Besides the love story of the two main characters, Queen of Tears also attracts attention when mentioning the change in gender norms - Photo: TvN
This scene not only has a humorous feel but also reflects the real-life grievances of married women, criticizing gender disparity.
The Queen of Tears Changes Gender Norms
In episode 1, the image of Baek Hyun Woo - the male lead - and many handsome, stylish, talented men wearing aprons baking, cooking and decorating dishes to prepare a funeral party at his wife's house.
The act of men cooking is explained by the brother-in-law: "In the past, royal families required male members to prepare everything for the death anniversary. The chairman likes royal traditions so he has been doing this for many years."
Queen of Tears Movie Trailer
Although he was frustrated with "what a waste of talent" in his heart, Baek Hyun Woo muttered, but his hands still quickly decorated the food on the plate.
Another male character expressed his displeasure: "This is the Hong family's death anniversary, no one here has that last name. They have to prepare for it themselves."
That's what the movie says, but in reality, traditionally, this duty falls to the daughter-in-law in Korea.
Therefore, men wearing aprons goes against traditional social values in Korea in particular and Asia in general.
Men wearing aprons in the movie Queen of Tears - Photo: TvN
It turns the film into a mirror for society, reflecting the absurdity of gender discrimination. At the same time, the film satirizes the remnants of patriarchal culture by having men take on roles traditionally reserved for women in Korea.
The success of Queen of Tears extended beyond South Korea, resonating with viewers in countries like Indonesia, where patriarchal male attitudes are similarly ingrained.
According to the Korea Times , a 22-year-old Indonesian viewer expressed agreement with the film's theme:
"Many women still live with the notion that they have to cook for their husbands and families.
It was refreshing to talk about patriarchal culture with my family through a Korean drama. In a way, Queen of Tears is educational."
Drama critic Gong Hee Jung praised the show for satirizing patriarchy, marking an important step in changing gender norms.
Cinderella does not guarantee happiness
Queen of Tears is the latest example of the changing image of women in Korean films today.
Famous actress and singer Uhm Jung Hwa once said that the spotlight was rarely on women in the 1990s, when "women's life goals were focused on finding the perfect man," she said.
The powerful female director Hong Hae In in Queen of Tears is played by actress Kim Ji Won.
But today many Korean dramas build complex and strong female characters, reflecting temporary changes in society.
As in Queen of Tears, Queens Group CEO Hong Hae In (actress Kim Ji Won) plays the lead role, reversing traditional gender roles and offering a new perspective on the Cinderella story.
Actor Kim Soo Hyun plays Baek Hyun Woo in Queen of Tears.
Cultural critic Jung Duk Hyun attributes the show's popularity to its gender role reversal and humor:
"The film flipped the script on romantic comedies with a message that Cinderella doesn't guarantee happiness either."
Queen of Tears revolves around the love story between Hong Hae In (actress Kim Ji Won) - the third generation heiress of Queens Group - and Baek Hyun Woo (Kim Soo Hyun).
The film is currently dominating the charts in 9 countries and territories, including Vietnam, and is in the top 10 in 28 countries worldwide.
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