[Daniel Moon]

Thank you!

[Daniel Moon]

There are multiple division 1 schools that have full scholarships available for the top players that apply, and prize pools for esports tournaments continue to rise. I think the students who treat it like both a passion and a sport are being quite rational--traditional sports are largely dependent on genetic factors that are outside of most of our control, but esports is a bit more equitable in that sense (does require dexterity, quick reactions, and high critical thinking), but the fact that it is "less body" and "more brain" makes it more accessible to people wantin go participate in sports. I know our school as already started making inquiries into CIF (state athletic organization) and is looking to go all-in and set up computers and practice rooms in the coming years.

[Daniel Moon]

Great insights. I think a popular phrase going around right now that describes the fighting back of the colonized against colonizers is, "don't yuck my yum." Generally well-liked TV show hosts, like James Corden, are coming under fire for using traditional foods in cultures of people of color as "disgusting" food challenges that they conduct on the show with celebrities. Although food can be used to divide and to other, food also has such a way to unify people, and I hope as societies progress, people will come to see that unifying human condition.

[Daniel Moon]

I also agree that the juxtaposition of the children's games and bright colors against the desperation of this capitalism-caused game is both fascinating and tragic at the same time. We as an audience can't look away. Even though it's a commentary on capitalistic society, the spectacle element has even made some detach themselves from the "point" of the story completely. Although it is entertainment, it's a little sad to see how little impact the true messaging of the show had on society as a whole--maybe we are all too happy being rats in the rat race after all...

[Daniel Moon]

As someone who has played and followed the esports scene since its inception, it's interesting to see a deeper dive as well as see confirmation of my own observations of the area. Even as a kid, I was fascinated with both the obsession and the rigorous work ethic the esports players had (Starcraft Brood War, CS:GO, etc). However, this interest in games like Starcraft was limited to East Asian countries and all but the most devoted or "nerdy" fans in western culture. As the concept of esports grew, I observed major games developed in the west, like League of Legends, mimic the structure that Korean esports media, teams, and culture had set decades before--this has only increased the interest in esports in general, but has shone a light onto the top players that end up winning millions of dollars at tournaments. 

[Daniel Moon]

David Ralph Millard, Jr first popularized "Asian blepharoplasty" to "deorientalize” patients’ faces. This was done in order for women to appeal to the American GI's living on US bases (still in Korea). This is one of many examples of how Koreans' perceptions of beauty and their standards were influenced by outside influences, mainly colonial--both from the US and Japan. In Leem's article, she mentions that Koreans initially strived for sharp noses, which is "remnant of Japanese colonialism. Japanese people used plastic surgery to change their faces into Western shapes with prominent noses." In A Gastronomic Study of 20th and 21st Century Korea, we see that Kimchi, an iconic Korean food, was repeatedly shamed, especially for the Zainichi that continued to live in Japan after the end of colonialism in Korea. Although in the 21st century, food was used as a method to heal this painful past, the marks of colonialism are not easily erased.

[Daniel Moon]

It was interesting to notice the connection of Western imperialism/capitalism in both the CBR top ten reasons list and the article, "Aspirational paternity and the female gaze on Korean reality–variety TV." Squid Game is a social commentary on how the harms of capitalism create desperate competition in order to survive. In Jung's article, she discusses how the "orientalist self-perception" of dads is "emotionally unvailable". From observations in culture and my own experience, I have seen South Korea's radical adoption of western interests, tastes, and ideals to the point where it has gone to the extreme--people want the lifestyle of a westerner, they alter their physical features to appeal to western tastes, and more. The belief that western, white culture is better than the indigenous culture's is not new and not surprising. The U.S.'s continued occupation as well as economic and military influence in the country (with the help of Korea's own government) have pushed citizens to think that they are less than... that they should adopt capitalism, western tastes, and features in order to succed 

[Daniel Moon]

I believe that the rise of Korean music is often attributed solely to our culture and identity. Although those things are great to promote internationally, I think a significant factor in Korean music's success and outreach beyond its borders it government support. Korean music's continuing success should be attributed to the government's policies, subsidies, tax breaks, etc that fostered talent and gave talent and companies/businesses platforms in which to do so. This artistry essentially then, is a product of financial support--more people have access and freedom to work in the arts if their basic needs are taken care of.

[Daniel Moon]

I'm not sure it's as much dark films and shows as much as it's maybe about the messaging behind shows and films like Parasite, and Squid Game as well as something new they brought to Korean Cinema and TV. Although moviegoers definitely tend to enjoy more two-dimensional movies and shows, I think the critical acclaim (and accompanying hype) comes from how these acclaimed pieces of media tend to be social commentary on something. Maybe for international viewers, this commentary is more easily digestable when viewed through a "foreign lens"?

In addition, K-dramas are notorious for their romantic tropes and overall positive messaging. Maybe the fact that both Parasite and Squid Games does away with those tropes and both set themselves apart leads to increased curiosity and interest.

[Daniel Moon]

It is surreal to me how the hallyu wave has completely changed the lens in which western culture now views Korean Culture. Even though I grew up watching a lot of the films mentioned, it is interesting how "hype" Korean culture is in the U.S. through music, movies, K-dramas, and even webtoons. I've not only witnessed this in my own life and among friends and acquaintainces, but I have observed it in my students' discussions. When Squid Game came out last year, it was pandemonium. When BTS dropped ther tickets online, it was pandemonium. Growing up, my culture was never seen as something to celebrate. When Jordan Peele was interviewed about his recent film, NOPE, he is quoted as saying that this is a film about Black Joy. I don't think this was every socially accepted (and still quite isn't during this rise in Anti-Asian Hate) while I was growing up, but it is very interesting and even inspiring to see how Korean culture is received these days.

[Daniel Moon]

I'm a 3rd year Biology teacher in LA Unified, and most importantly, a graduate of the better university across town, 😉 Looking forward to learning more about how the US' and its citizens' perception of South Korea has changed through time and to hearing from all of you

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