Watching a K-drama on my time off is a ritual. Quiet, calming, necessary. But watching a K-drama that gets me off my feet, clapping and jumping every time a bully gets what's coming for them was not on my bingo card when I pressed play.
Disclaimer: I haven't finished the series yet, but I couldn't wait to write about what it gifted me between all those claps.
I was bullied before, back in middle school, yes FAM, I.M is an old lady. Physically, mockingly, a bit too much if you ask me. The best part is that I completely buried those moments, and for sure didn't consider them bullying, nor have I mentioned them to anyone until I was way older and watching K-dramas that are not only entertaining, but emotionally stimulating.
Side note, another thing I love about K-dramas is how I notice a trait, an unspoken struggle, in characters that isn't usually declared loudly. PTSD, anger management issues, anxiety, overthinking...
Back to the lesson I learned from a ten episode series. When Kim Su-gyeom, k** of his bullies, asked for a promise to make sure no one turns out like him, I shed tears. Because bullying can cause different kinds of reactions, and at the end of the day the victim is still a victim who never held the key to their fate. I am not saying violence answered with violence is allowed, but I understand how the idea of standing up for oneself shifts depending on what someone was left to work with.
For the record, the deeper unpacking happens in therapy, not here. I am not diagnosing myself in a diary entry. This is just me speaking my truth. These few hours I spent watching got me wondering about my bullies. How are their lives going. Do they even know that was bullying, and that it affected me in some way. Have they ever thought of apologising, even just for their own peace of mind. But we will never know.
I am not seeking an apology, nor do I remember their faces to be frank, but it's worth mentioning that this K-drama healed something in me, and I hope it did for everyone who watched it too.
I admire how light it stayed while still bringing to life an issue in a funny, cathartic way. Yes, we are discussing a serious social issue, but life is not only that. We all deserve a breather to smile, laugh from the heavy thoughts we carry with us.
I wonder if I will be taking a short break from K-dramas after finishing this one, but my therapy session is going to be epic this week, and I will be bringing my popcorn and my blanket for the next episode for sure. This time with tissues as well.
Note : While doing my final edits, I came across this press release, and it got me thinking, maybe this K-drama ended up teaching us all a lesson too