Softness Has No Place
Description
Softness Has No Place is a book that investigates the psychological and behavioral impact of South Korea’s 18-month mandatory military service, focusing on its role in shaping traditional gender norms and reinforcing toxic masculinity. Through the lens of militarism, the project explores the intersections of patriarchy, gender dynamics, and war, examining their lasting effects on Korean society. Rooted in Confucian cultural traditions, the book engages with Korea’s evolving gender discourse, questioning what it means to serve as a soldier today and how this experience informs contemporary conversations on gender equality.
The book’s design mirrors the rigid, fragmented nature of military service through a custom display typeface I created, embodying the fractured realities of the military experience. Dense layouts and layered imagery convey the weight of historical and cultural narratives, juxtaposing archival and contemporary photographs to underscore the military’s enduring impact on gender norms in South Korea.
