Weaving The Fabric of True Korean Through Media Exposure Among Youth in Korea

Objective: This research aims to identify distinct perception typologies of national identity among Korean adolescents, focusing on the interplay of ancestral ties, cultural heritage, birthplace, residence, and civic responsibilities. It also examines the role of media portrayals of foreigners in shaping these identity constructs. Theoretical Framework: Guided by Anderson’s “imagined communities” concept, the study employs media framing and priming theories to explore how media influences adolescent perceptions of national identity. Method: Utilizing data from the 2021 Multicultural Acceptance Survey conducted by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, this study applies latent class analysis to assess responses from 5,000 Korean middle and high school students. The survey includes factors such as ancestry, cultural heritage, and civic engagement, with media exposure to foreign volunteers and criminals rated on a five-point Likert scale. Latent regression analysis incorporates media exposure as covariates to evaluate effects on identity formation. Results and Discussion: Five perception types emerge—Ethnic, Pluralistic, Civic, Cultural, and Holistic identities. Media portrayals significantly influence Civic and Pluralistic identities, underscoring media’s formative role in adolescent identity perception. Research Implications: The findings offer insights for multicultural education and identity policy, supporting frameworks that acknowledge diverse youth identities. Originality/Value: This study provides a unique contribution by focusing on adolescents and using latent class analysis for a nuanced understanding of national identity perception types. It further underscores the influential role of media in shaping youth identity, contributing to both media studies and identity policy discourse.