Framing the Gendered Crip: Intersectional Representations of Gendered Disability in South Korean Commercial Films

Jiyoung Bae, Yale University

This study examines the intersectional inequalities of disability and gender, particularly how they are masked by the illusion of visibility in South Korean commercial films. While the representation of disabled characters has increased in recent years, it is crucial to assess whether these portrayals are fair and unbiased, especially through the lenses of ableism and gender discrimination. This study addresses the following questions: Are there differences in the representation of disabled characters by gender? If so, how are female disabled characters portrayed compared to male disabled characters, particularly in terms of the degree of exposure and framing of characteristics? By answering these questions, this study analyzes disparities in representation and framing, revealing how able-bodied perspectives construct preferred disabled traits in a gendered manner, ultimately reinforcing societal norms that cater to the expectations of the abled. The theoretical framework draws from Campbell’s concept of ableism, McRuer’s crip theory, and West and Zimmerman’s theory of “doing gender.” Methodologically, the research employs critical discourse analysis and narrative analysis to investigate the multidimensional inequalities embedded in these portrayals. Despite the recent shift in the drama industry toward centering narratives around disabled women, South Korean commercial films continue to portray disability in a biased manner. The findings show that the majority of disabled protagonists in these films are male, often depicted with intellectual disabilities but possessing extraordinary talents that compensate for their impairments. In contrast, female disabled characters are typically relegated to peripheral roles as partners or family members, primarily characterized by kindness. These findings serve as critical evidence in uncovering power dynamics, exposing embedded stereotypes, and examining the gender norms reflected in South Korean cinema.

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 Presented in Session 73. Gender Representations. Law, Politics, Education