AsiaPOP! explores dark side of Asian popular culture starting Aug. 24

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho’s AsiaPOP! symposium returns this fall with AsiaPOP! Dark, a multiday exploration of the haunting side of Asian popular culture and its influence on Asia and the world.

Events run Monday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Sept. 11, and include film screenings, guest speakers, an art exhibit and an Asian Studies Library open house. All events are free and open to the public.

Speakers include:

• Gloria I-Ling Chien, an associate professor at Gonzaga University.
• Zack Davisson, an Eisner Award-winning author and translator.
• Dong Hoon Kim, an associate professor at University of Oregon.
• Paul Castro Jr., a producer, director, writer and actor.
• Jung Min, an associate professor at University of Nevada.

AsiaPOP! Dark is sponsored by the U of I Habib Institute for Asian Studies. Co-sponsors are the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences and the College of Art and Architecture.

The schedule is as follows:

Monday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Sept. 11

• “Echoes in Black,” an exhibit by artist Jung Min, ISUB Reflections Gallery

Tuesday, Aug. 25

• “Tumbbad” film screening, 7 p.m., Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, 508 S. Main St.

Wednesday, Aug. 26

• “Echoes in Black” opening reception and artist talk, 4-6 p.m., ISUB Reflections Gallery. The artist talk begins at approximately 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 1

• “The Ring” film screening, 7 p.m., Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, 508 S. Main St.

Thursday, Sept. 3

• Asian Studies Library open house, 2-4 p.m., Administration Building 204

Tuesday, Sept. 8

• “Zombie for Sale” film screening, 7 p.m., Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, 508 S. Main St.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

• Gloria I-Ling Chien lecture, “Exorcising Hopping Zombies, Ghosts and Fox Demons in Chinese Cinema,” 12:30 p.m., ISUB Clearwater Room
• Zack Davisson lecture, “A Brief History of Yokai,” 2:30 p.m., ISUB Clearwater Room

Thursday, Sept. 10

• Dong Hoon Kim lecture, “The Uncanny Case of ‘Pulgasari’ (1985): North Korea’s Only Monster Film,” 2 p.m., ISUB Clearwater Room.
• Paul Castro Jr. lecture, “Tackling Dark Themes in Video Games and Anime Through Performance,” 4 p.m., Bruce M. Pitman Center Vandal Ballroom. A meet-and-greet begins at 5 p.m.

MEDIA NOTE: Professor Jeff Kyong-McClain, director of the Habib Institute, is available to speak to reporters, as is Jill Kyong. All sessions are open to reporters. Speakers may be available for interview upon request. Email jeffkm@uidaho.edu to inquire.  

Media contact

Jeff Kyong-McClain  
Habib Institute for Asian Studies director  
jeffkm@uidaho.edu