South Korea, an Asian country located a hop, skip and a jump away from Japan, has become a recent passion of mine since the very beginning of my BSSM school year. It was about as unexpected to me as it probably is for those of you who know me (and if you don't know me, let's be friends!). I never thought I was the type to fall in love with a country besides America and Canada, but lemme tell ya, this South Korea thing ain't going away any time soon. If ever. And now I shall explain why.
It all began with the exposure to their pop music (AKA Korean Pop/K-Pop), of which I will simply provide a sample of (be sure to turn on the English subtitles!):
If this is your first time watching K-Pop (that is, if you just did), I know what you're thinking: Why are there so many boys? This video is weird. [Potentially] why do I like this? Or, I don't understand you at all, Allison, but I love you anyway.
I started with these thoughts, too, and progressively became a fan and am now doomed to K-Pop for the rest of my youthful life. But this ain't about K-Pop, it's about Korea--because through their music, I discovered their culture and--as part of a nation-praying bible school of BSSM--I have been pulled into a deep place of love for them. So let me tell you a little bit about it:
South Korea is one of the most advanced first-world countries on the planet with their capital city, Seoul, being the tech capital of the world (and ranked one of the safest places to live!). South Korea is also part of the world's most technologically advanced and digitally-connected countries (with the fastest internet speed!) and can you guess where Samsung and LG come from?
Seoul: Home to over half of all South Koreans along with 678,102 international residents.
I've also learned that they are one of the most medically-advanced countries in the world which means--as I have studied a bit about--plastic surgery is as common as wearing contacts in America. It's not unusual for a girl to have plastic surgery by the time she's twelve, which actually breaks my heart. It's even normal to give these surgeries as gifts for Christmas or birthdays (to women and even occasionally men)!
You know, I just want to stomp (or fiercely swim) over to Korea and lift those girls up who suffer from such visual self-abuse. That's why, in this K-Pop music video, the young girl is so sad looking at herself in the mirror and scrubbing a flaw on her face that's actually not even there.
To this day I still don't understand how I came to love Korea so much, but all I know is that when something makes you feel excited and alive, God wants to use you in it. So, I'm currently in the process of learning the Korean language and writing Hangul to a pen pal I've made there! I'm dreaming of what God is planning to do with this (utilize your talents, people!). Will I minister there? Intern someplace? Teach English? Speak to girls who suffer from low self-value? I am so down for any of these, Jesus!
So, yeah. I guess I wrote this so you kinda are in the loop about my recent self. As closure, I should say to be brave when you love a nation and don't be afraid to learn a completely new culture and it's language. Now is as good as a time as any! God's not done with you!
And that makes for--yes--a fine, fine life. :)
