How To Make Your Partner Watch K-Dramas With You

In a few series and variety shows, some oppas are seen or openly admit that they enjoy watching Korean dramas. They’re proud fanboys—ain’t no shame in appreciating the thrilling storylines.

But here, Pinoy men aren’t as open to admitting they’re nilamon na ng sistema. More accurately, many won’t even give the series we love a chance. So what’s a woman who’s ~*obsessed*~ with Korean dramas gotta do to convince her boyfriend to share the love?

“I swear, sobrang funny—this will change your life!”

Work on your elevator pitch. What makes the show entertaining? What makes it unique compared to Pinoy soap operas, animated manga series, American cable TV shows, or whatever else that has him hooked? Make him realize the hype is not only because of the oppas, but also because of the gripping stories.

“THIS is how you deal with my tantrums!”

A lot of K-dramas accurately depict how to handle a girl who gets mad at her boyfriend or how a guy can make her kilig. Bae could use that to his advantage.

“It’s just like a Marvel movie—except the heroes are Koreans and it’s set in the Joseon Era.”

Compare the series you’re selling to the shows or movies he loves. If he’s into action or suspense, recommend period dramas like Hwarang or thrillers like K2. If he enjoys crime shows, how about recent K-dramas like The Defendant or even the Korean adaptation of Criminal Minds?

“Ayaw mo n’un, tipid tayo?!”

Let’s be real: Most of us rely on free streaming sites and downloads because they don’t hurt our bank accounts. The pocket-friendly package includes a computer or phone, a stable internet connection (gigabyte limits are the devil!), and a storage device for those who prefer uninterrupted binge-watching. Appeal to his practical side, and maybe he’ll consider!

“It’s all here na!” *points to your hard drive*

Download complete episodes for him. He wouldn’t let all your efforts go to waste now, would he?

“Si [insert ~*influential*~ name here] nga nanonood eh!”

Name names—and by “influential,” we mean someone he might want to be like. It could be your dad (whom your mom probably influenced), your brother (whom his girlfriend probably convinced), a close friend of his, or even a celebrity fanboy.

“I need you to catch up, baby—or else, I’m just going to keep talking to my BFF about this.”

Any partner who loves spending time with you would find it annoying if you bonded with someone else more frequently. He’ll especially be irritated if you’re always fangirling on your phone, not being able to hold your ~*feelings*~ back, and possibly failing to keep your attention on him. If your BFF is a guy, he might even be pettily jealous and watch just so he could get more bae time.

“You’re going to like her—she’s my girl crush!”

You’re basically allowing him to admire someone other than you, so it should convince him to watch, right?

“Kasi ganito… Tapos… Tapos, ito pa…”

Tell him endless stories related to K-Dramas. Describe how dreamy Park Seo Joon or Gong Yoo is, and give him a hint that you’ll totally swoon if he’d just look at you the way they do. You might even mention how they turn you on. He will eventually be curious (or annoyed)—enough to see for himself if these “nobodies” you call oppas even measure up to him.

*Turns aegyo on*

According to the intricate ~*science*~ of Korean dramas, aegyo is the ultimate weapon to get what you want. It involves acting ridiculously cute and pleading with all your charms until your guy gives in. It doesn’t work on everyone, and it can sometimes be cringey AF, so proceed with caution! But when all else fails, your pa-cute always works on him naman, ‘di ba?

“Sige, if you watch this, I’ll also watch those films you like.”

Or maybe offer to play his favorite video game with him? In any relationship, it’s all about give and take. You might just get to know each other better and find new bonding experiences! Challenge accepted, ladies?

Note: With a combination of these techniques, I have successfully watched one of my favorite series with my fiancé (Sound of Your Heart) and recruited him as a fan of my most beloved Korean variety show (Running Man). I watched Al Pacino movies and other films he really liked (which I didn’t think I would, too) before I urged him to watch the Korean shows that changed my life. They may have changed his, too, since he had clinical depression and the episodes were like laughter therapy. He has yet to watch Goblin, but he swears he will! I truly believe that he’ll be a full-fledged oppa soon enough. Lucky me! ;)

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