East Asiaโs cultural economies are bridging politics-driven divides
The appearance of K-pop singer G-Dragon on electronic billboards in major Chinese cities despite Beijingโs K-pop ban points at a contrast between political shadows clouding international relations and actual commercial linkages in East Asia. Amid tensions over Seoulโs military alliance with the United States and other issues, G-Dragon featured in eight McDonaldโs products across more than 8,000 outlets in mainland China. The penetration and appeal of Korean cultural icons show how transnational...