WILAYAH: The International Journal of East Asian Studies
WILAYAH: The International Journal of East Asian Studies is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal published annually by the Department of East Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya. WILAYAH welcomes original contributions related to East Asian region with particular emphasis on Japan, China and Korea to be considered for publication. Aim and Scope WILAYAH: The International Journal of East Asian Studies aims to provide a platform for exchanges of ideas related to the East Asian region with particular emphasis on Japan, China and Korea. It offers informative and insightful multidisciplinary discourse for academics, policymakers and students alike. The result is a provocative exploration of the most pressing East Asian political, economic and social challenges of our time. eISSN: 2462-2257 Publication Type: Electronic Publication frequency: 1 time, per year. (In March every year starting 2021. Previous years published in every December) Journal Website: ijeas.um.edu.my Publisher: Department of East Asian Studies, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia Enquiries: ijeas@um.edu.my Indexing and Abstracting: MyJournal; Directory of Open Acess Scholarly Resources (ROAD), Google Scholar
Department of East Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
Copyright Submission of a manuscript to the WILAYAH implies that the submitted work has not been published before (except as part of a thesis or report or abstract), that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere; that all co-authors have approved its publication. The WILAYAH : International Journal of East Asian Studies adopts CC BY license. As such, we would be grateful if an acknowledgement accompanies the republication that the work was originally published in WILAYAH. The editors will ensure digital preservation of access to the journal content by the Journal depository section. Disclaimer Although the Department of East Asian Studies is the publisher of the WILAYAH : International Journal of East Asian Studies, the views presented in the WILAYAH are entirely those of the contributors and do not reflect the official stand of the Department of East Asian Studies. The Department does not hold itself responsible for the accuracy of any article published. Publisher and co-publishers assume no responsibility, nor by the editors for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a result of any actual or alleged libellous statements, infringement of intellectual property or privacy rights, or products liability, whether resulting from negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any ideas, instructions, procedures, products or methods contained in the material therein.
Structural Constraints on Female Labor: Gender Inequality in South Korea's Private Sector from 2015-Present
Despite sustained policy efforts to promote gender equality, significant gender imbalance persists in South Korea’s labour market, particularly within the private sector. This study examines determinants in female labour force participation in South Korea’s private sector from 2015 to the present, focusing on employment stability, wage disparities, managerial representation, and age-specific participation patterns. Drawing on gender stratification theory, the study analyses how social norms and institutional practices jointly shape women’s labour market outcomes. Using national labour statistics, the analysis reveals three key findings. First, substantial gender wage gaps persist across both regular and irregular employment, despite similar working days between women and men. Second, women remain significantly underrepresented in managerial and executive positions, even as participation in professional and service occupations has increased. Third, female employment follows a pronounced life-course pattern, with sharp declines during childbearing years and partial recovery at later ages, reinforcing cumulative career disadvantages. These findings suggest that rising female labour force participation has not translated into equitable employment outcomes. Instead, gender inequality is reproduced through labour market segmentation, weak enforcement of equality legislation, and persistent gendered expectations surrounding caregiving responsibilities. By focusing explicitly on the private sector and recent labour market trends, this study contributes updated empirical evidence and a structural explanation for the persistence of gender imbalance in South Korea’s labour market. The findings underscore the need for policy interventions that prioritize employment quality, effective enforcement, and institutional reform alongside participation rates.
Copyright (c) 2026 WILAYAH: The International Journal of East Asian Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Coping Strategies of Indonesian Technical Intern Trainees in the Construction Sector of Aichi Prefecture
The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) is a common scheme for Indonesian trainees to enter Japan. Among the various employment sectors, the construction sector has high work demands and safety risks. TITP trainees often face problems when entering actual working conditions due to inadequate pre-departure preparation and field requirements. This study aims to describe the problems faced by Indonesian TITP in the construction sector in Aichi Prefecture and the coping strategies they have developed. Qualitative method are used through literature review and in-depth interviews. The analysis is conducted from a coping strategies perspective, which examines the efforts individuals make to manage the demands or pressures they face. The results of the study show that trainees face language barriers, work pressure, and vulnerable work positions. To cope with these conditions, trainees develop coping strategies through self-directed learning, social network support, and adaptation to local work models.
Explaining North Korea’s Abandonment of Korean Unification: External Pressures and Domestic Political Dynamics
The process of unifying the Korean Peninsula is an effort to reduce the escalation of violence and increase regional stability through increased interaction between North Korea and South Korea. Previously, this framework was also reflected in the Inter-Korea Basic Agreement of 1991 as the normative basis for peaceful unification by the two countries. However, the dynamics of inter-Korea relations underwent significant changes in 2024, especially when North Korea officially declared that it would no longer pursue the unification agenda. Therefore, this study aims to analyze North Korea’s policy change from a neoclassical realism perspective, employing qualitative methods on document and archival analysis. The findings indicate that North Korea’s shift in its attitude towards South Korea was influenced by external and domestic factors. Externally, fluctuations in South Korea’s policy, the involvement of the United States and Russia in regional security issues, played an important role in North Korea’s strategic calculations. Meanwhile, at the domestic level, Kim Jong Un's effort to strengthen his legitimacy and consolidate power also shaped the direction of North Korea’s unification policy.
Indonesian Muslim Women Workers in Contemporary Japanese Workplaces
This article examines the experiences of Indonesian Muslim Women working in contemporary Japanese workplaces, focused on how their religious identity is constrained within gendered and migration-based employment structures. Using an intersectionality framework, the study analyzed the intersection of religion, gender, and migration status in the workplace. At the subjective level, the analysis combined a self-concept perspective to explain how the participants interpreted and negotiated their professional and religious identities. Based on in-depth interviews with five Indonesian Muslim Women employed in the academic, hospitality, and sending-organization (組合Kumiai) sectors in Sendai, Gunma, Chiba, and Shiga cities, the findings demonstrated that spirituality practices are economized through continuous negotiation. Decisions regarding hijab use reflected individual agency and self-reflexivity, while the Engineer, Specialist in Humanities, and International Services (技人国ビザ Gijinkoku Biza) visa operated as a strategic resource for workplace adaptation. The article emphasizes the importance of considering religion as a critical analytical dimension in labor and migration studies in East Asia.
The Cultural Penetration and Sociocultural Impact of Anime Among Chinese Young People
Anime has penetrated into the daily life of Chinese young people in a form of cross-cultural communication. The existing research is insufficient in systematically exploring the cultural penetration and influence of anime on Chinese youth. There are problems such as a single perspective and method limitations. In order to explore the multi-dimensional effect of anime among Chinese youth, this study analyses the impact of anime on Chinese youth in terms of cultural identity, values, personal development, and social behaviour by integrating and reviewing literature research. The study found that its impact shows significant duality. On the one hand, it can promote cross-cultural understanding and individual identity expression, and on the other hand, it may cause risks such as conflict of values and violent behaviour, bringing new challenges to the education and guidance of Chinese young people. At the same time, this study also points out the limitations of previous research in terms of theoretical depth and sample representativeness, and hopes that future research can be improved in terms of research methods and design.
Copyright (c) 2025 WILAYAH: The International Journal of East Asian Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Tingkah Laku Pengguna terhadap Pembelian Cardfight!! Vanguard: Tumpuan kepada Komuniti Pemain di Malaysia
Trading Card Games (TCGs) like Cardfight!! Vanguard have transcended mere entertainment, evolving into a significant medium for social and economic interaction, particularly within the context of influential Japanese popular culture in Malaysia. This study investigates the consumer purchasing behavior of Cardfight!! Vanguard cards based on five user selection values: functional, social, epistemic, conditional, and emotional. Utilizing a quantitative approach with an online questionnaire administered to 115 members of the Malaysian Cardfight!! Vanguard community, the research identifies platform preferences, purchase rationales, and player motivations. Findings indicate that functional (competitive deck building) and emotional (collection completion) values are the primary purchase drivers. Social value, influenced by community and peers, is also significant. Epistemic value reflects an interest in exploring new strategies, while conditional value is prominent during promotions or tournaments. Overall, purchasing behavior is a blend of rational and emotional motivations. This research offers actionable insights for stakeholders, including distributors, marketers, and producers to design more focused and effective business strategies aligned with these five user selection values.
Malaysians’ Continued Consumption of Japanese Tokusatsu without Official Distribution
The Japanese brand of special effects otherwise known as 'Tokusatsu' encompasses a genre of filmworks characterized by the usage of special effects techniques. Tokusatsu is associated with consumerism, with most productions being vehicles for the sale of children’s toys. Officially distributed from the 1970s, the official distribution of Tokusatsu in Malaysia came to an abrupt halt in the mid-2010s. Even still, Malaysia’s community of Tokusatsu fans curiously persists to this day in spite of the lack of official distribution. Through qualitative interviews carried out with self-proclaimed Malaysian fans of Tokusatsu, the reasons behind the continued consumption of Tokusatsu in Malaysia were identified; their level of engagement to Tokusatsu, their attitudes toward Tokusatsu, and their perceived control over the means they utilized for accessing Tokusatsu. Additionally, these fans were found to not be affected by the lack of official distribution and in fact viewed the industry as too passive.
Japanese Popular Culture in the Formation of Malaysian Youth Identity and Aspirations
This study explores how Japanese popular culture shapes the identities, relationships, and aspirations of Malaysian youth. While Japanese popular culture is widely consumed, prior research has often been descriptive, with limited focus on how fandom is enacted, recognised, and projected into the future. Using a qualitative approach, twenty university students were interviewed via WhatsApp, and their experiences analysed through thematic coding and quadrant mapping of engagement and future alignment. The analysis was guided by an integrated framework combining Identity Theory, Self-Verification Theory, Narrative Identity Theory, and Future Self-Continuity Theory. Findings show that fandom identities are fluid, socially endorsed, narratively constructed, and future-oriented. The High engagement–High future quadrant dominated, with participants translating practice and recognition into concrete pathways such as creative portfolios, animation degrees, or Japanese language study. Conversely, private leisure characterised the Low engagement–Low future group. The absence of High engagement–Low future participants indicates that sustained engagement rarely exists without future projection.
Reinterpreting Intercultural Language Learning: Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies in an Era of Multi/Pluriculturalism
In this paper, the author first gives an overview of ILL, which has been strongly advocated in Australian language education and language learning since the 1990s, and prove that the “third place” that was the goal at that time has now become a reality, using the relationship between Indonesia and Japan as an example. However, the author also criticizes the fact that traditional ILL viewed culture as static and fixed and point out that culture in modern society is inherently more dynamic and complex. As a result, the author proposes a new model for ILL incorporating the concepts of multi/plurilingualism and multi/pluriculturalism, not as a flat, two-dimensional framework, which was used before but as a more three-dimensional, holistic approach. The author also emphasizes that to realize this vision, it is essential to integrate language and culture in education, as ILL has consistently advocated. Specifically, the need for Japanese language education and Japanese cultural studies to advance in tandem.
Learning in Online Case-Based Learning between Japanese and Malaysian University Students: Fostering Intercultural Communicative Competence in Workplace Contexts
This study investigates online case-based learning for Japanese business communication between universities in Japan and Malaysia. By engaging with authentic cases of workplace conflict in Japanese-speaking contexts, the practice aims to strengthen students’ problem-solving skills, interpersonal communication, and intercultural competence. Through qualitative content analysis of student reflections, the study explores how participants interpreted workplace scenarios and how their perspectives shifted through intercultural dialogue. The findings demonstrate students' enhanced understanding of workplace interactions, encompassing language practices, cultural conventions, and relationship dynamics. For example: (1) Students exchanged sociocultural backgrounds and knowledge, identifying potential workplace communication challenges. (2) While exploring solutions, they referenced their own cultures and viewpoints and interpreted situations by integrating multiple perspectives. (3) When recommending solutions, students posed new questions and generated ideas based on insights from the discussion. Finally, the study discusses the educational significance and potential of this pedagogical approach in preparing students for diverse professional contexts.
Japan Studies and Beginner Motivation in Language Learning: Exploring Authentic Materials and Pedagogical Approaches
This paper aims to examine the potential of Japan Studies courses to enhance the learning motivation of beginner-level Japanese language learners by identifying the characteristics of authentic materials that foster such motivation. Drawing on the Content-Based Instruction approach, the study investigates the Culture and Society of Japan course offered at a Malaysian university, which integrates cultural content without formal Japanese language instruction. Surveys and interviews conducted in 2023 and 2024 revealed that over 70% of students felt more motivated to learn Japanese after completing the course. Analysis of classroom activities, including a media-based task, peer presentations, and an online exchange session, demonstrated that exposure to real-world Japanese in meaningful contexts stimulated curiosity and engagement. Three key factors contributing to this motivation were: the presentation of Japanese in authentic sociocultural contexts, the use of unmodified language without grammatical simplification, and the setting of task difficulty above learner proficiency. These findings have implications for identifying the characteristics of authentic materials in Japan Studies courses that can themselves serve as Japanese learning materials, despite the absence of modified language textbooks for novice learners. Provided that a psychologically safe learning environment is ensured, it has been demonstrated that, being at the university level, they are able to learn Japanese, even with beginner-level proficiency, by drawing on their prior knowledge of Japan Studies as a scaffold.
The Dilemma of Dual Heritage: Nationality Selection among Japanese-Singaporean Multinational Children
In this study, we examined which significant factors influence the nationality choice of Japanese children who are also multinational backgrounds. With 3.5 out of every 100 couples being intermarried; the number of multinational children is steadily increasing. A significant number of Japanese multinational children have expressed concern about their nationality due to Japan’s concept of the one-person-one-nationality law. However, there is a limited number of research that have investigated nationality choices and their ensuing impact. To address this gap, this study applies a qualitative approach, conducting interviews with individuals who had already selected their nationality in which we focused on (1) language influences, (2) environmental factors, and (3) family impacts. The survey led to the following findings: (1) the language spoken at home had a stronger influence on nationality choice; (2) although the environment and upbringing had no direct relation to nationality choice, they did have an impact on the individual’s identity formation; and (3) the mother’s perspectives on nationality selection and the father’s role as both husband and father in the home has had an impact. It is vital to realise that there are instances in which Japanese who have other roots but live in Japan and speak Japanese struggle to establish a Japanese identity and to consider how those people may develop a Japanese identity.
Korean Multiculturalism and the Emergence of Foreign Brides in South Korea
Multiculturalism is a universal trend in most countries that have an influx of migrants. However, it is a recent phenomenon in South Korea which prides itself of having a homogenous society. This article examines multicultural marriages and discusses the emergence of female marriage migrants who are in part responsible in creating a multicultural Korea. This research uses a qualitative approach where existing literature, databases and other previously published materials have been used to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between foreign brides who have come into Korea through multicultural marriages which in the long run has contributed greatly to forming a multicultural Korean society. Despite several challenges, findings suggests that female marriage migrants are now acknowledged as one of the catalysts in the transformation of Korean society from a homogenous one to that of a multicultural entity. This is seen in the various laws adopted to integrate foreign brides and their offspring. However, though this is happening, the process of integration between foreign brides and the Korea pubic in general has a long way to go.
Pembakar Jambatan Antara Dua Negara: Sentimen Anti-Jepun dalam Filem Korea Selatan
A film usually contains certain ideology which is able to influence the audience. The ideology in the film is neatly structured in order to be accepted by society naturally. This article discusses an anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea films which are perceived as an ideology that ultimately damaging the bilateral relations of the both countries. Three films were selected to study the anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea namely Spirit Homecoming, The Battleship Island and Anarchist from Colony. The selection of these films is based on the issues connected between the past and the current issues that have yet to be resolved. The first theme is the severe experience by the Comfort Women and the second is the poor treatment of Koreans who were taken/went to Japan during colonialism period. This study applies a qualitative approach which is the primary resources obtained from news reports and observation of the films. While secondary resources are from journal articles and books. The study found that the films have been responsible for the spread of anti-Japanese ideology to South Korean society. As a result, it has influenced the people and consequently causing hatred among them. It then resulted to damaging the relations between the two countries which has already been tension by the colonialism and current issues. Eventually, the film which was supposed to be used as a platform for the good relations between the two countries became burner to those relations.
Navigating Constraints Indonesian Workers’ Experiences under Korea’s EPS
This paper explores the experiences of Indonesian migrant workers in terms of job mobility and agency within the Employment Permit System in South Korea. The research relies on Strong Structuration Theory to analyze how external constraints—legislative laws and control by employers—interact with internal factors such as economic goals and sociocultural barriers that impact migrant workers' decision-making. Semi-structured interviews with Indonesian laborers showed the systemic problems due to sectoral inequalities, such as vulnerabilities brought about in the industry of fishing. Evidence shows restricted job mobility policies heightening the employees' dependence upon the employer, thus limitations to freedom and encouragement towards precarious situations. Employees try to get through such restrictions by strategic choice and through informal networks. Keywords: Employment Permit System, Job mobility, Strong Structuration Theory, Temporary Labor Migration, Indonesian migrant workers
Revealing the Environmental Ideology behind Anti-Nuclear Discourse in Japan Post Fukushima 3.11
Anti-nuclear discourse in Japan gained a momentum after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in 2011. The impact of nuclear on the environment is one of the issues widely concerned in the anti-nuclear discourse. However, the ideological orientation of environmental perspectives within Japan’s anti-nuclear discourse remains underexplored. This study aims to examine environmental ideology embedded in anti-nuclear discourse by analyzing articles from Hangenpatsu Shinbun, an alternative anti-nuclear newspaper in Japan by using critical discourse analysis. The theoretical framework used as a lens to guide the research is the environmental ideology theorized by Julia Corbett. The findings reveal that the environmental ideology of anti-nuclear discourse in the media is predominantly anthropocentric and conservationist, with limited representation of ecocentric or ecological ideologies. This anthropocentric bias suggests that the discourse prioritizes human interest, often subordinating environmental concerns. Such a perspective bias perpetuating environmental policies that fail to address long-term sustainability. To mitigate this limitation, anti-nuclear discourse in Japan should adopt a more ecocentric approach, such as deep ecology. This shift would recognize the intrinsic value of nature and promotes a holistic, sustainable relationship between humans and ecosystems, contributing to the development of more balanced environmental policies for the future.
Self-Strengthement Movement and 100 Days Reforms through Classical Elites Theory
The paper used the comparative case study model to test the assumptions of classical elite theory. Analyzing the Chinese reformation attempt during the Qing dynasty revealed the limited scope of actions of the leaders. The existence of national elites limits their political environment. However, leaders' motivations and strategies can vary by choosing different factions. Analyzing such relations is the key to understanding why reformation was carried out or not successfully. Theoretical test of classical elites' assumptions revealed that they can explain how elites keep the power, but further elaboration is needed whether reforms can succed or fail.
The Ulleungdo Dispute of 1693 and the Myth of Japan's Sovereignty over Dokdo
I examine the Ulleungdo Dispute of 1693 to demonstrate that Ulleungdo and Dokdo were already confirmed to be Korean territories in 1693 and that Japan did not "discover" these islands and own them in the late 17th Century. The Dajokan Directive of 1877 later reconfirmed this fact. Collectively, the Ulleungdo Dispute and the Dajokan Directive not only show that Japan did not establish sovereignty over Dokdo in the late 17th century, but also clearly demonstrate that Korea had legitimately won the Ulleungdo Dispute and that the conclusion of the Dispute still retains its historicity and legality by remaining valid for over a century. Finally, this article clearly demonstrates that it was impossible for the Dajokan Directive to have confused the identity of Takeshima because it reaffirmed the conclusion drawn from the Ulleungdo Dispute of 1693 which confirmed Dokdo and Ulleungdo to be adjacent Korean territories.
Ikigai is a combination of "iki" (生き), signifying life, and "kai" (甲斐), representing the realization of expectations and hopes. The emergence of this concept has proven to significantly contribute to a better lifestyle. This study aimed to explore the perception of personal ikigai and its institutionalisation. The results from the analysis of 5400 Japanese articles using Leximancer have shown a positive correlation between ikigai and one's personal passions, meaning, and purpose. Beyond that, ikigai can also be perceived through contributing to others' well-being. The study reveals ikigai's dynamic adaptability to life's challenges and its role in prompting a reevaluation of life purpose during significant events. This adaptive quality emphasises the resilience and relevance of ikigai in navigating the complexities of existence. Finally, institutions and community initiatives do help in fostering ikigai within communities.
Copyright (c) 2024 WILAYAH: The International Journal of East Asian Studies https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
KESAN KONTEKS SEJARAH DAN PEMIKIRAN KONFUSIANISME DINASTI CHOSON TERHADAP NILAI DAN NORMA KONTEMPORARI KOREA SELATAN
Dari tahun 1392 hingga tahun 1910, Konfusianisme merupakan ideologi pemerintahan kerajaan Choson di Korea. Semasa zaman revolusioner ini, prinsip Konfusianisme mempunyai kesan yang besar terhadap sistem sosial, budaya dan pendidikan negara. Artikel ini meneroka pengaruh berterusan falsafah Konfusian terhadap budaya Korea Selatan kontemporari. Konfusianisme telah diterima pakai oleh dinasti sebagai kerangka moral dan intelek yang terkemuka, dan ini mempunyai kesan yang mendalam terhadap hubungan keluarga, kehidupan seharian dan sistem pemerintahan negara. Tradisi Choson menerima pakai prinsip Konfusian iaitu berbakti kepada ibu bapa dan etika kerja yang kukuh, yang masih jelas dalam hubungan keluarga moden dan tempat kerja Korea Selatan. Sebagaimana dilihat tradisi akademik Konfusian bertahan dan bagaimana hierarki masyarakat telah berkembang menjadi idea kesetaraan dan peluang, ia menunjukkan bagaimana Korea Selatan telah dapat menyesuaikan diri dengan nilai semasa sambil mengekalkan asas sejarahnya. Sebagai komponen utama hubungan antara Dinasti Choson dan Korea Selatan moden, artikel ini mempamerkan kepentingan pendidikan yang berterusan, didorong oleh sikap meritokrasi. Artikel ini juga melihat bagaimana amalan budaya–daripada budaya popular hingga kepada makanan–mempamerkan kapasiti luar biasa Korea Selatan untuk menggabungkan inovasi dengan tradisi. Warisan sejarah ini menunjukkan bahawa budaya adalah dinamik dan fleksibel, membantu tamadun mengharungi kerumitan masa kini dalam masa yang sama masih menyedari akar sejarah mereka.
MIGRATION DECISION-MAKING OF INDONESIAN WOMEN MARRIED TO JAPANESE MEN
The increasing intensity of interaction between Indonesian and Japanese nationals in the tourism and industrial sectors has led to an increase in international marriages between Indonesian women and Japanese men. This paper explores the migration decision-making factors of Indonesian women who married Japanese men. This qualitative study was done by conducting in-depth interviews in 2023 with Indonesian migrant women who met their spouses in Indonesia and currently living in Japan. We examine the push factors from Indonesia and pull factors from Japan that inform the decision-making of migration. The main pull factor for migrating to Japan is the economic factor where men who are the breadwinners of the family can optimally provide for the family by working in their home country. Although Indonesian migrant women lose the support system of their extended family, it turns out they find new comfort in being away from their extended family in Indonesia.
LOVE YOURSELF: A SUCCESSFUL TRENDING CAMPAIGN IN BUILDING SELF-ACCEPTANCE OF BTS ARMY
A person can experience a lot of exchange in feelings, different emotions, relationships, loves, and many more throughout their growth. Some of us face failures, traumatic experiences, and downtime that create anxious minds of feeling unworthy and hopeless. Having a role model has been agreed to be helpful in the character development of human beings. In other words, idols affect the admirer’s choices in life matters. Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS), a seven-member boy band from South Korea, stood up at United Nations in 2018 and spoke about their support for self-love to increase child esteem. However, this campaign is not only successful in being delivered to children but also to youngsters and adults. This effort has greatly impacted their 90 million worldwide fans to be aware of their worth, proud of their own, accept their flaws, and respect differences. In a survey on BTS ARMY, 90% of the participating fans agreed to support the artist until today because they can feel the positive energy from BTS. Even though most of the songs in the albums are made in the Korean language, ARMY understands and can feel the message of the songs clearly. They can react and relate the songs easily to their situation. Fans also gain motivation from speeches, advice, or even idols' characters. The slogan of LOVE YOURSELF is very straightforward and adaptable to be a value in human lives.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SSW NO.2 RESIDENCY STATUS: A CASE STUDY OF CHINESE MIGRANT WORKERS IN JAPAN
Approaching five years since the issuance of unlimited residency status for foreign workers in the 3K job sector, the acquisition of Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) No.2 status in Japan remains considerably below the government's anticipated target. This research aims to analyze the opportunities of SSW No.2 residency status for foreign workers, focusing on the case study of Chinese migrant workers from the dual labor market theory perspective. The research employs a qualitative approach with data collection conducted through literature sources. The findings reveal that, thus far, SSW No.2 status is predominantly held by Chinese migrant workers. However, the opportunities for foreign workers to obtain this status are notably limited due to a complex and challenging acquisition process. Employment in the secondary market accompanying this status requires foreign workers with skills equivalent to local workers. Aside from the benefit of bringing one's family, this status seems to offer no other long-term appeal. An urgent reevaluation of the procedures for obtaining SSW No.2 status is deemed necessary as a long-term solution to address the labor crisis in Japan.
TRANSITIONING FROM THE STAGE TO THE BARRACKS: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MILITARY SERVICE ON BTS ARMY’S CONSUMER BEHAVIOR
BTS’ loyal fandom exists in the Philippines despite the geographic disparity and the language barrier and they have developed a fanatical attitude towards the group. All "able-bodied men" in South Korea, including members of BTS, are required to serve in the military for two years. This study seeks to examine the effect of the inactivity of BTS on Filipino ARMY but might have the intention to switch to other K-pop groups to idolize. The study is anchored in the Expectation Disconfirmation Theory and mainly employed a quantitative design. The results showed that Filipino ARMY’s Expectation and Hedonistic Consumption have a significant effect on Disconfirmation. Emotional Attachment was added as a moderating variable, and results showed that it has a significant moderating effect between Disconfirmation and Switching Intention. The study will benefit marketers as the results can give insights on how to sustain brand loyalty.
INTERMEDIALITY IN FANDOM CULTURE: THE IMPACT OF BTS ON KOREAN LITERATURE READING HABITS: FOCUSING ON INDONESIAN ARMY
Fandom forms cultural spaces where audiences unite. This article introduces fan activities influenced by idols, discussed and shared in affinity spaces. It offers a theoretical framework, focusing on BTS fandom (ARMY) reading habits in Korean literature. This model highlights content intermediality's importance in analyzing media content within fandom culture. Using content analysis and digital ethnography methods, this study examines Indonesian ARMY fandom through the @IARC_twt twitter account. Results reveal productive reading activities within the Indonesian BTS ARMY fandom, including build reading habit through sub community in twitter, transmedia storytelling through idol reading lists, and hashtag-sharing. These activities also promote books related to BTS album themes and Korean literature to the public. Furthermore, the article explores the positive impact within fandom culture and conceptualizes a productive fandom model.
BTS’S MAGICAL SPELL IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE POISONED CHALICE OF FREEDOM THAT I SWALLOWED KNOWINGLY
The question this paper aims to address is whether we can find a philosophical message for the age of artificial intelligence in the songs of BTS. The research objective of this paper is to show that we can find a philosophical message for the age of artificial intelligence in the songs of BTS. The research method of this paper is to first find a philosophical message for the era of artificial intelligence through Yuval Harari's book Homo Deus, then analyze the lyrics of BTS's song "Blood Sweat and Tears" based on the message, find a philosophical message for the era of artificial intelligence contained in the song, and support the philosophical message with Nietzsche's Philosophy of the Superhuman. The research finding of this paper is that we can find a philosophical message for the era of artificial intelligence through the song "Blood, Sweat & Tears" by BTS, which can also be supported by Nietzsche's Philosophy of the Superhuman. The message is: "Swallow the poisoned chalice of freedom, even though you know it's poisoned!". The conclusion that can be drawn from this finding is that the humanity that needs to be renewed in the age of AI is Homo sapiens, who thinks for himself. It is not AI-recommended Hommo Sapiens, not AI represented Homo Sapiens, but Self-deciding free Homo Sapiens, a free human who wanders, crosses over, thinks and decides for oneself.
GOING BEYOND GEO-CULTURAL PROXIMITIES: DISCOVERY OF CULTURE PATTERNS AND MALAYSIAN BTS FANDOM
The recent global success of K-pop can be attributed to innovative communication strategies, characterized as fan-based, new media- driven, transnational flow approaches reaching out to fans. This study analyzes textual communication and interactions within the online communication of BTS’ fans through Malaysia’s ARMY official Twitter account @BTSMY_ARMY. It also aims to discover fandom activities emerging from this online communication. Through virtual ethnography and quantitative content analysis of 401 tweets, this research identified five distinct cultural patterns that unite Malaysian BTS fans: 1) Fan Account and Fandom Culture, 2) Streaming Parties and Charting Activities, 3) Creation of Fanart and Graphic Edits, 4) Bilingual Communication and 5) Fan Projects and Supportive Initiatives. It can be concluded that these culture patterns are used as a basis for online interaction, engagement, and knowledge sharing among Malaysian BTS fandom, despite linguistic and cultural differences, transcending geographical divides and going beyond geo-cultural proximities.
THE PSEUDO HAPPINESS AS SONG STRATEGY’S SIMULACRA VERSUS PANOPTIC: BTS’S SONGS AND BTS MEMBERS
The reflections of joy in the lyrics are part of the singer's message tactic in his songs. Even so, with the overall packaging of the singer's appearance. The problem is when world-class singers sing self-motivating songs for their listeners, at the same time, life's troubles become familiar to the singer. Many articles also reported how severe depression, mental health, and suicide occurred in the lives of these artists. Demi Lovato, Shia, and Ariana Grande are some Western artists claiming to have experienced mental health problems. In the ranks of Korean artists, names such as Twice Jeongyeon, AOA Kwon Mina, HyunA, Red Velvet Wendy, and Super Junior Heechul are artists who have also experienced mental health problems and severe depression. The same thing happened to the BTS members. RM and Suga are two members who have admitted to experiencing depression and seeing life as an uphill struggle. This study aims to describe how BTS songs with the theme 'Love yourself' do not reflect the lives of BTS members under strict agency rules and fans' supervision. Ultimately, the theme of 'love yourself' is just a simulation strategy that generates 'false joy' for the members but has a substantial economic impact on the agency. This study uses the concepts of simulacra, panopticon, and duality reflection. At the same time, the research method is qualitative, with document study as a data collection technique. The unit of analysis is the text, namely the BTS song lyrics with the theme 'love yourself' and media reports about the members' lives. These two data are then compared and produce a simulacra picture because there is no reflection on what is being sung and what the members are experiencing. A life full of surveillance from fans and companies removes the privacy boundaries of the members who are – in the end – just a commodity for business turnover. It is where the irony occurs. The pseudo happiness experienced by these members generated many economic benefits for the agency. Increasing the number of listeners, purchasing merchandise, selling concert tickets, traffic on social media, and brand endorsements are essential aspects that can be monetized by the agency, which accompanies the fame of the songs sung by BTS. While living without romantic relationships, solitude, and loneliness, the prohibition of direct interaction via social media with fans are some things that fence off the members' lives and make them even more alienated from social life.