korean-american oh's introduce of K-culture

A Korean-American’s Experience Sharing the Drama That Changed How I See Both Worlds   First Impressions – What surprised my American friend most When I played Mr. Sunshine for my American buddy, he expected a love story. What he got was a history lesson wrapped in pain, beauty, and resistance. His first words after episode one? "Why didn’t we learn this in school?"    Historical Gaps – The Korea-Japan past many Americans don’t know Most Americans don’t know about Korea’s fight for independence from Japan. The show opened his eyes to a century of pain left out of Western books. For me, it was powerful to watch that realization happen in real time. It was more than TV—it was truth shared.    Emotional Layers – Love, loyalty, and loss through Korean eyes The show isn’t just about war—it’s about heart. My friend was moved by how characters balanced duty with deep emotion. Eugene’s pain, Ae-sin’s fire, Dong-mae’s silence—all hit differently. We ...

  A Korean-American Veteran’s Look at the Harsh Truth Behind the Drama   First Reactions – What shocked me as a Korean-American watching Watching The Glory as someone born in the U.S. but raised in Korean culture was overwhelming. The intensity and coldness of the bullying scenes left me speechless. Back home in the States, school fights were more direct and often resolved quickly. Here, the pain lingers—and it’s far more personal.    Cultural Silence – Why Korean bullying feels more hidden One thing that struck me was how quietly the violence happens. Korean schools often value harmony, so speaking out feels like breaking a bigger rule. Victims stay silent, and even adults sometimes look away. That silence is louder than any punch.   Comparison – US school violence vs. Korean violence In the U.S., school violence is more visible—fights, suspensions, police involvement. In Korea, it’s emotional, psychological, and long-term. There’s less bloo...

    A Korean-American veteran's cultural journey through alleyways and warehouse aisles    My First Visit to a Korean Market — A Veteran's Curiosity When I left the U.S. Army and settled in Korea, I thought shopping would be the least surprising part of life here. But the first time I stepped into a Korean traditional market, it hit me — this wasn't just shopping. It was storytelling, eye contact, and banter over fresh produce. It was loud, messy, unpredictable — and incredibly human.    Traditional Markets — The Rhythm of Human Connection In Korea’s traditional markets, you don’t just buy food. You build relationships. Vendors remember your face. They ask how your mom is doing. They throw in a few extra green onions with a wink. As a veteran used to chain stores and efficiency, this felt like stepping into a village square. It reminded me of something I didn’t know I missed.    Costco Korea — Familiar, Yet Foreign Then came ...

    Understanding Korean society through the unspoken rules of public transit    From Bases to Buses — My First Subway Experience in Korea As a Korean-American U.S. Army veteran, I thought I had experienced structure. Military life is full of routines, timing, and discipline. But stepping into a Korean subway? That was a whole new level of unspoken order. From the moment I entered the station, I could feel it: People moved with purpose, lines formed naturally, and silence reigned. It wasn’t just a ride — it was a cultural experience.    Silence, Space, and Social Awareness — The Rules You Don’t See In American cities, subway rides often involve loud conversations, phone calls, and music. Korea? Not even close. Nobody speaks above a whisper. Most riders wear earbuds or read quietly, eyes down. It’s like stepping into a mobile library — and it’s respected. The unspoken rule? “Your presence shouldn’t disturb others.” And honestly, I found...

   Exploring the stark contrasts and subtle connections between everyday Korean hierarchy and military command — through the eyes of a Korean-American veteran    Korean-American Veteran Blogger — My Connection to Korea I’m a Korean-American who served in the U.S. Army and now live in Korea as a blogger. My roots are here, but my upbringing and military service shaped my view of structure and leadership. Living in Korea now, I see everyday hierarchy not just as culture, but as a system — just as defined as any chain of command in the military. And yet, it runs deeper and feels far more personal.    Military Hierarchy — Comparing the U.S. and Korean Chains of Command In the U.S. military, rank matters — but so does communication. You follow orders, yes, but you also have a voice. Respect flows both ways. Your input is valued, especially when it can improve a mission. In contrast, Korea’s military hierarchy leans more toward absolute authority. ...