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Posted on: Sunday, May 29, 2005

Keeping it 'real' with today's societal issues

 •  As the world turns in this week's K-Dramas
Who should he choose?
Will Kang-ho of "Super Rookie" end up with Mi-ok or Hyun-ah?
K-drama message board
Got a question or comment? Post it on our K-drama message board.

By Jeff Chung

Over the years I've been fortunate enough to meet some of Korea's top writers and producers of K-dramas.

"Super Rookie" focuses on current issues in Korean society, such as the lack of jobs.

Each shares a common trait: They have a goal when producing Korean soaps to address the current issues of Korean society.

It's their formula for success — the audience is much more receptive to current issues and events. It's not a new concept by any means.

About 15 years ago there was a daily called "Missing You." It dealt with the issue of women trying to balance careers and marriage. Some women have no choice but to choose one or the other, just like in America.

It's one of the recurring themes, as seen in the storyline in "Ode to the Han River." In this K-drama, Ga-young had to deal with the same societal issue.

K-dramas have also dealt with divorced women and the social ramifications, single mothers, abortion, infidelity and a host of other problems. Everything society has to offer, K-dramas will most likely address.

Last Week's Poll

"Should Se-jin and Seung-wan ma ('Wonderful Life') get married because of the unexpected baby even if they do not love each other? 237 voters give a resounding no, compared to 129 yes votes.

Today, with the empowerment of women, K-dramas have another twist. Because more women are financially independent, they often choose their career over marriage. The fallout is that many men now are characterized as the homemakers in the relationship. They do it because Korean men are portrayed as men who will do anything for their loved one.

One of the bigger issues K-dramas have been focusing on lately is the lack of jobs in Korea.

In "Super Rookie," Ju Sung-tae is Kang-ho's best friend since primary school. He is portrayed as the top student in his class, a Seoul National University graduate (regarded as one of the top national university in Seoul) and yet, he is unemployed.

This is one of the realities of living in Korea. You can be a very intelligent college graduate from a top university, but finding a job is no certainty regardless of your degree.

The market is so competitive that employers have plenty of applicants to choose from. Often, they'll take applicants who can speak English as well as Korean.

It can drive qualified, job-hungry workers crazy.

In fact, I've heard that in one version of the script for "Super Rookie," Sung-tae commits suicide. The story was revised, though, and he continues to support Kang-ho in LK, the company that hires him.

If you want to know what life is like in South Korea, tune in. It really is a reflection of the society.

Jeff Chung is general manager of KBFD, which televises all of the K-dramas. If you have a K-drama question or comment, call KBFD at 521-8066.