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World Association for Hallyu Studies

12th World Congress for
Hallyu Studies 2026

Cultural Dynamism in the Digital Age — Toward a Universal Theory of Pop Culture Globalization

DatesMay 28-30, 2026
VenueCheju Halla University
LocationJeju Island, South Korea
DeadlineApril 15, 2026
Submit Abstract →Explore Tracks
Conference Overview

Mapping the Forces Behind
Global Pop Culture

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.

⚡

Platform Capitalism

Institutional-rational mechanisms driving digital circulation and content distribution at global scale.

🌐

Historical Structures

Postcolonial positioning, geopolitical contexts, and the structural conditions enabling cultural export.

💫

Affective Dynamics

Fandom practices, participatory culture, and the emotional architectures of global cultural consumption.

🔀

Transmedia Flows

Storytelling across platforms, IP management, and the transnational circulation of cultural content.

♀

Gender Politics

Female universalism, gendered production and consumption, and the politics of representation.

🗺️

Geopolitical Discourse

Soft power formations, cultural diplomacy, and the discursive framing of cultural globalization.

Keynote Speakers

Distinguished Speakers

Leading voices in media studies, Korean linguistics, Hallyu scholarship, and pop culture production.

Henry Jenkins
Keynote
Henry Jenkins
Provost Professor of Communication, Journalism, Cinematic Arts and Education — University of Southern California
Jieun Kiaer
Keynote
Jieun Kiaer
Young Bin Min-KF Professor of Korean Linguistics — University of Oxford, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Roald Maliangkay
Keynote
Roald Maliangkay
Professor, School of Culture, History and Language — Australian National University, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
Ingyu Oh
Keynote
Ingyu Oh
Professor, Kansai Gaidai University & Ex-President, World Association for Hallyu Studies (WAHS)
★ ★ ★
Special Plenary Session

From Script to Screen

Pop Culture Production & Storytelling
Rob Kutner
Rob Kutner
5-time Emmy Award Winner — Comedy writer-producer (The Daily Show, Conan, Teen Titans Go!)
Marlene Sharp
Marlene Sharp
Producer — Sonic Boom, Z-Squad, Pink Poodle Productions
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Research Tracks

2 Tracks, Infinite Perspectives

Whether you're advancing theoretical frameworks or exploring specific facets of the Korean Wave, there's a track for your research.

01

Cultural Dynamism

Annual Theme
  • Platform capitalism
  • Digital circulation
  • Gender politics
  • Female universalism
  • Production systems
  • Business models
  • Fandom practices
  • Participatory culture
  • Postcolonial positioning
  • Transmedia storytelling
  • IP management
  • Comparative cases
  • Methodological innovations
02

Open Topics

Hallyu Studies
  • K-pop
  • K-drama
  • Film
  • Webtoons
  • Gaming
  • Regional reception
  • Language learning
  • Cultural policy
  • Soft power
  • Tourism
  • Place branding
  • Consumption practices
  • Authenticity
  • Cultural translation
Call for Papers

Submit Your Abstract

We welcome individual papers, full panels, roundtables, and workshops. Submit your proposal for WAHS 2026.

Submit Abstract →
Key Dates

Important Deadlines

Jan 15
Call for Papers Opens
April 15
Abstract Submission Deadline
Apr 30
Acceptance Notifications
2026-05-15
Early Bird Registration (20% off)
May 28-30
World Congress at Jeju Island, South Korea
Conference Venue

Jeju Island, South Korea

Cheju Halla University

UNESCO World Heritage Site

A Unique Setting for Academic Exchange

Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a breathtaking conference setting with stunning natural beauty, volcanic landscapes, and distinctive island culture. World-class facilities at Cheju Halla University provide an ideal environment for scholarly dialogue.

Accommodation options range from university dormitories to resort hotels, with discounted rates available for all participants.

UNESCO HeritageVolcanic LandscapesIsland CultureResort Accommodation
Visit Venue Website →
Registration

Register

Early bird registration receives a 20% discount. Secure your spot at WAHS 2026.

Register Now →
After the Congress

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers will be considered for publication across four prestigious outlets.

A&HCI Indexed

SOCIÉTÉS

Special issue in this peer-reviewed, Arts & Humanities Citation Index journal.

Flagship Journal

HALLYU

Special issue in the WAHS flagship journal dedicated to Korean Wave scholarship.

Academic Press

BRILL Volume

Edited volume with Brill, a leading international academic publisher.

Open Access

Congress Proceedings

WAHS Congress Proceedings — open access publication for all accepted papers.

Join Us

Shape the Future of Hallyu Studies in Jeju Island

Submit your abstract by April 15, 2026 and join scholars from around the world at this landmark congress.

Submit Your Abstract →Register →
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