A Sociological Examination of Masculinity in Korean Boys’ Love Dramas
摘要
This chapter explores the representation of masculinity in Korean Boys’ Love (BL) dramas from a sociological perspective. Drawing on theories of Social Constructionism and Queer Theory, it interrogates how these dramas construct and negotiate masculinity, challenging traditional societal norms and offering a broader understanding of gender roles and sexuality. A content analysis is carried out on five Korean BL dramas to understand the patterns and themes in the portrayal of masculinity. The points of analysis and discussion identified are (1) Seme and Uke masculinities, (2) fluid expressions of masculinities, (3) complex male relationships, (4) the roles of women in BL relationships, and (5) issues and challenges. This chapter aims to offer insightful perspectives into the evolving understanding of masculinity and gender roles in contemporary South Korean society, contributing to broader discussions on gender representation in media through Korean BL dramas.