Empowered Women Shine in Evolving K-Dramas
South Korea’s thriving television industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as K-dramas increasingly showcase powerful and multifaceted female characters, reflecting societal changes.
Traditionally centered around Cinderella-style romances, recent hits like “The Glory” and “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” break taboos, portraying women seeking revenge or featuring an autistic female lawyer.
In the 1990s, K-dramas often revolved around rich heirs pursuing poor women. However, today’s narratives have evolved to spotlight independent, career-driven female protagonists who defy societal expectations.
This transformation, according to Uhm Jung-hwa, a prominent actress and singer, is a result of South Korea’s remarkable economic development and the changing social status of women.
Uhm, who recently starred in the Netflix series “Doctor Cha,” emphasizes the significance of portraying middle-aged women as leads, challenging age-related stereotypes.
This shift in representation is attributed to cable channels and streaming platforms taking risks, providing a platform for diverse storytelling.
Forbes’ K-drama critic Joan MacDonald notes that the COVID-19 lockdown accelerated these changes, with a surge in K-drama viewership.
Streaming services, led by Netflix, have become major players, investing billions in Korean content. This influx of resources has allowed creators to push boundaries and explore unconventional narratives.
Drama writer Baek Mi-kyoung, a pioneer in introducing taboo subjects, acknowledges the challenges of getting women’s stories on air.
Despite facing initial rejection for her acclaimed series “The Lady in Dignity,” Baek persisted and ultimately succeeded. Her 2021 drama “Mine” featured a love story between two women, breaking new ground on Korean television.
While these changes are positive, concerns arise about the potential sidelining of quieter, female-centric narratives in favor of action-packed shows.
K-dramas, once known for their chaste depiction of relationships, are also embracing more realistic portrayals of sex and exploring diverse genders and sexualities.
Popular dramas like “Itaewon Class” have introduced transgender characters, promoting positive representation.
As K-dramas continue to captivate global audiences, the evolving landscape reflects not only the changing dynamics within the industry but also the broader societal transformations in South Korea.
The portrayal of empowered women signals a departure from traditional narratives and a celebration of diverse, compelling stories.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The BBC News
