Coverage of the Commanders in Chief: Differences of Presidential Images Between the United States and Korea

Abstract

A content analysis was conducted based on the presidential images presented by the leading newspapers and the official presidential office websites in the United States and Korea. Findings reveal differences between the two countries in terms of look, type, viewpoint, and visual hierarchy of the photographs. Specifically, the proportion of casual-look, documentary-style pictures showing the rear/back shot or a detailed view and higher in hierarchy images of President Obama were considerably higher than those of President Park in Korea, where virtually all images were authoritative, photo-opportunity style, front or side, and informational. The differences of how the presidents may be portrayed could be influential in shaping the public's perception of these presidents.