Analyzing the Literary Representation of Women in South Korean Films: The Case of Jewel in the Palace and the Heirs.
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Date
2023
Authors
Amuti, Mornica Ayuko
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
kenyatta university
Abstract
The study examines the roles assigned to female characters in Korean films and whether or not such roles are patriarchal. Specifically, the study analyzes the assigned roles of female characters and examines the images of female characters in Korean films. In addition, it sought to establish the connection between the roles of women as represented in Korean films and the social traditions of Korea. The study is limited to the films, “Jewel in the Palace,” directed by Lee Byung- Hoon and “The Heirs,” directed by Kang Shin-Hyo and Boo Sung-Chul. These two films were selected through purposive sampling since they share thematic boundaries. The study adopted a qualitative research design and used observation and examination of episodes drawn from the films to generate data. The study is based on the assumption that the images given to the female characters are stereotypical and that there are specific roles assigned to women in the films. The data was then analyzed in line with the specific objectives of the study. The tenets of Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem’s radical feminism aided in the analysis and interpretation of the selected films. The findings add to the debate revolving about the images portrayed of women in patriarchal societies. The findings establish that women have continuously been emasculated, and the roles assigned to them are always stereotypical to resonate with the underpinnings of a patriarchal society. In cases where women seemed to rise above patriarchal ideologies, women were portrayed as a power-hungry gender that uses evil means to acquire power. However, despite acquiring power, the study established that the complexities of patriarchy still transferred real power to men. Nevertheless, the study established that despite the supposed evil means that women use to acquire power, they are conscious of the oppressive nature of patriarchy, and they strive to challenge it
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Masters of Arts (Literature) of Kenyatta University
Keywords
Literary Representation, Women in South Korean Films, Jewel in the Palace and the Heirs.