Melodramatic Afterlives: Visions in Seoul’s Blockchain Space

Simon Posner, Ph.D. student, Department of Anthropology, Cornell University

Posner writes: This chapter looks at blockchain-inspired visions of the future crafted by members of Seoul's largest community of blockchain enthusiasts. I look at the ways in which these visions are less visual and more felt. In particular, I argue that these visions are intended to conjure and re-animate melodramatic structures of feeling that arose during South Korea's period of rapid industrialization to make sense of profound change. This method of envisioning is distinct from ocular-centric visions often described in Western contexts and adds to the repertoire by which we might engage the future.

ROUGH WORK: Discussing research in progress, hence the term, rough work. This rough work session is hosted by the East Asia Program's Graduate Student Steering Committee (GSSC).