A Korean Couple Embracing Friendship Over Romance: A Radical Reimagining of Family
Sunwoo and Hana, two women in their 40s, were once committed bachelorettes living in Busan, South Korea. Both had studied in Seoul before entering the cutthroat job market as a fashion journalist and copywriter, respectively. Their love for music, books, and independence led them to reject marriage, opting instead to join the ranks of single South Koreans. However, their independent lifestyle began to feel suffocating as they approached middle age, with loneliness creeping in and their small studio apartments feeling oppressive.
In a bold move, Sunwoo and Hana decided to buy a sunlit house together and live not as romantic partners but as friends. Across 49 essays, they share the intimate details of their life with four cats, exploring topics ranging from food to retirement fantasies. Like any couple, theirs is marked by quiet joys and irritations – laundry protocols, New Year rituals, and debates over household tidiness.
Their partnership raises an interesting question: should it be treated like a family? Sunwoo becomes Hana's "primary guardian" during her hospitalization for surgery, but is ineligible for the free flu vaccine offered to employees' families at Sunwoo's workplace. Their relationship remains invisible on official paperwork, with no equal tax benefits, welfare support, or authority in medical emergencies.
The authors' radical proposition challenges South Korea's patriarchal culture and highlights the need for greater recognition of non-traditional family structures. The book is part of a growing trend worldwide as people seek stability and companionship in an increasingly uncertain world. Interest in "platonic partnerships" is on the rise, with countries like France and Germany exploring innovative solutions.
While the book is not without its frustrations – some essays feel like filler, particularly when it comes to their beloved cats – Sunwoo and Hana's story offers a unique perspective on what it means to be part of a family. By sharing their intimate details, they humanize this concept, demonstrating that being a family is not just about biology but also about choice and commitment.
As the authors so eloquently put it, "we may be stuck in an endless cycle of disappointment and forgiveness, but we never stop pinning our hopes on each other." Their story serves as a powerful reminder that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that love and companionship can take many forms.
Sunwoo and Hana, two women in their 40s, were once committed bachelorettes living in Busan, South Korea. Both had studied in Seoul before entering the cutthroat job market as a fashion journalist and copywriter, respectively. Their love for music, books, and independence led them to reject marriage, opting instead to join the ranks of single South Koreans. However, their independent lifestyle began to feel suffocating as they approached middle age, with loneliness creeping in and their small studio apartments feeling oppressive.
In a bold move, Sunwoo and Hana decided to buy a sunlit house together and live not as romantic partners but as friends. Across 49 essays, they share the intimate details of their life with four cats, exploring topics ranging from food to retirement fantasies. Like any couple, theirs is marked by quiet joys and irritations – laundry protocols, New Year rituals, and debates over household tidiness.
Their partnership raises an interesting question: should it be treated like a family? Sunwoo becomes Hana's "primary guardian" during her hospitalization for surgery, but is ineligible for the free flu vaccine offered to employees' families at Sunwoo's workplace. Their relationship remains invisible on official paperwork, with no equal tax benefits, welfare support, or authority in medical emergencies.
The authors' radical proposition challenges South Korea's patriarchal culture and highlights the need for greater recognition of non-traditional family structures. The book is part of a growing trend worldwide as people seek stability and companionship in an increasingly uncertain world. Interest in "platonic partnerships" is on the rise, with countries like France and Germany exploring innovative solutions.
While the book is not without its frustrations – some essays feel like filler, particularly when it comes to their beloved cats – Sunwoo and Hana's story offers a unique perspective on what it means to be part of a family. By sharing their intimate details, they humanize this concept, demonstrating that being a family is not just about biology but also about choice and commitment.
As the authors so eloquently put it, "we may be stuck in an endless cycle of disappointment and forgiveness, but we never stop pinning our hopes on each other." Their story serves as a powerful reminder that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that love and companionship can take many forms.
. I mean, Sunwoo becoming Hana's "primary guardian" is already a win in my book 
. It's crazy that they can't even get the same benefits as actual couples, though 
. But you know what? Their story is all about humanizing what it means to be part of a family - and that's something we need more of 
. I love how they're just being themselves and sharing their life with each other 
. Who needs labels or societal norms when you've got love and companionship, right? 
. Seriously though, do we really need another book telling us that love comes in many forms? Can't they just leave it to the rest of us to figure that out on our own?
I'm totally loving this couple's move to living life on their own terms! They're proof that you don't need a romantic partner to feel like part of a family. I mean, who needs the drama and stress of a traditional relationship when you've got four adorable cats to cuddle with? 
But seriously, it's so refreshing to see two women embracing each other's company as equals, sharing life's ups and downs together. And can we talk about how they're pushing back against South Korea's patriarchal culture? 
That takes courage! I'm definitely interested in learning more about platonic partnerships and how countries like France and Germany are tackling this issue. Maybe it's time for us to rethink what family means, right? 
Their approach to friendship over romance is super refreshing, especially for someone like me who's always been open to non-traditional relationships 
.
.
. They're living proof that you don't need a romantic partner to feel seen, heard, and loved 
. So, to Sunwoo and Hana, I say thank you for being out there and shining your light 
!