Case Study - South Korea and Indonesia
Transformation of Traditional Arts and Cultural Practices
- Modernization reshaped traditional culture, leading to new interpretations, preservation efforts and hybrid artistic forms.
- Governments promoted cultural heritage to strengthen national identity amid modernization.
- Tourism encouraged the revival of traditional crafts and performances.
- Artists blended traditional techniques with modern styles in music, dance and visual arts.
- Urbanization reduced community transmission of older cultural practices.
- Global culture increased pressure on traditional arts to remain relevant.
Case study
Indonesia – Evolution of Traditional Arts (1980–2005)
Patterns and Adaptation
- Indonesian artists modernized traditional dance forms like Balinese Legong and Javanese Wayang.
- Cultural institutions promoted national identity through festivals and exhibitions.
- Younger generations adapted batik into new fashion designs.
- Traditional music like gamelan incorporated contemporary instruments.
- Government programs supported cultural preservation through education.
Impact and Significance
- Cultural modernization increased international recognition of Indonesian arts.
- Tourism strengthened commercial support for traditional performers.
- Urban youth displayed renewed interest in cultural expression.
- Global exposure promoted cross-cultural collaboration in artistic production.
- Historic traditions remained visible despite social change.
Definition
Cultural preservation
Efforts to protect and promote traditional practices.
Definition
Hybridization
Mixing of local cultural forms with global influences.
Cultural Impact of Globalization
- Globalization accelerated cultural exchange, reshaping popular culture, entertainment and identity across Asian societies.
- Western media influenced youth lifestyles in fashion, music and entertainment.
- Economic growth increased cultural consumption of foreign products.
- Asian cultural exports gained global audiences, strengthening soft power.
- Migration encouraged multicultural interaction in urban centers.
- Global networks facilitated cross-border cultural flows.
Case study
South Korea – Rise of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), 1990s–2005
Origins and Drivers
- Investment in film and music industries boosted cultural production nationwide.
- Government policy supported international media export strategies.
- Korean dramas spread rapidly through Asian television markets.
- Pop music groups targeted regional audiences with modern performance styles.
- Improved internet access accelerated cross-border cultural sharing.
Consequences and Influence
- Hallyu strengthened Korea’s global cultural presence through media exports.
- Youth across Asia adopted Korean fashion trends and entertainment styles.
- Cultural exports boosted economic revenue for creative industries.
- Soft-power influence enhanced Korea’s diplomatic standing in Asia.
- The Korean Wave became a symbol of modern Asian cultural confidence.
Definition
Soft Power
Influence obtained through cultural appeal rather than force.
Definition
Cultural diffusion:
Spread of cultural practices and ideas across borders.
Media, Technology and Communication
- Technological change transformed the nature of media consumption, cultural production and public communication across Asia.
- Satellite TV expanded access to international programming and entertainment.
- Internet growth increased digital communication among young people.
- Independent media reshaped public discussion and political awareness.
- New technologies enabled creative innovation in film and music industries.
- Media globalization influenced identity formation and cultural norms.
Common Mistake
- Treating globalization as one-directional rather than a process of cultural exchange.
- Ignoring the role of technology in accelerating cultural change.
- Overlooking differences between traditional and modern expressions within cultures.
Exam technique
- Use two strong case studies to provide detailed evidence.
- Link cultural change to economic and technological developments.
- Compare traditional and modern cultural forms for stronger evaluation.
Theory of Knowledge
- How does cultural perspective shape interpretations of tradition and modernity?
- Can global culture coexist with strong local identity?
- How does technology influence the creation and spread of cultural knowledge?
Self review
- Assess the impact of globalization on cultural change in one Asian country between 1980 and 2005.
- Examine the transformation of traditional arts in Asia during this period.
- To what extent did new media reshape cultural identity in Asia?
