From the Archives...

This post originally appeared in January 2023. Since that time I've learned more & more about this custom and it makes perfect sense to me. One of the BEST things about watching Kdramas is learning about cultural differences... it's such fun and we encourage you to start on this journey too! ~ Judy

Food Craving...

Okay, imagine this. You have been in jail and you are released. Or, you've been on a deserted island & are finally rescued. Or, you've been in a foreign country for years & are returning home. What food are you craving?

Homemade chocolate chip cookies?

Juicy grilled hamburger?

Cold beer?

Well clearly you're not Korean. Tonight I had to pause a very serious show to regain my composure, when -during this exact scene- the ex-prisoner was given an entire plate of tofu. Yep, cubes of tofu served with little toothpicks...as soon as they stepped outside of the prison walls. I can't make this up folks. I just love seeing the differences in cultures!

(Latest update....I saw ANOTHER show that featured this and it implied that the tofu is for good luck. Either way I'd opt for homemade cookies.)

2026 Update: Yes, it's traditional to serve Tofu to people getting out of prison. The tofu symbolizes purity, a new start, etc. And still, after 3 years I'd vote for the cookies. ~ Judy