Squid Game Season 2 to Itaewon Class: 5 K-Dramas featuring strong LGBTQIA+ storylines

The growing craze of Korean drama continues to dominate the global entertainment scene. The narratives of LGBTQIA+ have gradually increased and have become more prominent to resonate with audiences worldwide. Characterized by traditional gender dynamics and by pastel aesthetics.

K-dramas are now embracing more diverse stories, offering greater representation for all. The fans who appreciate inclusivity it's a big thing for them. Here’s a look at five notable K-dramas that have introduced compelling LGBTQIA+ characters and storylines.

‘Squid Game Season 2’

The globally acclaimed Squid Game season 2 introduced Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120), a transgender woman and former special forces soldier who joins the deadly competition to fund her gender-affirming surgery. The director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared that the character was created to shed light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals in South Korea, where acceptance of gender minorities remains a struggle.

‘Nevertheless’

‘Nevertheless’ is known for its exploration of complex relationships set in an art school, amid the central storyline between Na-bi and Jae-eon, the show presents a tender and realistic depiction of a lesbian relationship between Yoon Sol (Lee Ho-jung) and Seo Ji-wan (Yoon Seo-ah). Their evolving love story from a secret crush to a full-fledged romance provides a rare glimpse into queer representation in K-dramas.

‘Where Your Eyes Linger’

This mini-drama broke new ground with its portrayal of a young gay romance. The plot revolves around Han Tae-Joo (Han Gi-chan) and Kang-gook (Jang Eui-soo), childhood friends whose bond is rooted in a protector-servant dynamic. As they grow older, Kang-gook begins to develop deeper feelings for Tae-Joo, navigating the complexities of his emotions. Even though it's short runtime, the drama left a powerful impression with its heartfelt portrayal of young love.

‘Itaewon Class’

A massive hit in 2020, Itaewon Class follows Sae-Ro-Yi (Park Seo-Joon) as he builds his restaurant business while seeking justice against his rivals. Among his loyal allies is Ma Hyeon-Yi (Lee Joon-Young), a transgender woman saving money for her gender-affirming surgery. Hyeon-Yi’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance adds depth to the series, making her character a standout.

‘Reply 1997’

The nostalgic ode to growing up in the 1990s, ‘Reply 1997’ also made waves with its subtle yet impactful LGBTQIA+ subplot. Kang Joon-hee (Hoya) harbors unrequited feelings for his best friend, Yoon Yoon-jae (Seo In-guk). The show handles Joon-hee’s struggles with sensitivity, making his storyline one of the first LGBTQIA+ narratives to appear in mainstream K-dramas.

These dramas showcase the evolving landscape of Korean television worldwide where inclusive and diverse stories are finding their rightful place. Have you watched any of these shows? Which one stands out to you the most?