Cultural Diplomacy Through Literature in East Asia from the Late Twentieth to the Early Twenty-First Century: Comparing the South Korean, Japanese and Chinese Models and Exploring Vietnam’s Development Potential

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Cultural diplomacy through the promotion of literature has long been an important strategy for nations to enhance their soft power and strengthen their position in the international arena. From an interdisciplinary perspective and within the framework of cultural transformation studies, literature from the late twentieth to the early twenty-first century no longer exists as an isolated entity; rather, it increasingly functions as a core narrative source, providing materials for cinema, television, and the content industry, thereby contributing to the formation of globally influential waves of popular culture. This paper analyzes and compares models of cultural diplomacy through literature in three representative East Asian countries: China, South Korea, Japan and proposes development directions for Vietnam based on its rich cultural heritage and long-standing, vibrant literary tradition. It examines how translation, adaptation, publishing, digital platforms, and content industries expand the circulation of literature and transform literary heritage into a dynamic resource for intercultural dialogue, national image-building, and the enhancement of cultural influence in the global arena.