What is globalization?

1. Summary 

Globalization is a process of deepening economic, cultural, and social interaction and integration among nations. Economic integration has been strengthened particularly through the spread of capitalism, along with trade, investment, finance, and the emergence of multinational corporations. Consequently, the world has seen increased cross-border movement of goods, services, technology, and capital. Trade networks that existed since pre-modern times expanded into modern forms, shaping today's global economy. Theoretical perspectives on globalization vary. Modernization theory views globalization as inevitable for productivity and development, while dependency theory argues that peripheral nations do not reap significant short-term benefits even when absorbed into the world system. Meanwhile, world-system theory posits that change is inevitable in the long term within a structure divided into core, semi-periphery, and periphery through international division of labor. Furthermore, globalization manifests not only economically but also culturally, categorized into Westernization, Americanization, and Orientalism, spreading common cultural codes and symbolic systems worldwide. Cultural globalization sometimes leads to cultural homogenization (McDonaldization, cultural uniformity) but simultaneously creates new hybrid cultures blending diverse traditions. To measure this, indicators like the import and export of media content or cultural products are used. The cultural tensions arising from this process raise issues of ethnocentrism (the superiority of one's own culture) and otherness. However, modern society is increasingly moving towards accepting diverse cultures and becoming interconnected.  

 

2. Differences in the Approaches to Globalization in Korea, Japan, and China 

Korea places equal emphasis on both importing and exporting cultural content as it approaches globalization. Given its relatively small domestic market size, it has actively opened up to foreign media while simultaneously succeeding in exporting cultural products like K-pop, dramas, and online games worldwide. In particular, the Korean Wave has spread rapidly and widely through digital platforms and social media, firmly establishing itself within global cultural trends. Recently, while watching K-pop Demon Hunters on Netflix, I could really feel how the influence of the Korean Wave has expanded even more in recent years. When it comes to enjoying media content, I often watch movies or programs from these three countries. While Korea frequently shows an open attitude, such as adopting other countries' storytelling methods or collaborating with foreign creators, Japan seems to have a stronger tendency to preserve its unique cultural identity. This difference can be an advantage or a disadvantage. To summarize, Japan is recognized as a powerful cultural exporter in specific fields like animation, manga, and video games. Its influence is undeniable, yet it maintains a somewhat selective attitude toward importing foreign content, preserving its unique cultural identity while simultaneously reaching international audiences. China demonstrates another approach. Its globalization unfolds within a framework of state regulation and restrictions on access to foreign media. Rather than relying heavily on foreign content, it focuses on expanding its own cultural industries. It pursues a soft power strategy that satisfies its vast domestic market through film, broadcasting, and digital platforms while gradually extending its influence overseas. However, despite its vast territory, China remains relatively passive in cultural exchanges with other nations, showing a tendency to preserve its unique cultural distinctiveness. This stands in stark contrast to Korea, which exhibits a more open and cooperative attitude. 

3. How can we resolve the imbalance of cultural power in globalization? 

Cultural power imbalances arise when a dominant minority culture overwhelms relatively less influential cultures, often leading to reduced cultural diversity and inequality in global media. One approach to addressing this issue is to promote mutual cultural exchange rather than unilateral influence. That is, dialogue between cultures should occur through mutual give-and-take, not dominated by any single party. Furthermore, governments and communities can actively protect and nurture local traditions, languages, and creative industries, supporting them to adapt to the global context without losing their distinctiveness. Simultaneously, reducing barriers like monopolies or excessive regulation and ensuring fair access to global media lays the groundwork for more diverse cultural expressions to be shared internationally. Finally, strengthening media literacy education enables people to critically engage with global cultural content, fostering respect for diverse cultures rather than merely passively consuming dominant cultures. Ultimately, resolving cultural power imbalances amid globalization requires not only structural changes in global media flows but also a collective effort to value and respect cultural diversity.