Gangnam, South Korea

Gangnam is known as the epicenter of Hallyu, the Korean Wave, and a site of generative pop culture production. At the same time, Gangnam is widely regarded as a breeding ground for ‘social evil’ (sahoeak) in South Korea with its capitalist vices. Analyzing Yeon Sang-ho’s animation The King of Pigs (2013) and Yoon Jong-bin’s film Beastie Boys (2008), this talk will take an unflinching look at the dark side of South Korean society and its impact on Hallyu media production.