The idea of being a pretty boy was hailed as a regional privileged male ideal in
Asia after the booming of Korean wave in late 1990s that saw Korean drama featuring
men that openly embrace both masculine and feminine traits. They were often
described as tall, possessing a slim feminine face, fashionable and romantic.
While the pretty boy image was seen as a form of ‘new masculinity’ that
acknowledged women equally, however, critical qualitative content analysis of
popular Korean dramas in Malaysia, Moon Embracing the Sun (2012) and The Heirs
(2013) revealed that these Korean men were feminised through the use of constant
fragmented and close-up shots, and also through the use of bright and colourful
costume. Although they did not hide their emotions, however, this performance
only took place in the private sphere. As much as the metrosexual tried hard to
disassociate themselves with the notion of femininity and queerness, the idea of
being a pretty boy showed similar disavowal-masculinity is maintained through
high-ranked social position despite there is an acceptance of a more feminised
appearance.