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Writer's picturelewishooper1

LGBTQ+ scenes are set to take over Korean TV, with TVING'S new drama "Love in the Big City" [K-Drama]

TVING is set to release another K-drama, Love in the Big City, which is scheduled to premiere on October 21, 2024. This time, LGBTQ+ Scenes will be at the forefront, paving the way for more open-minded Koreans. We introduce some other similar dramas that might interest you as well!


Image TVING Love in a Big City - K-drama. Image: bltai.com
Image TVING Love in a Big City - K-drama. Image: bltai.com

So what is this drama about?


This 8-part series has been adapted for TV from the novel of the same name by Park Sang Young, Love in the Big City follows the friendship between a pair of roommates: a gay man by the name of Go Yeong (Nam Yoon Soo Beyond Evil 2021), who struggles with getting his mother’s acceptance, and a woman, Mi Ae (Lee Soo Kyung Adamas 2022). After letting go of the love of his life, Go Yeong follows a stranger on vacation to Thailand where he reflects on his wounds and finds himself, I mean what better place to go than the backpacker capital of the world?


Let's take a look at a trailer!




I have to say that I am pleased TVING has featured a gay relationship for a change, and it shows that Korea is slowly progressing and changing their views as a nation. The trailer certainly showcases the feelings and emotions and shows the character falling in love which is really nice to see.


LGBTQ in K-dramas


In recent years, there has been a trend of increased representation of LGBTQ+ relationships in Korean dramas. South Korea is traditionally an extremely conservative country, but this trend may be showing a shift in attitudes toward the queer community, as global attitudes have been changing in recent years.


Media and entertainment in Korea, play a unique factor in shaping public opinion, especially when it comes to the perception of marginalized groups. When LGBTQ+ stories in visual media have tragic endings or promulgate stereotypes, they perpetuate the idea that queer relationships are inherently wrong or lesser than those of cisgender heterosexuals, or cishets. 


In South Korea, being LGBTQ+ is still perceived as unnatural or as a disability. Mental illness is even considered to be a sin in some communities. While homosexuality is not criminalized in Korea, there is widespread discrimination against the community. Many queer Koreans are subjected to job loss, social ostracization, and even violence if they are outed.


Other popular K-dramas have also featured LGBTQ+ couples:


Image: A scene from “Run On” (top left), “Nevertheless” (top right), “Mine” (bottom left) and “Squid Games” (bottom right). Representation of LGBTQ+ relationships in Korean dramas has been increasing.
Image: A scene from “Run On” (top left), “Nevertheless” (top right), “Mine” (bottom left) and “Squid Games” (bottom right). Representation of LGBTQ+ relationships in Korean dramas has been increasing.

Fans have been taking to social media platforms such as X to express their series predictions and excitement about the new show"




I think that that K-drama is a feel good drama to watch, and I have already marked the premier date in my calendar. According to IMBD this is "A drama that cheerfully depicts love and separation among the free-spirited young generation." I couldn't agree more and neither could other fans.


Let us know if you will be watching this new K-drama in the comments below.


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