Mimicry in Actor and Actress Representation: The Adaptation of Korean Drama Standards by the Indonesian Drama Industry



Author Information

Silviana Purwanti, Mulawarman University, Indonesia
Harry Isra Muhammad, Mulawarman University, Indonesia
Netty Dian Prastika, Mulawarman University, Indonesia

Abstract

The phenomenon of drakor (Korean drama) has become increasingly popular in Indonesia, influencing many aspects of the entertainment industry, including the representation of actors and actresses in Indonesian dramas. This article aims to examine the process of mimicry, a concept proposed by Homi K. Bhabha, by focusing on how Indonesian actors and actresses mimic visual elements, acting styles, and the star persona typical of drakor, while adjusting to local cultural norms. The research employs a qualitative approach with critical discourse analysis to examine actor representation in Indonesian dramas, compare elements influenced by drakor, and explore audience perceptions of these adaptations within the local cultural context. The findings indicate that although Indonesian actors and actresses mimic the style and appearance associated with drakor stars, they strive to sustain their local cultural identity through changes in acting techniques, visual expression, and character portrayal. This mimicry process creates cultural ambivalence, generating tension between the desire to align with global standards and the effort to uphold local values valued by audiences. The study also highlights that mimicry is not mere copying but a cultural negotiation involving actors and actresses as agents shaping hybrid media identities. This research offers insights into how globalization affects cultural representation in local media and how actors and actresses contribute to preserving Indonesian cultural identity. By balancing these dynamics, the Indonesian entertainment industry illustrates an active negotiation between global influence and local tradition, enriching the evolving forms of cultural representation in Indonesian television.


Paper Information

Conference: ACCS2025
Stream: Media Studies

This paper is part of the ACCS2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Purwanti S., Muhammad H., & Prastika N. (2025) Mimicry in Actor and Actress Representation: The Adaptation of Korean Drama Standards by the Indonesian Drama Industry ISSN: 2187-4751 – The Asian Conference on Cultural Studies 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 203-215) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4751.2025.17
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4751.2025.17


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Posted by James Alexander Gordon