LGBTQ representation in South Korean film and television
Representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters and themes in South Korean film and television remains a relatively small part of the country's overall media landscape. Discussions about such portrayals have grown both in academia and public LGBTQ movements. The South Korean LGBTQ rights movement, which gained momentum in the 1990s, contributed to increased visibility of queer characters and relationships in film and television. While South Korea has historically been less accepting of LGBTQ identities, attitudes are gradually changing. A study conducted at Chonnam National University found a growing acceptance of homosexuality in South Korea.
The advent of social media, has facilitated the cultural consumption and creation of LGBTQ narratives, leading to increased representation in cinema and television. Activism and queer cinema have often intersected, as seen in initiatives like the Korean Queer Film Festival, which began in 1998. The festival underscores the close ties between activism and representation in South Korean media.