by Shaza, May 2, 2013
364

Please tell me that I'm not the only one >_<


For my second article, I have chosen to speak, not for former Otakus, but for Non-Asian Asian-Drama Addicts. Those who are not Japanese, Korean, Thai nor Chinese, but still listen to East-Asian languages for hours every day (Through Dramas, Songs, etc...).

Thank you all for reading and supporting my first article btw. I am forever grateful for all your comments and for all the praises and criticism. I hope you’ll also be interested in my second article. Enough with the chit-chat and off to the main point.
How does our Asian-Drama addiction affect our exterior image? What do we, Non-Asian Asian-Drama Addicts, have in common? How do you recognize an Asian-Drama addict in a group of people?

I did some monitoring and noticed 6 similar characteristics:
#1 → Scarves, Gloves, Hats


As for me, I cannot leave my house without my big scarf and my fingerless gloves. The woolen hat is also an extra sometimes, but the scarf and gloves are a MUST. People usually mistake that I’m the kind of person who gets cold easily, but that’s not true. I sometimes dress extra light to make room for my woolen accessories (a sudden confession :$).

These long gloves keep on giving me this cute feeling that you get while watching the cheerful Jeremy in You’re Beautiful.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/ab243baf942ebfe443ad326e0f5d62c4/tumblr_meq1ka9zTP1r0qitao1_500.png

And the big scarf wrapped around your neck on a cold day, how can you not get this warm and safe feeling that you get while watching Park Shin Hye in Flower Boy Next Door?

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t413/javabeansdb/drama/2013/nextdoor/nextdoor1/boynextdoor4-00248a.jpg
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t413/javabeansdb/drama/2013/nextdoor/nextdoor1/boynextdoor8-00381.jpg

#2 → Chopsticks...


First it was: “I have to learn how to eat with those!”... Then it turned to: “I can totally relate to that drama I’m watching while eating with chopsticks”, but… “don’t you think they’re having fun eating with chopsticks? It looks appetizing too….” and "Wait, it is fun!! And appetizing! I’ll get used to eating with chopsticks from now on...!"

I think this is how it goes .. U_U.. And even though eating with forks and spoons is something we have done since birth, we still find it a lot more fun to eat with chopsticks, even though it is not part of our original culture.
http://en.korea.com/shinminah/files/2011/10/gumiho10-000261.jpg


If it is eating grilled Kogi (beef) with chopsticks, like Shin Min Ah in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, you can count me in any time :D

#3 → Have a break, Have a cup of Ramyun


Whenever I have a bad day, or I have too much on my mind, or all I need is a quiet break, I open a cup of Ramyun. Maybe it’s just the psychological positive link that reminds me of my favorite drama characters who always open a cup of Ramyun whenever they’re having a bad day...

In my homeland, eating Ramyun for a lunch break at work is something odd. Most of the employees just have a sandwich for lunch. So you better know that whenever you smell strong spices, then this is me having my lunch break :) And can you eat Ramyun using something other than chopsticks?? HELL NO!!
http://www.rameniac.com/images/ramen_instant/nongshim_shinramyun//12-noodles.jpg

The hot steam and the taste of the spicy broth that opens up your pores gives you a cozy feeling that can get rid of your bad mood the moment you finish your cup of Ramyun.

Eating Ramyun directly from the pot, and using the pot cover like Lee Min Ho in Boys Before Flowers, is still something I look forward to :)

#4 → Straight hair with this weird Asian looking haircut


Yes, I did U_U I confess, I took pictures of various Asian Actresses to my barber and asked them to do the same haircut for me. I can still see her surprised face every time I do this :D she must think I’m crazy XD

And always using the straightener as the only tool to fix my hair (My hair is not very curly, but man! Their hair is really silky!! ) Some of the haircuts I tried is Yoon Ah’s second haircut in Cinderella Man. I loved the drama and loved her role. She did a great job and looked super beautiful; so I wanted the haircut too.

http://photo.playpark.com/201003/24/18513_1269422169m6sF.jpg


When I felt like really short hair I tried SNSD’s Sooyoung ‘s haircut in  "Run Devil Run” (below). My mom went crazy! It looked horrible on me, but I still don’t regret it.  ;)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvpG-0ltvuQ/TWXrok92DbI/AAAAAAAAC60/vk-Uk6BeWXA/s1600/Sooyoung_run_devil_run_2.jpg

(Note: such a cool haircut >_<)

#5 → Kamsahamnidaaaaaa


Is it only me?? Really, or do all of us drama addicts start using Korean or Japanese unconsciously instead of your mother language? (OK, I admit, most of the times it’s not unconsciously, I just feel like it :$)

Words like: Kamsahamnida, Aja!, Jesohamida, Chukkahee, Arigato, Gambattee, it just flies out of my mouth..!
http://msrmegs.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/park-shin-hye-as-go-mi-nam1.gif

I think it’s only natural after spending 6 hours watching a Korean drama the night before. I spend time with these Korean dudes more than I do with my family. And after watching Go Mi Nam in You're Beautiful saying it over and over again, how can it not stick in your mind??

The other day, I was so into watching Prosecutor Princess at work (I hope my boss doesn’t visit MDL ;P) and a friend of mine suddenly came to offer me some cookies. She said, “Would you like some?” I answered, “Anio, kamsahamnida.” She just kept standing there and asked, “So you want any or not?” I was totally embarrassed! >_<

#6 → Little bows for the greetings


When I started writing this article, my disease was not serious yet. I just bowed my head lightly when I greeted my co-workers. I think it’s a natural side-effect of being a drama addict. Do you guys also do that?

But last Thursday I had this very important meeting and I was late and stressed. The moment I entered the room I did a full Asian-like bow apologizing for being late. It was totally unconscious. I swear it!

I’m not criticizing bowing as a greeting. I find it a very good way to show your respect. It’s just that WE DON’T DO THAT in my country :D. The guys I met with were totally shocked (Probably thought I was a foreigner TT_TT)


Some of you probably think, "She needs to stop watching dramas for some time." But is there anybody else out there who can relate? If you do, please tell me I’m not the only one!