Drama, much?

Well, since I just spent the last, you know, hour, messing with the layout and learning how to actually use Blogger, I thought I'd write another post. Let's talk about Asian dramas some more, that's fun :)

According to Wikipedia*, "Korean drama refers to televised dramas, similar to Western miniseries, produced in the Korean language for Korean audiences."

Dramas are a HUGE deal in Asian countries, which makes sense. But what you didn't know, I'll bet, is that they're actually huge deals on the North American branch of the internet, too. Not to mention the South American branch.

Wikipedia says that "Korean dramas have recently become popular in the United States as many see these dramas as an alternative to the violent and racy content of American soap operas."

Silent Regrets is the fabulous website that introduced me to the Asian drama experience. They have a smorgasbord of them to choose from, complete with subtitle files! Two of my favorites are Goong and The Vineyard Man, both of which star Yoon Eun-Hye. If I had to pick a favorite actress, I'd pick Eun-Hye, hands down.

*I absolutely adore Wikipedia. I'll probably quote it a lot.

Things are about to get interesting

About a year and a half ago, I fell in love with Korea. I had stumbled across the phenomenon known as the 'K-Drama'*. Whilst perusing YouTube videos, I discovered something called Goong. Scenes of royal palaces, crowded streets, and towering mountains. Lovely clothes, intricate hairstyles, and fascinating foods. A handsome prince and a beautiful princess.

I was hooked before I had ever watched the thing.

After some investigative internet research, I had discovered that Goong is an Asian drama, which is less like a TV show and more like a miniseries. Goong spans 24 episodes, each an hour long, and I watched them all (via the magic of Internetland) in less than two weeks.

Long story short, this series is what started my love of Korea. Weird? Maybe. Do I care? Not a mite. I do realize that it probably romanticizes life in Korea quite a bit, but how would I know? I've never been there.**

But here's the thing. I'm planning on going there. To live there. As I write this, I'm currently in the middle of applying to teach for a year at a school in South Korea. I am hopefully going to be over there as of September 30, 2009.

I will be using this blog to document my experiences both prior and during my stay in South Korea, as I go through the application, interview, and visa processes, travelling and actually living in another country. Expect to see rants, ramblings, lists, and many exclaimation points of excitment.

Hold onto your hats, folks - we're off and running!!!

*As opposed to the T-Drama, J-Drama, C-Drama, etc. (Taiwan, Japan, China...)
** Okay, I do know that Korea is not a monarchy, I'm not that ridiculous. But it's just so lovely to think about, isn't it?