What a Korean drama did to me..

I was slouched in my chair staring at my computer screen. My wife, Cynthia, was reclined at our bed eyes fixed on the same computer screen as well. We were watching the last episode of Bridal Mask, a Korean drama series. The story was about a zorro-like figure who was a part of a group of rebels fighting against the Japanese-controlled government. We were not expecting much because based on our previous experiences (yes, we have watched lots of Korean dramas) the finales were usually quite disappointing.

Until I saw this one particular scene. I don’t know why I was so touched. Perhaps it was because of the superb acting done by both actors. They were not even the main characters in the story. The girl, Ueno Rie, was a Joseon (that’s what they call  the country before it became known as Korea) gisaeng (a hostess). She was adopted by a powerful Japanese who controlled the top officials in the government. 

Bridal Mask has just killed her “father” who wanted her killed for her betrayal. She had known the real identity of the masked hero (whom she loves, by the way) but did not inform her father, Bridal Mask’s mortal enemy. Now he is dead and the hero wasn’t reciprocating her feelings for him.

The guy in the scene is Katsuyama, the Japanese body guard of Ueno Rie. The scene unfolds as their car came to a stop. Katsuyama stepped out, got Ueno Rie’s suitcase, and then opened the door for her. They faced each other.

Katsuyama: Where are you going? Let me escort you. At least to where you are going to.

Ueno Rie: No. It would be better to part ways here.

Katsuyama: I will ask you for the last time. Like a shadow by your side as just a bodyguard. I will stay like that. Still…won’t that do?

Ueno Rie: Katsuyama, living a lifetime looking at someone who doesn’t love you is misfortune. I’m thankful all this time.

She then took her suitcase from him while he remained expressionless despite the heartache I know he was feeling at that very moment. Ueno Rie turned and walked away. After a few steps she stopped turned to face Katsuyama again.

Ueno Rie: Katsuyama! My name is Chae Hong Joo. Chae Hong Joo.

She told him her Joseon name. Her real name. Implying that a Joseon girl could never love a Japanese guy.

Katsuyama: Your name…I will forever remember it.

She turned and continued to walk away from him. Katsuyama still trying to maintain his stoicism pressed his lips together desperately holding back the tears that he won’t allow to flow.

And this was where I tried to hold back my own tears.

“Are you crying?” Cynthia asked. She must have heard my sniffles.

“ Um, no. I must be coming down with a cold.” I lied. But she knew that.