CALL FOR PAPERS AND PANELS
World Congress for Hallyu Studies 2026
Cheju Halla University, Jeju Island, South Korea
May 28–30, 2026
Theme: Cultural Dynamism in the Digital Age—Toward a Universal Theory of Pop Culture Globalization
OVERVIEW
The World Association for Hallyu Studies (WAHS) invites submissions for its 2026 World Congress, which seeks to develop a universal theory of pop culture success in the digital platform era. The Korean Wave presents the paradigmatic case for this theoretical project: the first postcolonial pop culture to achieve sustained global dominance in the platform capitalism age. This congress proposes cultural dynamism as a framework operating at the intersection of institutional-rational mechanisms, historical-structural conditions, affective-cultural dynamics, geopolitical-discursive formations, transnational/transmedia culturalism, and gender politics.
RESEARCH TRACKS
Track 1: Cultural Dynamism (Annual Theme)
Papers addressing theoretical, empirical, or methodological aspects of cultural dynamism, including: platform capitalism and digital circulation; gender politics and female universalism; production systems and business models; fandom practices and participatory culture; postcolonial positioning and geopolitical contexts; transmedia storytelling and IP management; comparative cases beyond Korea; methodological innovations.
Track 2: Open Topics in Hallyu Studies
All topics related to Korean Wave studies welcome, including: K-pop, K-drama, film, webtoons, gaming; regional reception studies; language learning and Korean studies; cultural policy and soft power; tourism and place branding; consumption practices; authenticity and cultural translation.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Submission Types
- Individual Paper Abstracts (300-500 words) for 20-minute presentations
- Full Panel Proposals (800-1000 words) for 3-4 papers (90-minute session)
- Roundtable Proposals (500-700 words) for 4-6 participants
- Workshop Proposals (500-700 words) for hands-on methodological sessions
All submissions must include: author name(s), affiliation(s), email; presentation/panel title; track selection; 5-7 keywords; brief bio (100 words per presenter); special requirements. Submit in English using Chicago or APA citation style.
Important Dates
- Call Opens: January 15, 2026
- Abstract Deadline: April 15, 2026
- Notification: April 30, 2026
- Early Registration: May 15, 2026 (20% discount)
Use discount code WCHS2026
Registration Fees
Regular: $300 | Students: $150 | WAHS Members: Free | Early bird (by May 15): 20% discount
Publication Opportunities
Selected papers will be considered for: (1) Special issue of Sociétés (peer-reviewed; A&HCI indexed), (2) Special issue of Hallyu (WAHS flagship journal), (3) Edited volume with Brill, (4) WAHS Congress Proceedings.