Ko Gyudae, Film Critic, Publishes New Book
"Finding a Way in Multiculturalism through Films"
South Korea has already entered a multicultural society. As of 2023, the foreign population is approximately 2.46 million, accounting for 4.8% of the total population. If the trend continues, it is expected to reach about 10% by 2030.
Ko Gyu-dae, a film critic (member of the Korean Film Critics Association), in his new book Finding a Way in Multiculturalism through Films, sketches this phenomenon. The author poses the question, "How should we accept and prepare to live together in a multicultural society going forward?" At the same time, he presents a new perspective on viewing multicultural society through various multicultural contents including films and dramas.
Exploring the way forward through various contents that include multiculturalism as a keyword, such as the films Wandeuki, Deokgu, Minari, and Ode to My Father, the author emphasizes that the national identity in the multicultural era depends on 'coexistence' rather than bloodline or origin.
The core message the author wants to convey in the book is that "all those who wish to live together on this land are Koreans." Breaking the shell of the old identity of a single ethnicity, respecting diversity, and extending a hand of solidarity will enable Korea to leap forward as a stronger multicultural society. "A community built on understanding and inclusion, not discrimination and exclusion, is the path we must walk together."
The author has been active for over 30 years across weekly magazines, monthly magazines, sports magazines, and economic journals, navigating popular culture such as film, broadcasting, and music, as well as artistic fields like dance, fine arts, and musicals.
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