Understanding Korean Dramas

Coming from a Western background, it can somethings be confusing to witness Korean customs when watching Korean Dramas. Because we are not familiar with Korean culture, certain actions and uses of language can distract non-Koreans from the dramas' storylines. Learning about Korean culture can make watching Korean Dramas even more enjoyable.

NAMES


Koreans write their family name (surname) first, followed by their given name. No comma is used to separate the surname from the given name.

Most Korean surnames consist of just one syllable, but a few contain two syllables. The top ten Korean surnames are: Kim, Lee, Park, Choi, Jung, Kang, Jo, Yoon, Jang, and Im.

Korean given names usually consist of two syllables, which may be hyphenated when romanized.

Korean women retain their maiden surname after they get married. They do not use their husband's surname and children usually use the surname of their father.

ETIQUETTE

In Korean culture, respect must be shown to elders. Younger people do not address older people by their given names. For example, a girl addresses her older brother as "oppa" and older sister as "onni," but may address her younger brother or sister by their given names. A boy addresses his older brother as "hyong" and his older sister as "nuna."

An example of this cultural rule can be seen in the Korean drama “Mothers and Sisters”. In one episode the fourth born child in the family was scolded by his mother for calling his older sister by her given name.

Mothers and Sisters

The next time you watch a subtitled drama listen for when a younger sibling calls an older sibling. The subtitles will show the given name of the older sibling but you will hear “oppa", "onni", "hyong" or "nuna” being said instead.

Girls sometimes call their boyfriends "oppa”. This can be seen in the drama Boys over Flowers where the character Jan Di calls the members of F4 “oppa”.

Boys Over Flowers

Showing disrespect for elders on TV is considered bad for Korean society. In August 2005, KBS was punished by the Korean Broadcasting Commission for airing a scene in a drama in which a daughter-in-law slapped her mother-in-law in the face.

Direct eye-to-eye contact when talking is considered rude and impolite. An example of this can be seen in the drama “Pretty Lady”. When the character Joon-hwi talked with his father in episode 2, he avoided looking his father in the eye even when he disagreed with what his father was saying.

Pretty Lady

Sources: http://www.koreanwiz.org/
http://www.hancinema.net/korean_drama_Mothers_and_Sisters.php
http://s4.hubimg.com/u/1332287_f520.jpg
http://www.dramafever.com/drama/504/1/Pretty_Lady/

Meet K-Drama fan...Jihye

Name: Jihye Do

Age: 20

Birthplace: Seoul, Korea

What made you come to the United States?

To study abroad. Or to be specific, First, I was here with my family because Dad, who studied sociology at OSU 20years ago, had decided to come visit Ohio State for a year as a visiting scholar. After the first year, I decided to stay and pursue further study.

What were/are your impressions on the U.S. before and after coming here?

I had had no chance to meet foreigners and build relationship with them. It was really interesting and someitmes shocking to experience the new culture.

Do you believe the “American Dream” is still possible?

I do, but it takes a lot of effort. It may come true to only those who really work hard.

Are you happy to be in the U.S.? Do you plan on returning to Korea?

I certainly think it truly is a great opportunity. I am really thankful for it becuase not everyone who wishes to come gets to come. Since I have my family and friends in Korea, I probably will return to Korea at some point, but I do not know when it will be.

What do you wish Americans knew about Korea?

I wish that more Americans not only knew about Korea but also understood our culture. We speak different languages, eat different food, and think in different ways. However, we are just all people after all. I understand that some part of Asian culture is really simply hard for Americans to understand. Even though, sometimes it may look weird and unacceptable to them, it would be good if they accept the differences as part of our culture.

Do you feel like Americans are well informed about Korea?

I think they are not so well informed as they are about other Asian countries like China and Japan. But these days they are being informed about Korea in many different ways.

What is your favorite currently airing Korean Drama?

I did not have time to catch up with currently airing Korean drama during the winter quarter. But during the spring break, I got to watch the few episodes of the drama "Pasta" which aired about a month ago and found it good.

Favorite of all time?

It is a tough call. There are lots of drama that I enjoyed watching, but there hasn't been any "favorite" that I can think of right now.

Do you have a favorite actor and actress?

Won Bin

Do you have a favorite k-pop group/artist?

Brown Eyed Soul