SOC 380—Korean Society through K-Movie and K-Drama

This course uses K-movies and K-dramas as a lens to deepen students’ understanding of Korean society. Film and television are powerful tools that reflect and critique social realities, offering insight into both historical and contemporary issues. Through a sociological framework, students will examine Korea’s past and present, as well as the cultural and structural factors that continue to shape Korean society. Topics include pressing social issues such as class inequality, labor market segmentation, and gender norms, as well as broader historical and cross-national contexts, including the Korean diaspora and the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The course will also explore the global implications of K-movies and K-dramas. By the end of the course, students will gain a sharper understanding of how popular culture illuminates Korea’s social dynamics and resonates beyond national borders.