Lauren Sung, University of Georgia, Author at Study Breaks

Should straight actors play in queer roles.

Should Straight Actors Take On Queer Roles?

Hollywood lacks in diversity when it comes to LGBTQ+ actors, but does that mean gay characters should only be played by gay actors?…

October 5, 2021

The ‘Save the Bees’ Movement Sends an Important, but Incomplete, Message

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Yes, it couldn't hurt to support local beekeepers, but the bees we should really be focusing on aren't the domesticated ones; it's wild honey bees and bumblebees we need to worry about.…

September 27, 2021

How K-Pop Redefined Masculinity (But There’s Still a Long Way To Go)

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Korean bands like H.O.T. and BTS have done a lot to normalize 'soft masculinity,' but South Korean culture as a whole remains patriarchal and heteronormative.…

September 16, 2021

In an article about techno-orientalism, neon signs of cyborg women float with a string of red paper lanterns among them.

Revisiting the Racial Fears of Techno-Orientalism and Cyberpunk

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

There's no question that cyberpunk draws heavy influence from East Asian culture and aesthetics, so why aren't Asian characters and creators given their dues within the genre?…

September 9, 2021

In an article about the Suicide Squad, Polka-Dot Man and King Shark stand against an American flag.

‘The Suicide Squad’ and Its Critique of the American Empire

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Who does the United States use to do a job that nobody else wants to do? The newest addition to the DCEU offers a dark reminder that oftentimes, it's the scapegoats.…

August 31, 2021

In an article about Tim Drake, Robin stands against a blue sky and a rainbow flag.

Tim Drake and the Evolution of Queer Representation in DC Comics

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Batman's most iconic sidekick recently came out as bisexual in an issue of 'Batman Urban Legends.' It's a big step for representation, but queerness has a long history in DC comics.…

August 26, 2021

In an article about Solarpunk, a person wearing jeans with a flower in their back pocket

Solarpunk Marks the Intersection of Sci-Fi, Sustainability and Hope

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

In the wake of anxiety-inducing news like the UN's climate crisis 'code red,' the genre can offer an aesthetic and a sense of optimism that is actionable.…

August 19, 2021

in article about Elon Musk, someone stepping on scales of justice

Elon Musk — Philanthropist or Poster Boy for the Rich Man’s Burden?

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

The billionaire may be the most charming public figure to come out of Silicon Valley yet, but his influence is an echo of old, problematic ideas about the rich.…

August 11, 2021

In an article about villains in media, Harley Queen stands with her back to the viewer, watching a city burn.

Harley Quinn, the Joker, and Loki: Why We Love Villains

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

With the success of movies like 'Joker,' series like 'Loki,' and characters like Harley Quinn, we've got to ask — what is it about villains that is so endearing to audiences?…

August 3, 2021

In an article about Pretty Little Liars, five woman stand holding hands and touching shoulders in a garden.

Do We Need Another ‘Pretty Little Liars’? (Spoiler Alert: No)

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

There's a reboot of this iconic teen drama in the works, and although we don't know much about it as of right now, what little information we do have doesn't bode well.…

July 28, 2021

In an article about Gossip Girl, the cast of the reboot sits on a stairwell together.

‘Gossip Girl’ Had A Problem With Poverty — Will The Reboot Address It?

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

With a reboot on the horizon, it's important to address the tendency of the original show to treat its less exorbitantly rich characters with downright cruelty.…

July 19, 2021

In an article about cultural appropriation and fetishization, Oli London sits in bed recovering from plastic surgery to slant their eyes.

Oli London Demonstrates the Problem With Transracial Identities

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

The British influencer has elicited accusations of cultural appropriation and fetishization following their statement that they now identify as Korean. Here's why.…

July 14, 2021

In an article about queerbaiting, a screenshot from the Billie Eilish video for Lost Cause

No, Real People Can’t Queerbait (Not Even Celebrities)

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

An idea that’s back up for discussion because of the latest Billie Eilish video, the term refers to media alluding to queer representation, but never delivering upon it. …

July 8, 2021

An art piece of a lionfish in a tank against a blue background.

Lionfish Are Invading the Atlantic, and They’re Wreaking Havoc

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

This saltwater aquarium staple has long since invaded the American coastline. Here's how it happened, why it's a problem, and what people are doing to try and fix it.…

July 1, 2021

Illustration by Julie Chow of Kim's Convenience cast

The Last Season of ‘Kim’s Convenience’ Leaves a Murky Legacy

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

In the wake of the dissatisfying ending to CBC's popular television sitcom, actors are speaking out about their poor experience on the show and fans are grappling with the controversy.…

June 23, 2021

Four same sex couples in modern and traditional Korean clothing in front of a red heart and a rainbow background,

Queering Korea: LGBTQ+ Identities Throughout Korean History

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Despite current attitudes toward LGBTQ+ identities being largely dismissive and negative in the country, Korea has a long and vibrant history of queerness.…

June 16, 2021

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Writer Profile

Lauren Sung

University of Georgia
International Affairs, Communication Studies

Should Straight Actors Take On Queer Roles?

The ‘Save the Bees’ Movement Sends an Important, but Incomplete, Message

How K-Pop Redefined Masculinity (But There’s Still a Long Way To Go)

Revisiting the Racial Fears of Techno-Orientalism and Cyberpunk

‘The Suicide Squad’ and Its Critique of the American Empire

Tim Drake and the Evolution of Queer Representation in DC Comics

Solarpunk Marks the Intersection of Sci-Fi, Sustainability and Hope

Elon Musk — Philanthropist or Poster Boy for the Rich Man’s Burden?

Harley Quinn, the Joker, and Loki: Why We Love Villains

Do We Need Another ‘Pretty Little Liars’? (Spoiler Alert: No)

‘Gossip Girl’ Had A Problem With Poverty — Will The Reboot Address It?

Oli London Demonstrates the Problem With Transracial Identities

No, Real People Can’t Queerbait (Not Even Celebrities)

Lionfish Are Invading the Atlantic, and They’re Wreaking Havoc

The Last Season of ‘Kim’s Convenience’ Leaves a Murky Legacy

Queering Korea: LGBTQ+ Identities Throughout Korean History

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Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Writer Profile

University of Georgia International Affairs, Communication Studies

University of Georgia
International Affairs, Communication Studies