by HappySqueak, November 22, 2017
22

Hello! Ready for some Oppa Gang-ster Style?

As a fan of fashion and style, I adore seeing how stylists implement elements of apparel to discern particular aspects of certain characters. From well-dressed CEOs to poor Cinderella girl-next-door types, frumpy ahjummas, or rich wives for example; a wide display and range of characters are brought to life in part to the styling and setting they are placed in. 

I have noticed countless gangsters who are in a more prominent position within the gang to be sporting bright/tacky tourist - tropical print themed shirts. I have been trying to source out the reasoning as to why Oppa Gangster Style is so flowery, or with bright and bold prints! It’s not exactly discreet, but a fashion choice that will definitely draw attention. It could also be for comfort as well as easy to move for when a fight breaks out. 

Usually, a main boss and his sidekick will sport the colourful shirts while the underlying team consists of guys all in black suits, which does make sense for a team dress code.

Here are some drama mentions where you can catch sight of these flowery Oppas.

Triangle

Haeundae Lovers

Doctors - The Boss (was a minor role in only a couple episodes) 


Not a Korean Oppa, but the dad in Attention Love, while maybe not a legit gangster most people perceive him as such. 

Bad Guys - this sidekick character is all about the flowers!

If you have followed crime, suspense or comedic dramas with ties to gangs, you might notice that despite the thug brutality, there is a fierce sense of loyalty among the members. Unless someone lower down is looking to overthrow the leader of the pack by mutiny for a particular purpose nothing can tear apart a closely knit team.

You will often hear them use the term ‘Hyung’ for older bro, and they love, respect and often owe their lives to their Hyung. The ladder of succession gang is something that doesn’t often seem easy to climb to reach the ultimate level of “Boss” this status is earned often through various unsavoury methods. This theme while woven throughout the storyline is fascinating and intriguing for character relationships. As a viewer there can be some admiration to see the love a gangster depicts for his closest ally and higher-ups. 

Even with the lowest of the lows, relationships and friendships can be unbreakable.

Probably the best scene arrangements are when the timing is impeccable, and those gangsters with a heart arrive at just the right moment which can turn a presumed bad guy into an instant hero!

Images from Save Me

What do you think about Gangster Style in dramas? Do you feel like it is a good depiction of actual Gangsters? I can't say that I know any personally, but stylists clearly pull their inspiration from somewhere and for it to be such a reoccurring style statement, I feel like there must be something to it! 


Are you in the mood for some gangster dramas now!!?

gangster mafia