In defense of the hyperfeminine villain: k-drama analysis

Is she actually a villain or just a well-written and complex female character? A deep dive into the "rich mean girl" archetype in K-dramas. This video essay analyzes her fashion sense, her behavior, her opponent and her role in the narrative.

Support K-drama Research Institute on Patreon:   / kdramaresearchinstitute  

K-dramas, in order of appearance in the video:
My First First Love, Cheese in the Trap, Tempted (a.k.a. The Great Seducer), Radio Romance, Poong The Joseon Psychiatrist, Fight For My Way, Nevertheless, Crash Landing On You, At a Distance Spring is Green, Hotel Del Luna, Touch Your Heart, It's OK To Not Be OK

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Who is the rich mean girl?
01:00 Her look
04:22 Her behavior, motivations and fears
07:19 The hero of the story
09:35 The love triangle
11:32 Downfall and redemption
13:43 Pitting women against each other
16:13 Double standards
19:29 How to subvert this trope
22:06 Who is the real villain?