From hidden to latent: the ‘media virus’ in contemporary South Korean art

This article employs Douglas Rushkoff’s concept of the ‘media virus’ to explore contemporary South Korean socially engaged internet art. It investigates how these practices, initially hidden within digital networks, have evolved into latent forces that shape both digital and physical art forms. Through an analysis of works by such artists and collectives as Sungsil Ryu (b.1993), After New Order (est.2020) and Listen to the City (est.2009), the author examines how digital technologies and interactive platforms are utilised to foster social critique and activism. The article delves into the dynamic interplay between online and offline spaces, highlighting how art can challenge neoliberal narratives, enhance agency and promote social change in contemporary Korean society.