Mega-Asia Research Project Outcomes: Articles

This study analyzes how the shift from traditional media to digital platforms has transformed South Korean public discourse on the 2023 Gaza war. It examines the reporting patterns of conservative and liberal newspapers, as well as the forms of civic activism that emerged on social media concerning the conflict. South Korea's legacy media have long functioned as gatekeepers prioritizing elite voices, but the rise of digital platforms has diminished this role and enabled interactive, user-centered communication. The findings reveal that during the 2023 Gaza war, stark ideological divisions were evident in South Korea's mainstream media. Conservative outlets largely reflected Israel's perspective, often portraying Hamas through analogies to security threats such as North Korea. In contrast, liberal newspapers emphasized the humanitarian suffering in Gaza and critically highlighted Israel's military actions.

Meanwhile, social media emerged as a counter-public sphere where civic organizations, students, and transnational networks amplified Palestinian voices, organized solidarity campaigns, and disseminated alternative narratives through hashtags, images, and expert lectures. By exploring the structural constraints of mainstream study demonstrates how the rise of social media not only complements but also reconfigures the role of legacy media, fostering new forms of transnational solidarity and transforming public engagement with distant conflicts.