Inaugural MCCAP Conference Delves into Media, Communication, and Culture Studies in the Asia-Pacific Region

Posted by Michael Walsh on

Written by Nikki Cohen

The inaugural Media, Communication and Cultural Studies: Asia-Pacific (MCCAP) Conference at Florida State University revolved around the theme of “The Phenomenon of Hallyu (the Korean wave of pop culture) and its Impact on the Global Industry.” The conference was held on October 26 and October 27, 2023, and the event took place in a hybrid format, with sessions being hosted via Zoom as well as at Florida State University’s Center for Global and Multicultural Engagement.

The first MCCAP Conference concluded with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the field of media and cultural studies. The conference brought together a global community of communication, media, and cultural scholars, researchers, educators, practitioners, and enthusiasts. The conference aimed to explore and analyze the intricate intersections of communication, media, technology, and cultural practices within the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Jaejin Lee, Associate Professor in the School of Communication, described MCCAP as a research initiative dedicated to exploring communication and media environments, as well as the diverse cultures in the Asia-Pacific region. The MCCAP worked to deepen the understanding of how media shapes perceptions, narratives and identities while shedding light on the broader social, political, and economic implications underpinning these phenomena. The conference served as a platform for exchanging ideas, research findings and creative endeavors within this context, fostering dialogue and collaboration among scholars and professionals.

Considering it was the first conference, Lee reported that the conference went exceptionally well. It exceeded expectations for a first-time event by featuring keynotes, presentations, and discussions with participants from South Korea, Canada and New York City. The organizing team received positive feedback from many attendees, highlighting the conference’s success.

Lee said that the experience of hosting the conference via Zoom was deemed successful and productive. Participants from around the world benefited from the user-friendly interface, which enabled a variety of sessions, including keynotes, presentations, and discussions with Q&A.

While all presentations were unique and offered meaningful contributions, an opening keynote by Regina Kim, a New York-based freelance journalist specializing in K-pop culture, stood out. Lee said Regina Kim’s keynote on K-pop culture set the tone for the conference with insightful perspectives and expertise in the field; this provided a thought-provoking start to the conference, offering a unique perspective and setting the tone for the rest of the event.

The conference also featured invaluable collaborations with various campus organizations, including the Center for Global Engagement and Dr. Elizabeth Ray’s Public Relations Writing class, as well as partnerships with community organizations such as the Korean Cultural Center in New York City. The conference provided an interactive opportunity to delve into the Korean cultural wave and broaden the understanding of media from a global perspective, laying a robust foundation for future research in the field.

The MCCAP Conference’s inaugural success underscores the growing interest and importance of studying media, communication and culture within the Asia-Pacific region. With its global reach and commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration, MCCAP has firmly established itself as a vital platform for scholars, researchers and practitioners in this field, setting the stage for even more impactful future conferences.