Different Language, Different Culture: Language Tips for Americans Watching KDrama

To paraphrase the Oscar winning director of Parasite, Bong Joon-Ho, there’s a whole new world of entertainment for those willing “to overcome the one-inch barrier of subtitles”.

Happily Korean dramas do not translate all words into English that are unique to the culture of Korea. So, we get a lesson in Korean language and culture while being entertained by some of the best television programming currently available on the planet. What’s not to love?

It’s important to keep in mind that age makes a significant difference when someone addresses or refers to another in Korea. If the age difference is not obvious you’ll notice Koreans may ask another person’s age so they will know which honorific to use.

Because Koreans use honorific language when addressing others, there is not an equivalent word for word translation for many of the nouns used for others. So I’ve included some of the most frequently used names below.

You’ll come across these words “romanized” or put into “konglish” in the translation bar (as opposed to remaining in Hangul, the Korean form of writing). As you watch Kdramas these words will become more familiar to you and hopefully this list will be helpful as you begin your odyssey into the rich world of Kdrama.

Words to Express Emotion

Aigoo – geez, urg, rats, whew. Shows frustration (maybe exhaustion), surprise or disappointment.

Aish – unfinished curse word. (Traditionally not to be said around elders.)

Heol shock, surprise, sarcasm

Daebak – jackpot, surprise, can be sarcastic. Generally a very good thing, awesome.

Words to Address Others

Ajumma – married middle aged woman, sometimes translated as auntie.

Ajussi – middle aged or married man.

Unnie – older sister or good friend, sometimes spelled Eonni. Used by females.

Noona – older sister or good friend. Used by males.

Oppa – older male, brother, can be used to show affection, i.e. boyfriend. Used by females.

Hyung – older bother or close male friend. Used by males.

Dongsaeng – younger brother or sister. Add yeo for females, nam for males.

Sunbae anyone with more experience at school or work.

Hoobae – someone with less experience. Hooebaes must treat Sunbaes with respect.

Btw: translators will often use the English words “punk” or “wench” for a male or female, respectively, who is annoying or worse. These are not words that Americans would commonly use but bastard and bitch usually seem too strong. When I think about it, I’m not sure English has a midrange characterization that would work any better. Jerk? But that is usually reserved for males only.

Currently watching Because This is My First Life. Streaming on VIKI Rakuten. A+. Highly recommend.

Let’s Get Started with “Crash Landing on You” (Netflix)

Offering compelling chemistry between leading actors, an intriguing storyline, humorous supporting characters, plenty of action and suspense the 2019/20 tv series, “Crash Landing on You” is my recommendation as a binge-worthy introduction to KDrama.

The Plot. While paragliding a freak wind lands a young South Korean cosmetic and fashion mogul on the North side of Korea’s DMZ where she is discovered by a North Korean patrol captain. After debating whether to “just shot her or turn her in”, Captain Ri (Hyun Bin) decides to hide Se-ri (Son Ye-Jin) in the village where he lives and eventually see that she gets safely home to Seoul. Guess what? They fall in love. And with a plot much more complex than the average romantic comedy, we have a lot of fun watching them do it.

CLOY is one of the most successful, if not the most internationally successful Kdrama tv series to date. Its talented team of writers, director, and cast creates a delightful love story within the backdrop of North and South Korea. Well placed touches of humor and action, fascinating characters such as village ajummas (sometimes translated as “aunties”), and quirky North Korean army squad members tug at our heartstrings and give us not only an exciting emotional roller coaster ride but also interesting cultural insights into both North and South Korea.

A strong factor in this series’ success is that one of the writers, Kwak Moon-wan, is a North Korean defector. After defecting Kwak used the film industry skills he learned in North Korea to land a job as an advisor and screenwriter for CLOY. His intimate knowledge of the daily life and social/military structure of North Korea enriches this series with a depth and accuracy that is unique.

Intro to KDrama Option 2.

If Crash Landing on You doesn’t sound like something you’d be interested in, try this historical drama:

  • Mr. Sunshine    2018 (Netflix)
    • IMBd 8.8/10
    • 24 episodes, 1 season
    • Historical Period Drama

After his parents are murdered by the nobles who enslaved them, a young boy escapes from Joseon to the United States in the 1870’s. Years later he returns as a US Marine Corps captain on a political assignment to the country that enslaved and rejected him.

In this turbulent time when the (pre-Korea) Joseon Dynasty is beginning to succumb to Japanese invasion, Eugene Choi (Lee Byung-Hun) falls in love with a noblewoman, Go Ae-Shine (Kim Tae-Ri), who is secretly a political fighter trying to save her country.

With excellent cinematography and costumes, strong acting, memorable characters, including a strong female lead, this period drama offers a great love story as well as an intriguing lesson in Korean history.

Why Watch Korean Dramas?

During the Q, if you’re like me you’ve pretty much plowed your way through any and  everything Netflix, Hulu and Amazon have to offer.  From Tiger King, through brooding mysteries, dark comedies and historical dramas, it’s feeling a bit desolate.

We live in exciting times at the moment and sometimes we need some pure escape to save our mental health. In my quest for something that doesn’t suck the life out of me I have discovered the guilty pleasure of watching Korean dramas.

To quote the director of the 2019 Academy Awards Best Picture (Parasite), Bong Joon Ho, there’s a whole new world of entertainment for those willing “to overcome the one-inch barrier of subtitles.”

  • Are you hungry for? 

– happy endings

– emotionally engaging, well constructed plots

– intriguing multi-dimensional characters

– a culturally expanding experience 

and yes the cinematography is good.

Rip roaring fun and an educational experience — what’s not to love?

If you like a good story with romance, adventure, interesting plot twists and characters you care about, this is a whole new world of entertainment .

Preview of Blog #2 – Tips for Americans Watching Kdramas and recommendations for some excellent dramas to get you started.