• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.80
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• pp.40-114
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• 2016

This work critically explores the so-called "Hell-Chosun" phenomenon which has gained much attention and responses in contemporary South Korea. The younger generation came to coin and utilize this new linguistic expression as well as poignant parody as a way of releasing their anger, cynicism, and frustration in the context of the omnipresent fierce competitions, deepening social instability, and job-related shrinking possibilities. The 'Hell-Chosun' phenomenon can be considered as a much complicated manifestation of the structures of feeling for the part of many younger generation South Koreans. This paper especially examines the varying representation of this phenomenon by established dailies through an in-depth textual analysis of newspaper articles, opinion pieces and reviews, as well as special issues. In doing so, this work examines the multiple implications of this particular socio-cultural phenomenon in a detailed and critical fashion.