Post by jlh123 on Aug 12, 2003 17:01:06 GMT -5
These are things my mother has explained to me---and to all of you reading this, you should understand a few things...don't judge the characters too harshly. The korean culture is very different (even though it is becoming accustomed to a more western way of things). To understand the characters' reactions is to understand the cultural differences.
JY is cold to YJ because she doesn't want him to pursue her when his ties to his only relative are at stake. This is an incredibly selfless act... not to mention brave. JY knows that if she were to go against Grandma S and love YJ, a lot of hardships will come his way in the future. (Which ultimately does when SM does not want YJ to adopt the boy). Grandma S, knowing this, also does not want her grandson tangled up in the web which will be revealed later. Even though it is hurting Grandma S to see her grandson this way, she remains as we see it-cold and harsh and unfair. However, she is only trying to prevent her grandson from the pain he will feel and the battle he will have to fight with SM in the future. This is typical in Korea. If the parents know much trouble will be had with the path their child is taking, they will be stubborn and unwavering in hopes the child will see the light. Unlike here, where a lot of times the parents let the child take the path, get hurt and then console them. BUT, don't worry, Grandma S will ultimately give her approval.
Secondly, the whole adoption thing- Korea hasn't been the most open with adoptions. They are turning that way now and even have cracked down on how many babies they let leave the country in hopes of getting people to adopt within the country. Anyways, when SM father was a boy, distinctions were made between children adopted and not. People were embarrassed when they could not conceive and could easily divorce because of this. This is not the way now though, and is demonstrated by this drama allowing SM and MJ to adopt a baby girl. Unfortunately, it is SM's father who will confront SM about the birth of a son to take the family name. SM then in return will confront JY. SM will not want anything to do with the baby at first but this will change.
BTW, for JY to raise a baby by herself as a single mother is a very new thing to older Koreans. Even today, when parents divorce the children are usually awarded to the father (pay attention to this detail....it will come up when JY worries about SM wanting the baby). For those of you wondering, my mother said it had to do with economics and being able to afford a better life for the kidsas well as other longstanding ideas. I know it's a harder way of thinking but you have to understand this to understand the battle JY will face and is facing now.
On a side note, the drama will lighten up with TY and his wife as they expect a child!
Oh, SM's dad will marry too.
I will not disclose any more spoilers as the drama has not ended and the end would be the best, right?!
But, if you are like me and completely hooked on the show, I felt better after I asked my mom about major steps the characters were going to take because I can't wait with it only airing 5 days a week at 30mins an episode!(My mom watches the VODs on a korean web site).
For the details and other twists....as my mother says to me...."Wait to see the rest, don't ask and ruin the fun!"
If anyone has any questions about what I wrote I will reply.
JY is cold to YJ because she doesn't want him to pursue her when his ties to his only relative are at stake. This is an incredibly selfless act... not to mention brave. JY knows that if she were to go against Grandma S and love YJ, a lot of hardships will come his way in the future. (Which ultimately does when SM does not want YJ to adopt the boy). Grandma S, knowing this, also does not want her grandson tangled up in the web which will be revealed later. Even though it is hurting Grandma S to see her grandson this way, she remains as we see it-cold and harsh and unfair. However, she is only trying to prevent her grandson from the pain he will feel and the battle he will have to fight with SM in the future. This is typical in Korea. If the parents know much trouble will be had with the path their child is taking, they will be stubborn and unwavering in hopes the child will see the light. Unlike here, where a lot of times the parents let the child take the path, get hurt and then console them. BUT, don't worry, Grandma S will ultimately give her approval.
Secondly, the whole adoption thing- Korea hasn't been the most open with adoptions. They are turning that way now and even have cracked down on how many babies they let leave the country in hopes of getting people to adopt within the country. Anyways, when SM father was a boy, distinctions were made between children adopted and not. People were embarrassed when they could not conceive and could easily divorce because of this. This is not the way now though, and is demonstrated by this drama allowing SM and MJ to adopt a baby girl. Unfortunately, it is SM's father who will confront SM about the birth of a son to take the family name. SM then in return will confront JY. SM will not want anything to do with the baby at first but this will change.
BTW, for JY to raise a baby by herself as a single mother is a very new thing to older Koreans. Even today, when parents divorce the children are usually awarded to the father (pay attention to this detail....it will come up when JY worries about SM wanting the baby). For those of you wondering, my mother said it had to do with economics and being able to afford a better life for the kidsas well as other longstanding ideas. I know it's a harder way of thinking but you have to understand this to understand the battle JY will face and is facing now.
On a side note, the drama will lighten up with TY and his wife as they expect a child!
Oh, SM's dad will marry too.
I will not disclose any more spoilers as the drama has not ended and the end would be the best, right?!
But, if you are like me and completely hooked on the show, I felt better after I asked my mom about major steps the characters were going to take because I can't wait with it only airing 5 days a week at 30mins an episode!(My mom watches the VODs on a korean web site).
For the details and other twists....as my mother says to me...."Wait to see the rest, don't ask and ruin the fun!"
If anyone has any questions about what I wrote I will reply.