A research monograph offering fundamental answers to the sustainability and development potential of Hallyu — which has drawn worldwide attention through singer Psy's global hits 'Gangnam Style' and 'Gentleman' and the international expansion of idol groups — has been published and is attracting widespread attention.

It is Professor Kim Ik-du (Department of Korean Language & Literature) of Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) who recently published 'Korean Ethnic Performance Studies' (Jisik Sanopsa, 2013). The book represents an interim summation of Professor Kim's more than 30 years of dedicated research in the field of performance studies. It is being praised as a major work that establishes a macroscopic framework for ethnic performance studies.

The book systematically constructs Korea's distinctive performance forms based on the 'collective exuberance' and the 'aesthetics of empty space' demanded by the world. It analyzes and examines the origins, history, and characteristics of Korean performance culture — from ancient ceremonial rites to the medieval development of 'gamu-baekhee' and the influence of Western performance culture introduced via modern Japan.

It covers in detail indigenous popular cultural forms such as Daedonggut, Madanggut, Pungmulgut, Kkokdugaksi Noreum, Talnoreum, and pansori, and also addresses court gamu-hee, the melodramas of the modern era, and shinguk.

In the book, Professor Kim proposes 'collective exuberance' and 'relations' as the core principles of Korea's indigenous aesthetics. He emphasizes that these are distinct from Western 'catharsis', India's 'rasa', and China's 'shensi' (紳似).

Through this, he argues that 'global performance culture is strongly calling for a new 'revitalization' centered on Korea's unique performance culture'. He analyzes that whether the Hallyu trend is called a 'Neo-Renaissance movement' or regarded as part of a 'Korean-style global cultural development strategy', the peoples of the world in the 21st century are awaiting Koreans' creative talents.