The Role of K-Media in Global Viewership

* 1. Study Title: Contemporary Inter-Asian Connections: Pop Culture, Tourism, and Regional Identity

Principal Investigator (PI): Dr. Jacqueline H. Fewkes, Florida Atlantic University

FAU IRB# 2506175
Contact for Questions about the Study:
PI: Jacqueline H. Fewkes
Email: jfewkes@fau.edu

Contact for Questions about your Rights as a Research Participant, concerns or complaints not answered by the research team, or if you wish to talk to someone independent of the research:
FAU Research Integrity Office
(561) 297-1383
researchintegrity@fau.edu

You are invited to participate in a research study under the direction of Jacqueline Fewkes of the Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Taking part in this research is entirely voluntary.

The purpose of this study is to better understand the cultural role of Asian popular media such as Korean dramas and K-pop in contemporary communities in other parts of Asia. The central research question is: How does inter-Asian media and tourism shape the cultural identities and everyday experiences of young adults in Asia today? This research seeks to contribute to broader discussions on globalization and transnational identity.

What are the reasons you might choose to volunteer for this study? Participants may want to join this study to share their personal experiences and perspectives on South Korean media and tourism, helping others understand this growing cultural trend. They may also feel empowered by contributing to academic research that values and highlights global cultural connections.

You will not benefit directly from your participation in the study. The benefits to science and humankind that might result from this study are: This study will advance the understanding of how global media and tourism shape youth identities in Asia, enriching fields like anthropology, media studies, and cultural studies.

What are the reasons you might not choose to volunteer for this study? Participants may be concerned about sharing personal views or experiences that feel private or sensitive or worry about how their information might be used. Possible risks or discomforts you could experience during this study include loss of confidentiality or psychological stress from being asked to share your views.

If you choose to take part in this study, you will participate in a short online survey where you will be asked questions about your experiences with South Korean media and/or tourism and how these influence your identity and daily life; this interview is the main research activity. The total amount of time you will spend in connection with this online survey is approximately 15-20 minutes. You may refuse to answer any of the questions, and you may stop your participation in this study at any time without any consequences.

Every effort will be made to keep your information confidential, however, this cannot be guaranteed. All data will be stored on password-protected devices and secure, encrypted storage platforms accessible only to the research team. If results of this research study are reported in journals or at scientific meetings, the people who participated in this study will not be named or identified.

You will receive no direct compensation for participation in this research.

Your information with identifiers removed might be distributed or used for future research studies without additional informed consent.

Your signature is not required. Your willingness to participate in this research study is implied if you proceed.

*Please keep a copy of this document in case you want to read it again.

Consent Statement:
By selecting "Yes" below I freely agree to participate, and certify that I am 18 years of age or older. I understand that I am free to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. I have read the preceding information.