I've taken some fancy into these Koreanovelas. Since finishing a 'Full House' marathon two summers ago, I have also seen 'Sweet 18', 'Princess Hours', and just recently, 'My Girl'.

They can be quite addicting, really. In a light, unfussy way. J

These Koreans know how make their romantic comedies work, and if you've seen any one of them, I'm sure you'd agree with me.

Here are some of the things I've noticed in the typical Korean TV series:

1. A strong, dignified (often rich) lead guy character. (It was a movie star in Full House, a Prosecutor in Sweet 18, a Prince in Princess Hours, and a Hotel owner in My Girl.)

2. A quirky, fun lead girl character with a cool fashion sense.

3. A not-so-evil girl contrabida. Often plays a pale, sullen woman who's been the lead guy's long time flame. Nothing of the bitch-slapping, murder-plotting kind, but nevertheless annoying.

4. A pitiful, almost pathetic supporting guy character who either falls for the lead girl or the not-so-evil contrabida. Either way, he still loses to the lead guy-- who also happens to be his best friend.

5. The Love Square. Lead Girl almost often realizes her feelings for Lead Guy first. Lead Guy likes her, too, but doesn't go all out because of his longtime girlfriend. Supporting Guy realizes his love for Lead Girl, but no matter how cute or sweet he is, he's just a friend to her. And the plot thickens. But of course, it's Lead Guy and Girl in the end.

6. The Under-the-Same-Roof Setup. The lead characters are always forced to live together. It could be a sham wedding, an arranged marriage, or guy hiring girl do some in-house job.

7. A Bed Scene. …where the leads realize they have to sleep in one bed. No one would want to hit the floor, so after a charming little fight, they end up literally sleeping together.

8. The Great Divide. The lead characters decide to go on separate ways to sort out issues and whatnot, and then find each other again in a year or two. It's also a chance to straighten curly hair, or curl straight hair, wear glasses, change clothing style, and whatever else to look a little different.

9. The Piggyback Ride. I daresay this is a subtle Korean metaphor for love and support. I heard that Korean women are big on that—a guy who could take care of them—in every aspect. Hence the strong, dignified, and rich lead guy characters.

10. The Quintessential Bike Ride. Possibly just to show off the scenery, or promote bicycling as an exercise, or create an allegory to the couple's journey together. Whatever. It's cute. J