Netflix / tvN
There's a running joke in the K-Drama fan community that even when a character is supposed to be financially struggling, they own the latest Samsung phone and wear new outfits every day. While that may be the case for some dramas, there are many that make use of fashion as a storytelling tool to convey deeper meanings, showcase character development, and communicate underlying themes, so much so that it transcends mere aesthetics and becomes a language of its own.
From a character's distinct style evolution mirroring their emotional journey to the use of fashion to challenge societal norms and conventions, the symbolism of fashion adds a layer of depth that allows the viewer to grasp the nuances and subtext of a character or narrative. In this article, we're looking at some K-Dramas that do this brilliantly!
To start with, we have a representative female-driven political drama - "Queenmaker". Starring powerhouses Kim HeeAe and Moon SoRi, "Queenmaker" tells the story of how Hwang DoHee, a scorned Strategic Planning expert forย Eunsung Group, a conglomerate, turns to Oh KyungSook, an unyielding human rights lawyer/activist to make her the Mayor of Seoul and take revenge on her former company for their vile crimes.
From the very beginning of the drama, a sharp spotlight is shined on Hwang DoHee's high heels. They symbolize class, sophistication, and power but also pain, oppression, and sacrifice. Hwang DoHee is fully aware of this contrast, but over the course of the drama, she reclaims the power that her heels bring. This time around, she doesn't use them to stomp all over th
