Representation of Feminism in Korean Historical Drama: A Semiotic Analysis of ‘Under the Queen’s Umbrella’

Abstract

This article analyzes the representation of feminism in the Korean historical drama Under the Queen's Umbrella using John Fiske’s semiotic analysis approach. The study aims to understand how the drama portrays feminist struggles through symbols, narratives, and visual elements. Through this approach, the article examines the social, technical, and ideological codes that construct the narrative of resistance against patriarchy, as depicted by the character Queen Hwaryeong. The findings indicate that Under the Queen’s Umbrella effectively represents female empowerment in challenging patriarchal systems through solidarity among female characters, cinematographic techniques that highlight character strength, and dialogues that reinforce gender equality. This article suggests the need for further research in analyzing the representation of feminism in other Korean dramas and highlights the importance of creating female characters with substantial roles in social and political narratives.