Korean rom-com inspired reflection

I am a self-confessed latecomer into the world of Korean “telenovelas” and romantic comedies. But after confessing on our program AGENDA, I was told by one of our guest “there is no shame in that!” The truth of the matter is that when I posted some of the music and programs I enjoyed, I was actually welcomed into the world of “K Crazy” viewers and followers. Mind you, the business of producing a TV series or several episodes of my current favorite “Hotel Del Luna” is estimated to cost approximately $13.5-16.9 million. The romantic comedy has all the ingredients people would want in a TV series: love, tragedy, history, ghosts, human and ghostly behavior, high fashion, good looking characters, divine and earthly characters, to say the least. The Hotel Del Luna is set up as a pre-departure R&R for the dead either to complete or finish up on things that need to be settled or enjoyed. It’s generally for those heaven-bound via a high end Jaguar limousine, while the nasty varieties get an immediate appointment with the Grim Reaper who toasts them or incinerates them on the spot.

So am I doing a critique or PR piece on the show? Not at all, in spite of its entertainment content, the writers have managed to squeeze in concepts that may or may not be on people’s minds. For instance, in one episode you end up wondering: what do people end up wearing when they die? Is it come as you are? Fine if you croak in a hospital or in silk pajamas, but what about those who are shorts and T-shirt inclined? I’m sure some of my spiritually and biblically grounded friends will say I’ve lost it or maybe I’m doing a tongue in cheek? Of course, we all presume that because we are dead, buried or cremated or both, there will be no human image, just a spirit or a presence that presents itself to St. Peter or to God, depending on your inclination.

Several episodes feature deals and negotiations between the dead and the living, such as a last minute call to a beloved granddaughter, a murdered wife to the police because her husband is innocent, or a mistaken attempt by corrupt parents to cover up the wicked act of a child they raised so badly. When you think about it, all these scenes and deals are part of the daily lives of many people currently alive that will grow into exponential sense of loss, regret or guilt because we did not do what should be done, we did not say what had to be said or put in order things while there was still time. Once we die, the Bible and God tell us there will be no messengerial service from Heaven or Hell. Those we leave behind will have to deal with the unresolved conflict, pain, loss or unanswered questions. On the practical and material side, I know people who could have moved on with their lives 25, 30 even 40 years ago but are still tied to the material bondage left by their parents or grandparents.

Instead of a blessing, one or two generations are left with a curse. I know wonderful men and women who, in spite of all their efforts and determination to make a life for themselves, remain unfulfilled or incomplete because of a “biological” parent who refused to recognize what they have brought to life. Whether they are an illegitimate child, an unwanted pregnancy or just someone deprived of recognition, they are people who have been unjustly punished and are paying for the sins of others, people who could have been one fourth or half a parent but selfishly or actively chose to be a stranger. It would surely be just as painful for persons who have been forced to give up their chances to have a life because of the pressure or emotional blackmail laid down by a parent, a spouse or someone else.

One other scene that got me thinking was when the lead character and “owner” of Hotel Del Luna, Ms. Jang, confronted the soul of a serial killer. Because of the serial killer’s arrogance and spite, Ms. Jang decided to immediately torch the soul, only to discover that her powers had no effect on the soul that was being shielded by some force. That’s when both of them realized that the shield and power of the Angry Ghost came from an army of online users that were expressing their hatred by cussing or cursing certain individuals to their death. Our present day reality, with the curse of COVID-19, has been full of anger, fear, even hatred. Experts and global leaders have started to tell us that the pandemic will be with us for at least four years. We have pinned all our hopes on vaccines but in the meantime the virus, like some Angry Ghost, has continued to change its form.

Outbreaks and pandemics are not new, but my view is that our attitude and spirituality has changed for the worse through the years. We are now relying on medicine, science and government intervention to fight the war minus, one component of all great wars through the ages: Prayer. We have heard and seen very little from spiritual leaders, church leaders and heads of spiritual communities calling for collective public prayers to storm Heaven’s gate. There was a time when there would be national prayers, evening prayers, family prayers, etc. Filipinos got down on their knees, not on their phones, tablets or TVs. They prayed with their hearts not just online, but together at home and on their knees. Perhaps that is what we need to fight the Angry Ghosts of COVID-19.

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