The Rich Tapestry of Korean Friendships: A Bond That Transcends Borders
Friendships are an essential part of life, and the connections we forge with others can greatly impact our well-being. One friendship that stands out is the bond between Koreans and their friends. This article explores the unique characteristics of Korean friendship, as highlighted in a video script, and delves into the reasons why Koreans can be considered best buddies.
Humble and Celebratory:
Koreans are known for their humility and genuine appreciation for others. The video script showcases the surprise of a Korean friend bringing a birthday cake and singing a birthday song to the birthday celebrant (Olan Deems), epitomizing the warm and supportive nature of Korean friendships. It is this humility that fosters a sense of togetherness and compels Koreans to celebrate the milestones and successes of their friends.
Korean Friendship and Culture_01
Sweet and Supportive:
Koreans excel at expressing their care and affection for their friends. When faced with a situation like the celebrant’s inability to sing, Korean friends step in to fill the gap. Their willingness to go the extra mile and sing for their friends demonstrates the deep level of support and love they have for one another. This sweet gesture creates lasting memories and strengthens the bonds of friendship.
Funny and Fun-loving:
Koreans have a vibrant sense of humor and an infectious zest for life. As depicted in the script, they enjoy spending quality time with friends, often engaging in late-night gatherings and endless laughter. Even with demanding work schedules, they prioritize leisure and understand the importance of laughter as a form of release and connection. This light-heartedness further solidifies the camaraderie shared among Korean friends.
Rounds of Enjoyment:
In Korean culture, drinking sessions, commonly referred to as “rounds“, play a significant role in fostering deep friendships. These rounds typically involve consuming a mix of beers, soju, and hard spirits, accompanied by singing sessions in karaoke rooms. The progression from one round to another illustrates the trust and closeness shared among friends as they embark on these joyous and sometimes challenging drinking adventures together.
Loving and Inclusive:
Korean friends often extend their familial bonds to those they hold dear. They eagerly introduce their friends to their families and invite them to share special occasions, meals, and cultural experiences. Their love and inclusivity create a sense of belonging for their friends, making them an integral part of the Korean community. Being embraced by a Korean family is a testament to the depth of friendship one can cultivate with Koreans.
Korean friendship embodies humility, sweetness, humor, enjoyment, and love. The tight-knit bonds fostered among Koreans and their friends transcend borders and last even when physically apart. Whether it’s celebrating joys, supporting one another, or immersing in Korean traditions, the depth of Korean friendship is incomparable. So, the answer to the question posed in the video script is a resounding “Yes!” – Koreans can indeed be your best friends, or “Korean BeFu.” Embrace the spirit of Korean friendship and cherish the lifelong connections you cultivate along the way.
{script on the video} Oh! This is a rehearsal video of the Band group wherein I was invited to observe. The video is not quite good because the audio is distorted. But, you’ll see the actual performance in a moment. I was asked to join them but I can’t sing. I am just a Song Lover. A Good Listener!
By the way, I was invited by my friend, the lead male singer in this video. In the long years, that I’ve stayed in Korea, I have developed close ties of friendship with Koreans. We keep in touch even though I am out of Korea. We call/text each other. We connect on Facebook or Kakaotalk.
Sometimes, they visit me here in the Philippines and we tour together. After, Baler in Aurora, we recently visited Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron in Palawan. And we are planning more trips… if our schedule permits us.
What I like most about Koreans, they are disciplined individuals and serious workers. Time is valuable, so punctuality matters in every transaction, event, and deadline.
So, Do you think, Koreans are Best Buddies? Can they be your real Best Friends (or Korean BeFu)?
Well, let me share with you my experience as their friend and you’ll tell me the answer.
First. They’re Humble! Celebrate with you, whoever or whatever you are. As you see in the intro part, I was surprised that my Korean Friend Suhwan brought me a cake on my birthday and astonished me when he sang a birthday song for me. That was when started our close friendship and we called each other by a code BBB which means Best Buddy Brother.
Second. They’re Sweet! Sing you a Song… That was just a fun moment. Since I can’t sing then they must sing for me or for us in the group. They have bitten my prey!
Third. Funny! Bring your Laughter… Really? Well, we strike anywhere after office hours. Sometimes until dawn then wake up at 5 AM or 6 AM because we have to be in the office before 9 AM. Our office hours are from 9 AM to 6 AM daily.
Fourth. Go with the flow of the so-called Rounds of Enjoyment! The drinking session rounds in 5 different places. I have tried till the very end from round 1 to round 5.
In 일차 (Round 1), this is where everybody is enjoying beers and soju. This could the 1st 2 to 3-hour session.
In 이차 (Round 2), this is when 5% of the group has left, another 1.5 to 2 hours session.
In 삼차 (Round 3), since nearly midnight, 25% to 30% of the group has left again, this will be another 1.5 to 2 hours session of hard drinks plus singing in 노래방(Karaoke)
In 사차 (Round 4), certainly 30% to 40% are present. Though drunk still enjoys hard-spirit drinks. Perhaps 70% to 90% Alcohol (Chinese Wine).
In 오차 (Round 5), few remain. Perhaps 5% to 10% of the original group. This is where we are drinking to death. Super drunk that we need to find or hire a driver to bring us to our respective residences.
Fifth. Loving! You can be part of their family. They are proud and so happy to introduce you to their family circles. They would invite you to join them for lunch or dinner in their home. Or even invite you to join them on their special occasions such as during their Thanksgiving Holiday, watch Sports events, go to the Beach, etc.
Based on what I have shared with you, I believe, you can now answer the question…
Have a great time with your Korean Friends…Okay, let’s continue watching the rehearsal then you’ll see the actual performance shortly. { end of script }
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