Is it Too Subtle?

Judy here with an observation. It's going to be hard to describe this as I find it a very nuanced situation that I've noticed in Kdramas. It has to do with relationships and how I think they're different in Korea than in the United States.

Park Hyung-sik & maybe Park Shin-he (No clue what the show is... perhaps Doctor Slump?)

The first difference in relationships is what I will call The Declaration. In almost all instances the leading man (or woman) will directly state "I like you" to the other person. No subtle googly-eyes or flirting but rather a flat out unexpected statement. Commonly a friend of the lead will ask "have you told them you like them?" Until that happens the relationship is viewed as platonic.

Next, comes -in my lingo- The Out. Immediately after declaring their affection the person will say something like "you don't have to answer" or "you don't have to reciprocate." The second party almost always hesitates and doesn't answer at this point. (I think that's mainly for some romantic suspense in the story and oftentimes is totally silly, but hey, it's a Kdrama.)

If it's a good Kdrama, the relationship will develop as it does in both countries although much slower in Korea than the US. Finally we can get another distinction between Korean and American relationships. And I'll call it Self Denial. This happens when the relationship doesn't work out but the lead wishes 'happiness and long life' for their ex. This is actually a remarkable sentiment found in Kdramas. This bittersweet, poignant end whereby the one person will completely disregard their feelings in the hope that the other person will find complete happiness in their life.

Lovely Runner with Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok in his breakout role.

Does that happen in America? Gee, maybe it does, but it certainly is not typically shown on TV or in the movies. It makes me wonder if Korea, with it's emphasis on communal living & Confucianism, cares more about others than individualistic America. Here we have a tendency to only look 'inward;' to care and fight for ourselves. The concept of 'do what makes you happy' is the mantra of so many of us. In Korea I wonder if they look 'outward' more than we; do they care more about others?

Do you think I have my Rose Colored Glasses on or am I just a cynic? Your thoughts?

Here are mine. You don't really know if what you're describing is real or just Kdrama real. I know the romantic in you - hey, in me as well - wants this to be the one true thing. That's why we watch Kdramas! But we also know Kdramas are not real life. It's food for thought and too much for me to contemplate after I've had a root canal. ~ Pat