Have you noticed how many eating scenes there are in Korean dramas? Even in many dialogues, the younger girl is often saying to her boyfriend — or someone she wants to get close to — "treat me to something delicious." Sometimes you will see a favor repaid by the person offering to host a nice meal at a fine restaurant. A manager of a department in an office will often buy his team of employees dinner after a successful completion of a project. Families are often depicted in dramas at home having meals together. I haven't counted how many eating scenes there are in a drama, but it makes you wonder why eating is so emphasized.

The act of eating together brings people close in Korea. This stems from a cultural perspective as eating "family style" in Korea is different from other Asian countries. Living in Hawai'i, we are exposed to a multiethnic group of communities and cultures, which makes this place truly the melting pot of America. Chinese, Japanese, Thai and American foods have similarities but subtle differences as well. When eating "family style" at a Chinese restaurant, the entree is served at the center of the table, then individuals take their portion so that everyone on the table gets a share. This is similar to a Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S., where everyone takes a share by passing bowls of food around the table.

How is Korean "family style" different? If you have noticed on the dramas, people don't pass around any bowls of food. Nor is there a large individual plate on which to place food. Rice and soup are served in individual bowls, but entrees — meat or fish — plus a stew and side dishes — are in common bowls and plates at the center of the table.

Everyone on the table picks food from the same dish. Families will put their spoon into the same serving pieces over and over again. The act of eating in Korea is about sharing. The family concept is emphasized over individualism. There is no such thing as "your" plate on the table but a concept of "our" dinner. The collective "our" concept brings people closer together as they have shared from the same dishes.

Of course, there are many Koreans who do not follow this practice anymore, choosing individual plates in the American style. For the most part, families or close friends will practice Korean "family style," but new acquaintances or guests who are not as comfortable with a common bowl will be served American "family style."

When dining Korean style, food is often accompanied by alcohol. You will often see in dramas characters drinking a clear liquid alcohol, called soju. Sharing of drinks is also a bonding experience and brings people closer, with sharing emphasized even more than with food. In the U.S., we have our beer by the bottle or by the glass. We have our own designated glass to drink from. Koreans have their own shot glass as well but practice sharing from time to time. I was at a dinner recently, and a friend who finished his shot of soju then offered me his glass and poured me a drink. I finished the shot as he stood there watching me, then offered him the same gesture by pouring him a shot. We became best friends. (Just kidding.)

You will see this in dramas quite often among men in those late-night tent bars, sharing drinks and glasses. However, this doesn't happen among people who do not know each other well. Health concerns have been raised about sharing a glass with a stranger, and I hear this doesn't happen as much nowadays.

Just remember: If your boss or elder offers you his glass, it would be extremely insulting not to accept. My advice: The only acceptable excuse is that you have to drive that evening.

Cheers!

THIS WEEK'S K-DRAMA SYNOPSES

'BRIDE FROM VIETNAM'

Episodes 47 and 48

Tonight at 7: Ok-kyong finds out that Ji-young's old boyfriend was Jun-wu and becomes furious. She goes to Sung-il to confront him about covering up for Ji-young. Then she tells him to stay out of it and that she'll take care of things. Ok-kyong interrupts the class at Yewon and forces Ji-young to leave in the middle of it. Sung-il asks Young-min if he knew of Ji-young's past, and Young-min says he'll take care of his own problems.

Tonight at 8: Ok-kyong meets Ji-young's mother and offers the alimony to get her to talk Ji-young into agreeing to the divorce. Ji-young's mother tries to get Ji-young to sign the divorce papers by telling her about her own experience. She has lost all her money and she's even been to prison because she chose love over being objective.

'KING & I'

Episodes 27 and 28

Tomorrow at 7:50 p.m.: Chuh-sun and his friends go on strike, demanding the corrupt chiefs' resignation. Jung Han-su orders them to dismiss, but Chuh-sun and his friends gain more allies. Jung Han-su asks Chi-gyeom to stop Chuh-sun, but Chi-gyeom says he'll support Chuh-sun until he drives the corrupt eunuchs away.

Tuesday at 7:50 p.m.: Senior Eunuch Noh and other retired eunuchs get together to discuss the punishment of Chi-gyeom, but Chuh-sun and his friends show up. Chuh-sun tells the retired eunuchs to reflect on their corrupt and greedy behavior, and orders them to dismiss.

'LOBBYIST'

Episodes 21 and 22

Wednesday at 7:50 p.m.: Harry captures James' hit man and turns him over to the police, but he's released right away. Harry is outraged, but the hit man leaves the country before Harry can do anything. Maria pleads with Harry to give up his nuclear submarine project, but Harry says no.

Thursday at 7:50 p.m.: Michael goes over to James' side, and James hands over the pictures and recording of phone conversations between Maria and the former defense minister. Kim Sung-ju is placed under investigation for taking bribes from Maria. Harry helps Maria escape from reporters. James sends Michael to fetch Madam Chae's secret ledger, but Michael runs right into her.

'SCARY GIRL'

Episodes 9 & 10 and 11 & 12

Friday at 7:50 p.m.: Young-rim finds a place in the Coral Village, and Kyung-pyo starts his research on the Coral Village development project. Eun-ae feels her father out to see if Kyung-pyo will get a promotion. Seung-mi is certain Kyung-pyo dumped Young-rim after a blowout with her.

Saturday at 7:50 p.m.: Young-rim steps in front of Kyung-pyo's car, but he insults her, saying she doesn't even deserve to call his name and telling her never to show her face to him again. Upset after the encounter with Young-rim, Kyung-pyo gets into a fender-bender.