ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the relatively loose working relationship between the South Korean state and the creative industries. It begins by explaining the sociolinguistic concepts of indexicality, styling, affect, and stancetaking. It then discusses the role of the state in supporting and appropriating the artistic efforts of the creative industries. Drawing on the reactions to BTS's acceptance of the James A. Van Fleet Award, the chapter also presents an example of how there can be backlash against South Korean artists because of their national affiliation. The chapter closes with a consideration of the relationship between state, nation, and Hallyu, making the point that the state's “arm’s-length principle” gives Hallyu products the benefit of being perceived as having artistic integrity or, at the very least, not having the taint of nationalistic propaganda. The discussion here brings into relief the importance of the state respecting the autonomy of artists and the creative industries.
