The Review of Korean Studies
- P-ISSN1229-0076
- E-ISSN2773-9351
- SCOPUS, ESCI
ISSN : 1229-0076
Tamra, the Island:The Desire to Restart Modernization and the Internal-Colonized Utopia
Abstract
This paper examines the TV series Tamra, the Island (2009), focusing on the desire to restart modernization and the ambivalence toward globalization, both of which are involved in the post-colonial imagination of modernization in South Korea. The TV series Tamra, the Island, which aired on MBC in the summer of 2009, is set in 17th century Joseon under King Injo—a period favored by other recent television dramas as well. This paper also explores why this setting, where the confrontation between King Injo and Gwanghaegun/Prince Sohyeon is foregrounded, is significant to recent Korean period dramas while considering its relevancy to post-colonial trauma and globalization. Also discussed are the issues of how Tamra Island (now Jeju Island) has become an internally colonized utopia at the cul-de-sac of the predestined failure in restarting modernization and the ambivalence between embracing global capital and reinforcing national confinement in this TV series.
- keywords
- Tamra, the Island, King Injo, internal-colonization, colonial modernity, post-coloniality
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