As has been discussed on this site, real-life Korea is facing a demographic crisis, as young people are no longer having children and the population as a whole is rapidly aging. The sources of this are complex, but I think a major one involves two issues with Korean men. They refuse to treat women as full and equal members of society, worthy of full wages and support in the workplace as well as full assistance with childcare and domestic duties. Also they are afraid of emotional intimacy and exposing their vulnerability. So, with that, lets check up on my viewing this week, so see how kdrama men are doing. I’m sorry to say the news is….not good.
1. The historical antecedents of the crisis are in full display in Our Blooming Youth where a future king is showing women some respect, however is so afraid of intimacy that he doesn’t want even his shadow to touch that of the woman he loves. No wonder his reign resulted in no successor to follow his model of companionate marriage, and instead left a system of alienated queens and exploited concubines.
2. On the contemporary front, we have two taxi drivers. Unfortunately, one of those Taxi Driver 2 is totally uninterested in women, getting his emotional satisfaction from beating up bad guys, who incidentally, are exploiting women and children, not good for encouraging future population growth! The other, in Delivery Man, does treat women with respect, and tries to do everything that the female entity in his life asks. Unfortunately, she’s a ghost. There will be no children coming from this union, unless they come on “the other side” wherever that is, though its clearly not Korea.
3. Speaking of other realms, there was apparent good news for population growth when a likeable priest in the Heavenly Idol decided to give up celibacy. Unfortunately he will be having children in another, mystical world, where he will be battling the Evil One, so no help for Korean society there.
4. Finally, in what epitomizes the crisis, the tall good looking male lead in Call it Love has revealed that he is going to repudiate the love of not one, but two women. Why? He had a painful breakup in the past, which reduced his speech to occasional brief sentences, and left him with a permanently mournful look on his face. Apparently he thinks that he’s the only one who has ever had a relationship end badly. Toughen up a little, why don’t you!
If I could give some advice to Kdrama men: pull yourselves together for the good of the nation! Treat women better, and don’t be such whimps when it comes to emotional commitment! Otherwise your society will end up being filled with decrepit old men, like me!
Team Dramabeans: What we’re watching (March 18, 2023)
Source: Buzz Pinay Daily
0 Comments