Bullying, Power Relation, and the Struggle for Justice: A Narrative Analysis of the Korean Drama Perfect Marriage Revenge

University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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Abstract

This study aims to explain how repeated acts of bullying shape the narrative flow in the Korean drama Perfect Marriage Revenge. The method used is qualitative descriptive with a narrative approach through scene and dialogue analysis. The analysis was conducted by mapping A.J. Greimas actantial and functional structures accompanied by a semiotic square to clarify the layers of meaning. Michel Foucault's five propositions of power relations were used to understand how power works in the drama. The results of the study show that repeated bullying is the main driver of the plot, changing the position of the actants and triggering character transformation. The semiotic square analysis reveals the conflict of values that builds conflict and diffuse power relations and gives rise to resistance. This study confirms that repeated bullying is not only the backdrop of the story, but also shapes the narrative structure and character development.