Minju Lee

Min Joo Lee, an Assistant Professor at Occidental College and author of *Finding Mr. Perfect*, dives into the fascinating world of K-drama fandom and romance tourism. She reveals how K-drama depictions of Korean masculinity shape foreign tourists' romantic expectations and desires. Lee contrasts past and present representations of masculinity, discusses the complexities of interracial dynamics, and shares insights on how tourists navigate real-life versus fictional encounters. Surprising persistence in seeking 'Mr. Perfect' sheds light on deeper societal issues.

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.