jul 15, 2023

Korean Dramas and Diversity: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Stories

by Grace Chowdhry

Let's talk about Korean dramas and their portrayal of diverse stories…

It’s no mystery why K-dramas have steadily been gaining international popularity when everything from the storylines and cinematography to the acting, chemistry, and original soundtracks (OSTs) come together to create addictive binge-worthy shows in almost every genre.

However, their lack of diversity has drawn criticism from fans and critics. Diversity in storytelling not only reflects the real world, but it also has the power to influence and shape societal perceptions and attitudes. On the bright side, there has been a positive shift in the industry, with more inclusive storylines coming into production.

The power of representation: Why diversity in Korean dramas matters

Hold up though… why the hype around “diversity” and “inclusivity”? Why does “representation” matter? I grant you they’ve become buzzwords freely thrown around in this day and age. Stripping away all the socio-political hype, let’s look at why it’s important to have media authentically portray a range of characters and storylines.

Breaking Stereotypes: Korean dramas have a wide viewership, both domestically and internationally. Showcasing the diverse range of experiences, identities, and relationships within our communities challenges and breaks down stereotypes. By promoting a better understanding of the people who look, think, and feel differently they forward acceptance of different identities.

Visibility and Normalization: The inclusion of diverse characters and storylines in Korean dramas increases visibility for the communities. It helps to normalize these relationships and identities by depicting them for what they are - fellow humans and a natural and integral part of society. This can be especially impactful for viewers who may not be familiar with such people by fostering empathy and kinship.

Empowering Individuals: Representation in Korean dramas can be empowering for the individuals within the community. Seeing themselves reflected honestly on screen allows them to feel validated, respected, seen and provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. All powerful tools in coping with and overcoming isolation and discrimination.

Inspiring Social Change: Korean dramas have a significant influence on popular culture and social trends. By incorporating diverse characters and storylines, they can play a crucial role in encouraging conversations, shaping societal attitudes and promoting acceptance.

Highlighting some of the most notable LGBTQ+ stories in Korean dramas

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of inclusive storylines including LGBTQ+ storylines in Korean dramas. Grab your popcorn and get ready to explore some of the most notable LGBTQ+ stories in Korean dramas! This isn’t an exhaustive list of all the K-dramas out there with LGBTQ+ representation read on till the end for a list of honourable mentions.

"Life is Beautiful" (2010)

Fairly controversial at the time of its broadcast, this family drama follows the everyday life of a traditional Korean family - the Yang family - made up of four siblings and their parents living on Jeju island. One subplot line throughout the 63-episode-long show follows the development of the romantic relationship between the eldest son, Yang Tae-Sub (portrayed by Song Chang-eui), and divorced professor Kim Kyung-soo (played by Lee Sang-woo). The drama also tries to capture the families’ and couple’s emotional journey as they navigate personal, familial, and social acceptance (or lack thereof) of their homosexual relationship. Tae-sub and Kyung-soo are portrayed as otherwise typical male Hallyu leads - professionally successful, handsome, diligent, filial, fashionably styled men on the lookout for love.

“Light on Me” (2021)

This coming-of-age K-drama follows “voluntary outsider” 18-year-old Woo Tae-kyung (played by Lee Sae-on), a student at Saebit Boys' High School. Encouraged by a new teacher he tries to start making friends by joining the school cabinet. We have something of a complicated love triangle in this one between Tae-kyung, council president Shin Da-on (Choe Chan-yi), and vice-president Noh Shin-woo (Kang Yoo-seok). The three boys along with fellow council member and Head of Volunteer work, Namgoong Shi-won (Go Woo-jin), grapple with their understandings of friendship, personal identities, romance, and societal expectations in this young adult BL.

“Schoolgirl Detectives” (2014)

Based on the novel of the same name, this drama is noted for having the first onscreen lesbian kiss in Korean television. Another coming-of-age K-drama, the plot follows five students (played by Lee Hye-ri, Kang Min-ah, Jin Ji-hee, Lee Min-ji, and Stephanie Lee) part of a detective club at Seonam Girls' High School who attempt to help their classmates by tackling issues ranging from bullying to suicide and abortions.

“Hello Dracula” (2020)

Part of JTBC’s omnibus project Drama Festa, this two-episode drama stars SNSD’s Seohyun, Lee Ji-hyun, Lee Joo-bin, Go Na-hee and Seo Eun-yool in an everyday life storyline where the characters confront their own demons (or Draculas in this case). Seohyun plays An-na, around whom the drama centres and who recently ended an eight-year relationship with her lesbian partner. In the drama we see her struggle with depression, try to reconnect with her mother whom she emotionally withdrew from since her coming out and navigate daily life with all its twists and turns.

"Mr. Heart" (2020)

The follow-up project to Where Your Eyes Linger, this web drama follows the story of marathon runner Jin Won (Cheon Seung Ho) and his pacemaker Go Sang-Ha (Han Se Jin) as they get to know each other on and off the track and close the distance between their hearts.

“Where Your Eyes Linger" (2020)

I know everyone has their own problems in life but Han Tae Joo (played by Han Gi Chan) really does seem to have been dealt a pretty enviable hand. Handsome, from a wealthy family, popular, the only thing he seems to be missing is a loving partner. No, wait he just might find that too in his childhood best friend and unofficial personal bodyguard Kang Gook (Jang Eui Soo). Happy endings, unfortunately, rarely come without some amount of drama, pain and angst, and here Han Tae Joo is no exception.

“Nevertheless” (2021)

A subplot in this romantic young adult drama follows the evolution of the relationship between best friends Oh Bit-na (Yang Hye-ji) and Yoon Sol (Lee Ho-jung). Focusing more on the struggle of personal acceptance and risking friendship, the wholesomeness of their relationship comes as a refreshing relief from the toxicity the main leads untangle.

Korean dramas continue to pave the way for LGBTQ+ representation

These Korean dramas have portrayed the characters and stories of the LGBTQ+ community with depth, complexity, and humanity. By giving a platform for their experiences, struggles, and relationships, these shows have sparked discussions, raised awareness about the discrimination against the community, and perhaps most importantly, humanised and revealed their relatability. They have brought important issues to the forefront, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes.