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The recognition of Ok-dramas has continued to soar over time, changing into a world phenomenon following the unrivaled success of reveals like Squid Sport and It is Okay To Not Be Okay. For a lot of followers, the attract of of Ok-dramas was initially crammed with pastel-coloured aesthetics and tales revolving round conventional gender norms, however the distinctive and dormant aesthetic made it moderately arduous broader viewers to see themselves mirrored. Now as Ok-dramas achieve worldwide reputation at an unprecedented charge, the style is slowly however absolutely embracing range, together with LGBTQIA+ illustration. When you’re a fan of Ok-dramas who values inclusivity, you’ll be excited to know that a few of your favorite reveals have made strides in portraying LGBTQ+ characters and their tales. Listed below are a couple of Ok-dramas you could not have identified included LGBTQ+ illustration:
Squid Sport 2 – Cho Hyun-ju
One of the extremely anticipated reveals of 2023, Squid Sport returned with a second season final December, introducing new rivals within the lethal recreation. Amongst them is Cho Hyun-ju (Participant 120), a transgender lady and former particular forces soldier, who enters the sport to fund her gender-affirming surgical procedure. In an interview, Director Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that Cho Hyun-ju was created particularly to spotlight the struggles confronted by the transgender neighborhood in South Korea, the place gender minorities are nonetheless preventing for acceptance.
Nonetheless – Jiwan and Sol
Launched in 2021 and set at an artwork faculty, Nonetheless focuses on the advanced and sometimes poisonous relationship between two people, Na-bi and Jae-eon (performed by Han So-hee and Track Kang). However inside this narrative, there’s one other relationship that deserves consideration – that of Yoon Sol (Lee Ho-jung) and Search engine optimisation Ji-wan (Yoon Search engine optimisation-ah). Their love story is tender and lifelike, portraying the blossoming of a secret crush right into a full-fledged romantic relationship. It’s a uncommon portrayal of a lesbian relationship in Ok-dramas and whereas the primary storylines have garnered blended critiques, Jiwan and Sol’s love story gave followers a better have a look at queer illustration in trendy Korean tv.
The place Your Eyes Linger — Han Tae-Joo and Kang-gook
This 2020 mini-drama broke limitations in Ok-drama with its portrayal of a younger homosexual love story. The present follows the evolving romantic relationship between two highschool boys, Han Tae-Joo (Han Gi-chan) and Kang-gook (Jang Eui-soo). Their bond is rooted in a master-servant dynamic, with Kang-gook serving as Tae-Joo’s protector. As they mature, Kang-gook begins to develop deeper emotions for Tae-Joo, however he’s compelled to maintain his feelings hidden, figuring out the complexities they’d carry to their longstanding relationship. This drama could also be quick in size, however its emotional resonance and illustration of younger queer love left an enduring influence on its viewers.
Itaewon Class – Ma Hyeon-yi
One of many breakout hits of 2020, Itaewon Class revolves round Sae-Ro-Yi’s (Park Search engine optimisation-Joon) journey to open a restaurant and defeat his arch-nemesis. However alongside the way in which, we meet Ma Hyeon-Yi (Lee Joon-Younger), a transgender lady who works with Sae-Ro-Yi and turns into one among his closest allies. Hyeon-Yi’s storyline entails her journey of saving cash for intercourse reassignment surgical procedure and progressively coming to phrases together with her gender identification.
Reply 1997 – Kang Joon-Hee’s journey
Reply 1997 is a traditional Ok-drama that has gained hearts worldwide for its nostalgic portrayal of rising up within the 90s. Launched in 2012, it additionally stands out for introducing a delicate however highly effective LGBTQ+ storyline via the character Kang Joon-hee (Hoya), who’s secretly in love together with his greatest pal, Yoon Yoon-jae (Search engine optimisation In-guk). The revelation of Joon-Hee’s sexuality is dealt with delicately, highlighting his emotional struggles as he confides in his pal Sung Shi-won (Jung Eun-Ji). This subplot was one of many first of its sort in mainstream Ok-dramas, and although it was not the central focus, it introduced much-needed visibility to LGBTQ+ tales.
These Ok-dramas mirror a shifting narrative throughout the style, transferring towards extra inclusive and numerous portrayals of LGBTQ+ relationships and experiences. When you’ve seen these, which one is your favorite?
