Illusion of Change: Audience Readings of a Male Childcare Reality Show in Korea

Abstract

The Return of Superman (KBS2, 2013-) is one of Korea's so-called male childcare reality shows. It portrays celebrity fathers taking care of their young children, unassisted, for 48 hours, while their wives are taking a relaxing break. The narrative revolves around the experiences of clumsy fathers who know very little about childcare. Using an audience analysis, we investigate how both men and women react to gender roles as portrayed in The Return of Superman, and examine how their interpretation of the show is related to the progressive potential of male childcare reality shows. We argue that it is premature to presume that the popularity of this show indicates gender equality, considering that both male and female viewers are skeptical of the show's portrayal of reality, and thus are not hopeful about the feasibility of achieving gender equality in regard to housework in their own everyday lives.