한국 오타쿠에 관한 용어와 의미 고찰

Abstract

In Japan, Otaku means those who have enthusiasm for subculture like manga, anime, game, pc, sf, and etc. In Korea, it has same meaning but has negative nuance. Usually, in Korea, Otaku is explained as a specific culture of Japan. However, as 40 years passes by since Japanese Otaku culture starts, we can't be sure it's only Japanese's. In Korea, we can confirm Korea also has Otaku through 1995's comic market. That time, many people don't know about Otaku but now, people know who they are. However, compare to its exposure, study about them is short. There are many studies about Japanese Otaku, but not about Korean's. Korean Otaku culture has short history but it spreads quickly through online community. So now, we need to consider Otaku's meaning in Korea. When Otaku was used in Korea first time, it was used as a expert. However, now it means those who have enthusiasm for japanese culture, especially anime. In Korea, Pye-In, ~Ppa, ~Deok, O-Deok-Hoo have same meaning with Otaku. Pye-In means those who are obsessed by their interest and stay home at all time. Also, they don't criticize their interest. At this aspects, Pye-In and ~Ppa have something in common. ~Deok, similar with Japanese mania, means those who have more attention for their hobby more than usual people. At last, O-Deok-Hoo is which pronounce Otaku as Korean and has same meaning. However, O-Deok-Hoo has narrower interest than Japanese Otaku. Korean Otaku means not just having enthusiasm for subculture but having enthusiasm for Japanese contents. This research considers what is Korean Otaku approximately but it would contribute other researches about Korean Otaku in future.