The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans (LGBT) characterization in South Korean films and shows is somewhat a small portion of the larger South Korean entertainment industry that showcases characters or themes of the LGBT. Having a conservative culture in Korea, the K-drama industry generally played too safe when it comes to representing LGBT lives. However, the participation of LGBTQ+ characters in dramas is surely a sign that the country is already becoming more open and accepting of the community.
Nevertheless, things are starting to improve recently since South Korea is now more open, and Korean series have a role to play in molding values.
Scroll down to discover shows that have LGBTQ+ characters.
Itaewon Class
Actor Park Seo Joon portrays the character of Saeroyi, a high school drop out. He pursued his dream of opening his own restaurant in the busy streets of Itaewon. He only has one goal on his mind, and that is to turn his restaurant business into a huge company to overpower his competitor and sworn enemy Jang Dae-hee, the CEO of Jangga Corp. One character who aids Saeroyi in the drama is a trans woman, Ma Hyun-yi. As the drama develops, she becomes comfortable of herself and she rises to become a seasoned chef.
The Boy Next Door
The Boy Next Door is a miniseries that may be considered as the so-called queerbaiting. However, it still paves way for the normalcy of bromance. The drama is about the college students, named Park Kyu-tae, portrayed by Choi Woo-shik and Sung Ji-kae, portrayed by Jang Ki-yong. Both of them are forced to live in the same roof. Soon after, the boys have some funny and awkward encounters, and a mutual friend, Kim Min-ah, considered the boys gay.
Schoolgirl Detectives
This drama is more known as the Seonam Girls' High School Investigators that became famous because it features the first-ever lesbian kiss on the screen of mainstream Korean TV. It surprised the conservative viewers. The story centers on five female students who made a group, a detective club that solves sensitive subject matters in school, such as abortion, bullying, and suicide.
Coffee Prince
Famous actor Gong Yoo is the lead star in this drama. He plays the character of Choi Han-kyul, a bachelor and an inheritor of his family's coffee company. Han-kyul only hires males for his cafe crew in order to attract female customers. Meanwhile, Go Eun-chan is a 24-year-old tomboy who Han-kyul mistook as a guy. Hen then hired her to disguise as his gay beau to escape from the arranged blind dates by his grandmother.
Reply 1997
Reply 1997 centers the story on a circle of friends who are looking back on their teenage and high school years.
Hoya, former member Infinite, portrays the character of Kang Joon-hee, a gay man who has feelings for his best friend. In his group of friends, homosexuality is never an issue, and he was also treated with respect. His friends are supportive of his identity.
Do you know other K-dramas that highlight LGBTQ+ characters? Comment below!
