Why I love Crash Landing on You?

I can barely remember when the last time was when I finished a Korean Drama. I was intentionally avoiding it, just like avoiding a McFlurry. I know it would be good, addicting, but ultimately spoil my soul. It was too much like an escape from reality. 

Until escaping reality became a necessity.  Over the last seven weeks, I was pushing through three MBA classes while working full time and taking a business trip with a demanding schedule. I was literally counting days. Though I was completing tasks and fulfilling expectations, I felt I was in a mindless state. So much that I had to do, so little that I wanted to do. 

Though late to the train, Crash Landing on You was the best 24-hour of escaping without physically leaving the space I needed to be at. Enjoying this show is one of the purest joys of this year, without asking anything in gain or return.

1) The purest joy when falling for someone

Asian Dramas were known for lacking physical love, but it did not take away the excitement when you see the relationship develops in the show. The two main characters delivered an outstanding performance that made the emotion so believable. Initially starting from confusion and even fear, the two characters developed trust and curiosity for each other through the cutest moves. The cutest jealousy from Jeong-hyeok when Se-ri started to praise the other soldiers, the small awkwardness when Se-ri pretended to be Jeong-hyeok's fiance, the moment that Jeong-hyeok talked to the baby tomato plant expecting it is to grow - so many subtle scenes that built up the most joyous care and connection. As a viewer, one can hardly not rooting for them because they are the sweetest, kindest, funniest, and purest couple.

2) North Korea, South Korea

I had so, so many emotions watching the scenes depicting both Pyongyang and Seoul. Not only because I was away from home in Asia for almost 1.5 years due to COVID, but also the scenes in Pyongyang and the scenes in Soule connected my memory of Beijing- the one in the childhood memory and the one that I visited from time to time recently. My memory of Beijing as a child was not that different from the scenes of Pyongyang. In the show, the kids wore the red scarf that is similar to what every schoolchild wore in China, signifying we were the heir of the communist revolution. We were told that those red scarves were colored by the blood of revolution heroes, and my rebellious young mind could not help but think, " that must be a dark joke, how many heroes did they kill to get enough red scarves for every child in China?". People were afraid to be reported for their smallest offense while threatening others that they would report them if they saw any heartless wrongdoings. Yet, trust and sincere care develop under the pressure. A small joy can be amplified easily. 

In contrast, Seoul resembles modern-day Beijing, where all the hustles and bustles happen under the impressive skyline with a blend of modern architecture and ancient treasures. People are worked up. The entertainment would literally be becoming prettier, more wealthy, and more successful than others. The sheer materialism may look fabulous and flashy from the surface, but jealousy and competitiveness can turn everything sour.

3) The side characters and their development

I adore almost all the side characters in this show. Except for a few that were designed to be evil, most of the characters are funny, kind, and full of their own personalities. They are so lovable. The self-title group leader lady or the wide-mouthed master sergeant in North Korea can be the ones who say the meanest words but at the end of the day, they are the ones with the purest hearts. Their actions persuade. Another example would be Dan's mom. She might be the one who wanted to marry off her daughter in exchange for profit and power at the beginning but would evolve quickly to be so understanding of her daughter's choice. And she's funny as hell. They all reminded me of the people I know in Asia- they may not speak the nice words, but they are so genuinely warm in heart. They truly care when they care. 

Crash Landing on You was so sweet. Peter and I had a hard time acknowledging that we have finished the series. As an extension of the fiction, we are both glad to know that the lead actor and actress are dating now. In Peter's words-"They'd better get married soon." I guess we all need a real fairy tale in this bitter time.