Online Gaming in South Korea

Stephen Rea, PhD student, Department of Anthropology

My project will look at the economic, political, social, and cultural implications of online computer gaming in South Korea. I am especially interested in the ritual sites of computer gaming in Korea, the PC Bangs, and why there is a marked preference for gaming in these sites as opposed to the home, as well as the aspirational aspect of gaming as a means of play-as-work for young Koreans who aspire to one day be professional gamers. Finally, I am interested in the role of the Korean state in the gaming industry, especially the strain between the public personae of professional gamers and their roles as citizens in regards to compulsory military service.