Descendants of Korean Dramas: Influence of Korean dramas in Shaping Gender Expectations & Reinforcing Self-perception of Gender Roles Among Young Singaporean Couples

Abstract

Since the rise of the Hallyu Wave, Korean dramas have continuously grown and garnered immense popularity over the last decade. Apart from being a form of entertainment, Korean dramas have real tangible social implications that require closer examination. Through qualitative interviews with young Singapore couples who are Korean dramas viewers, this study seeks to explore the possibility of impact of Korean dramas on the internal dynamics of a relationship amongst young attached Singaporean viewers. Specifically, the research aims to address: the extent of which Korean dramas shape one’s gender expectations towards his/her partner and reinforce self-perception of gender roles in a relationship. This research will study the nature and extent of the impact as well as examine some of the factors that accounts for the impact.