Korean Dramas and Construction of Career Woman Symbols in Post Modern Era

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore how the simulacra that occur in binge-watching and uncover symbols constructed in career woman fans of Korean Dramas. Study Design: The critical constructivist approach was used by applying Baudrillard's Simulacra Theory, which looks at simulations that occur in career women and construct symbols from sign receptions through the media. Place and Duration of Study: Jakarta, Indonesia, from January – June 2023. Methodology: This study used critical reflection. The interviews were conducted with ten informants who are careerwomen in Jakarta. The characteristics are having worked for at least three years, having at least one child who is a maximum of 12 years old, and watching Korean dramas for at least 2 hours a day. Results: As a part of the media, the movie has become a simulation space for individuals. They get experiences that they do not get in their daily lives. Media builds a simulation space that eventually creates a symbol. It occurs in career women who are burdened with their job and managing their families, yet still setting time aside to watch Korean dramas continuously. Career women derive meaning from movies based on the emptiness and lack in their lives. They hope that in real life, they can be such a character in the story. Therefore, Baudrillard stated that individual misreads signs. They cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy. Meanwhile, the media has a magic formula for constructing symbol, in which career women's symbol is constructed through simulation space in binge-watching practice. Conclusion: Korean Drama has become a simulation space in binge-watching practice by career women. Career women symbol constructed by media is working women with constructed beauty and relation that can raise their social status.