The Current State and Outlook on the 'Popularization of Historical Studies' in Smart Media: With a Focus on the Podcast 'Man-In-Man-Saek: Writhing History Together'  

Author: Kim Tae-hyun (Korea University)

Page: 85-114

Abstract

 The Current State and Outlook on the ‘Popularization of Historical Studies’ in Smart Media - with a Focus on the Podcast [Man-in- Man-Saek] Although ‘historical studies’ have lost their footing in the popularization market, the popularization of history in general has gained a larger following. For instance, history-related contents on Youtube fall under four categories - a fusion of entertainment and expertise based on historical storytelling, history as a general interests / common knowledge topic, communication with the general public, and preparations for exams. As evidenced in these channels’ number of followers and views, the level of demand for history among the general public is quite substantial. Under such circumstances and as a practical matter, historians have been called upon to go beyond critiquing the ‘consumption’ of history, to take direct charge of the production and distribution of history in order to bridge the gap between the general public and historical studies. As such, there is a need for research into the ‘popularization of history’ or the ‘popularization of historical studies’ if historians are to take charge of the production and distribution of the consumption of history. Such research must be conducted with an approach regarding the general public who partake in history. A top-down method of interpretation, wherein the public’s views on history are examined via the nature of the ‘popularization of history’, prevents one from discovering the public’s desire to accept ‘historical studies’. On the other hand, a direct analysis of the public who partake in history has enabled us to form an outlook on the possibility of the public’s acceptance of ‘historical studies’. Although the responses considered are froma limited section of the public, we believe that further analysis on members of the public who partake in history will provide fertile ground for the ‘popularization of historical studies’ to take root. Motivated by this observation, this study has attempted to draw a distinction between the ‘popularization of history’ and the ‘popularization of historical studies’ while raising the question regarding the directionality of the ‘popularization of historical studies’ within the current ‘popularization of history’ trend. Though limited due to the lack of data collection on the general public who partake in history, this study has attempted to approach the subject basedon the tendencies and comments left by the viewers of [Writing History Together].

Key Words 

Humanities, historical studies, Youtube, Smart Media, popularization of historical studies​​