BEYOND ROMANCE: THAI BL SERIES, SOFT POWER, AND INTERCULTURAL DYNAMICS IN CHINA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/apsr.2025.5Keywords:
Boy Love (BL), Intercultural Communication, Creative Economy, Soft Power, Digital Media ConvergenceAbstract
This study investigates the rising popularity of Thai Boy Love (BL) series in China, examining their role in intercultural communication and Thailand's soft power projection. Rooted in Japanese Yaoi culture, Thai BL series have emerged as significant cultural products, blending themes of love, identity, and acceptance within Thai narratives. Employing qualitative methods, including content analysis, viewer surveys, and in-depth interviews, this research explores how these series contribute to cultural exchange, shape perceptions of Thai society, and create opportunities for Thailand's creative economy. Findings reveal that the Thai BL series resonates with Chinese viewers due to their incorporation of local cultural elements, despite limited acceptance of LGBTQ+ themes in China. The study highlights the strategic use of digital platforms in expanding the reach of Thai BL content and fostering intercultural understanding. Furthermore, it argues that Thai BL series serve as a component of soft power, facilitating intercultural communication and promoting Thailand's creative economy in the digital age. These findings offer insights for cultural diplomacy and creative industries seeking to leverage media for cross-cultural engagement.
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