Remembering 음악 다방 with my Mother-in-Law
Here is where your parents probably first heard American pop songs, went on dates, partied with their friends, and enjoyed their youth.
Photo from 한국경제
If you saw the recent instagram post, you'll know that my mother-in-law came to stay. It was actually quite unexpected. Cedric's eldest uncle passed away and his mother needed to have a comfortable place to be until the funeral. It has been about a week and living with your mother-in-law is an experience some people would shudder at - for me, it's been really fun.
I remember my own mom watching Korean dramas and cooking every day, but now that I've grown up and live away from the family home, that warm feeling doesn't come to me as easily. It's not quite the same thing to watch dramas and cook by yourself.
This week, mother-in-law and I have sat together on the floor mat, watching 이상한 변호사 우영우 (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) and exclaiming over the handsome men and being overly surprised at her silly antics. I'd like to add this as a rite of passage to becoming a Korean daughter-in-law. I'd also like to say, if you do have a Korean in-law, do your best to learn the language. This will go so far in building that much needed trust and rapport between your families - and makes things a little bit easier for everyone.
Cedric helping make 시어머님’s 순두부찌개 tastier with an egg
시어머님이 좋아하시는 노래들
음악 다방 (music cafes) were the hot spot for young people in Korea in the 70s and 80s.
Here is where your parents probably first heard American pop songs, went on dates, partied with their friends, and enjoyed their youth. Many Koreans who emigrated away and never learned English or don’t know how to use the internet have a hard time finding these songs.
This week, I asked my mother-in-law what music she used to like when she was young. She was able to remember "Dick and Jane" by Bobby Vinton, and from there we tracked down together some of the songs she used to love so much but never had been able to find by herself.
Hearing her hum these old songs, even though she never knew the words, and saying, "옛날 생각이 나네" (I think of the old days) was special to witness.
Maybe your parents said they never liked music or you never saw them listening to anything. But these songs just might bring back some old memories for them.
As for my Mother-in-Law’s favorites?
Have you ever asked your parents what music they listened to growing up? You might be surprised what they’ll say.