South Korean genre TV-series in the context of cultural history: mystical thriller “The Guest”

Abstract

The article explores the impact of the historical past and cultural characteristics of the country on the content of television series, belonging to a generally accepted system of genres. The mystical thriller “The Guest” illustrates the close connection of plot conflicts with the history of Korea, including the events of the 20th century, as well as with the religious life of the state. A short overview of the relationship between Buddhism, Christianity and shamanism allows us to show how the religious syncretism of the Korean society reveals itself in the TV-series, whose characters include both Catholic priests and shamans. An overview of other series in which ghosts appear makes it possible to identify a set of characteristic features relating to the representation of the spirits of the dead and the behavioural options of ghosts. Thus, the article recreates the audience’s experience of the viewers to whom the “The Guest” is targeted. Through this survey, similar features and differences between the ghosts presented in the series and the average version familiar to the Korean audience are demonstrated. There are also cases of possible reflection of the pressing political and social problems of the Republic of Korea in the content of the series. Finally, it shows how important are the concepts and values – of Confucianism, a very influential ideology in modern Korea, for the narrative about the fight against evil spirits.