Exploring Korean Confucianism as Depicted in K-Dramas

The moral and philosophical doctrine dubbed Confucianism has its roots in China and dates back thousands of years. It highlights the value of societal stability, security, and deference to power. Korea adopted Confucianism during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), and it has subsequently shaped both Korean society and culture. In this sense, it should be underlined that Confucianism truly represents an ethic of life that has profoundly affected everything from government initiatives to cultural standards and principles in Korean society.

The growing appeal of K-dramas has also made them an important resource for learning about Korean culture and social life. In this respect, Confucianism is one component of Korean culture that is frequently emphasized in K-dramas, and it’s something we will investigate in this post with a focus on the roots and fundamental ideas of the notion in Korea as well as how it appears in K-dramas.

Confucianism’s basic tenets are filial piety (respect for one’s parents, elders, and hierarchy), the value of education and self-development, loyalty, and social harmony. K-dramas frequently feature these principles, giving viewers a window into the Korean way of life. Confucianism places a high priority on filial piety. The idea is that a happy family and community can be achieved by demonstrating respect for one’s parents, relatives, and the law. By attempting to better oneself through learning and self-cultivation, it is held that one may attain happiness while making an impact on society. Confucianism additionally stresses the importance of commitment and harmonious society. A happy community and the upkeep of social order are said to be enhanced by loyalty to one’s family, friends, and country.

Classical Confucian principles and contemporary Western values are blended to create contemporary Korean society. Although Confucianism still has a major impact on Korean culture, it is hardly the only underlying ideal. K-dramas have emerged as a popular medium for analyzing this: how Koreans increasingly embrace autonomy, imagination, and innovation while still upholding a strong sense of belonging and civic duty. They typically delve into cultural issues like family, neighborhood, education, and social standing, many of which are connected to Confucian principles, giving insight into how they function in the modern Korean lifestyle.

As an example, the theme of family is prevalent in many K-dramas, with a focus on filial piety and respect for those in charge. The priorities placed on families in Korean culture and the old Confucian principles that guide it are reflected in this. In a similar vein, education is seen as a key to success and social mobility in many K-dramas, which exemplifies the high value placed on it in Korea. Many K-dramas feature characters under academic strain who must do well to get enrolled in top universities, pointing out the vitality of Confucian principles in shaping the Korean community. Let’s examine some instances of how Confucian principles are presented in K-dramas in more detail.

Filial Piety, Family Dynamics, and the Pursuit of Education

The depiction of strong family dynamics and a focus on honoring elders in K-dramas often reflect this value. A prime instance of a social satire that addresses upper-class parents’ materialistic demands and how they relentlessly ensure their families’ achievement while simultaneously upholding strong family bonds can be found in the 2018 drama Sky Castle. While the parents in the show are portrayed as being tough and demanding, they also have a genuine concern for their kids’ happiness and success. The drama demonstrates how parents’ expectations might occasionally strain their bonds with their children, but eventually, the family’s love and support for one another triumph.

Respect for Elders and Authority

The respect that youngsters have for their elders and their understanding of the value of the order in society are two ways that this principle is frequently reinforced in K-dramas. The main character Seo Jang-geum (Lee Young-ae) in the drama Jewel in the Palace (2003) learns to respect tradition and abide by the law to preserve social harmony. Jang-geum encounters plenty of challenges because she is a woman in a patriarchal society, but she overcomes them by following her moral principles and displaying regard for those in authority. She ultimately rises to become the first female imperial doctor in the reign of the Joseon Dynasty.

The Role of Education, Self-Cultivation, and the Importance of Family and Community

Key Confucian principles that K-dramas have brought up in dramas like Reply 1988 (2015) include education, self-cultivation, and the value of family and community. Five childhood friends who all resided in Seoul’s Ssangmundong neighborhood in 1988 are shown in the story relying on one another to get through their difficult adolescent years and chart a course for their futures. We also see the value of education and hard work in success and the realization of one’s full potential. The hardships parents go through to give their children the best education possible are also highlighted in the drama, along with the characters coming to recognize the worth of education for not just achieving one’s goals but also for helping to benefit society.

In conclusion, Confucianism has had a profound effect on Korea for many centuries, and by observing how Confucian values are portrayed in K-dramas, we may discover more about them and about Korean society at large.