As someone of Korean descent who has spent time in South Korea, I am well aware of the cultural emphasis on beauty and appearance. This pressure is felt not only by women but also by men in Korean society. The country’s obsession with conventional beauty standards trickles down to various aspects of life, from career opportunities to job applications requiring headshots. Even children are targeted by the vibrant cosmetics industry, and plastic surgery advertisements are prevalent, promoting a certain image of what is considered attractive.
Recently, a new game called “Stellar Blade” has sparked controversy in the gaming community. The game features a character named Eve, a representation of Korean beauty and philosophy. While discussions have arisen about objectification and the “male gaze” in the game, the director, Kim Hyung-tae, emphasizes that Eve’s beauty is meant to be portrayed without restrictions.
Despite initial skepticism, “Stellar Blade” proves to be a unique and engaging experience, blending elements of Korean culture with sci-fi themes. The game’s combat design stands out, offering addictive and crunchy gameplay that sets it apart from other similar games. Overall, “Stellar Blade” manages to carve out its own identity in the gaming world, much like its lead character Eve represents a different facet of beauty and Asian culture.
Vocabulary List:
- Emphasis (noun): Special importance value or prominence given to something.
- Obsession (noun): Compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea or unwanted feeling.
- Trickles (verb): To flow in a small stream.
- Prevalent (adjective): Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.
- Controversy (noun): Disagreement typically when prolonged public and heated.
- Representation (noun): The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so represented.
How much do you know?
