fun hint: sangwoo isn’t the LGBT+ representation that matters. yoonbum is the LGBT+ representation that matters.
we need more portrayals of LGBT+ characters who are in abusive relationships, who struggle with their feelings about their abuser, who are depicted as currently experiencing that abuse rather than depicted as survivors of an abuse that has ended.
is Killing Stalking confusing because of the sometimes sexual and romantic overtones? good!!! that’s called realism!! when you’re in an abusive relationship, romance and sex get drawn into it and warped, and are very real parts of the experience!
LBGT+ people who’ve survived abusive queer relationships and still have vivid memories of what it was like in the heat of the moment can read KS and find media that relates to their experience, or that purges those emotions. maybe even current abuse victims can read it and find some comfort in knowing that somewhere, out there, someone understands their conflicted emotions and cares enough to write about them.
KS is important queer representation, not because we need more portrayals of characters like sangwoo, but because we need more portrayals of characters like yoonbum who are in the process of being hurt. not dead martyrs, not victorious survivors. characters who are still on their journey.
