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The popularity of K-dramas has been steadily increasing over the years, as it has become a global phenomenon following the show’s unmatched success. squid game And it’s okay not to be okayFor many fans, the allure of K-dramas was initially filled with pastel-colored aesthetics and stories revolving around traditional gender norms, but the unique and passive aesthetics made it hard for broader audiences to see themselves reflected. Now as K-dramas are gaining international popularity at an unprecedented rate, the genre is slowly but surely embracing diversity, including LGBTQIA+ representation. If you’re a fan of K-dramas who value inclusivity, you’ll be excited to know that some of your favorite shows have made progress in portraying LGBTQ+ characters and their stories. Here are some K-dramas you might not know about that include LGBTQ+ representation:
Squid Game 2 – Cho Hyun-joo
One of the most awaited shows of 2023, squid game returned with a second season last December, which introduced new competitors to the deadly game. Among them is Cho Hyun-joo (player 120), a transgender woman and former Special Forces soldier, who enters the game to raise money for her gender-affirmation surgery. In an interview, director Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that Cho Hyun-joo was created specifically to highlight the struggles faced by the transgender community in South Korea, where the gender minority is still fighting for acceptance. Are.
Still – Life and Soul
Released in 2021 and set in an art school, still It focuses on the complex and often toxic relationship between two individuals, Na-bi and Jae-eon (played by Han So-hee and Song Kang). But within this narrative, there is another relationship that deserves attention – that of Yoon Sol (Lee Ho-jung) and Seo Ji-wan (Yoon Seo-ah). Their love story is tender and realistic, depicting a secret crush growing into a full-fledged romantic relationship. It is a rare portrayal of gay relationships in K-dramas and while the main story has received mixed reviews, Jeev and Sol’s love story has given fans a closer look at gay representation in modern Korean television.
Where Are Your Eyes – Han Tae-joo and Kang-gook
This 2020 mini-drama broke barriers in K-dramas with its depiction of a young lesbian love story. The show focuses on the developing romantic relationship between two high school boys, Han Tae-joo (Han Gi-chan) and Kang-gook (Jang Eui-soo). Their bond is rooted in master-servant dynamics, with Kang-guk serving as Tae-joo’s protector. As they mature, Kang-gook begins to develop deep feelings for Tae-joo, but he is forced to keep his feelings hidden, knowing that they have long been with him. Will bring complications in the upcoming relationship. The play may have been short in length, but its emotional resonance and representation of young gay love left a lasting impression on audiences.
Itaewon Class – Ma Hyeon-yi
One of the breakout hits of 2020, Itaewon Class Revolves around Sae-ro-yi’s (Park Seo-joon) journey to open a restaurant and defeat her archenemy. But along the way, we meet Ma Hyeon-yi (Lee Joon-young), a transgender woman who works with Sae-ro-yi and becomes one of his closest allies. Hyeon-yi’s story involves her journey to save money for gender reassignment surgery and gradually coming to terms with her gender identity.
Answer 1997 – Kang Joon-hee’s journey
Answer 1997 is a classic K-drama that has won hearts around the world for its nostalgic portrayal of growing up in the 90s. Released in 2012, it is also known for introducing a subtle but powerful LGBTQ+ story through the character Kang Joon-hee (Hoya), who is secretly dating her best friend, Yoon Eun-jae (Seo In-guk ) loves. The revelation of Joon-hee’s sexuality is delicately handled, highlighting his emotional struggles as he talks to his friend Sung Shi-won (Jang Eun-ji). This subplot was the first of its kind in mainstream K-dramas, and although it was not the central focus, it provided much-needed visibility to LGBTQ+ stories.
These K-dramas reflect a changing narrative within the genre, moving towards more inclusive and diverse portrayals of LGBTQ+ relationships and experiences. If you’ve seen these, which one is your favorite?
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