Kkonminam
Since the mid-2000s, the term kkonminam (Hangul: 꽃미남; Hanja: 꽃美男;
History
![](../I/m/Dam_yeom_rip_bon_wang_hee_do%2C_from_Gugong_Bowuguan_China%2C_6th_century.jpg)
The Hwarang, or "flower youths"/"flowering knights/gentlemen" were an elite group of male warriors in Silla, an ancient Korean kingdom. Chinese sources referred only to the physical beauty of the "Flower Boys", known for their use of make-up and cosmetic decorations and accessories.[2] The emergence of kkonminam is associated with the influence of Japanese bishōnen or yaoi manga that became available after the ban on the import of Japanese culture was lifted in Korea in 1998.[1][3] Professor Kim Hyun Mee at Yonsei University attributes this to the growing independence and confidence of Asian women: "[they] can afford to be more selective when choosing a mate".[4]
See also
References
- ↑ Rutt, Richard, The Flower Boys of Silla (Hwarang). 1961.
- ↑ Sun, Jung (2010). "CHOGUKJEOK PAN-EAST ASIAN SOFT MASCULINITY". In Daniel Black, Stephen Epstein and Alison Tokita. Complicated Currents: Media Flows, Soft Power and East Asia. Monash University ePress. Retrieved 2012-12-15.
- ↑ "Mirror, Mirror..." Time. 24 October 2005. Archived from the original on 15 December 2005.