Earticle

This paper explores the cinematic representation and cultural symbolism of Chinese martial arts through an in-depth analysis of the Ip Man film series. As a globally recognized martial arts franchise, the Ip Man series not only vividly visualizes Wing Chun techniques but also conveys the philosophical and ethical values embedded in traditional Chinese martial arts. By examining narrative structures, character portrayals, and cultural contexts, this study reveals how the films project national identity, embody the ethos of martial virtue (wude), and serve as a medium of cultural transmission in both domestic and international spheres. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the sociocultural impact of the series, including the revitalization of martial arts within China and the reinterpretation of Chinese identity abroad. Ultimately, this research argues that the Ip Man series exemplifies the evolving role of martial arts cinema as a cultural icon in the era of globalization.

This study investigates how wage levels shape job and income satisfaction among migrant workers in South Korea, with particular attention to digital transformation of labor markets. Drawing on the 2022 Immigrant Residence and Employment Survey microdata, the analysis focuses on 8,750 wage-employed migrant workers and applies ordered logit models to identify the determinants of satisfaction. Explanatory variables include individual characteristics, employment conditions, firm attributes, and regional as well as origin-country economic indicators. The findings show a consistent pattern: higher monthly wages, full-time weekly working hours (≥40 hours), and longer tenure (≥2 years) are positively associated with both job and income satisfaction. Firm size yields a modest but limited effect, while workers aged 40 and above report significantly lower satisfaction levels. Gender and education, however, exhibit minimal explanatory power once other covariates are considered. The negative association between origin-country GDP and satisfaction suggests the relevance of relative expectations—workers from more affluent countries may evaluate their earnings and working conditions against higher reference standards. These results underscore the need for policy measures that stabilize employment conditions and strengthen the subjective well-being of migrant workers. Establishing adequate wage floors, monitoring excessive variation in working hours, and creating incentives for longer tenure may contribute to enhancing labor market integration and promote sustainable workforce management in the digital economy.