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5. Conclusion

Hallyu is an opportunity for the development of Korean studies but it can also be detrimental to the academic activities. Notwithstanding drastic changes in the regional social and cultural environment, Korean studies should maintain its academic identity. In particular, in the event that the Hallyu fever continues, and if Korean studies is promoted in parallel with moves to commercialize the pop culture popularity toward increasing Korea`s economic influence in the region – although it does not seem that Korean studies would have the capability of leading the commercialization of Korea – it would backfire critically.
 
Moreover, Korean studies riding on the bandwagon of changing environment would just lose its academic identity in a drastic fashion. With these points as the premise, the following arrangements can be made. First, Korean studies has to find its place as a part of humanities and social sciences, not as a part of regional studies, either at home or abroad. While Korean studies in foreign countries should define its subjects on the basis of their own academic experiences and traditions, Korean studies in Korea should make it a conscientious science through applying Korean experiences to foreign methodology of academic discipline.
 
Korean studies need to generate collaboration between academic systems through the revision of curriculum and opening research programs to stimulate communication between academic departments. Therefore, it has to create curriculums, programs and researches looking into Korea from the viewpoint of societal comparison. The activation of Korean studies, the settlement of Korean culture within the cultures of the world, and the securing of an appropriate status for Korean studies in the present multi-cultural era would depend entirely on how Korean society can increase its academic depth and width in the days to come.
 
[Critical Review of History (歷史批評) No. 74, Spring 2006, published by Yuksabipyungsa Co.]


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