Korean Studies Research Seminar #9
wo 22 mei
|Lipsius 1.48
Soviet Internationalism and Korean Children: Stories, experiences and representation
Time & Location
22 mei 2024, 13:15 – 15:00
Lipsius 1.48, Cleveringaplaats 1, 2311 BD Leiden, Netherlands
About the event
The Korean Studies Research Seminar aims to bring together staff and students at LIAS and beyond around Korea-centered topics. Presentations contain ongoing research, reading of papers, discussion of project outcomes, and other research related matters.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 13:15-15:00, in Lipsius 1.48, the ninth session of the Korean Studies Research Seminar will take place. You are very welcome to attend this seminar. Registration is not necessary.
Presenter
Dr. Karina Simonson (Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies at Vilnius University, Lithuania)
Title
Soviet Internationalism and Korean Children: Stories, experiences and representations in Lithuanian children’s visual culture
Abstract This lecture delves into the depiction of Korean history, culture, and people within the Soviet Lithuanian children’s visual culture, also shedding light on manifestations of the Soviet concept of the friendship of peoples with Korea. By contextualizing these representations within the broader scope of children’s literature, theatre, and film, and examining their linkage with Soviet ideology and geopolitical interests, it aims to unravel the intricate layers of storytelling and imagery. Key inquiries guiding this exploration include: What were the prevailing images of Korea propagated during this period? How were these themes portrayed, and what motifs and iconography were employed? To what extent was this related to the propaganda of the benefits of the socialist system? Central to this analysis is an examination of how Soviet use of Korea-themed illustrations sought to frame Soviet foreign policy as progressive and anti-colonial, with a particular focus on positioning anti-racism and anti-colonialism as centerpieces of its Cold War stance vis-a-vis the West.
The Korean Studies Research Seminar will continue in the new academic year. Feel free to contact Elmer Veldkamp (e.veldkamp@hum.leidenuniv.nl) for questions and details if needed. Thank you to everyone who attended the sessions this past year, and spread the word!