Understanding K-Drama: 100 Days

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Jun Ji Hyun
Kim Soo Hyun
You Who Came From The Stars
Ha Ji Won
Kim Jae Won
100 Days With Mr. Arrogant

K-drama couples occasionally talk about what they will do on the 100-day anniversary of their dating. A recent example was when Jun Ji Hyun wanted to celebrate the 100th day at the Namsan Tower with her alien boyfriend, played by Kim Soo Hyun.

There's also a k-movie titled "100 Days With Mr. Arrogant." Starring Ha Ji Won and Kim Jae Won. One her 100-Day anniversary, Ha Ji Won's character is cruelly dumped by her boyfriend. To repay a debt she promises to work for an arrogant man for 100 days. During that time they fall in love.

The 100th day of a relationship is considered significant in Korea and its normal for couples to celebrate the occasion. It can either be 100 days since they met or 100 days since they officially began dating. Sometimes that anniversary is celebrated with a dinner out, flowers and a cake. It will likely include a gift, which could be chocolates, a stuffed animal or jewelry such as a couples ring. The 100-day milestone implies a commitment.

One romantic ritual, also seen in "You Who Came From The Stars," is to attach a padlock to a bridge or a landmark. The lock signifies the joining of the lovers' hearts. Once it is locked, the key is dropped into a box, so it cannot be opened. This event is commemorated by plenty of photos of the couple holding their padlock.

And if you think that it might be hard to remember when that 100-Day anniversary is, there's an app for that, which can be installed on your phone.

Some couples also celebrate the first 200 or 300 days of dating but others wait for the one-year-anniversary. In "You Who Came From The Stars," Jun Ji Hyun's character already knew what she wanted to do for their one-year anniversary, which was find a ring in her ice cream. For her thousand-day anniversary, she wanted to go backpacking.

The 100th day is also significant for parents of a newborn. Baek-gil or the baby's 100th day anniversary is cause for celebration, as babies are considered very fragile during the first 100 days. Parents may throw a party to celebrate. Rice cakes are a traditional dish served on that day. If the cakes are shared with 100 people some believe the child will live a long life. The people who get the rice cakes may return the favor by presenting such traditional gifts as thread, rice or money to the family. These gifts symbolize wishes for the baby's health, wealth and long life. But many people bring clothes or other non-traditional baby gifts.

Do you think the idea of the 100-Day Anniversary is romantic? Let us know?

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