@article{ART003308357},
author={Oh Sojeong},
title={The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling},
journal={The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China},
issn={1738-0502},
year={2026},
number={79},
pages={467-486},
doi={10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017}
TY - JOUR
AU - Oh Sojeong
TI - The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling
JO - The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China
PY - 2026
VL - null
IS - 79
PB - Korean Society of Study on Chinese Languge and Culture
SP - 467
EP - 486
SN - 1738-0502
AB - This study examines Disney’s live-action film Mulan (2020) through the lens of Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch and the framework of trans-identity, in order to explore the philosophical implications of the protagonist’s transformation. Rather than interpreting Mulan as a simple feminist hero narrative or a story of gender subversion, this paper reads the film as a process of self-transcendence achieved through self-affirmation. Drawing on Nietzsche’s critique of morality and his concept of the Übermensch, the study analyzes the characters’ identity transformations by applying the concept of trans-identity storytelling. The analysis suggests that Mulan can be read as partially engaging with Nietzsche’s idea of the Übermensch by affirming her own existence and making autonomous choices. In contrast, the witch character, despite possessing similar abilities, fails to achieve self-transcendence because she entrusts her power to external authority in search of recognition. This contrast demonstrates that the Übermensch is not defined by strength or capability, but by an ethical decision grounded in self-affirmation. Through this analysis, the study argues that Mulan reconstructs contemporary discussions of subjectivity, gender, and self-transcendence within popular culture, and illuminates its broader philosophical implications.
KW - Nietzsche;self-overcoming;trans-identity stoytelling;identity transformation;Mulan
DO - 10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017
ER -
Oh Sojeong. (2026). The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling. The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, 79, 467-486.
Oh Sojeong. 2026, "The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling", The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, no.79, pp.467-486. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017
Oh Sojeong "The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China 79 pp.467-486 (2026) : 467.
Oh Sojeong. The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling. 2026; 79 : 467-486. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017
Oh Sojeong. "The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China no.79(2026) : 467-486.doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017
Oh Sojeong. The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling. The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China, 79, 467-486. doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017
Oh Sojeong. The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling. The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China. 2026; 79 467-486. doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017
Oh Sojeong. The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling. 2026; 79 : 467-486. Available from: doi:10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017
Oh Sojeong. "The Transformation of Nietzsche’s Übermensch in Mulan: A Study of Trans-Identity Storytelling" The Journal of Study on Language and Culture of Korea and China no.79(2026) : 467-486.doi: 10.16874/jslckc.2026..79.017
