So I’m watching Itaewon Class (a netflix k-drama) and the other day I realized something.
I despised the female lead instantly, Yi Seo. Canonicaly diagnosted with a Sociopathic Disorder, she’s egoistical and individualist. She doesn’t care the least for others, stepping all over them and taking advantage without batting an eye, all in order to get what she wants. And what she wants is Saeroyi, her boss, the male lead.
With every little thing Yi Seo did she infuriated me even more. I wanted something to go wrong for her, so she calmend down. I wanted somebody to force some humintly on her. And then I realized soemthing.
The problem isn’t her personalitie, nor the fact she is egoistic. It’s the fact that she is female.
When haven’t we seen the trope of the mean male love interest that’s ruthless with anyone, with the exception of the one he loves?
We are used to sacrificing female characters, who selflessly give their all. Comprehensive and understanding, many times able to see the bigger picture, kind, accepting of others flaws. Don’t get me wrong: I still don’t her personality. I don’t like the ‘strong’ type of character who proves themselves in spite of others, walking over those around them, thinking they are entitled to because they are ‘better’.
But i couldn’t help but notice we accept such personalities when they come from male characters.
In the show, the male lead Saeroyi is the kind one, who values the people around them and forgives their flaws. What does he do, to attain succes? He gets Yi Seo to fall in love with him. That’s it. Maybe he’s determinated enough, and doesn’t give up, too. Do you know where we usually see this development? That’s right! Female leads! That rom-com female protagonist, whose only archievement is making a rich, strong, tough guy to fall in love with her (unintentionally, of course. just her natural charm). A guy who later on protects her and supports her.
And Yi Seo is the lover here. She arrives and organizes his bar, she leaves college for him and acts like a little shit to everyone, all in order to fulfill his dream.
idk about u but realizing this blew my mind.
These interactions are a reminder that female characters, in order to be ‘strong and independant’, don’t have to be perfect. The can be egoistic and ruthless. This is how representation looks like: hateful, ugly, and real.
Aca está la versión en español !
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