Loud Murmurs

In this episode, host Afra talks to Viola Zhou and A-Liang about the hit Chinese fantasy period series Word of Honor. It’s your classic wuxia story but with a delicious twist — it centers around two incredibly handsome men who find soul mates in each other, but never quite fall in love. “Word of Honor” became an internet sensation and cultural phenomenon in China and Southeast Asia. The show’s international fans write long critical essays and guides explaining terms and references specific to Chinese culture.  What makes the show such a hit? How does it challenge and enforce gender norms? Is this queerbaiting in the Chinese context? Guests: Viola Zhou is a writer covering tech, Chinese society, and internet culture at Vice. A-Liang is a PhD student at Kings College, researching Chinese danmei culture. 2:14 Our own experience with the genre of danmei. 6:15 Why the show “Word of Honor” appeals to so many international audiences.12:44 What makes the character Zhou Xu so easy to fall for? How did the actor portra