Defying Prejudice: Check out Merry Queer, the first LGBTQ+ reality series in South Korea
It’s still common knowledge that South Korea is a conservative country. The inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community is still lacking in this country. This country was also recognized for its discrimination against the community. Despite these, a show was produced to explore what it was like to be a queer couple in South Korea. Merry Queer recounts the lives of three queer couples on their coming-out journeys.
Merry Queer, the first LGBTQ+ reality series in South Korea, showcases couples of various sexualities. It shows the couples’ coming-out stories, where they recount their “unconventional” relationships to their families, friends, and the public. Furthermore, numerous storylines detail the couples’ intimate encounters and the difficulties they encounter in South Korea.
Meanwhile, the hosts of the program are actors Shin Dong-Yup, Hong Seok-Cheon, and Hani of EXID. The groundbreaking show Merry Queer is a fantastic first step toward queer visibility and representation in mainstream media.
Here’s everything you need to know about the first LGBTQ+ reality series in South Korea Merry Queer
Diverse couples
It’s fascinating to see the variety of couples and their distinctive characteristics. The first couple introduced are good examples of this, Kim Min-Jun and Park Bo-Sung. They have been together for about two years, and they identify as gay. They are a loving and sweet couple who loves spending time together.
The next couple to be unveiled are a female-to-male (FTM) transgender man named Yu Ji-Hae and a bisexual woman named Lee Min-Ju. They have been together for more than two years. Ji-Hae is getting ready for a procedure that will change her gender. Their strong, loving bond has allowed them to maintain a healthy, happy relationship.
Furthermore, the final couple that was revealed is a lesbian couple planning their wedding, Im Ga-Ram and Lee Seung-Eun. Seung Eun is pursuing a career as a pilates instructor, while Ga Ram is a 26-year-old university student and business owner. As you watch the show, you can see that they are madly in love with each other.
Unique struggles
Merry Queer also dives deeply into the true tales of three queer couples who have faced a number of challenges. Min-Jun and Bo-Sung explore the difficulties of coming out to family and friends, experiencing rejection from peers, and finding acceptance. As they try to legally register their marriage in South Korea, the couple is followed by the show as their lives take a huge shift.
As it turns out, the acceptance of applications for the registration of same-sex marriages had only begun one month prior to the time of filming. Fortunately, Min-Jun and Bo-Sung’s application has been approved. However, it appears that the rest of the process might take longer.
Ji-Hae, on the other hand, talked about dysphoria and the difficulties that trans people encounter. It also includes microaggressions in public spaces, bathrooms, and other places. Despite this, it is amazing to see how Min-Ju supports JiHae’s choices and how passionately she affirms his feelings.
Meanwhile, Ga-Ram and Seung-Eun are having trouble finding a wedding planner in the meantime. Due to the fact that they are a lesbian couple, they struggle in the face of rejection. Ga-Ram and Seung-Eun also talk to their friends regarding their worries about facing this rejection, and their friends then share their own experiences. They also discuss their parents’ refusal to recognize their relationship, which is why they might not attend their wedding.
Heartwarming and tender moments
Your heart will melt as you watch the show and see the adorable interactions between the three couples. These show’s lighter moments balance the show’s gloomy and heartbreaking portrayals of their adversities and experiences. Meanwhile, you will be envious of the affection and warmth that these couples show for one another.
Furthermore, it’s compelling and realistic how these three couples are just being carefree and genuine in their behaviors. It’s heartwarming and inspiring to see how they work with their partners to conquer their individual problems as well. Additionally, it empowering to see how they plan to fulfill goals like getting married and getting transitioning in a culture where discrimination and rejection are prevalent.
Perfect hosts for the perfect show
Regarding the host, I must say that despite their dynamics, they work well together. Hani serves as the voice of the younger generation, Dong-Yup’s gentle and kind exposition, and Seok-Cheon’s personal experiences as a gay man living in South Korea. I also like how Seok-Cheon will enlighten Dong-Yup when he expresses interest in queer concepts and topics. It’s as if a Dong-Yup stands in for the cis-gender heterosexual who aspires to be a community ally.
They are the ideal hosts for this show, in my opinion. They contribute to enlightening and inspiring the audience about LGBTQ+ experiences. Their responses also help highlight the mood of the scenes. They act as your on-screen friends, reacting with you as well as you watch every scene.
It is evident that Merry Queer has made an effort to present a unique perspective on the kinds of love that exist. This was achievable because societal attitudes have changed significantly over time in South Korea. Furthermore, the representation of queer relationships in Merry Queer is beautiful, inclusive, and realistic. It depicts the adversities they face in society and how they overcome the same.
The persistence and inner strength of these queers on their journey to coming out to the world and living on their own terms are well presented in the show. It is courageous and commendable. The LGBTQ+ community in South Korea has made progress, which I find encouraging. They are excellent at creating shows that realistically and properly depict LGBTQ+ love. I am hoping to see more shows like this that celebrate queers and queer love.
