Page 30 - issue 29 En

ELITE ISSUE 29, MARCH 2021

Romanticizing Toxic Relationships

Noor Khaled, freshman

In my pursuit of new friendships during this chapter of my spreading disgusting rumors, and even grabbing her by
life, I came across many of the "remember this show" the collar, Junpyo has gone to horrendous extents just to
nostalgic-type conversations. These are a great way to take revenge for his ruined shoe. Surprisingly, she was
know more about the interests of potential friends as well the first to stand up for herself, and he slowly begins to
as gauge their perspectives regarding various topics. In one fall in love with her. Of course, she was pretty disgusted
particular scenario, however, the conversation was about with his cruel behavior and rejected his attempts at
one of the most popular Korean Dramas of our generation, forming a relationship every time. So, what does he do?
“Boys Over Flowers.” The plot is a typical high school He manipulates the people around her into thinking they
romance trope: rich, spoiled boy bullies kind, spitfire girl are a couple by following her around and trying to get
from an average family, but soon falls in love because he on their good graces until Jandi finally yields. Stripped
finds her "special." Exactly the type of plot targeting away from all of the comedic and exaggerated elements,
teenagers. Spurred by the recent conversation, my interest we can see just how toxic Junpyo is. As the watchers,
was piqued. I sat down and began watching a show which we are expected to excuse the main lead’s behavior
I thought would trigger some nonexistent nostalgic because he does what he does out of “love,” jealousy,
memory, and, sadly, I find another extremely toxic due to his anger issues, or some other nonsensical
relationship. These are relationships where one, or both excuse. All ends up well and great for our two main
partners, seek utter control over the other; to do so, they characters because her kindness and tolerance taught
emotionally – even physically – abuse and manipulate him to be a better person, and the audience is expected
their partner to get what they want. This phenomenon here to believe that this is romantic.
is not just a cultural thing — it transcends culture. Pick any
country, and you will always find an example of such
behavior in their movies and TV shows. In this article, we
shall analyze toxic relationships from a few TV shows and
movies and discuss how these behaviors are romanticized.

We shall begin by talking about the show that sparked my
anger, Boys Over Flowers. After standing up for her friend
who spilled ice cream, Jandi finds herself a target of
bullying in her new school, and it is all thanks to Junpyo,
the rich, spoiled school bully, who orders everyone to
harass her. From throwing eggs at her, ruining her desk,

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