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Home › Forums › Short Online Seminars › Understanding Korean Society through Popular Culture, Summer 2022 › Week 3 - K-dramas and TV (August 16th)
ParkLisa.
Crystal Hsia
☞ Step3: Join us for the discussion session on Tuesday, 8/9 at 5pm PT
ShurongI was so surprised that Jewel in the Palace has been broadcast in so many countries.
I also did not know the baby shark song was originally from korea.
From the article , the author analyzed the social issues behind the two dramas: Dad! Where are we going and the return of superman. The social issues like low birth rate, suicide rate, social statues between men and women are very valuable information to me.
From the Professor’s video , I learned how to watch Korean dramas from a broad perspective, especially social issues tied in them.
Taylor BubOne thing that really stood out to me from this article was the discussion of the female gaze presented in K-dramas. The idea presented by Benson-Allott that this typical female gaze that is often referred to is specific to white heterosexual preferences and does not necessarily represent the feelings of the majority of the population. I find it interesting that the influence and dominance of white heteronormativity is so prevelant in other cultures. I always knew there was a strong influence, but I never realized how strong the influece was. I also wonder how accurate this definition of the 'female gaze' is, as many forms of media show male actors as unemotional, physically strong and powerful, as if this is the specific desire of women. However, I think that if we look at who is writing these characters, scripts and productions, it is usually men; so this idea of what women want is really what men think women want.
Taylor BubThe article about why Squid Game became so popular really resonated with me. In particular I have found that movies from other countries seem less 'cookie cutter' and less predictable to me. I remember watching scary movies like Friday the 13th, and I found that when watching Squid Game, I would think I knew what might happen next, and then the complete opposite would happen and it made it difficult to look away from the show. Specifically when the older man turns out to be the person running the entire game at the end, I found it to be so well thought out and carefully planned, so that when this secret is revealed, you realize that there were so many clues throughout the show that eluded to it. I think that Squid Game did this so well compared to american shows.
Kara SchwartzThe bright colors of the Squid Game workers and environment at the games were mentioned in this article, and how they starkly contrast with the dark desperation of the contestants. I think this was done on purpose. The colors are almost jarring and create a sense of urgency and can make one anxious. Also, the colors could represent irony. They are bright and not unlike the games chosen are games of childhood and the bright colors that appeal to children. It is ironic that now their lives are almost without happiness or color because of adult life choices and money troubles. My students went crazy for this series. They even inlcuded Squid Game for one of their Spirit Week celebration themes. But the question that was posed the other night is how do we get them to learn more than just about Korean culture. Last year, my co teacher was teaching a unit on the Philipines. I baked Ube cookies and I created a dynamic presentaion on Filipino festivals which the students loved. I think the sweet taste of the cookies (yes Teens always respond to food) and the joyous festivals appealed to them. When, we can get them to go beyond just watching to "tasting" a culture or experiencing certain aspects of a culture, I think they will want to learn more. Back to Squid Game. I think teens loved the aesthetic of the show. My niece told me she loved the set design and color scheme. She is an artist and a teenager.
What did I love about Squid Game. I loved all the characters who were real characters so to speak. Even those with questionable morals were appealing. Everyone had such realistic and strong personalities. There were no overdone archetypes of heroes and villians
Comments on second article to arrive shortly
Kara SchwartzI found this article very interesting. The Mother's Gaze is a very interesting concept, and it may be true of many shows, but not all. I like how the gaze or should we call it judgement is reinforced through the often humourous chamak and camera techniques. The chamak is not to be taken lightly. "The chamak not only shapes the narrative but also shows how MBC controls the discussion on what constitutes acceptable fathering" If Korean father's are inept at fathering this also communicates to the audience that women ought to have children and be the primary caregiver.
I find it very interesting that the show Dad! was based on the writer's experience with his own children. It seems like it could be quite funny at times. But I will be looking for a message it might imply.
The mother's gaze holds power in the domestic realm, but what does this mean for the future of women's power in the workforce?. It seems that these messages are counter productive to women's rights and equality.
I will try to watch at least one of these shows to expereince this first hand. Also, maybe this is an exception, but the father in Extraordinary Attorney Woo seems to be a very intuitive and "maternal" or naturally paternal father. He is very domesticated yet, I find him to be strong. Could this be a sign of change?
Alas, as a woman who is child free (And I like kids! I work with teens, and I am a great Auntie to my niece and nephew - see there I go needing to defend myself, I do feel that this statment in the article gave me chills:
"Both shows position imagined female viewers as wives and mothers, placing an expectation on cis-femail viewers to eventually fulfull their biological duty to the state." Moon goes on to say that women are "delegitimalized as citizens and that women are bodies carrying wombs and labor power."
I live in rural Maine, and I am asked questions or hear comments all the time about choosing not to have children.
This is a global issue, I fear. But I digress.
Thank you for the lecture as well. I might have comments on that soon. This article was very insightful, and I am eager to watch Dad! Also, I never knew about Chamak until this article. Thank you
Kara SchwartzHI
I feel that I need to watch more Korean dramas based on this week's lecture. I am going to try Our Blues and the Hospital List.
Here are three Aha moments:
1. Food is frequently displayed in Kdramas. I love this. I have always noticed food is not really eaten in American dramas unless it is a show about some kind of eating disorder. My father told me once (he is a huge BBC fan) that the thing he loves about Brit shows is that they are really eating or appear to be enjoying their food in their shows.
2. I love the fact that fans analyze the shows and try to find deeper meaning. I actually took a book out once on the thread of Buddhism and other themes that run through the Sopranos. And, I love that fans celebrate their shows with food and drink.
3. The sensitive man in Kdrama. I have already noticed that in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and I love it.
Oops one more. I love that way that soft power or television is helping to bridge the gap in Japanese and Korean relations.
Kara SchwartzWhat commonalities do the Korean people and Iranian people share? I am interested in why K drama is so popular in Iran
ZhangTinaActually, the baby shark song is much older as I remember one of my students singing it in 2006. The video was made in Korea in 2016, but its not from Korea.
ZhangTinaThe second article talked about how the reality TV shows project a Korean form of idealized masculinity, and how the shows are teaching the modern Korean man on how to become a better father. While this may seem true, especially with the subtitles and voiceovers, I think this is more of a world wide phenomenon. I mean, what woman does not want their husband to be a better father? and also, at the same time, relish the idea that their husbands are not doing as good of a job as they are? In the UK and the US, in the early 2000's as well, there was a reality show called Wife Swap, where different moms from different types of families are switched, to see how well she can handle in other difficult situations. Looking at the show through this lens, it would seem that other "moms" are also relishing the idea that maybe they are not doing that bad of a job either. If what the author is saying is true, then the UK and the US is projecting an idealized "mother" for its Western audiences as well. I mean, why is the role of the female alway the "mom"? I think the author has a good point a the end, where she says that the government is more concerned with promoting woman's reproductive role rather than facing issues like pay equality amongst genders and homosexual households.
WallaceLisaIn reading article no. 2, it struck me that I do not think what makes a good father can be reduced to one's upbringing as either Confucian/Oriental or Anglo-American. Part of being a good father, or mom for that matter, is to show empathy, be humble, listen more than you speak, and build trust with your children. This naturally leads to healthy respect of a parent. This should not be reduced to a notion of East vs. West. To be human is to show empathy and build meaningful connections with others and should be possible no matter your background, race, or life philosophy, or whether you're the main wage earner or not, etc.
Regarding motherhood and how it is viewed in society, I remember watching Romance is a Bonus Book, and Forecasting Love and Weather, and in both shows, the issue of taking time off to be a full time mom seemed to be an impossible option as far as keeping your career moving forward. If you take that couple of years away from your job, it seems nearly impossible to get back into the workforce and keep others' respect. Is this really how it is in Korea? Maybe in addition to helping Dads know how to be more involved parents, who are approachable and gain respect not from fear/shame, but from empathy and affirmation, and trust, there could also be an effort made towards wider acceptance of, and respect and support for moms, and the difficult job they do. Society in general seems to view motherhood as a job that is just unappreciated work, and that work outside the home is much more respected,
worthwhile, and meaningful. But both are important paths.
WallaceLisaOur Blues and Hospital Playlist are both excellent! Yes, I agree about food issues. It's nice to see people regarding food in a healthy way, and as a way to connect with others...
WallaceLisaThis surprised me a bit, as I was unaware of the agenda behind these shows! I think there may be more effective ways of encouraging bigger families, starting with the view of motherhood in general, and then also companies being more supportive of hiring moms again if they took some off to raise their kids; if there was not that fear that your career is essentially over if you choose to be a mom....?
WallaceLisaI started watching K-dramas about 7 years ago, when my teenage daughter took an interest in BTS and other k-pop groups, and Korean TV. I feel like I have learned a lot about Korean culture from them, as well as societal issues in Korea. I love the depth of the stories, and the characters, and often find myself thinking about the stories even after they are done. So much to learn about and reflect upon regarding human nature and family. Some are just plain funny and provide a terrific relief from everyday life burdens. And I enjoy the music from the dramas as well. I work out/ walk while listening to the fun ones, and find so many of the tunes beautiful and calming when trying to relax.
Courtney CaldwellI was intrigued by the Squid Games article because as someone who initially was actually turned off by the concept of the show, I ended up being so fascinated and drawn to it for reasons stated in the article. I remember watching the first episode and just not understanding why the show was spreading like wildfire. I took quite a long break actually because I personally was turned off by the darkness of the show. It wasn't until quite a few students (I teach HS) and friends told me to stay committed I attempted to watch again and actually it became something where I really needed to know what was going to happen.
Like the article states, I was completely drawn to the characters and the relationships they had with each other. I remember being so heartbroken at all that transpired at the marbles game not only because of being drawn to the characters but also because of the shock at what happened. It was both heartbreaking and infuriating to watch. Additionally, the presence of the VIP's reminded me of the members of the capital in The Hunger Games - preying on people for their own entertainment, literally putting them in life and death situations until only one remains.
While I don't exactly want to put into words the serious plot twist regarding Player 001 - it was that type of incredible shock and twists that truly kept me glued to what many perceive as such a dark show - it was fascinating. I will say, I'm not sure how I feel about a second season but I will certainly be watching.