Trope
noun
noun: trope; plural noun: tropes
1. figurative or metaphorical use of a word or expression.
2. significant or recurrent theme; a motif.

I am a fan of Korean dramas and I have a deep appreciation for Korean culture. However, anyone who’s spent decent amounts of time with the Korean drama and movie industry will know that there are certain tried and true formulas that they fall back on. Tried and true formulas are not bad in and of themselves. Sometimes, they are tried and true because they correspond to what moves the hearts of viewers. Whether or not we should dismiss them as cliches, you decide.

Rags to Riches

A rich guy and a poor girl fall in love. Guy braves various layers of social stigma in order to be with the one he loves. Girl braves scorn from powerful ex-girlfriend, mean mother/ disapproving father. Confrontation with Girl often results in speech revolving around “You think I don’t have dignity, just because I’m poor!?” Also often involves mother offering Girl money to leave Guy or setting up some situation where Girl has to leave Guy if she really loves him. May or may not be accompanied by sudden transformation of frumpy girl to svelte center of attention at fancy party.

The Wrist Grab

Humble Girl gets trampled on by evil Forces of Society. She cannot extricate herself from the situation because of Reasons. She is made to endure humiliation but Guy comes along and drags her away by grabbing her wrist. He will not stand for the humiliation of the one he loves (although at this point, it may or may not have already developed into a romantic connection).

The Unexpected Hug/Kiss

Often happens when (1) Situation demands that main characters hug/ kiss even though romantic attraction has not yet developed e.g. Undercover cops needing to distract target, need to kiss to make ex-girlfriend jealous. (2) One of the characters has not expressed interest/ has expressed repulsion but suddenly behaves in a way that’s contrary to previously expressed feelings.

The Other Guy/Girl

Often an ex-lover who acts as a foil for the main love interest. Other Guy/ Girl could be vindictive and jealous and compete for attention and result in conflict and complication between the main characters. Or Other Guy/Girl provide perfectly good alternatives for the main characters but main characters still choose each other (even if it is a less ideal match) so as to demonstrate the depth of their love.

Unexpected Car Accident/ Illness

Forces main characters to reevaluate priorities. Often part of climax at the end of the series. May or may not involve Divine Intervention in the manner of deus ex machina. Kind of unnecessary but a super convenient way for writers to tie up loose ends and gloss over holes in the storyline. Still heart wrenching every single time.