• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.70
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• pp.95-131
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• 2015

This paper points out the importance and necessity of 'non-representational cultural studies' in South Korea. For this, Stuart Hall's seminal research "Encoding/Decoding" (1980) is to be re-read thoroughly with articulation of his later practices. Along with, this research looks at how non-representational cultural studies can expand the scope of understanding various comtemporary phenomenon of our society usually untold by mainstream cultural studies' themes and methods which focus more on abstract division and representational discourses. Notably, Stuart Hall's influential early writings and practical later engagements could bring us to think more seriously not only where contemporary cultural studies goes but also where cultural studies in South Korea should go. This article narrows the attention into Hall's EC/DC theory and related research-practical activity influenced by his own philosophy. Indeed, cultural studies in South Korea still seems to be almost same as early Birmingham cultural studies especially in the aspects like research direction and theme; however, that is quite unusual in some points. These points are to be explicated by this attempt of following Hall's meaningful life-long trajectory as a cultural activist as well as media theorist.