Communications in Humanities Research
- The Open Access Proceedings Series for Conferences
Communications in Humanities Research
Vol. 18, 07 December 2023
Open
Access | Article
An Analysis of Anti-Feminist Expressions in K-pop Culture
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Abstract
This paper critically examines anti-feminist expressions in K-pop culture, using a mixed methodology to analyze selected works. It highlights the impact on artists, global fandom, and cultural trends, emphasizing the necessity for intervention from stakeholders in the industry. While acknowledging the evolution of gender representation in K-pop, the paper addresses persistent criticism of objectification and commodification of female idols. Recognizing K-pop’s global influence, the study emphasizes the need to address anti-feminist nuances. It explores how K-pop fandoms influence perceptions of gender roles, particularly among youth. By challenging anti-feminist elements, the study aims to promote progress in attitudes towards gender equality. The paper also focuses on the paradox of stardom for female artists, examining how patriarchal bias and male management perpetuate anti-feminist practices. These practices restrict female artists’ autonomy and reinforce harmful gender norms. Highlighting power dynamics and systemic issues within the industry, the study emphasizes the influence of K-pop artists on their fans and cultural trends. It calls for collaboration among artists, agencies, fans, and policymakers to advocate for change and gender equality. In conclusion, this paper contributes to the discourse on anti-feminism in K-pop. By uncovering hidden undercurrents and exploring sociocultural implications, it aims to raise awareness and promote diverse gender representations within K-pop and society. The study envisions K-pop as a catalyst for positive change, leading to a more inclusive and progressive society celebrating gender equality.
Keywords
K-pop, anti-feminism, gender representation, cultural impact, fandom
References
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3. Saeji, C.T. (2013). Juvenile Protection and Sexual Objectification: Analysis of the Performance Frame in Korean Music Television Broadcasts. Acta Koreana, 16(2), 329-365.
4. Epstein, S., & Turnbull, J. (2014). Girls’ Generation? Gender, (Dis)Empowerment, and K-Pop. In K.H. Kim & Y. Choe (Eds.), The Korean Popular Culture Reader (pp. 314-336). Durham: Duke University Press.
5. Lin, X., & Rudolf, R. (2017). Does K-Pop Reinforce Gender Inequalities? Empirical Evidence from a New Data Set. Asian Women, 33(4), 27-54.
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7. Sung, S.Y. (2014). K-Pop Reception and Participatory Fan Culture in Austria. Cross-Currents: East Asian History and Culture Review, 3.
8. Mavin, S., Williams, J., & Grandy, G. (2014). Negative Intra-Gender Relations Between Women: Friendships, Competition, and Female Misogyny. In S. Kumra, R. Simpson, & R.J. Burke (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Gender in Organizations (pp. 223-248). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
9. Chuyun, O. (2014). The Politics of the Dancing Body: Racialized and Gendered Femininity in Korean Pop. In Y. Kuwahara (Ed.), The Korean Wave (pp. 53-81). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
10. Epstein, S., & Turnbull, J. (2014). Girls’ Generation? Gender, (Dis)Empowerment, and K-Pop. In K.H. Kim & Y. Choe (Eds.), The Korean Popular Culture Reader (pp. 314-336). Durham: Duke University Press.
Data Availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.
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- Volume Title
- Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Interdisciplinary Humanities and Communication Studies
- ISBN (Print)
- 978-1-83558-179-7
- ISBN (Online)
- 978-1-83558-180-3
- Published Date
- 07 December 2023
- Series
- Communications in Humanities Research
- ISSN (Print)
- 2753-7064
- ISSN (Online)
- 2753-7072
- DOI
- 10.54254/2753-7064/18/20231121
- Copyright
- 07 December 2023
- Open Access
- This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited