Manhwa & Reinforcing Gender

I found the Chunhyang manga very interesting because it seems to simultaneously reinforce and challenge traditional gender roles. The main character, Chunhyang, is both sassy and strong while maintaing a very feminine appeal - she's outspoken, brave, confident, and a talented fighter, in addition to possessing more traditionally valued feminine characteristics such as beauty and kindness.


It's interesting, however, that while many of Chunhyang's traits seem to defy the typical Asian woman stereotype of a quiet, reserved, gentle, pretty female, many of those same traits can also be interpreted as displaying other female stereotypes. For example, Chunhyang is a great fighter, but she is also righteous - she fights only to defend others or stand up for herself, but never picks a fight with anyone who doesn't deserve it. Also, she is fierce and strong, but usually this is only displayed after she is provoked. And like the old saying goes, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."



















Chunhyang certainly retains the traditional female emphasis on emotions. In addition to her fury, she also sometimes breaks down in tears (like, understandly, after her mother dies), and in her angst, turns to a broad-shouldered man to comfort her. Interesting, the photos above and to the right are spaced only two pages apart in the manhwa. Chunhyang therefore melts into a classic damsel in distress only two pages after whipping into a fiery-eyed warrior.

I think all of this comes together to create a complex, multi-dimensional character, but it also presents a very mixed message of the "ideal" heroine. Perhaps this is a reflection of the changing roles of women in modern society, and the way modern women are torn between wanting to fill traditional roles and wanting to break out of them. Regardless, this representation of Chunhyang does a great job of satisfying readers who prefer many different types of women, as Chunhyang's characteristics and behavior can be interpreted to be either traditional or modern or a nice mixture of both. I think this was very a entertaining story presented with beautiful artwork and engaging, lovable characters.