Itaewon Class to Squid Recreation Season 2: 6 Okay-dramas with LGBTQIA+ storylines that completely stole the highlight
![Itaewon Class to Squid Recreation Season 2: 6 Okay-dramas with LGBTQIA+ storylines that completely stole the highlight Itaewon Class to Squid Recreation Season 2: 6 Okay-dramas with LGBTQIA+ storylines that completely stole the highlight](https://i2.wp.com/www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2025/01/07/1600x900/itaewon_1736255042296_1736255050936.jpeg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1)
The recognition of Okay-dramas has continued to soar over time, changing into a worldwide phenomenon following the unrivaled success of exhibits like Squid Recreation and It is Okay To Not Be Okay. For a lot of followers, the attract of of Okay-dramas was initially crammed with pastel-coloured aesthetics and tales revolving round conventional gender norms, however the distinctive and dormant aesthetic made it reasonably laborious broader viewers to see themselves mirrored. Now as Okay-dramas achieve worldwide reputation at an unprecedented price, the style is slowly however absolutely embracing variety, together with LGBTQIA+ illustration. In the event you’re a fan of Okay-dramas who values inclusivity, you’ll be excited to know that a few of your favorite exhibits have made strides in portraying LGBTQ+ characters and their tales. Listed here are a couple of Okay-dramas you might not have identified included LGBTQ+ illustration:
Squid Recreation 2 – Cho Hyun-ju
Probably the most extremely anticipated exhibits of 2023, Squid Recreation returned with a second season final December, introducing new opponents within the lethal recreation. Amongst them is Cho Hyun-ju (Participant 120), a transgender girl and former particular forces soldier, who enters the sport to fund her gender-affirming surgical procedure. In an interview, Director Hwang Dong-hyuk revealed that Cho Hyun-ju was created particularly to spotlight the struggles confronted by the transgender group in South Korea, the place gender minorities are nonetheless combating for acceptance.
However – Jiwan and Sol
Launched in 2021 and set at an artwork college, However focuses on the advanced and sometimes poisonous relationship between two people, Na-bi and Jae-eon (performed by Han So-hee and Track Kang). However inside this narrative, there’s one other relationship that deserves consideration – that of Yoon Sol (Lee Ho-jung) and Search engine optimisation Ji-wan (Yoon Search engine optimisation-ah). Their love story is tender and real looking, portraying the blossoming of a secret crush right into a full-fledged romantic relationship. It’s a uncommon portrayal of a lesbian relationship in Okay-dramas and whereas the principle storylines have garnered blended critiques, Jiwan and Sol’s love story gave followers a more in-depth have a look at queer illustration in trendy Korean tv.
The place Your Eyes Linger — Han Tae-Joo and Kang-gook
This 2020 mini-drama broke limitations in Okay-drama with its portrayal of a younger homosexual love story. The present follows the evolving romantic relationship between two highschool boys, Han Tae-Joo (Han Gi-chan) and Kang-gook (Jang Eui-soo). Their bond is rooted in a master-servant dynamic, with Kang-gook serving as Tae-Joo’s protector. As they mature, Kang-gook begins to develop deeper emotions for Tae-Joo, however he’s compelled to maintain his feelings hidden, realizing the complexities they’d convey to their longstanding relationship. This drama could also be quick in size, however its emotional resonance and illustration of younger queer love left an enduring affect on its viewers.
Itaewon Class – Ma Hyeon-yi
One of many breakout hits of 2020, Itaewon Class revolves round Sae-Ro-Yi’s (Park Search engine optimisation-Joon) journey to open a restaurant and defeat his arch-nemesis. However alongside the way in which, we meet Ma Hyeon-Yi (Lee Joon-Younger), a transgender girl who works with Sae-Ro-Yi and turns into one in all his closest allies. Hyeon-Yi’s storyline includes her journey of saving cash for intercourse reassignment surgical procedure and progressively coming to phrases together with her gender id.
Reply 1997 – Kang Joon-Hee’s journey
Reply 1997 is a traditional Okay-drama that has received hearts worldwide for its nostalgic portrayal of rising up within the 90s. Launched in 2012, it additionally stands out for introducing a delicate however highly effective LGBTQ+ storyline by way of the character Kang Joon-hee (Hoya), who’s secretly in love along with his finest good friend, Yoon Yoon-jae (Search engine optimisation In-guk). The revelation of Joon-Hee’s sexuality is dealt with delicately, highlighting his emotional struggles as he confides in his good friend Sung Shi-won (Jung Eun-Ji). This subplot was one of many first of its type in mainstream Okay-dramas, and although it was not the central focus, it introduced much-needed visibility to LGBTQ+ tales.
These Okay-dramas mirror a shifting narrative throughout the style, shifting towards extra inclusive and numerous portrayals of LGBTQ+ relationships and experiences. In the event you’ve seen these, which one is your favorite?