A couple of points discussed in the article were those relating to the "excessive" attention towards the male characters' appearance, as well as the predictability of K-dramas. I knew before watching this week's show that South Korea has placed a huge emphasis on physical appearance. While I'm not surprised that K-dramas prioritize physical appearance, I can't help but be saddened by how "important" that is for me. I also agree that if the characters are physically appealing, I am more likely to continue watching. I personally feel like I've fallen for the "bait" in a sense. As for the predictability aspect, I also agree that the provision of happy endings draws people in, especially given that people always face hardships in their lives. Taking COVID-19 into consideration, people are lacking opportunities to make genuine connections and with K-dramas at their disposal, it's easy for them to become hooked. While I could argue that knowing that there will always be happy endings in K-dramas, I am also one of those people that enjoys seeing characters end up together and being all "lovey-dovey". I think producers of these shows have a true understanding of how to grab their audiences' attention (e.g., young teenage girls, adult women).
Overall, I really enjoyed watching this week's show and reading the article about K-drama and pop cosmopolitans. The reading in particular helped me realize why I enjoy K-dramas, as well as other Asian-based shows (e.g., anime).
I agree that Love Alarm has the innocence that attracts fans, and even other factors. But for me, it follows the same old motif of K-Drama and this makes it less interesting.
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ReplyDeleteHey Tida! I was also interested in this idea of the "excessive attention towards the male characters' appearance." Both articles touch on the emphasis on physical appearance; like you said, in Lee's study, she argues that "the fantasy world K-dramas create depends on the beauty of K-dramas’ male protagonists" (371). In the textbook reading, Jackie Kovich- a white woman who had adopted a child from China- expresses her belief that "there are no ugly Asian children." I was honestly surprised by the sentiment that all Asian babies are physically attractive, and I agree with you that it is sad how much we seem to care about looks.
DeleteI also agree that K-dramas can be a way for us to escape our current reality. It helps us feel happy and nice. The only thing is that we must remember that what is being portrayed on the screen is not often a reflection of reality.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you mention that K-dramas are more appealing during COVID times, since that completely makes sense. I think I'm definitely attracted to shows with happier endings, or lower stakes entertainment like the reality show we watched last week.
ReplyDeleteYou described such a particular struggle when it comes commenting and consuming on actors' physical attractiveness in media, but especially in this context. When Sun-Oh makes his first appearance in the series and takes off his shirt, it's a pointed nod to the audience of viewers who approach the show with the expectation of formulaic attractiveness. Personally, I started paying attention more closely then. I felt uncomfortable with aligning myself as a viewer lured by "the pretty boy syndrome,” though (Lee 371). It felt like it toed the line of fetishization: fandom’s fixation with consuming Korean media for images of cute, sensitive romantic interests seemed impossible to ignore while watching. Sun-Oh’s silky haircut got me for a moment before his overbearing tendencies ruined the show's romance.
ReplyDeleteI like the two aspects of the show that you identify as the core of its appeal: the attractiveness of the characters and its overall aesthetic of cuteness and the narrative interest in "innocence." Its funny, I find neither of these elements appealing generally or in the particular experience of watching this show. However, I still found it intensely pleasurable for a reason that you didnt mention. I think that, as that article tells us, this show revolves around a tried an true genre formula. Hong finds this boring but I find it strangely comforting. I think this is true for alot of viewers of this type of drama.
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