
Arclei:
I WASN'T GONNA SAY ANYTHING EITHER UNTIL YOU DID AND I IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHERE YOU WERE COMING FROM, HAHA!!! Again, I had a whole thing prepared cuz it's something I noticed in matriarchy dramas- specifically the difference in how the ML looks in the social commentary matriarchies vs the idol matriarchies
Oh yeah, I definitely picked up what you were putting down even though you were being polite about it 😏
There's definitely a difference, and I think the commentary the social commentary matriarchies are trying to make would hit harder if they applied the same beauty standards actresses usually have to deal with to the actors they cast. Or if they want to cast an actor who doesn't fit those standards, make it something he agonizes over in the drama. Make him obsessive about skin care and cosmetics, struggle with an ED, and even consider plastic surgery. That's what most women battle in real life. But nope. Just put him in an apron while he continues to use a 5-in-1 body wash.
Meanwhile, in non-matriachy dramas:
The Great Gwen
Context: FL was used to being the only one who put any kind of effort into her appearance in her previous relationship and laments that it's "what women do" while it's socially acceptable for men to be relatively unkempt. She takes her new boyfriend to an important work event, and she's surprised when he revealed that it took him hours to do his hair and choose the right suit because he wanted to look good for her, and not embarrass her in front of her colleagues. FL wasn't used to this at all since her ex showed up to her last work event looking homeless while she was in a gown. So she boldly admits to her current boyfriend that she likes the fact that he wants to look good for her (which is fair). The entire scene was awesome social commentary about what women usually have to worry about, and what it looks like reciprocated.
Now that I think about it, this drama's the closest I've gotten to a modern reverse harem :-o Girlie had three suitors, and she never picked one...

Arclei:
I had the same gripes with that drama, but I also know that outfits even 5% as risque as xlov's would simply not let the drama air
Okay, XLOV-levels would be taking it too far hahahaha. I know minis aren't as lax as verticals, but they really wouldn't have been able to get away with 5% cvnt?
Ooh, I have a fun question/challenge (actually, it may just be fun for me, but still LOL):
If you were the costume designer for TOHoMaY, what kind of outfits would you put the ML and other male characters in? We're talking cute, stylish, slutty (as much as you can get away with) outfits that fit the tone of the drama that would still allow it to air. Spam me with some pictures/a vision board and I'll do the same 😊
You can do makeup too if you want.