Male Femininity and Female Dominance

Korea seems to have begun a new trend where stereotypical gender roles have been swapped. Korean men who were previously viewed as the typical "macho" man (i.e. strong masculine features, number one in the househould, the family's "moneymaker", somewhat emotionally indifferent, etc.) are now beginning to focus on the latest fashion trends (metrosexuality), and sharing the work in households with their wives; these were traits in men that Korean society had previously labeled unnacceptable a couple years back. Similar "backward" trends can be observed in contemporary women. Women of Korea are no longer excpected to be the fragile, innocent individual obiding by their husband's rules and needs before their own. Women can now be strong, independent, high-powered career women without being considered too "masculine". It has also become more lenient as to what age women are to be married; women can also choose whether they want to marry or not a little more freely than in the past. But why is there this great forward movement in Korean culture?

This might be a bit of a stretch, but I believe this trend is due to Korea's efforts in globalization. Koreans might believe that following the trends of other powerful nations could keep their nation considered just as successful. Korean male teens have begun following high fashion trends of American or European apparel, wearing what westerners might wear, like the "skinny jeans": http://image.auction.co.kr/itemimage/017/27/96/0172796192.gif. There are also numerous fashion magazines now dedicated for men, as well as women. Women are also no longer restricted from working as well as housekeeping. Just out of personal experience, my mother's friend is a professor, and another is an insurance agent. They are actually admired, not discriminated against, for being able to keep two jobs: being a wife/a mother, as well as keeping their current occupation in the work field.

However, as much as Korea may be progressing towards change, the population is still wary and cautious. The men still "...worry about what those around them might think"* if they were to act more like a housewife than a business man, as is expected of him. Also, if I remember correctly, Chae-Gyung's parents (from the drama "Goong"), who have reversed roles in the household, were quite poor and amongst the lower class. Could this be suggesting something to the public? For instance, could this mean that Korea isn't quite ready to completely accept the idea of reversible gender roles ("androgynous", as Chosunilbo describes the matter)?

*This is the article I found the quote in, if anyone is interested: http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200412/200412260015.html