I have always been a huge fan of Korean film and think the way they do modern horror and thrillers is fascinating. More specifically, the reoccurring themes of politics, class inequality, and revenge. This is most likely due to the long history of political and economic instability and governmental corruption in the country, as it went from extreme military rule to rapid industrialization in just over a century. With this in mind, and its small physical size, it only makes it more impressive how South Korea has quickly gained global influence and built such a strong economy.
When learning Korean one of the first things you are taught are honorifics, which involves seven different verb endings and vocabulary depending on the relationship you have with the person you are addressing. The system of honorifics recognizes and reflects the hierarchical social status of participants with respect to the subject and/or the object and/or the audience. For a country that now produces media highlighting the conflicts that occur between class, it's ironic how the language is built around placing people in a hierarchy that determines the way you speak to them. The concept of revenge also reminds me of the word "한", or "han", which is a Korean feeling described as sorrow, oppression, unavenged injustice, and isolation. While there isn't a huge connection, the fact that there is a separate word used to describe this feeling means it's a great part of the culture itself.
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