Representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (i.e., LGBTQ) characters and themes in South Korean film and television remains a relatively small part of the country's overall media landscape.
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.
[3] The advent of social media, has facilitated the cultural consumption and creation of LGBTQ narratives, leading to increased representation in cinema and television.
[1] Efforts by organizations such as the Rainbow Foundation and Chingusai have helped shape public attitudes and foster greater representation of LGBTQ themes in South Korean media.
Some argued it allowed for greater acceptance by depoliticizing LGBTQ themes, while others contended it reinforced heteronormativity by making queerness conditional or secondary.