Crash landing on you
This post is to celebrate my convert :). So, my H after a year of grading K-dramas as cheesy has finally agreed to be my soul mate while I watch them (well almost…). This lockdown was made easier due to several reasons and one of them being K-dramas. The happiness which Crash landing on you (CLOY) brought into my life has continued till date. I could be guilty of behaving like a high schooler but after getting a global consensus from friends and colleagues I have come to the conclusion that I am not the only one. Episode 12 of Crash landing on you showed the couple having Soju together and getting Tipsy to the point where they share their innermost thoughts. There is always such a moment in love when you discuss your future without worrying if it is feasible. It is a beautiful dream which you live in your thoughts until its fulfilment.
CLOY has been my gateway into the Korean culture and nuances. From food, drinks to basic Korean words has intrigued my soul. We are now in lockdown 3.0 but the emotional connection to other humans (in CLOY) has made me venture into more Korean dramas.These dramas are not necessarily overtly romantic but they have kept me entertained and preoccupied in this pandemic. I might be super philosophical here but the mutual yearning projected in CLOY for re-unification has somehow identified with many of us as our quest for freedom.
So, from Japanese whisky dominating early 2020 to Korean Soju dominating the latter of 2020 and beyond. Starting from gifting Korean bbq to my sister for her birthday while I manage mine on a hot plate. This is how deeply Korean lifestyle has influenced my life.
Soju
Drinking and working late hours is quite an integral part of South Korean culture. I am quite amazed to know that an average man in Korean consumes around several litres of Soju per year. But just like everything Korean even the drinking culture has completely captivated my soul. Remember alcohol is a sentimental feeling and add a bit of culture to it and it trebbles the kick I swear.
While soju is traditionally made from rice, wheat, or barley, modern producers often replace rice with other starches, such as potato and sweet potato. Jinro Soju is one of the most consumed brands in Korea and abroad.
Here are some key guidelines while drinking Soju : (Quoted from Goghism)
- Receiving the drink – The older or most senior person will generally pour the first shot. Hold the shot glass with two hands when receiving drinks. If you are older feel free to use one hand when someone hands you a shot.
- Pour the drink – No one should pour their own shot. Pour with two hands, especially to an older or more senior person.
- Shoot the first shot – Turn your head to the side away from others and shoot the shot while holding the glass with two hands. The two hands is more a sign of respect while the turning of the head is more to avoid flashing your teeth which can be seen as disrespect.
- Fill empty glasses – Ask the person if he or she would like to have another drink. Pour the drink with two hands, and if your glass is empty, he or she will offer to fill yours afterwards. Traditionally, one does not pour his or her own glass.
- Togetherness – Much like how someone should not be pouring their own shots it follows that nobody should be drinking alone. I haven’t seen this to be taken more as a sign of disrespect but more a chance to show solidarity. Taking shots with another builds a connection and a sense of companionship (at least that’s the hope), don’t let your friend take one alone and don’t deny him or her the chance to be a good friend to you.
DISCLAIMER: Please drink responsibly. Excessive alcohol can and will lead to various health issues, including but not limited to nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, headaches, and breathing difficulties.