Carmen Álvarez Fernández

100431304

Cultural globalization from the periphery: Translation practices of English-speaking K-

pop fans

1. Short summary

The article explores the translation practices of English-speaking K-pop fans and their
role in the cultural globalization of K-pop. It is argued that K-pop, a musical genre and
industry from South Korea, has become a global phenomenon, and that English-
speaking K-pop fans play a crucial role in such process by engaging in translation
practices (like subtitling music videos and translating lyrics, interviews, and other K-
pop-related content).

Several interviews with English-speaking K-pop fans are drawn to analyse their
translation practices on social media platforms, such as YouTube and Twitter. The
authors argue that these practices are shaped by the fans' social and cultural identities,
as well as by the power dynamics of the global K-pop industry. There are some
challenges and limitations posed by these translation practices, such as the potential
for misinterpretation and the difficulty of accurately translating cultural references and
nuances. They suggest that these difficulties are exacerbated by the fact that many K-
pop fans are not fluent in Korean and may rely on imperfect machine translations or
incomplete translations by other fans.

The article also discusses the ways in which these translation practices contribute to
the cultural globalization of K-pop, both by making it accessible to non-Korean
speakers and by creating a global community of fans who share a common interest in
K-pop. Such actions are a form of "cultural globalization from the periphery," as they
are initiated and driven by fans rather than by the K-pop industry itself.

Overall, it provides insights into the ways in which K-pop fans are actively shaping the
global circulation and reception of K-pop through their translation initiatives, while
also highlighting the challenges and limitations of these practices

2. Exploration of links

Consumer culture: K-pop is a product of the global entertainment industry and is

consumed by fans around the world. The article highlights how English-speaking K-pop
fans play a crucial role in the cultural globalization of K-pop through their translation
practices, which make it more accessible to non-Korean speakers.

Deterritorialized culture: K-pop is a deterritorialized culture, as it is produced in

South Korea but consumed and enjoyed by fans around the world. English-speaking K-
pop fans' translation practices further contribute to the deterritorialization of K-pop by
making it more accessible to global audiences.
 Carmen Álvarez Fernández
100431304

Media culture (fandom): The article examines the role of English-speaking K-pop
fans in the global K-pop fandom, which is a subculture of media culture. The K-pop
fandom is characterized by intense engagement with K-pop content and the formation
of a community around shared interests and practices, such as translation.

Convergence/homogenization approaches: these approaches to cultural

globalization suggest that global culture is becoming more uniform and homogeneous.
Instead, the authors highlight the hybridity of K-pop and the role of cultural translation
in the global circulation of K-pop.

Hybridity – Cultural translation: K-pop is a hybrid cultural form that blends Korean
and global influences, English-speaking K-pop fans' translation practices contribute to
this hybridity by facilitating cross-cultural communication and understanding.

Glocalization: this term refers to the ways in which global cultural forms are
adapted and localized in specific contexts. English-speaking K-pop fans' translation
practices are an example of glocalization, as they make K-pop more accessible and
relevant to local audiences in different parts of the world.

Americanization/Westernization and counter-flows: critique to the idea that

cultural globalization is a one-way process of Americanization or Westernization.
Instead, the authors highlight the role of counter-flows and the agency of non-Western
actors, such as English-speaking K-pop fans, in shaping the global circulation and
reception of cultural forms.