Track: Case Studies
Abstract
South Korea has achieved remarkable success in promoting its pop culture products ranging from music to films. K-pop and K-drama are the two main exports that have helped improve the country’s international image, aside from accumulating substantial economic gains. Many K-pop idols are extremely popular, especially those in the boy and girl groups. Yet, it is interesting to examine whether this fame will eventually help them to shape how fans perceive feminism? Particularly amidst a profoundly entrenched patriarchal society rooted in Confucianism. Using the experience of two members of the Red Velvet (a girl group) who openly expressed their support towards feminism, this study finds that the decision was deemed selfish and risking the entire group. The backlash that the idols received is rather harsh and exaggerated.