@article{ART003306567},
author={JEONG SAE BYEOL and Jung Soowan},
title={Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s},
journal={Cross-Cultural Studies},
issn={1598-0685},
year={2026},
volume={77},
pages={449-477}
TY - JOUR
AU - JEONG SAE BYEOL
AU - Jung Soowan
TI - Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s
JO - Cross-Cultural Studies
PY - 2026
VL - 77
IS - null
PB - Center for Cross Culture Studies
SP - 449
EP - 477
SN - 1598-0685
AB - In this paper, we examine the ecofeminist significance and limitations of the "animal discourse films" that have proliferated in Korean popular cinema since the mid-2010s. These films actively highlight ethical and political issues surrounding nonhuman animals and increasingly critique anthropocentrism. Our study focuses specifically on the recurring depiction of female characters as individuals who recognize and practice animal ethics in a leading and exemplary manner.
Through analyses of Okja, Dog Days, My Heart Puppy, and Mr. Zoo: The Missing VIP, we argue that post-mid-2010s animal discourse films reveal ecofeminist potential by portraying women who form solidarities with animals and engage in practices of care. However, these films also tend to naturalize women's defense of animals, which limits the narrative subjectivity of both women and animals. While female characters generally remain fixed as figures embodying consistent ethical values, male characters are positioned at the center of the narrative as subjects who undergo transformation. This imbalance is further reinforced by a male gaze, which objectifies both women and animals.
KW - ecofeminism;animal discourse films;representation of women;animal representation;human gaze
DO -
UR -
ER -
JEONG SAE BYEOL and Jung Soowan. (2026). Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s. Cross-Cultural Studies, 77, 449-477.
JEONG SAE BYEOL and Jung Soowan. 2026, "Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s", Cross-Cultural Studies, vol.77, pp.449-477.
JEONG SAE BYEOL, Jung Soowan "Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s" Cross-Cultural Studies 77 pp.449-477 (2026) : 449.
JEONG SAE BYEOL, Jung Soowan. Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s. 2026; 77 449-477.
JEONG SAE BYEOL and Jung Soowan. "Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s" Cross-Cultural Studies 77(2026) : 449-477.
JEONG SAE BYEOL; Jung Soowan. Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s. Cross-Cultural Studies, 77, 449-477.
JEONG SAE BYEOL; Jung Soowan. Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s. Cross-Cultural Studies. 2026; 77 449-477.
JEONG SAE BYEOL, Jung Soowan. Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s. 2026; 77 449-477.
JEONG SAE BYEOL and Jung Soowan. "Ecofeminist Possibilities and Limitations of Animal Discourse Films in Korea since the Mid-2010s" Cross-Cultural Studies 77(2026) : 449-477.
