Cultures of Yusin: South Korea in the 1970s

Cultures of Yusin examines the turbulent and yet deeply formative period of time South Korea’s Fourth Republic (1972-79), beginning with its declaration by Park Chung Hee and ending with his assassination. With its institution and the dictatorial powers it granted to the president, the Fourth Republic was one of political repression coupled with total mobilization of society towards modernization and development. While much has been written about the political and economic upheaval during this period, this edited volume brings together a wide range of scholars to explore the rich and varied cultural production-literature, film, television, theater, music, art, architecture, advertising, radio, and sports-of the Yusin period, especially in its relationship to state power. By examining these areas and how they challenged and conformed to the aims of the regime, we are able to see not only the period more clearly but also how it provided the framework for contemporary Korean society.