Northeast Asian Countries’ Soft Power in South Asia by The Social Sciences Research Centre, University of Hong Kong

The Social Sciences Research Centre at the University of Hong Kong is organizing a conference with the theme of soft power on May 1, 2021. We invite faculty members, scholars, and students from academic institutions based in South Asia and South Korea to attend the conference. The conference is sponsored by the Korea Foundation. Please see the theme of the conference below. 

Conference Theme: Northeast Asian Countries’ Soft Power in South Asia   

South Korea is striving to enhance its “soft power,” defined by Joseph Nye as the ability to obtain one’s goals because others admire its values and want to emulate its example. For the last decade, South Korea’s soft power is perceived to have risen. Korean movies, music, and soap operas have drawn international acclaim. South Korean products from cosmetics to electronics are highly popular in foreign markets.

However, there are conflicting signals. According to recent polls, South Korea is not viewed favorably in South Asia. The results are striking particularly when compared with the favorability of other Northeast Asian countries. Although most Southeast Asian countries suffered Japanese aggression during the Second World War, Japan is viewed more favorably than South Korea in all but China. In addition, despite China’s growing dominance in the region, China is viewed more favorably than South Korea overall.    

How should we assess South Korea’s soft power in South Asia? If the polls are correct, what explains South Korea’s low popularity in the region? How has Japan acquired such a positive image? More broadly, what affects public attitudes toward a country?

The agenda of the conference and the profile of the panelists are attached below. Please email Mr. Doyeong Jung (u3523907@connect.hku.hk) if you have any questions or concerns regarding the conference. Thank you very much and we look forward to seeing you all at the conference.

For further information regarding the conference, please find it attached below:

Soft Power Conference

Speaker Bios