66. Bodies & Sexism [Representation in Dramaland]

In Part 2 of Representation in Dramaland, we analyze the trend of very young female leads in contrast with their far older male counterparts, fat-shaming and beauty standards, and ableism, with specific examples of good and bad representation. We reflect on how K-dramas have evolved since we've started watching them, and conclude our exploration of representation with some thoughts on how these conversations often play out in the fandom (or don't), and how we might all approach these stories with more nuance, and our fellow fans with more kindness and respect. TIME STAMPS: SEXISM 00:03:00 The infantilization and/or sexualization of young female leads 00:03:32 Kim Yoo-jung & Ji Chang-wook in Backstreet Rookie 00:04:35 Kim So-hyun & Yoon Doo-joon in Radio Romance 00:05:30 The ickiness of waiting for child actresses to "turn legal" 00:09:47 Jung Eun-ji & the creepy second male lead in Reply 1997 00:22:05 Park Shin-hye & Kim Rae-won in Doctors 00:23:42 Drama representations vs. real-life relationships 00:30:14 Kim Go-eun and Gong Yoo in Goblin 00:37:20 But why are we often okay with noona romances with high school male leads? BODY IMAGE 00:43:20 Beauty standards and fat-shaming in Korean entertainment 00:46:52 Kim Sun-ah in My Name is Kim Sam-soon 00:51:00 Shin Min-ah in Oh My Venus 00:54:45 Ha Jae-sook in Perfume 00:57:55 My ID is Gangnam Beauty 01:02:56 Eating disorders, Seo In-guk's struggle 01:05:11 Birth of a Beauty 01:05:52 Lee Young-ja in Hello Counselor ABLEISM 01:11:00 Fox Bride Star/Where Stars Land 01:19:50 The Secret Life of My Secretary 01:22:50 The Beauty Inside 01:24:35 Trauma and mental illness 01:28:00 What makes a drama "too problematic to watch"? 01:32:00 The importance of creating space in fandom for these conversations 01:34:30 Who we valorize on TV, and how that affects society, and who's responsible 01:40:47 Context, change, and conclusions In our extended show notes, you can find links to the articles we reference in the episode, additional points from us that we forgot to mention during the recording, and a complete list of listeners who sent feedback. Read them here: https://wp.me/p99pCS-uo Find us on Twitter @dramasoverflow and Instagram @dramasoverflowers_podcast. Email us at [email protected]. Our Amazing Patrons are: Egads, Steven Blackmore, Lia W., Kimbap Noona, Hades, Gracefulegg, Divina, Jenmole, Saoirse10, Hamda, MCG, Humbledaisy, Eunice Choi, Jojo, A.K., k8ekol, mindy, Liliana, Edyth, and Marcia. Thank you! ❤︎ Support us at www.patreon.com/dramasoverflowers and by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or simply telling your friends. Episode edited by Anisa.