This article critically reviews how well-known scientific figures andevents in the history of science in Korea are portrayed in South Korean popularculture. Specifically, this research points out three distinctive tendencies in theway popular media deals with the history of science, as follows: portrayal offamous scientists as “heroes,” who are perfect not only in their scientificexpertise but also in their character; perception of science and technology as atool for building a “rich nation, strong army”; and dominance of nationalistinterpretation of the history of science, which selectively highlights specificevents to emphasize “difference” and “independence” from Chinese culture.
These tendencies, being presentist and nationalist, impede proper understandingof historical figures and events in the context of their time. As popular cultureis the reflection of values and belief of the respective society, it also tells thatthese tendencies are also currently prevalent in South Korean society. Thisresearch can be useful for historians of science and technology, popular artists,and also for experts in science education who are interested in utilizing popularmedia in class.