Korean shows still have sexist content, survey shows

The survey shows that entertaining programs in Korea have sexist content. gettyimagesbank

By Dong Sun-hwa

At least one in two entertainment and lifestyle shows in Korea still contain sexist content, according to the recent survey by Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC).

KCSC, the government body responsible for content, disclosed on Sunday that 61.5 percent of entertainment shows and 50 percent of lifestyle programs includes gender-discriminating content.

The subjects of the survey were 39 entertainment programs and 20 lifestyle shows from major and minor broadcasting channels, aired in May 2018. Two episodes from each program were scrutinized.

The entertainment shows displayed a male-centric trend, with female members comprising only 37.3 percent of the cast. The number of males was 608 ― about 1.7 times more than females.

The main hosts and regular cast members of the entertainment programs were mostly men as well. But for the lifestyle programs, women outnumbered men.

Some entertainment shows were found either to have made fun of or belittled women's appearances to evoke laughter, and to have asked young females to reveal their “cuteness” and perform appealing dances.

Both types of programs presented a traditional gender stereotype that women are in charge of household chores while men work outside. They depicted men involved in housework as warm-hearted and family-oriented.

“Based on the survey, we would strive for the removal of sexism in programs and the promotion of an impartial society,” said a KCSC official.