New Books Network Min Joo Lee, "Finding Mr. Perfect: K-Drama, Pop Culture, Romance, and Race" (Rutgers UP, 2025)
Jan 18, 2026
Min Joo Lee, an Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at Occidental College and author of *Finding Mr. Perfect*, dives into the world of K-Dramas and their impact on romance tourism. She explores how depictions of Korean masculinity shape interracial relationships between foreign tourists and Korean men. Lee discusses the evolution of Korean masculinity in media, the roles of government in promoting Hallyu tourism, and the surprising gaps between K-drama fantasies and real-life encounters. Her insights reveal the complex dynamics of desire and cultural perceptions in the age of global fandom.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Hallyu Is State-Backed Global Culture
- Hallyu (the Korean Wave) mixes fan demand with state and industry promotion to globalize Korean culture.
- This dual force turned K-dramas, K-pop, fashion, and cosmetics into major transnational exports.
Tourism Strategy Fuels Local And Soft Power
- Korean government and local politicians actively cultivate drama-driven tourism for economic and soft-power gains.
- Regions invest in filming sites to attract tourists and recast Korea's global image away from conflict toward romance and culture.
K-Drama Masculinity Evolved To Be Romantic
- K-drama masculinity shifted from stoic, patriarchal types in the 1990s to emotionally available, romantic men in recent hits.
- This new ideal (romantic, verbal, caring) attracts international women seeking alternatives to toxic masculinity at home.
