Film Censorship And Soft Power In Asian Countries

This thesis examines the way censorship functions in the context of films in South Korea and Vietnam. It also looks at the way censorship policies are changing as these Asian countries grow and compete with the Western world’s films on a global platform, and the way soft power influences the film industry in these Asian countries. Worldwide, the Asian film industry does not occupy a mainstream position compared to Western countries. The United States is recognized as the authoritative center of the film industry worldwide due to the dominance of the Hollywood film industry and coveted awards such as the Oscars. Incorporating research from scholarly literature and case studies, this study demonstrates that censorship has historically limited the development of films in South Korea and Vietnam. However, changes in market dynamics, political landscape, and economic growth have led to the emergence of cultural soft power that is reshaping the industry. As a result, the perceptions of Asian films on the international stage are evolving, with increasing recognition and success in the global film market. The thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between censorship, soft power, and the growth of the film industry in South Korea and Vietnam, illuminating the elements that contribute to their cinematic development.