The Role of South Korean Women's Films in Shaping a New Gender Agenda

Among all national cinemas to reach international audiences, South Korean cinema is currently one of the most critically acclaimed and viewer anticipated. Most moviegoers can likely name a handful of prominent Korean male directors — just over the past few years Park Chan-wook’s “Handmaiden” (2018) won BAFTA, Lee Chang-dong’s “Burning” (2018) made it to Oscars shortlist and Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” (2020) was honored with Palme d'Or in Cannes, — but even the most devoted ones would have a hard time recalling more than one female filmmaker from South Korea. Although they have yet to make it big in the western market, female directors are strong domestically, with reported 90% of women screenwriters in the field and several of the top-grossing pictures being made by women. Films directed by South Korean women share a number of peculiarities with emancipating nature that allow some to call them a New Chapter in the country's cinema. A lot has been said about liberating influences of Korean popular culture, especially in relation to its music, beauty and fashion. This work will raise similar questions to the film industry.