한국 드라마의 차별 언어와 누리꾼들의 태도

Abstract

Korean dramas are gaining popularity worldwide, and in the process, the use of discriminatory language is causing social controversy. This study analyzes the use of discriminatory language in K-dramas and the attitudes about that of domestic and foreign netizens. Among the types of discriminatory language, ‘ethnic/national discrimination, occupation/rank discrimination, and academic background discrimination’ are discussed. The drama "Racket Boys" caused controversy by negatively depicting Indonesian spectators. Netizens demanded an apology from the drama production team and criticized the use of discriminatory language, saying that it lowered Korea’s national prestige. In "Kingderland", the use of hierarchical language between regular and non-regular workers was revealed. Netizens considered the use of informal language toward non-regular workers as ‘gapjil’ and pointed out that it was an act that did not even show basic courtesy. In addition, in "Kingderland", discrimination in academic background between graduates of two-year and four-year universities appeared. Netizens criticized academic background discrimination and took issue with the social structure that values ​​academic background more than ability. The use of discriminatory language in dramas may be an intentional device to make viewers critically accept such language use while describing the behavioral characteristics of characters. However, there is a risk that drama viewers will become insensitive to discriminatory language and unconsciously internalize it. Discriminatory language causes psychological damage to viewers and causes social conflict. Writers, directors, and other production staff should have a prominent level of human rights awareness regarding the use of discriminatory language, and the Korea Communications Standards Commission should more actively deliberate and regulate it, considering its negative effects.