Locating Korean Masculinities: Qualitative Research on Young Korean Men’s Identity Formation

The objective of this study is to identify the specific characteristics of Korean masculinities within the context of geopolitics. The theoretical foundation of masculinity is derived from the concept of hegemonic masculinity, which is defined as a system of dominance imposed by a dominant masculine ideal upon other genders (Connell 1995). Notwithstanding critiques of the concept of hegemonic masculinity and calls for incorporation of geopolitics and context (e.g., Connell & Messerschmidt 2005), assumptions about young Korean men’s identities have been examined under isolated or constant conditions, rather than in a more integrated manner. This study employs semi-structured interviews with Korean young men in their twenties and thirties to investigate the construction of recent young Korean masculinities. First, I will articulate how Korean men in their twenties and thirties identify themselves as "Korean men" in comparison with individuals of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, focusing on gender. Second, the study will demonstrate how young Korean men's sexual desires are shaped and practiced in their lives. Third, I will present evidence of how grand narrative assumptions, such as those related to the nation-state, military, neoliberalism, and other factors, influence young Korean men's constructions of identity. Such an approach would assist researchers interested in gender conflicts in South Korea in their efforts to challenge existing discussions on Korean masculinities.