The cultural elements in slow variety shows: A comparative study between South Korean and Chinese shows

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to study the cultural elements of slow variety shows in China and South Korea, and make a comparative analysis of the culture of slow variety shows in China and South Korea. This study selects four slow variety shows as samples. They are two Chinese slow variety shows: Back to Field (2016) and The Chinese Restaurant (2018), and two Korean slow variety shows: Youn's Kitchen (2017) and Three Meals A Day (2014). This study uses semiotics to analyze the cultural elements in slow variety shows. Chinese slow variety shows reflect a lot of food culture, emphasizing the concept of family, and the regular guests are mainly male. Chinese slow variety shows are mainly based on traditional culture. The nature of the shows is intense and complex, and the shows pay more attention to cultural value and social significance. South Korean slow variety shows reflect more food culture, emphasizing the concept of family, male guests are dominant.

South Korean slow variety shows pay more attention to humanistic care, and the overall atmosphere of the program is simple and relaxed. Hofestede's Cultural Dimensions depicts the cultural values in slow variety shows: China slow variety show: Clear hierarchy. The individual is strongly dependent on the collective and emphasize success. The guest readily accepts uncertainty in life, focuses on the future, set long-term goals, emphasizes on hard work, hardship and restraint. South Korea slow variety show: The hierarchy caused by age is obvious. The guests form a team and cooperate with each other and emphasize quality of life. They try to avoid uncertainty in their lives. They focus on the future achieve goals through persistence and Stress on self-discipline and restraint.