REPRESENTING FEMALE INFERIORITY IN KOREAN DRAMA: A ROLAND BARTHES SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF SQUID GAME 2
Abstract
This study aims to examine the representation of female inferiority in Squid Game Season 2 Episode Six Legs by applying Roland Barthes' semiotic approach. The research integrates Barthes' theory of denotation, connotation, and myth with Hall's theory of representation and feminist media studies to explain how gender ideology is constructed through audiovisual narratives. Using a qualitative research design, the study analyzes selected scenes by interpreting visual and verbal signs embedded in dialogue, character interactions, gestures, and cinematic elements. The findings reveal that female inferiority is represented through symbolic constructions that portray women as physically vulnerable, emotionally dependent, and less competent than men in decision-making and survival contexts. At the mythical level, these representations naturalize patriarchal ideology by reinforcing masculine authority and positioning women as secondary social actors. Despite the presence of female resistance, patriarchal values remain embedded within the narrative structure. The study contributes to communication and media studies by demonstrating how globally distributed streaming dramas reproduce gender ideology through subtle symbolic meanings. It also provides practical insights for media creators to promote more balanced and inclusive gender representations in contemporary digital entertainment.
Keywords: Roland Barthes; female inferiority; gender representation; Korean drama; Squid Game.
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