The Review of Korean Studies
- P-ISSN1229-0076
- E-ISSN2773-9351
- SCOPUS, ESCI
ISSN : 1229-0076
Traumatized Masculinity in Jung Jiwoo’s Happy End
Abstract
In analysing Jung Jiwoo’s Happy End this study explores the femme fatale, castration, femicide, and implementation of fantasy related to the theme of trauma. I argue Ilbeom as the homme fatale like typical film noir in the 1940s and Bora as the femme fatale in classic film noir make Minki a victim and wrongdoer simultaneously. I discuss invisible cross-dressing in Minki’s masculine body dissembled. This transformation as a drag queen made him change his gender role in the family. In addition, I explore the theme of castration anxiety. In Happy End, Minki’s castration complex drives him traumatized due to the loss of masculinity power. Finally, his trauma causes his wife’s murder with unbidden memories of trauma. It is very controversial to comprehend the director’s final scene in the film. I answer he implements his experiences as if they are in reality. Proceeding from what has been said above, it should be concluded that Minki’s hysterical excess of masculinity in Happy End came from his trauma.
- keywords
- masculinity, cross-dressing, femme fatale, castration, femicide
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