Perception of Perfection

Glenn  from the Walking Dead 

Jin from Lost

 I chose to focus on the perception of Korean Men in the media.  Many of the Asian characters whether it is in television, movies, or music are often time Korean men, and for the most part have similar stories.  The usual story, or stereotype, for most Asian characters (unfortunately often times lumped together) is smart, crafty, hard working, perfectionists. But for my blog I chose to place extra focus on Korean men specifically.  For example Glenn from the Walking Dead, while not physically imposing, has survived some of the most horrible situations by being determined, quick and clever.  Or Jin, on Lost, being stern, serious, and hard working?  The characters have similar characteristics that are seen reflected by the everyday stereotype placed on Asian-Americans today.  That is what the media does, so often, by only focusing on one story.  Even in Korean pop music, that is making its way to America, the music labels expect nothing shy of perfection from its idols.  Aside from the laughs we got from Gangnam Style, the world of a KPOP idol is nothing less than ridged. Dope, by BTS, is a recent release from this year that features intense choreography. These routines are expected from idols by their audience.  From their diets, to their non-stop dance practices, to the level of standard held to them, it is nothing shy of perfection. 

This single story is limiting because it does not encompass those who don’t fall into the stereotype.  What about those who are not so clever.  For example, the character in Disturbia played by Korean actor Aaron Yoo, is lazy, and does poor in school.  This character is purposefully different from the stereotype on purpose to incorporate that juxtapose into his character.  During the movie, he is often seen complaining about his father being too strict, or wanting him to achieve more than he is doing. It makes it hard to be

Ronnie from the movie, Disturbia

anything less than perfection. My close friend, Jaemin Hwang has often told me of the level of perfection his parents have for him.  At a young age Koreans have to: go to school, then cram school, then do home work, all this juggling extra clubs or extra activities.  It takes its toll.

Based on my research of Korean characters in movies, and television, and the livelihoods of KPOP idols, I think that the single story being told is that of mental acuity, and perfection.  It can put a lot of pressure to be told you always have to be smart, or perfect, or clever.  Just like any stereotype it can perpetuate issues of its own nature.  There may be links as to why South Korea has the highest suicide rate among the developed nations. ( http://www.bbc.com/news/world-33362387) By being human and making errors is part of life. An unattainable ideal for a perfectionist can be crippling, and being told you must always be perfect makes it even harder thus.