Staging the Cold War: Korean Women's Performance and the Cultural Politics in the Vietnam Era

This study examines how Korean women entertainers like Park Dahn Ma and the Korean Kittens embodied American anti-communist ideology and contributed to South Korea's modernization during the Cold War. Drawing on archival materials, interviews, and performance footage, it argues that these entertainers' performances symbolically positioned South Korea as a “Free World” showcase while negotiating new national identities. The research highlights the role of cultural diplomacy and popular culture in Cold War geopolitics from gender and racial perspectives. By analyzing the interplay between American militarism, cultural imperialism, and Korean modernization, this study reveals how these performances strategically demonstrated the superiority of free-market capitalism, challenged U.S. racial prejudices, and presented South Korea as a modern anti-communist ally. Thls research offers new insights into the intersections of gender, race, and national identity in Cold War cultural politics.