Disney has created many beloved princess characters over the years, from Snow White to Moana. However, there has not yet been a Disney princess of Korean ethnicity or background. While some fans have called for greater diversity and representation, especially of Asian characters, Disney has not announced plans for a Korean princess at this time.
What Disney princesses are there currently?
The current lineup of official Disney princesses includes:
- Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937)
- Cinderella (Cinderella, 1950)
- Aurora (Sleeping Beauty, 1959)
- Ariel (The Little Mermaid, 1989)
- Belle (Beauty and the Beast, 1991)
- Jasmine (Aladdin, 1992)
- Pocahontas (Pocahontas, 1995)
- Mulan (Mulan, 1998)
- Tiana (The Princess and the Frog, 2009)
- Rapunzel (Tangled, 2010)
- Merida (Brave, 2012)
- Moana (Moana, 2016)
There are a total of 12 official Disney princesses at this time. While the lineup has become more diverse over the years, with princesses of different backgrounds and ethnicities, there has not yet been one of Korean heritage.
Is Mulan considered Chinese or Korean?
Mulan is Chinese, not Korean. The story of Mulan is based on an ancient Chinese legend and she is portrayed as being of Chinese ethnicity in the animated film. While Mulan brought some increased Asian representation to the Disney princess lineup when she was added in 1998, she does not specifically provide Korean representation.
Are there any Korean characters in Disney films/shows?
While there are not any Korean Disney princesses yet, there have been some Korean and Korean-American characters in Disney media over the years. For example:
- London Tipton from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is revealed to be adopted and of Korean descent.
- The K-pop band WAY-B from Amphibia includes Korean-American characters.
- Hiro and Tadashi Hamada from Big Hero 6 are half-Japanese, half-Korean brothers.
- In the upcoming animated film Wish, the main character’s best friend is Korean-American.
So there have been some supporting Disney characters of Korean background, though no lead Korean Disney princess yet.
What are some examples of Korean representation in other animation?
While Disney has not yet included a Korean princess, other animated shows and films have included prominent Korean or Korean-inspired characters. For example:
- Jin and Sun from Lost are a Korean couple.
- Kim Possible is set in Middleton, USA and includes many Korean and Korean-American characters.
- The Legend of Korra from Avatar: The Last Airbender is based on Korean and Chinese culture.
- Steven Universe includes the Korean-American family of Connie Maheswaran.
- Voltron: Legendary Defender includes the character Keith who is revealed to be half-Korean.
So Korean representation exists in animation, even if not yet prominently at Disney. Fans continue to hope that Disney will introduce a Korean princess in an upcoming film.
What are some campaigns and petitions for a Korean Disney princess?
Some fans have launched petitions or social media campaigns calling for more Korean representation at Disney, often with the specific request for a Korean Disney princess.
For example, in 2016 a petition on Change.org asked Disney for a Korean princess and reached over 21,000 supporters. On Twitter, hashtags like #KoreanDisneyPrincess have been used to rally support for the idea.
In 2017, a group called Project Raptor submitted a proposal to Disney describing their ideas for a Korean princess named Danbi. The proposal got some media attention but Disney has not publicly responded to the campaign.
So while Disney has not indicated plans to introduce a Korean princess, some fans are certainly enthusiastic about the idea and have tried to campaign for it.
What are some ways Disney could incorporate Korean culture in an imaginary princess?
If Disney ever did decide to create a Korean princess character, there are many ways they could incorporate Korean culture into her story and design. Here are some possibilities:
- She could wear a hanbok, the traditional Korean dress.
- Her magical powers could involve Korean myths or legends.
- The food featured in the movie could include Korean cuisine like bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi, etc.
- The setting could feature Korean architecture and landscapes.
- The music could include traditional Korean instruments like the gayageum.
- The plot could involve themes from Korean history or folktales.
- She could practice Korean traditions like tea ceremonies, festivals, etc.
The opportunities would be endless for Disney to add Korean representational elements if they created such a princess character.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are currently no Korean Disney princesses, fans have expressed interest in greater Korean representation. Disney has a chance to make a culturally impactful statement by creating the first Korean Disney princess. For now, fans continue to hope and wait for the day a Korean princess might join the royal Disney lineup.