Filial piety is also a significant theme. Dads expect their children to respect and care for them in their old age. These stories often show how fathers raise their children with the understanding that they will be taken care of when they can no longer work.
There is a story about a Korean dad who was a fisherman. Despite the rough seas and difficult conditions, he would go out fishing every day to feed his family. His sons learned from him the importance of facing challenges bravely.
Another theme is finding acceptance in society. Korean society has been slowly becoming more open, but there are still challenges. Gay people often have to fight for their rights to be visible and respected, like in the workplace or in public spaces.
One common theme is self - discovery. Dads often have to come to terms with their sexual orientation later in life. Another theme is acceptance, both self - acceptance and acceptance from family and society. For example, a dad might struggle with how his children will react.
Another theme is guidance. Dads usually guide their children in real life, and in fantasy, this can be translated into guiding them through magical realms or helping them understand their special powers. In stories like 'The Inheritance Cycle', the father - like figure might have passed on knowledge or skills to the protagonist to help them on their journey.
Fate is a big theme in old Korean love stories. For example, in the story of Dangun, his relationship with the celestial maiden seemed fated as it was related to the founding of the nation. Social class differences also play a role. In some stories, lovers from different social classes face difficulties, but their love overcomes these barriers. Moreover, perseverance is a theme. Lovers in these stories often have to persevere through various hardships like long separations or external pressures to be together in the end.
Love and loss are common. Just like in many stories where lovers are separated by circumstances such as war, family objections or death. For example, a story where a man loses his love in a tragic accident and spends the rest of his life in mourning.
Family unity is a common theme. Just like in Western Christmas stories, in Korean ones too, families come together during Christmas. They might celebrate in a unique Korean way, like making kimchi together as part of the Christmas meal.
One common theme is revenge. Often, a wronged spirit comes back to seek revenge on those who have wronged them in life. For example, a person who was unjustly killed might haunt their murderer or those who were involved in their death.
One common theme is revenge. Often, the ghosts in Korean stories are those who have been wronged in life and return to seek vengeance on those who have wronged them. For example, a woman who was mistreated by her in - laws might come back as a ghost to haunt them. Another theme is unrequited love. Ghosts may also be those who died with unfulfilled love, and they wander the earth still longing for their beloved.
One common theme is loyalty, like the loyalty of the Jindo dog in stories. Another is the connection between animals and nature. Animals in Korean stories often represent different aspects of nature.