Introduction

The introductory chapter addresses broader theoretical debates and situates this book within those debates. Problematising the ways in which the cultural politics of urban developments is constituted in Gwangju, South Korea, this chapter suggests the concept of ‘the politics of cultural economy.’ This concept illustrates the dynamics that exist amongst interested parties who possess different agendas that first conflict but with work are then modified and adapted to make an integrated whole. The contested context of Gwangju, including the May 18 Democratic Uprising, is introduced. This chapter also introduces the actor-oriented, qualitative research methods for the fieldwork and analysis, as well as the structure of the rest of the book.