Vagabond: an alternative media of political education for youth through Korean drama

Purpose This study examines the suitability of the Korean drama Vagabond as an alternative medium for political education among Indonesian youth, addressing low political participation through engaging and culturally relevant content. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data through a sequential explanatory strategy. Data collection included closed questionnaires, interviews, documentation studies and literature reviews. Quantitative analysis used descriptive statistics, while qualitative analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model. Findings The results indicate that Vagabond is an effective alternative medium for political and democratic education, with 80% of surveyed youth agreeing on its suitability. The drama successfully captures youth interest, facilitating civic literacy in both formal and non-formal education settings. Practical implications The findings suggest that integrating culturally relevant media like Vagabond into educational frameworks can enhance political awareness and participation among youth. Originality/value This study innovatively explores Korean dramas as a tool for political education, diverging from traditional methods and leveraging popular culture to engage Indonesian youth.