Running Man Makes Me Love Korea

Korean syndrome has significantly affected Indonesian since the raise of K-Pop. The hair styles, fashion style, and even entertainment style where Indonesians copied Korean's boy band and girl band concept. While everybody is crazy about the K-fever, me as the anti liking-what-most-people-likes don't give a damn about anything Korean-related.

Not because I am anti mainstream. It's just.. I don't like it. I can't relate to it. I don't like the music, I don't like the hairstyle or fashion style, and I couldn't understand why most people adored the boy band personnel, saying they're handsome and stuff. Again, it's not because I wanna keep the "anti-mainstream" side of me, but since a long time ago when Korean Drama starts invading Indonesia, I never really like Korean guys. I thought their faces are all the same. Except for Won Bin and Lee Wan.

BUT. I am a very objective person. So when my cousin recommended me a Korean TV show that -- quoting him - "will make you laugh", I gave that a try -- even though I doubted it in the first place.

And so.. Here I am now, a Running Man addict (that's the name of the variety show).

And watching Running Man has opened my eyes about Korea and now, I have respect to that country and its culture.

Why, you may ask?

Well, it's because Koreans preserved its culture in respecting the older people. Eventhough it's just one or two years difference, they will call the older ones with "hyung" for man or "unnie" for woman. Even with the same aged (but different gender) friend, they also have to call them with "oppa" or "noona".

What else I do love about Koreans is that the celebrities are not "acting" as if they're celebrities in real life. They still act humane, humble and down to earth. They don't get cocky when they're famous. They don't think they're special -- even though they are. A Korean-fan friend told me that Koreans includes "fan service" as one of their culture. They do realize that without their fans, they are nothing. And I adore them for that. I adore their humility.

Proof?

Running Man often go to public area when doing their challenges. And in that public area, they often met hundreds or thousands of fans. They always bow down to greet them. They shake their hands and even welcoming a photo request even if it's in the middle of a game. They also didn't hesitate in helping others. Once before, Jae Suk (one of Running Man members) was doing his challenge. But then he stopped when seeing an old lady brought her groceries in difficulty. Jae Suk chose to help the old lady first.

Aside from that, I also adored how they think they're not famous enough compared to other celebrities that come to Running Man as guests. Often they also asked for a photo session or asking for a signature when they met a guest that they like. Even more, when it was Park Ji Sung, South Korean's national hero, came to Running Man, the Running Man members didn't hesitate to show their excitement towards the captain. They welcomed him in joy, they treated them with pleasure, even though they are as famous as the captain itself.

Running Man also made me realize that Korean music is not just boy bands and girl bands. Wot wot! And now I'm a fan of that not-boyband group from Korea! Double wot wot! :))

They are a band. They play instruments. They create their own songs. They are CN to the Blue, CN Blue!

Well yeah, after watching several Running Man episodes, I noticed this guy, Jung Yong Hwa. At first, I thought, "what's with this guy, wearing earrings" but after appearing several times in the show, I noticed that "hey, he's smart!" and I started to googled him, his band, listen to their songs and then I thought, "hey, the songs are nice!" and then I became their fans. :))

BUT. That doesn't mean I'm into other Korean songs as well. I tried to listen to several K-Pop supertstars such as Big Bang, Super Junior, and so on. But I still don't like their music. But at least I've tried, haha.

Aside from that, Running Man also succeed in showing the beauty of its country and make people wanna go there. From Running Man, I know that Korea also has its "Santorini" or Gamcheon Art Village in Busan. And now I wanna go there sooooo bad. So, who wants to go there with me? :D

Pretty, isn't it? (pic: www.korea.net)