• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.394-404
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of watching TV on employees' stress and communication levels. We developed a 30 minutes-long TV watching program for this study. Participating employees were asked to watch the 30 minutes-long TV programs during their lunch hours for 20 weeks. The stress and communication levels were measured before and after the experiment. The results show that in general, both the average stress level and communication level were statically significantly improved for all the participated employees except those in the 20s. The biggest improvement in stress and communication levels was made in those in the 30s. In sum, the 'Watching TV programs' had a positive impact on the reduction of stress and the increase of communication abilities for the employees. This is believed to be the first employer initiated attempt in Korea to tackle employees' stress and communication problems with the implementation of the TV watching program concept.

• Journal of Popular Narrative
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.39-85
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• 2020

This paper examines the aspects of disaster narrative, which makes the most of the concept of 'masterplot' as a narrative simulation to solve problems. By analyzing and comparing the remnants of 'masterplots' operating in the disaster narratives of Korea, the United States, and Japan, the differences between each country and social community problem recognition and resolution will be discussed. Disaster narrative is the most suitable genre for applying the 'masterplot' toward community problem solving in today's global risk society, and the problem-solving method has cognitive differences for each community. First, in the case of American disaster narratives, civilian experts' response to natural disasters tracks the changes of heroes in today's 'Marvel Comic Universe' (MCU). Compared to the past, the close relationship between heroism and nationalism has been reduced, but the state remains functional even if it is bolstered by the heroes' voluntary cooperation and reflection ability. On the other hand, in Korea's disaster narratives, the disappearance of the country and paralysis of the function are foregrounded. In order to fill the void, a new family narrative occurs, consisting of a righteous army or people abandoned by the state. Korea's disaster narratives are sensitive to changes after the disaster, and the nation's recovery never returns to normal after the disaster. Finally, Japan's disaster narratives are defensive and neurotic. A fully state-led bureaucratic system depicts an obsessive nationalism that seeks to control all disasters, or even counteracts anti-heroic individuals who reject voluntary sacrifices and even abandon disaster conditions This paper was able to diagnose the impact and value of a 'masterplot' today by comparing a series of 'masterplots' and their variations and uses. In a time when the understanding and utilization of 'masterplots' are becoming more and more important in today's world where Over-the top(OTT) services are being provided worldwide, this paper attempt could be a fragmentary model for the distribution and sharing of global stories.