2010년대 중반 이후 한국 동물 담론 영화의 에코페미니즘적 의의와 한계

초록

In this paper, we examine the ecofeminist significance and limitations of the "animal discourse films" that have proliferated in Korean popular cinema since the mid-2010s. These films actively highlight ethical and political issues surrounding nonhuman animals and increasingly critique anthropocentrism. Our study focuses specifically on the recurring depiction of female characters as individuals who recognize and practice animal ethics in a leading and exemplary manner. Through analyses of Okja, Dog Days, My Heart Puppy, and Mr. Zoo: The Missing VIP, we argue that post-mid-2010s animal discourse films reveal ecofeminist potential by portraying women who form solidarities with animals and engage in practices of care. However, these films also tend to naturalize women's defense of animals, which limits the narrative subjectivity of both women and animals. While female characters generally remain fixed as figures embodying consistent ethical values, male characters are positioned at the center of the narrative as subjects who undergo transformation. This imbalance is further reinforced by a male gaze, which objectifies both women and animals.

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