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
Gong Yoo plays Choi Han-kyul, the scion and heir of a coffee company. He only hires men for the coffee shop to attract female customers.
This is how he meets Go Eun-chan, a 24-year-old tomboy who is mistaken as a guy. Han-kyul enlists him to pretend to be his gay lover to avoid blind dates arranged by his grandmother.
Reply 1997
Reply 1997 revolves around a group of friends reminiscing about their teenage years and high school days. Hoya, formerly of K-pop group Infinite, plays Kang Joon-hee, a gay man who fell in love with his best friend. Homosexuality is a non-issue and treated with much respect, and his friends fully support his identity.
Life is Beautiful
Life is Beautiful portrays the personal and social conflicts of a multi-generational family, as well as the struggles of a homosexual relationship.
The couple’s storyline, played by Kim Kyung-soo and Yang Tae-sub, touches on coming out and family acceptance.
Love with Flaws
The late Cha In-ha portrayed a bartender working in a gay bar in this series. Although he played a secondary character, much emphasis was given to his role.
The story looks into Joo Won-suk’s story of coming out and eventually finding acceptance in his family, as well as pursuing a love interest with a closeted gay man.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.
Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter .
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tK%2FMqWWcp51kuqKzwLOgp52jZMC1xcueZqedp6h6tb7Ep5usZ5Gnwaqvy55mbGhoZoZzfY6iq5qdp6S7bq%2FLmqqsZWZiurC%2BxGaiqKqVlrtusNGapJqrXai9sMDLop6hrJmjtG64xpur