K-Drama Trend: Noona Romances

Over the past years in K-Dramas, a particular romance concept has risen in popularity known as the "noona romance," a relationship in which the man is younger than the woman. Some K-Dramas known for having noona romances include A Witch's Romance, High School King of Savvy, I Need Romance 3, Birth of the Rich, Let's Eat, and I Hear Your Voice. Even now, noona romances are being featured in some of the most popular and highly-anticipated K-Dramas. Producer featured one when Baek Seung Chan (Kim Soo Hyun) tried to romance Tak Ye Jin (Gong Hyo Jin). The recently premiered The Time We Were Not in Love also established a noona romance with Oh Ha Na (Ha Ji Won) and her co-worker (L from K-Pop Group: Infinite).

Though said noona romances are entertaining to watch, what makes them so popular in K-Dramas? Why are they featured numerous times show after show? Here is why:

1. Noona Relationships Have a "Forbidden Aspect" in Itself
Generally in society, the aspect of an older woman dating or married to a younger man is in itself still considered a taboo albeit a minor one. Most people are generally hot-wired to view men in couples to be older of the two. By switching the age seniority, said "hot-wiring" is messed with which in turn piques interest.

2. The Age Difference is Another Barrier Both Need to Pass Together
Playing off point number one, because the relationship is in itself viewed generally as a taboo, the age difference comes into play too. One or both of the members of the couple have to overcome the fear of society not accepting their relationship. Once they do, their relationship can progress.

3. Noona Romances Have an Aura of Being Risque
The taboo belief of older women/younger men relationships stems off society making such a relationship risque. In the United States of America, for example, they are often given sexual undertones. An older woman dating or married to a younger man is called a "cougar." Most often, cougars are observed as older women wanting younger men because only younger men can satisfy their sexual appetites.

4. The Aforementioned Reasons Makes Noona Romances Interesting for K-Dramas
Anything outside society's limits usually makes great material for shows. A testament to this can be seen through premier channel shows like Games of Thrones, or True Blood. Though K-Dramas usually don't go to the extreme as American shows, K-Drama writers and producers do have a wide range of creative directions with noona romances.

Though many reasons exist among fans, the above reasons from numerous Korean entertainment sites are the ones agreed upon all of them.

I Hear Your Voice.