The K-Pop Dream

Making my way towards the rented van with Yuri-noona, I lay my suitcase in the backseat of the car as we head to planned filming location.

Lowering the van's side window as we hit the road. I feel the crisp sea breeze gently tussle my hair in the dim, morning sun.

Whatever remnant of the earlier jet lag there was, all seemed to melt away.

In the tranquil weather, the morning wind briefly welcomes me. Inhaling, as I take in all that South Korea's "Island of the Gods" has to offer. Staring out of the window, the first glimpse of Jeju City emerged into view.

The shining sun seemingly awakens the colors of the island. The natural greens and vivid blues native to the island easily consumed my view.

The colors easy to spot amongst the other colorful, yet worn out buildings by the sea. In this moment, it was simple to see and understand that—of all the beautiful places in the world—nothing would surpass the sweet and pleasant landscapes in the morning Jeju Island has to offer.

As we arrive at the hotel. The check-in process in the lobby was a fast and painless procedure and in less than forty minutes after landing, I am standing in an Executive Double room with an ocean view—all the way here on the 18th floor. Enjoying the gorgeous views the Yellow Sea provided to me

Before I can properly settle in however, I am dragged out of the spacious room and into a considerably darker one; filled with cameras and the PD-nim Jeong-Ah noona sitting in the front and center.

"Hey, Dylan. Welcome to Jeju Island." She announces with a perky attitude.

"Um, hi there?"

"How are you feeling? Eager to meet your future bride? " She asks

"A bit, so how about we get this thing on the road" I answer.

She quirks an eyebrow and signals to the camera crew, "Okay, guys! Let's begin rolling! In 3, 2 and 1!"

"Welcome to JeJu Dylan, how are you finding it"

"It's really pretty. I always wanted to take my significant other here one day. You know there's a myth about this island right?"

"No I don't, why don't you enlighten myself and the viewers"

"Jacheongbi (자청비) the Korean earth goddess who is also the goddess of love.

It is said that in order to pursue higher education she he disguises herself as a young man in the company of a young god for whom she has an attraction... The implication is that her desire for education \u0026 opportunity is equal to that for her young god, \u0026 she will simply do whatever is needed to achieve her goals.

The story is too long a tale to tell but I recommend viewers to read up on it. Jacheongbi's story has elements of dedication, compassion, and self-determination. The gaining of knowledge, and of love, and improving one's lot in life – is also a part of Jeju's own story.

Simply, it tells the tale of a maiden who did not sacrifice everything for love but with love found everything"

"I'm sure the mythology will definitely be trending once this airs" She shares as she reminisces of her own experiences, " Speaking about love, what is love to you, Dylan-ssi?"

Straightening my back, I try to compose my thoughts before I answer more to myself than the PD.

'What is love to me?'

I've never given it much thought. Before I met Hora, I'd probably say something cheesy, like 'Love is the most spectacular, indescribable, deep, euphoric feeling you have for someone.' But, while that's true it's not quite right.

Love can be selfish. Love... can hurt. Love is so much more than just jelly tots and gumdrops.

"Love is giving someone the power to destroy you, and hoping, no, trusting them not to. Uhm" I pause in contemplation "it's like a two-sided coin: It can strengthen or stifle; expand or enfeeble; perfect or pauperize. When love is returned, we are taken to new, unseen heights, where it delights, invigorated and beautifies. When love is spurned, we feel crippled, disconsolate and bereaved.

Love, to me. We all think about it, sing about it, dream about it, lose sleep worrying about it. When we don't have it, we search for it; when we discover it, we don't know what to do with it; and when we have it, we fear losing it.

It is a constant source of pleasure and pain. But... we can't predict which it will be from one moment to the next.

It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define and impossible to live without."

"Those are some interesting thoughts from a young man." The PD says after I finish my elaboration.

"I read a lot." I answer matter-of-factly.

"Earlier, you were given a photo of your bride, what do you think about her?" She asks me once again.

I laugh, "You mean that childhood picture?"

She nods at my words.

"Well, firstly; they look very happy and, secondly; the girls were lucky to have such parents." I answer truthfully, "I must admit my future father and mother-in-law are pretty good-looking."

"How obsequious of you," Jeong-ah replies,"it's a very smart move."

"I know, right?" I wink at the camera's and makefinger hearts., "Mother in law, father in law, Please take care of me"

"So, that's all the questions I have for you. I've made you wait long enough." She hands me a red envelope and I receive it with a mutter of thanks.

Opening it, I take out the card and read aloud, "Your bride is someone coveted by many. Wary of wasting her time, she's laid out a challenge: Answer her three riddles and she will be yours. Do you dare to take up this stand?"

"Is she Turandot?" I ask offhandedly.

"P—pardon?"

"The opera of 'Turandot' that tells the story of an Asian princess who many men wish to marry. However, if they wish to become her suitor, they must answer three riddles correctly. Failure to do so leads to death. No man can answer the three riddles correct until Calaf appears. Does she want me to be her Calaf?" I ask

"'Does that mean you take up the challenge? It should be easy since you already know the story, then."

"That's not completely accurate." I say, "I may know the questions, but I don't know her answers. The three riddles of Turandot have more than one correct answer. Before I take up the attempt, can I ask one question?"

"Of course."

"When you asked her "What is love?"— how did she respond?"