Of First Snowfalls and Umbrellas in KDramas
I looked up my list of 30 to see which topic I was the most keen on writing for today and found a small scribble at the end of the page that I had written, which said “common scenes” and the bulb lit in my brains. When I first started watching Kdramas, I was quite struck by the cinematography of the dramas. For the most part, they are extremely well shot with high production values and scenes tend to be very poetic and symbolic as well. Scene compositions often contain soft blurs and diffused light, and maybe a reflective surface as well. My all time favourite Kdrama in terms of cinematography is Mr Sunshine. The whole drama is full of absolutely stunning compositions and well choreographed scenes, so much so that I would often replay some scenes. And the thought of cinematography made me recall scenes that have now become de rigeur in most Kdramas, and although there are several, I have in particular selected 3 that often make an appearance because I feel like they have a symbolic meaning as well.
Crossing the street/traffic lights and bus rides- I think by default all Kdramas have a scene where the lead characters are crossing a street, either to their destination or towards the person they love. And in some cases, unable to cross the street because of an emotional conflict. Often such a scene takes place during pivotal moments of the lead character and indicates the characters’ final decision after much inner turmoil. And while crossing the street, in those few minutes the characters become one with the other people walking as well. I have lost count of the number of bus ride scenes that take place in a Kdrama. From cacophonous to cheesy romantic ones. Somehow scenes of both crossing the street and bus rides demonstrate movement and journey. Bus rides specifically I think relate to the character’s in between moments and when they are still processing their feelings and what decision to make. A favourite scene of mine is from the 2021 drama Youth Of May where the male lead gets on the stop only to loudly ask the girl he likes on a date!
Umbrella- Ok, I HAD to include this given the numerous scenes of the guy just coming out of nowhere with an umbrella in his hands to protect the girl from getting wet!! And it is a tad bit too convenient and has foolishly made me hope that one day in Melbourne with all the wind and rain a guy will also give me his umbrella too. I am joking ofcourse :P but I do think the umbrella scenes are emblematic of Kdramas. Of particular note is that it is always the guy who arrives on the scene with an umbrella, I cannot recall an instance where it has been the opposite wherein a girl has swooped in instead of a guy. The guy with an umbrella aptly symbolises how he will protect the girl, especially since the action occurs during some crisis that the girl is facing. And that is when the girl becomes a damsel in distress and looks at the guy with hope, relief and love!
Snow- Possibly most pivotal or iconic romantic scenes or the kiss takes place during the first snow. And as it turns out, in Korea, first snow holds several meanings. If you have been a keen observer while watching Kdramas, you would have noticed that the first snow is followed by a confession of love or the lead couple getting together. This is because there’s apparently a saying in Korea that if you go out with someone you like during the first snow, then true and everlasting love will develop between the two people. The first snow is also meant to indicate abundant harvest for the next year. Maybe I should go to South Korea in time for its first snow and then I finally meet my oppa :D