Before Itaewon Class – 6 more Korean dramas spotlighting LGBT characters and stories
Like conservative Korean culture, K-drama has generally been too slow and played too safe, perpetuating tired gender stereotypes and under-representing LGBT lives – but an increasing number of shows are leading the way forward, with distinctly different results
The rise of LGBTQ+ characters in K-dramas is a sure sign that Korea is becoming more open, inclusive and accepting of the queer community. Although Korean dramas are a worldwide success, creating compelling characters and emotional storylines that resonate to a global audience, its representation is far from perfect. Gender inequality and stereotypes are rife and LGBTQ+ characters and lives are under-represented in Korean media.
These flaws stem from the fact that Korean society is comparatively conservative. According to “Society at Glance 2019: A Spotlight on LGBT People”, a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), South Korea lags behind progressive countries which are more supportive and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. However, things are only likely to improve as South Korea becomes more open, and K-dramas have a pivotal role to play in shaping values and changing the conversation. Below are seven dramas that feature LGBTQ+characters.
Itaewon Class
Park Seo-joon plays Saeroyi, a high school dropout and ex-convict who opens a restaurant in Itaewon. His goal is to turn his business into a big company in the hopes of defeating his arch nemesis, Jangga CEO Jang Dae-hee.
One of the misfits who helps Saeroyi is a transgender woman named Ma Hyun-yi. As the series progresses, she becomes a seasoned chef and more comfortable with her gender identity.
The Boy Next Door
This mini K-drama series may be guilty of queerbaiting, but it still at least sheds light on the normalcy of bromance. It tells the story of two college students, Park Kyu-tae (Choi Woo-shik) and Sung Ji-kae (Jang Ki-yong), who are forced to live under one roof. After hilarious and awkward encounters, Kim Min-ah, their mutual friend, comes to a conclusion that both of them are gay.
Schoolgirl Detectives
This series – more literally translated as Seonam Girls’ High School Investigators – made a major breakthrough by featuring the first on-screen lesbian kiss on mainstream Korean television, much to the shock of conservative viewers. It follows five female students who form a detective club to solve sensitive issues in their school such as bullying, abortion and suicide.
Coffee Prince