I am covering trend, food and fashion. Previously, I covered diplomacy, city, environment and unification.
REPORTERSNOTEBOOK Letter to 5 women from Netflix’s 'My Korean Boyfriend'
Cast of Netflix reality dating show "My Korean Boyfriend" / Courtesy of Netflix
By Kim Se-jeong
Review of Netflix dating show through romance, cultural misunderstandings and reality
First, let me congratulate all of you for having the courage to come all the way to Korea in search of a real-life K-drama romance and for putting your private lives on public display on Netflix.
I enjoyed watching all eight episodes. Not only was the show entertaining, it was also thought-provoking, prompting me to reflect on love, cultural differences and romance between people from different cultural backgrounds.
Beyond the relationships, the show offered an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of my home city, Seoul. The stunning views from cafés, the nocturnal light show along the Han River, the architecture of Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the cherry blossom-lined streets of Yeouido and Bukchon Hanok Village were all very beautiful. I would recommend the show to anyone who wants a glimpse of Seoul before visiting.
Morena, right, in a scene from "My Korean Boyfriend" / Captured from Netflix
To Morena:
Congratulations on your marriage to Se-woong. While it came as a bit of a surprise, the two of you looked beautiful together, and I hope you will build a happy family. What stood out most to me about you was the trust you placed in Se-woong, even during moments of doubt.
Receiving comments about your clothing from a future mother-in-law is never pleasant. Neither is discovering that your fiancé hadn’t told his family about the marriage proposal. I’m sure Se-woong was deeply grateful for your patience and support during that time.
Relationships with mothers-in-law are often tricky in Korea. The best approach is usually to maintain a bit of distance while remaining polite at all times — adhering to a more conservative dress code is often considered part of that politeness. As for the scene in which Se-woong cried while reading your letter to his mother, I saw it as a sign of the deep emotional bond between mother and son. It had nothing to do with you.
Luanny, left, in a scene from "My Korean Boyfriend" / Captured from Netflix
To Luanny:
I’ve often wondered what happened between you and Si-won after the show ended. To be honest, I wished you had gone your separate ways much earlier. Even after meeting his mother and clearing up the issue of your daughter from a previous relationship, the prospects with Si-won didn’t improve — quite the opposite.
Rather than taking responsibility himself, he allowed the situation to drag on to the point where you had to contact his mother and explain everything. On top of that, he had unresolved financial issues. K-dramas may be romantic, but reality cannot be avoided. I’m not saying money is everything, but it does matter. As you said on the show, you already have challenges of your own — you don’t need an additional burden. You deserve a partner who can support you and stand by you through life’s difficulties.
Mariana, right, in a scene from "My Korean Boyfriend" / Captured from Netflix
To Mariana:
It must have been torture to keep wondering when Danny would finally kiss you. I felt that frustration. But this is often how relationships with Koreans unfold — they don’t rush into physical affection early on; it usually takes time.
That said, what I also sensed in Danny was uncertainty. He clearly liked you, but he didn’t seem confident about handling a long-distance relationship. That may explain why he didn’t answer your call at the airport — and why, at times, he came across more like a “tour guide” than a romantic partner during your dates.
Katy, right, in a scene from "My Korean Boyfriend" / Captured from Netflix
To Katy:
I truly appreciated how you took the initiative and chose to end your relationship with Jack. Your decisiveness was refreshing. The two of you had very little in common, and it was clear early on. The second man you met seemed far more compatible with you, and I noticed his thoughtfulness — especially when he talked about how he behaves when he’s in love.
Camila in a scene from "My Korean Boyfriend" / Captured from Netflix
To Camila:
At first, I didn’t quite understand why you had joined the dating show. But as the episodes progressed, I began to see things more clearly. I’m glad you were able to use this journey to better understand yourself and your Korean family roots. I hope you'll forgive your mother and move on to the next chapter of your life.