The Transformation of Korean Drama Discourse in Malaysia in the OTT Era

Abstract

This article examines the shifts in discourse surrounding Korean dramas in Malaysia, a core market for the Korean Wave (Hallyu), to understand the evolving perceptions and reception of Hallyu as a role model. Employing a discourse analysis of 14 Malaysian newspapers available online from 2016 to 2022, a period marked by the rise of over-the-top (OTT) media, the study reveals a significant transition in the prevailing narrative. From 2016 to 2019, the dominant discourse was characterized by conservatism and "cultural protectionism," reflecting a tension in attitudes towards the Korean Wave. However, from 2020 onwards, there was a gradual change in perceptions and attitudes, with an increasing emphasis on the economic and cultural value of Hallyu. This shift towards an "economic discourse" illustrates a growing perception of Korean dramas as an opportunity and catalyst for regional economic development in the Malaysian context, rather than a crisis. The study highlights the dynamic nature of the Korean Wave discourse in Malaysia and its evolution in response to the changing media landscape and socio-economic factors.