Perspective Chapter: The Illusion of Dystopian Justice as a Means toward Social Justice. K-drama’s Global Success Unveiled

Abstract

Elaborating on the representation of social hardship and the struggle of the powerless in neoliberal democracies, this study focuses on the case study of four Korean TV series (The Devil Judge, Vincenzo, Again My Life, and Reborn Rich) within the context of Korean history, local TV traditions (K-dramas), and the contemporary global influence of Korean culture (K-wave). The first aim of the study is to explain how K-dramas have established themselves as a transnational phenomenon by exploring issues of cross-cutting global relevance. Secondly, the study explains how K-dramas deliver narratives about contemporary social unease and unrest caused by democratic systems proving unable to guarantee social equity. In particular, K-dramas focus on citizens investing their hopes in justice. Yet, justice is conceived as a means to achieve social equality and is therefore forced outside of the judiciary realm and entrusted with political aims. Moreover, this justice is inherently dystopian since it is achieved with unlawful or morally unacceptable means. In the end, K-dramas warn against the threats of this pursuit, which turn out to be socially harmful and fail to achieve their goals.