Korean Contract Marriage Movies: Rom-Coms That Take Marriage to a New Level
Korean dramas have taken the world by storm for their innovative plotlines, heartwarming romances, and compelling storytelling. One genre that stands out among others is the “Contract Marriage” trope, where two people enter a fake marriage for various reasons. In this article, we explore the world of Korean contract marriage movies and why they are worth watching.
What is a Contract Marriage?
A contract marriage is a fake marriage entered into for a specific purpose like obtaining a green card, inheriting property, or getting out of debt. The two parties involved sign a legal contract outlining their roles and responsibilities, the terms and conditions of the marriage, and the duration of the agreement. The arrangement is often a business-like one, with no romantic involvement initially. However, as the two parties live together, they grow closer, fall in love, and often end up marrying for real.
Why Korean Contract Marriage Movies?
Korean dramas have turned the contract marriage trope into an art form. They add a unique twist to the plot that sets them apart from other genres. They are often quirky, imaginative, and fun to watch. Sometimes the lead character`s reasons for entering a contract marriage are relatable, like in the case of “Marriage, Not Dating,” where the lead needs to find a partner to shut down his family`s matchmaking schemes. In other cases, the reasons are dramatic and heart-wrenching, like in “Lie to Me,” where the lead character fabricates a marriage to escape her crush`s advances.
Korean dramas also have a knack for engrossing character development that often leads to heartwarming romances. The leads often start out as strangers forced to live together, but as time goes on, they grow to care for each other. They often grapple with their feelings, question the authenticity of their fake marriage, and battle with their families` expectations of them. These personal struggles add depth to the characters and make them more relatable.
Top Korean Contract Marriage Movies
Here are some of the most popular Korean contract marriage movies of all time:
1. “Full House” (2004)
This drama is one of the first Korean contract marriage movies to gain international attention. It follows a famous actor and a struggling writer who enter a fake marriage to help the former`s career and prevent the latter from losing her home.
2. “Marriage, Not Dating” (2014)
This drama is a romantic comedy that follows a wealthy man who refuses to get married and a woman who needs to find a partner to stop her family`s matchmaking. They enter a fake marriage but end up developing genuine feelings for each other.
3. “The Wedding Scheme” (2012)
This drama follows a woman who enters a marriage contract with a man to get her inheritance. However, they soon realize that they may be falling for each other and must navigate their feelings while keeping their contract a secret.
Conclusion
Korean contract marriage movies are a unique genre of dramas that showcase the best of Korean storytelling. They are quirky, imaginative, and heartwarming, making them a joy to watch. Whether you`re a K-drama fan or a newbie to the genre, give these dramas a chance, and you`ll discover a new world of storytelling.