Breaking Gender Stereotypes: Redefining Masculinity in BTS’s Music Videos
Keywords:
BTS, Gender Stereotypes, Hegemonic, K-Pop, MasculityAbstract
The music industry has historically used hegemonic masculinity which emphasizes physical power, aggressiveness, and dominance to represent masculinity. In contrast, BTS subverts this conventional idea in the Boy with Luv music video by showcasing a kind of soft masculinity that is expressive, kind, and unconstrained by strict gender stereotypes, in contrast, Mic Drop’s dark colours, daring attire, and forceful gesture represent a rougher, street-style masculinity. This study investigates both MVs emblems overcome gender stereotypes in popular culture using a visual semiotics approach and masculinity theory. In order to derive the meaning, the writer also employed the qualitative descriptive, which is based on Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory as a sign system divided into denotation and connotation. As a public figure, BTS plays an essential part in society, particularly for the younger generation, who are more self-aware and in love with themselves. Nothing is wrong if the man possesses both masculinity and femininity. The most evident way that BTS has revolutionized masculinity is through their physical appearance. According to the report, BTS not only broadens the definition of masculinity in K-pop but also has an impact on the worldwide entertainment sector, which is becoming more accepting of more adaptable and liberating gender expressions
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