro-Pyeongyang university in Tokyo recently visited North Korea for the first time since the pandemic. This
I would like to introduce Ju Hyeonmi (Korean: 주현미), a celebrated South Korean trot singer who made her debut in 1985 with the hit song "Rain Falling on Youngdong Bridge" (Korean: 비 내리는 영동교). She was born on November 5, 1961, in Gwangju, and is a third-generation Chinese-Korean (Hwagyo; Korean: 화교).
April 8, 2025 at 4:01 AM
I would like to introduce Ju Hyeonmi (Korean: 주현미), a celebrated South Korean trot singer who made her debut in 1985 with the hit song "Rain Falling on Youngdong Bridge" (Korean: 비 내리는 영동교). She was born on November 5, 1961, in Gwangju, and is a third-generation Chinese-Korean (Hwagyo; Korean: 화교).
Suicide remains a serious issue in modern society, particularly within the high-pressure world of K-pop. As fans and as a society, we need to recognize that one of the leading factors contributing to idols' struggles is the unrealistic perfectionism expected of them. Idols are often seen as
April 3, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Suicide remains a serious issue in modern society, particularly within the high-pressure world of K-pop. As fans and as a society, we need to recognize that one of the leading factors contributing to idols' struggles is the unrealistic perfectionism expected of them. Idols are often seen as
Links to the resources I have used:
Article: www.reuters.com/world/china/...
Video: youtu.be/S4U0WjS7J7A?...
The issue of Taiwan's reintegration into the People's Republic of China (PRC) remains highly contested, shaped by deep historical, cultural, and political divisions. While Beijing insists
Article: www.reuters.com/world/china/...
Video: youtu.be/S4U0WjS7J7A?...
The issue of Taiwan's reintegration into the People's Republic of China (PRC) remains highly contested, shaped by deep historical, cultural, and political divisions. While Beijing insists
China will work to firmly advance 'reunification' with Taiwan, premier says
Li Qiang said China would strive to work with regular Taiwanese to realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
www.reuters.com
April 3, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Links to the resources I have used:
Article: www.reuters.com/world/china/...
Video: youtu.be/S4U0WjS7J7A?...
The issue of Taiwan's reintegration into the People's Republic of China (PRC) remains highly contested, shaped by deep historical, cultural, and political divisions. While Beijing insists
Article: www.reuters.com/world/china/...
Video: youtu.be/S4U0WjS7J7A?...
The issue of Taiwan's reintegration into the People's Republic of China (PRC) remains highly contested, shaped by deep historical, cultural, and political divisions. While Beijing insists
The article named "Music and oppression in the 1970s" examines how history, culture, and social conditions shape collective memory and influence musical perception. The author argues that Korean music of the 1970s was not just a form of entertainment but a reflection of political repression,
April 1, 2025 at 3:12 AM
The article named "Music and oppression in the 1970s" examines how history, culture, and social conditions shape collective memory and influence musical perception. The author argues that Korean music of the 1970s was not just a form of entertainment but a reflection of political repression,
I have read Cho Hyung-keun's article titled "Maybe Korea would be better off without all the childbirth incentives."
Link to the article: english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
The author critiques government policies on childbirth incentives, emphasizing that personal decisions about having children
Link to the article: english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
The author critiques government policies on childbirth incentives, emphasizing that personal decisions about having children
english.hani.co.kr
April 1, 2025 at 1:52 AM
I have read Cho Hyung-keun's article titled "Maybe Korea would be better off without all the childbirth incentives."
Link to the article: english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
The author critiques government policies on childbirth incentives, emphasizing that personal decisions about having children
Link to the article: english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
The author critiques government policies on childbirth incentives, emphasizing that personal decisions about having children
Bronte Willis highlights the double standards present in society regarding fan obsessions and gender. Boys who are deeply interested in Japanese culture, whether through anime, manga, or traditional aspects, are often labeled as "weirdos." In contrast, girls who are obsessed with Korean pop culture
March 27, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Bronte Willis highlights the double standards present in society regarding fan obsessions and gender. Boys who are deeply interested in Japanese culture, whether through anime, manga, or traditional aspects, are often labeled as "weirdos." In contrast, girls who are obsessed with Korean pop culture
I would like to introduce a group named the Korean Kittens (Korean: 코리안 키튼즈), a pioneering all-female vocal group from South Korea in the 1960s. The group was led by Yun Bokhui, a singer known for her bold fashion and musical talent. Alongside Yun, the other members included Seo Minseon, Gim Mija,
March 25, 2025 at 3:43 AM
I would like to introduce a group named the Korean Kittens (Korean: 코리안 키튼즈), a pioneering all-female vocal group from South Korea in the 1960s. The group was led by Yun Bokhui, a singer known for her bold fashion and musical talent. Alongside Yun, the other members included Seo Minseon, Gim Mija,
I have read the article named "Wang: Issue of China's import restrictions on Japanese seafood may see progress".
Link to the article: www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...
The article applies framing theory by shaping the reader's perception of the Fukushima water release through specific linguistic and
Link to the article: www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...
The article applies framing theory by shaping the reader's perception of the Fukushima water release through specific linguistic and
Wang: Issue of China's import restrictions on Japanese seafood may see progress | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
China's top diplomat has suggested that the issue of Beijing's import restrictions on Japanese seafood may see progress. China has been analyzing treated and diluted water being discharged from the da...
www3.nhk.or.jp
March 25, 2025 at 1:29 AM
I have read the article named "Wang: Issue of China's import restrictions on Japanese seafood may see progress".
Link to the article: www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...
The article applies framing theory by shaping the reader's perception of the Fukushima water release through specific linguistic and
Link to the article: www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/...
The article applies framing theory by shaping the reader's perception of the Fukushima water release through specific linguistic and
I would like to introduce you to I Aerisu (Korean: 이애리수; real name: I Eumjeon/ Korean: 이음전), who saw music not as cultural appropriation but as a means of self-expression under colonial rule, conveying the spirit of modern values fused with traditional elements. She studied at the prestigious
March 20, 2025 at 3:55 AM
I would like to introduce you to I Aerisu (Korean: 이애리수; real name: I Eumjeon/ Korean: 이음전), who saw music not as cultural appropriation but as a means of self-expression under colonial rule, conveying the spirit of modern values fused with traditional elements. She studied at the prestigious