2014 is turning out to be a good year for noona romances. For the last seven years or more, the yearly k-drama lineup has included at least one noona romance in which the woman is older than the man. But this year, spring has barely begun and already there have been three noona romances, with one more on the way.
The year started out with "I Need Romance 3," starring Sung Joon and Kim So Yeon. That was followed by the steamy melodrama "Secret Love Affair" and the comedy "A Witch's Love." Then Seo In Guk signed on to another noona romance in which he plays a high school student in love with an office worker. That's a lot of noonas.
What's the appeal of the noona romance and why is it suddenly so popular? There are a few classic reasons that have been discussed before but bear repeating.
1. First, role reversal is fun. In the noona romance, the woman is not only older but has more power in the world. Lee Bo Young was a prosecutor to Lee Jong Suk's high school student in "I Hear Your Voice." Even though Lee Chung Ah was only a new teacher in "Flower Boy Ramen Shop," she was Jung Il Woo's teacher.
In Korea, as in other parts of the world, women's role in society has changed and that has required some cultural adjustment. In a previously patriarchal society no one thought much of an older man marrying a younger woman. In a more equitable society some wonder why it works one way and not the other. K-dramas provide an interesting stage on which to play out such questions.
2. It's more fun if it's even slightly forbidden. Even though it may be more accepted nowadays the age difference still provides an obstacle to the lovers' union and that makes the love affair more scandalous. That's good for drama, although in real life the differences may prove more problematic.
3. It's fun watching the male lead grow up. The younger male lead is usually in need of some maturing and the love he feels for the female lead is what helps him grow up. It's also a sweet fantasy to think you could be powerful and accomplished and have the kind of guy you crushed on in high school fall for you now.
4. Younger men may be more idealistic about love, at least as its portrayed in k-dramas. Check out Sung Joon in "I Need Romance 3" or Yoo Ah in in "Secret Affair." Such characters do not understand why the age difference is a problem. But then younger men are more likely to have been raised with the idea that women can be powerful, should be equal and are entitled to love who they want to.
5. And finally, who does not love the idea that someone would love you no matter what?
How do you think this year's noona romances compare with "Biscuit Teacher Star Candy," "What's Up Fox?" "The Woman Who Still Wants To Marry," "I Do, I Do" and "I Hear Your Voice?"
