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.

Korean TV Dramas - a guest blog from my wife

A Filipina’s impression of the Korean Drama

My husband, Bob, and I have grown fond of the Korean dramas because of the English subtitles.  Bob is hearing impaired so the subtitles really help whenever we watch TV.  In the States, we had close caption (CC) for our favorite shows like NCIS, CSI, Criminal Minds and Numbers but when we moved to the Philippines, we were disappointed when we found out that the cable companies did not offer CC.  Only Star World Movies, KBS and Arirang had English captions.

Over time, I have observed the most common components of Korean dramas and these are:

1. The son or daughter born out of an illicit affair, a one night stand or an ill-fated romance  that took place in the past.
2. Disparity between the rich and the poor, bridged by true love
3. A plot to deny the bastard son/daughter of his rightful inheritance or share in the family wealth.  Usually, the father is a chaebol or a millionaire.
4. The ubiquitous bottles of soju which the characters imbibe to take away, or forget, their problems.
5. Of course, when someone passes out (usually, but not always,) from too much wine, somebody has to piggyback  her (or him).
6. Koreans are not demonstrative about their affections so a touch or grip on the shoulders is very meaningful
7. There are always secrets, lying, denials and  eavesdropping but eventually, the truth comes out, maybe about two episodes before the ending.
8. People always meet or reflect by a body of water, could be a river, bay or lake.
9. “Fighting”  (pronounced  "hwaiting") is a favorite mantra for encouragement.
10. The family members confer over a large table  inside or outside the house usually sitting on the floor. 
11. The good person eventually gets out of his desperate situation because of his destiny so the evil person never triumphs over him. 

In addition,  I learned a lot about Korean way of life through their dramas:

1.   Respect for elders.  What the eldest in the household says, goes. It could be the grandfather/grandmother, father or eldest brother.
2.  The engagement of a couple looks as binding as the wedding itself.
3. When a couple returns from their honeymoon, they visit the bride’s home and stay there for the night.
4. The average household celebrates special occasions with pork or beef;  kimchi is a staple, just like rice. Most  have soup for breakfast.
5. They always take off their shoes at the entryway and wear slippers inside.
6. The daughter in law does the domestic chores in the household she married into.

Disclaimer:  This is by no means an expert opinion of Korean culture, merely a summary of observations from what is shown in the Korean dramas.

Topsy Korean

I'm a bit embarassed to admit this, but......my wife and I are getting addicted to Korean TV drama series. I'm not really sure why. In my case, my reason, or "justification" if you will, is because of the English subtitles. I'm a little hard of hearing and usually don't understand what's going on when listening to the normal TV dialogues. In California I can watch all the popular shows like NCIS, Criminal Minds, Castle, etc. because of close-captioning. Unfortunately, Philippine television does not have this kind of facility. So when we discovered that Korean shows have subtitles, I started watching them.

And then we were hooked! There is something about these shows that somehow grabbed our interests. Most of these dramas can be quite dragging sometimes and the propensity for flashbacks can be annoying. Overall, though, the storylines can be gripping. And then there is the "cleanliness" that is so lacking in American television (and even in the Philippines). There aren't any crudeness nor salaciousness. The most the characters have done to show their affection was embrace and an occasional kiss. No bedroom scenes, no scantily clad bodies. Although some of the series we've seen so far (Will it Snow in Christmas? and Secret Agent Miss Oh) had really tacky endings, others are very well written.

Right now two of our favorites are still currently being shown in Korea. Dae Jo Young, an epic drama tells the story of a warrior-chief intent on rebuilding their tribal kingdom. Except for the director's quaint style (what's with all those facial close-ups?) the intensity of the conflict between several tribes and their respective leaders is interesting to watch. On the other hand, have your tissues ready if you want to watch Bread, Love and Dreams (aka Baker King aka King of Baking), currently South Korea's number one television show. The twists and turns of the storyline will keep you eagerly anticipating the next episode. The philosophies of love and forgiveness triumphing over evil schemes makes the show wholesome and extremely enjoyable. So enthralled are we with this particular show that we even searched the internet for episodes that are not yet being shown here in the Philippines.

I honestly don't know if we will eventually tire of watching Korean drama series. For now we can't wait for the airing of the new episodes of our favorite shows.