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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Queer Film's Territory Expands: Funnier, Sexier Stories Emerge

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Two recent South Korean films, 'Ivanry Jang Man-ok' and 'Drive My Car', are expanding the territory of queer cinema by featuring middle-aged and rural characters.
  • 'Ivanry Jang Man-ok' uses comedy derived from the protagonist's bold personality and rural setting to explore themes of identity and community.
  • 'Drive My Car' is a British film that, despite its adult rating, has resonated with audiences for its portrayal of a complex and evolving relationship within the queer community.

The Korean film 'Ivanry Jang Man-ok,' released on the 10th, is showcasing new energy in queer narratives, following last year's '3670.' It shifts the focus from urban youth to middle-aged characters in rural settings, who are even considered 'old-fashioned' by younger queer individuals.

I wanted to make a film that diverse audiences, not just those who identify as LGBTQ+, could safely laugh with.

— Lee Yoo-jinDirector Lee Yoo-jin explained her intention to create a film accessible to a broad audience.

The film humorously depicts the protagonist, Man-ok, who returns to her conservative hometown after realizing her identity and divorcing her husband. Despite facing challenges, including her ex-husband's influence, Man-ok's meddling nature stirs up the quiet village. Her assertive actions, like confronting bullies and standing up to the village head, are intertwined with the unique humor of rural life and the Chungcheong dialect, creating a comedic effect.

Director Lee Yoo-jin aimed to create a film that could be enjoyed by a diverse audience, not just the LGBTQ+ community. She wanted to portray queer characters as complex individuals, not necessarily role models, who could be flawed and imperfect. The film's message is encapsulated in Man-ok's line to a concerned friend: "Worrying is fine, but give me support." This reflects the film's cheerful and resilient tone.

There was a atmosphere of needing to be portrayed as role models because we are a minority, but I wanted queer characters to be depicted diversely, like ordinary human beings, showing them as villains, or imperfect and flawed.

— Lee Yoo-jinDirector Lee Yoo-jin discussed her desire for nuanced representation of queer characters.

Similarly, the British film 'Drive My Car,' released on May 27th, demonstrates how queer films can be both sexy and heartwarming. It has already surpassed 10,000 viewers in five days, despite its adult rating. The film explores a provocative story involving a seemingly ordinary gay man, Colin, and a charismatic but manipulative man, Ray. Their relationship is depicted with a complex dynamic of control and submission, which is gradually revealed through intricate storytelling and strong performances, transcending simple judgments.

Worrying is fine, but give me support.

— Man-okA line from the film 'Ivanry Jang Man-ok' that encapsulates its cheerful and resilient spirit.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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