MIL: My son doesn’t like that kind of stuff. OR It isn’t easy to make them right. (meaning: You did it wrong) OR It’s so bad for you to eat that kind of stuff so early in the morning.
Scenario 2:
MIL: Do you know X?
DIL: Yes.
MIL: Are you trying to brag how smart you are? Wow.
MIL: Do you know X?
DIL: No.
MIL: How ignorant are you?
The in-law conflict is so bad that there is a word called Si-World to refer to it. (Si = in-laws on your husband’s side)
Usually, it isn’t too terrible if the husband and the father-in-law side with the daughter-in-law to prevent the abuse. Unfortunately, not all husbands and fathers-in-law want to get involved.
(But to be honest, with or without intervention, I don’t see Yuna suffering from any nonsense like this, do you?)
Note 8: Makjang drama
The makjang drama is a form of Korean drama that features the following tropes: the secret behind somebody important’s birth, adultery, extreme in-law conflict, love triangle, immoral/ depraved characters and so on.
Basically, it’s what Koreans consider things you watch while you swear furiously at the screen the entire time but can’t turn away from. Think of it as a kind of outrage porn.
Note 9: RidiBooks
It’s one of the most popular e-book stores in Korea for romance novels. They sell both serials and novels. This is also where Yuna buys Korean romance novels.
(And yes, it’s also where I buy Korean romance novels when I want to read something different.)
Note 10: The Peerless Man
It’s what Koreans call a “keyword” or trope. It refers to a man who has a very big you-know-what and the most incredible bedroom technique and stamina. His wealth and status have no bearing on this point.
I’ve never, ever seen a Korean romance novel without this particular trope. And when I asked on a Korean romance fan site, nobody could come up with one, either.
Note 11: Anju
Koreans like to have some snacks / food when they drink. It can be very simple like nuts or dried calamari or bland soup or it can be fancy and expensive like sashimi. It’s completely case-by-case and depends on your budget.
Note 12: Aga
It’s one of many possible endearments fathers- and mothers-in-law call their daughters-in-law. It’s an affectionate term, and usually shows a good relationship.
Note 13: Taemong
It’s literally a dream you have when you’re either pregnant or about to be pregnant. It’s almost always about something auspicious like dragons, peaches, girin (Korean griffin), tigers, the sun / moon, silver blades, lightning, phoenixes and so on.
I have no clue how many people really have the dream. But it’s a staple in Korean dramas and novels that people have this dream. Furthermore, some historical records reference taemong. For example, there was a famous Korean general named Kim Yushin. His father dreamed that two stars came to him, and his mother dreamed that a boy in golden armor rode a cloud and came to her.
Bonus Note 14! Nothing to do with Korea, but… The Very Bossy Engagement
If you’ve been reading my books for a while, you might’ve recognized this title. It’s actually a romance novel written by Emily, the heroine from Flirting with the Rock Star Next Door [US :: UK :: Canada :: Australia]. Check it out if you want to read her story. :)
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