The 'cute eat' - You’ve heard about the “cute meet,” now discover the “cute eat.” Really just my term for a pivotal meal in a film in which the characters begin to fall in love. This happens in CLOY's episode 2, when Captain Ri makes the decision to help Se-ri find a way home to South Korea. In the meantime, she has to live with him, so he cooks a meal for her. But Se-ri, suspicious of his motives, tells him that in South Korea, it’s customary to offer the first bite to the host. And so we get this super cute moment that sets the tone for their romantic interaction in the story. Hancinema
Ramen from scratch - Captain Ri actually made ramen from scratch. North Koreans who commented on the series say that instant ramen (more correctly called ramyeon) is a prized food item in North Korea and eaten on special occasions. But we think there's something lovely about a homemade, made-from-scratch ramen. It feels like an especially nourishing, comforting treat as well.Hancinema
Backyard ingredients - The food scenes show the difference between life in North and South Korea. Captain Ri is cooking with ingredients sourced from his own backyard, stored without the benefit of a refrigerator. The cooking scenes establish Captain Ri as a man with the necessary life skills, and a gentle, nurturing side.Hancinema
Mom’s recipe - In a later episode, Se-ri learns that Captain Ri learned to make ramen from his mother. It’s a sweet thought. This little snippet of information makes the dish feel even more personal and special. Hancinema
Roasting coffee - In episode 4, Se-ri expresses a wish to 'have an espresso at a cafe in Gangnam next week.” This little comment apparently sticks with Captain Ri, because he later decides to brew her some coffee. Not only are coffee beans hard to source in North Korea, but he even has to roast the beans himself. Hancinema
It's the little things - The fact that he makes coffee in a land where good coffee beans are hard to find is already a clue as to how important Se-ri is becoming to Captain Ri. The fact that he remembered her trivial remark and then makes a huge effort to fulfill her wishes shows how much she means to him. Ladies, it's the little things that count! Hancinema
Labor of love - Making pourover coffee is a thoughtful, meditative activity that Captain Ri turns into a labor of love.So much care and attention has gone into that cup of coffee that it is practically a declaration of love. Hancinema
Campfire scene - It’s not just the food he personally cooks for Se-ri that reveals the Captain's feelings for her. When the train to Pyongyang breaks down and they’re forced to camp overnight, he makes sure she has enough to eat and even secures a blanket to keep her warm, and gives her his strong shoulder to lean on. It seems natural for him to be always on the watch for her comfort and safety.Hancinema
And of course, fried chicken! - While in Pyongyang, Captain Ri takes Se-ri out to a bar for fried chicken and beer. Suddenly, they see the first snow of the season drifting down through the window. Se-ri tells the Captain that in South Korea, when a couple catch the first snow together, they're fated to fall in love. Hancinema
She gets along with the guys - tt’s not just the moments when the couple are alone that drives their love story. Se-ri's natural and easy camaraderie with Captain Ri's soldiers is adorable to watch. Here they are grilling meat stored in a salt crock, on a coal briquette. Hancinema
Seaside despedida - And here, Se-ri gets a despedida when the men take her on a beach picnic and cook her a meal in the open air. And though they squabble good naturedly, you can feel how sad they are that she’s leaving. Guys, if your mates like your girl this much, that’s a good sign. Hancinema
Finger hearts - Although sometimes too much camaraderie with the guys can lead to jealousy, as in this scene where Se-ri makes little finger hearts to the Captain Ri's men. He's visibly shocked, because he thought that that was special just for him! Hancinema
When it's not right - On the other hand, see how stiff and painful a meal can be when the couple don't have a shred of chemistry? These two are obviously not meant to be together. Se-ri's former flame Gu Seung-jun (Kim Jung-hyun) has spirited her away from Captain Ri. But when dinner is so miserable, in spite of fancy steak and wine, we say the relationship is doomed.Hancinema
Awkward - The only other painful dining scene is this dinner between Captain Ri, his parents, and his fiancée's family. They are all so stiff and awkward that it's obvious he’d rather not be there. This is not how a man in love behaves with his fiancée and her family! Hancinema
Tomato lover - Just before Se-ri leaves for South Korea, she gives him a tomato plant and tells him to 'say ten nice words to it every day.' Here he is obeying instructions. Isn't he cute? Even in this small moment, when he doesn't think he'll see her again, she's on his mind. Later, when he makes it to South Korea, he adopts the name 'Tomato Cultivator' when playing video games.Hancinema
Of course, soju - You can't have a K-romance without soju. In North Korea, Se-ri catches the Captain's attention as she enjoys grilled clams and sweet soju. He glances at her and is caught by her charm, her sense of fun, her courage. In South Korea, they bond over soju, and he tells her that he wants to build a life with her and build a family together. Hancinema
Or any kind of alcohol - Alcohol always has a role to play in K-drama romance, as in this scene where Se-ri gets drunk on beer because she’s just learned that Captain Ri has got a fiancée. She goes on a bonding drinking spree with the village women who become her allies.Hancinema
Because alcohol works so well - And here, Seo Dan's mother tries to get Captain Ri's men drunk so she can pump them for information about him. Hancinema
Food = love - Throughout CLOY, food is a vehicle for Captain Ri to show how much he wants to protect and nurture Se-ri. He cares so mouch that he packs her pantry with noodles and other ingredients, and even writes out recipes for her to follow. its so sweet you’d cry. Hancinema
Bonus - So yes, we think food is the love language that establishes Captain Ri's protective, nurturing side, drives the story of their romance, and gives us kilig moments to enjoy. And now we're ready to have some ramyeon, fried chicken and soju of our own. Hancinema