학술논문

The New Korean Wave: Lessons for China’s International Cultural Communication in the New Media Era
Document Type
Article
Text
Author
Source
Journal of China Studies, 12/31/2023, Vol. 26, Issue 4, p. 21-56
Subject
International Cultural Communication
New Korean Wave
the New Media Era
China
South Korea
Language
English
ISSN
1975-5902
Abstract
International communication is important for nation-states to carry out public diplomacy to promote their soft power. It also contributes to resolving global conflict and promoting mutual understanding among nations. Technological changes and the vigorous development of new media have promoted the digitalization of communication content and online activity which has completely changed international interaction. The People's Republic of China has been committed to improving its international communication capacity. However, China's international communication ability has yet to improve to the level of its comprehensive national strength and international status. The content disseminated by Chinese media into international cultural communication lacks attractiveness and does not fit well with the expectations of overseas audiences. Therefore, to break through the dilemma of China’s international communication, it is necessary to learn from the experiences and lessons of international communication from other countries, especially non-Western countries. Over the past 20 years, South Korean cultural products have swept the world, from dramas to movies to music. Especially with the rapid development of new media via the Internet, international communication of South Korea has created the New Korean Wave (Hallyu 2.0) which is seen as a strong contra-flow in the face of Western international communication powerhouses. This article explores and analyzes the four elements of "Who", "Says What", "To Whom", and "With What Effect" in the process of spreading the New Korean Wave, based on Lasswell's communication model. Then, this article continues by comparing and discussing these four elements with the current situation of China's international cultural communication in the new media era. Conclusions are drawn that show that China’s international cultural communication in the new media era should give private companies more room and autonomy for their own development; the content should pursue the greatest degree of resonance and create a sense of legend among viewers, the primary communication should be to foreign audiences who have cultural proximity with China; the process of conducting China’s International cultural communication should prevent and minimize the negative effects and engage in the two-way equal communication. While it is absorbing the useful experience of other countries, especially non-western countries, China should combine its own reality and use advanced technology to explore a unique path of international cultural communication with Chinese characteristics.