What are the main themes in old Korean love stories?

Not having read the 'As if there is no love' Korean novel, I can only speculate. It could deal with themes like the futility of searching for love in a cold or unfeeling society. It might also explore how characters cope when they feel that love is just an illusion or something that is not meant for them. There could be a sub - theme of self - discovery where the characters learn about themselves through their experiences related to the absence of love.

Fate is also a common theme. In stories such as 'Laila - Majnu', it seems that fate has brought them together but also throws numerous challenges at their love. Their love is often seen as something that is fated, no matter how difficult the journey. And of course, the theme of pure and unconditional love runs through all these old Hindi love stories. It is the kind of love that withstands time, distance and all kinds of hardships.

Love, of course, is a big theme. The king's love story forms the core of the novel. Also, loyalty and betrayal could be themes. People around the king may have different levels of loyalty, and some might betray him for various reasons, especially when his love affairs are involved. Another possible theme is sacrifice. Characters may have to sacrifice something for their love or for the kingdom.

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.

Another theme is the complexity of love. Love is not always straightforward in these novels. It can be mixed with family expectations, social status, and personal goals. For example, in some stories, a character may love someone but has to consider how their relationship will be affected by their family's reputation or their own career aspirations. This makes the exploration of love more nuanced.

Family is a very common theme. In many Korean book stories, family relationships, like the bond between parents and children or among siblings, are explored deeply. For example, in 'Please Look After Mom', the family's love and regret for their mother are central.

One common theme is cultural exchange. In these love stories, the characters often introduce their own cultures to each other. For example, a Chinese character might share the beauty of Chinese cuisine like dumplings and Peking duck with a Korean partner, while the Korean character could introduce kimchi and bibimbap. Another theme is family. Sometimes, family expectations and traditions play a role in the relationship. For example, the Chinese family may have different views on the relationship compared to the Korean family, which creates some drama and conflict in the story.

Friendship is a big theme. Usually, the childhood love starts as a friendship. They are friends first and then slowly realize they have deeper feelings. This can be seen in many Korean dramas. Also, the theme of first love is prominent. Childhood love is often the first experience of love for the characters, and it's depicted as something very special and memorable. It has a kind of purity that is different from later relationships. Moreover, the passage of time is a theme. As the years go by, the characters may change, but their childhood love can still be there, buried deep inside, waiting to be rekindled.

One common theme is innocence. In Korean school love stories, the love is often pure and untainted by worldly concerns. For example, in 'A Werewolf Boy', the love between the girl and the boy is very simple and innocent. Another theme is the power of first love. It's often depicted as something very strong and unforgettable. In 'The Classic', the first love of the characters stays with them throughout their lives. Also, the theme of friendship often goes hand - in - hand with love. In many stories, the characters start as friends in school and then develop romantic feelings for each other.

Love against all odds is also a prevalent theme. Korean gay love stories usually show the characters facing various obstacles such as social prejudice, family expectations, yet still fighting for their love. This makes the stories both heart - wrenching and inspiring.