Contemporary Asian Popular Culture Vol. 1: Squid Game, Utopias, and Dystopias

Kim, Yeojin; Jayasinghe, Dharshani Lakmali; Aleem, Hiba; Ritzenhoff, Karen A.

This first of two volumes explores how contemporary Asian popular culture reflects and critiques social issues. The authors, from different scholarly backgrounds, examine how shows like Squid Game present a scathing critique of oppressive socio-economic structures, conceptualize national heterotopias, utopias, and dystopias, and facilitate understanding of identity formation and discourses of resistance. The volume encompasses chapters discussing themes that intersect gender, race, politics, and social dynamics. It showcases ongoing developments in Asian popular culture in the wake of the global popularity of Squid Game and in anticipation of its second season release in December 2024.

Details

Published by: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Date: 2026-01-09

Format: Paperback

ISBN-13: 9783031720673

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-72065-9

Dimensions: 210cm x148cm

Pages: 292