@dncingemma: You know what they say about rotten apples. One bad apple spoils the bunch. Even if these men are not misogynist predators themselves (something I seriously doubt given the widespread proliferation of sexual harassment and abuse within the industry), their active association with this scumbag and their willingness to prop up his career means that they are all complicit in one way or another. Sexual violence is a nonissue, simply a hindrance made up by “troubled” women to hold back “good, upstanding” men. And given the results of the election…things will get much worse before they get better.

@ladynightshade: I wholeheartedly agree. I was so dismayed by the reports of these demonstrations against women’s (supposed) privileged position in SK. And, these disgusting politicians who fanned the flames. The NYT had a series of reports which were chilling including one where women were also part of these events. Of course many women defend the patriarchy all over the world so not a surprise there but they were pictured with ‘me too’ flyers in perversion of what that slogan initially stood for. Just nauseating.

@dncingemma: I saw the report you mentioned and unfortunately, I can’t say I’m surprised. I’m not Korean myself, but from another Asian country where patriarchy is the norm. From my own personal experiences, some of the most uncompromising and violent defenders of that patriarchal structure have been women. Not even just older women from previous generations, I’ve seen many younger women who are dedicated to this cause and believe feminism is a repudiation of our cultural traditions (goes without saying it is not, especially for the best parts of our culture). And yes, it is often common for these women to co-opt the language of feminist and other progressive movements to espouse their regressive values. There is almost nothing as frustrating and despairing to see that as a young woman desperately hoping for positive change in your country, only to be betrayed by people who should be your natural allies. I mourn for the women and girls, and minorities in South Korea.

@ladynightshade: Thank you for this. It makes me glad that the film was not a reductive and condescending portrayal of a queer character. You have made me want to watch this even more now but most streaming services here don’t include a wide array if Korean films. It is really disappointing.

@dncingemma: The lack of access by legal streaming services is indeed very disappointing. I watched The King and the Clown on k*ssa* several years ago (therefore I’m not sure it’s still there), so you can check it out there if you don’t mind making an exception to always watching legally. I don’t want to, but sometimes I have no choice as someone with an interest in foreign-language cinema.

As for the film, yes it is surprising how not reductive and dismissive it is towards queerness for a 2005 film. It might not be up to 2022 standards for queer cinema, but for what was effectively a blockbuster back then, it is astonishing. Certainly unlike anything Hollywood was releasing as blockbusters, back then or now.

@ladynightshade: I knew the film is unlikely to be on my region’s Netflix but checked anyway and it isn’t. Netflix never fails to disappoint me in this regard. But! I discovered that Lee Joon Gi is a guest in ep 3 of Paik’s Spirit. Haven’t watched it as yet so hopefully would be good. I thought I mention it to you in case it is on Netflix in your region.

@dncingemma: I was unaware Lee Joon-gi was a guest on Paik’s Spirit. I haven’t checked it out yet, but planned to eventually at some point. This adds to my motivation to do so. Thanks for the recommendation!