The new K-drama “Celebrity” may be an interesting watch, but the way it portrays female characters is questionable.
A poor girl puts on the most extravagant clothes and steps into the upper-class society, only to shortly be defeated and sent back to where she came from. That is the journey of 12 episodes of the drama “Celebrity”, which is currently ranking high on the OTT platform Netflix.
Through the story of female lead Seo Ah Ri (Park Gyu Young), this K-drama attempts to explore the world of celebrities, or more specifically, “influencers” and how they survive and rise to the top through. To specify, Ah Ri propels herself to become the top “influencer” on social media, who are sought after by brands yet despised by her peers.
Overall, “Celebrity” projects a twisted world of “influencers”, where no one has good intentions toward each other, and everyone rises and falls due to gossip and cheap tricks.
Shallow portrayal of the “celebrity” and “influencer” world
Of course, every field has its share of good and bad individuals, but in reality, there are certainly many “influencers” who strive and rise based on their own abilities and diligence. Yet, according to “Celebrity”, the influencer world is constructed carelessly, with only a single dark side. Simply put, as long as you “carry merchandise”, take a few photos, and post them on social media, you are called an “influencer.” The public figures in the drama hardly have any specific jobs or genuine efforts (except for the female lead); instead, they excel in a completely unrelated matter – hating each other.
Not every project with multiple female characters does a good job at portraying them, and unfortunately, “Celebrity” falls into the same trap. The drama intentionally depicts female influencers and celebs as people whose only focus seems to be on hair arrangements, making snide remarks, and bullying those they deem “inferior”. They also seem genuinely incapable of being happy for each other, and instead can only hold jealousy for fellow women – a heavy gender bias that is sadly still prevalent.
A women-focused drama that undermines women
Most of the celebrities and influencers in “Celebrity” are women. Every time they appear, they spare no kind words or good intentions for each other. They don’t hesitate to engage in verbal spats, all the while wearing the most expensive outfits. The most negative, chaotic, and dramatic aspects of people are given to female characters.
Instead of supporting each other in their work, every female influence in “Celebrity” speaks ill of each other, actively harms each other, and undermines each other, even when there is no conflict of interest. Even characters who start as friends will end up throwing spat at each other, and there are simply no positive female-female friendships as the series approaches its end.
On the contrary, male characters in “Celebrity” hold prominent positions such as CEOs, directors, and belong to the elite upper class. They make calculated and composed moves, displaying wisdom and hidden agendas. They are completely opposite to the female “influencers” who prefer to solve problems through violence and verbal attacks, lacking practical considerations. Throughout the show, female characters (other than the female lead) stand as accessories, boasting glamorous outfits with no real power, while men are the masterminds who hold both professional and personal intellect.
An intriguing and peculiar main couple
If there’s anything worth praising about “Celebrity”, it would undoubtedly be the excellent performances of cast members, regardless of the script.
In particular, actress Park Gyu Young excelled in portraying the female lead Ah Ri, who is completely different from her previous roles on the screen. Ah Ri is poor but not pathetic, cold but not dull. She is a well-rounded and rather likable female lead. Additionally, the romantic relationship between Ah Ri and the male lead, Jun Kyung (Kang Min Hyuk), is quite interesting, with explosive chemistry despite limited screen time for interaction.
Furthermore, the couple’s arc, which starts from intrigue, develops to unrequited love, and then reaches sympathy, mutual understanding, and not giving up on each other during life-threatening situations, is extremely captivating.
At the same time, the character of Shi Hyeon (Lee Chung Ah), a kind-hearted and talented upper-class woman, also has some remarkable moments. In fact, she is one of the rare female characters who evoke positive feelings in the noisy world of “Celebrity”.
Finally, Lee Dong Gun’s highly anticipated comeback as Shi Hyeon’s husband, Tae Jeon, who is the president of a law firm, also raises excitement.
Over all, however, they are still individuals outside the gloomy and “toxic” world of fame in “Celebrity”, as if adding to the message that “influencer” and “celebrity” character simply cannot be the ones with intellect.
Final rating: 3/5
“Celebrity” is strangely captivating with its thrilling and suspenseful plotlines, against the backdrop of the intriguing world of fame. However, in close inspection, the audience will clearly see that “Celebrity” has too many issues to become a unique, multidimensional, and relatable project.
Source: k14
