(South) Korean Media Perceptions of Central Asia from the 1920s to the 1980s

Abstract

This paper explores the historical and cultural bases of South Korea's perceptions and narratives concerning its relationship with Central Asia. The study focuses on South Korea's initial engagement with Central Asia, analyzing newspaper coverage from 1920 to 1989 to examine how media portrayals Central Asia and how this portrayal may have influenced South Korean public perceptions of the region. The paper utilizes qualitative textual analysis to examine South Korean newspaper articles referencing “Central Asia” and the “Silk Road” published between 1920 and 1989. This methodology identifies evolving trends and patterns in media perspectives and public understanding of Central Asia. Data was sourced from digital newspaper archives Naver News Library. The study includes articles in the categories of “Politics: Diplomacy”, “Culture”, and “International”, providing a concentrated exploration of South Korean-Central Asian cultural and public diplomacy engagements. The paper reveals that narratives established during the early years of South Korean-Central Asian interactions significantly influence contemporary perceptions. The increased media focus on Central Asia post-1970s, the portrayal of the Korean diaspora, and the prominence of the Silk Road narrative underscore the significance of historical and cultural factors in shaping South Korea's understanding of Central Asia.