Brain

Begun on 2/2412 at 6:25 P.M.

I've been engrossed in the drama Brain (브레인) not just because of Choi Jung-won (최정원) and her big eyes... the interpersonal dynamics/conflict between the characters is rather interesting.

Lee Kang-hoon (played by Shin Ha Gyun 신하균) is a very talented neurosurgeon, with an ego to back it up. He is also a bit of a jerk - an alpha bad boy. How many Korean women watch the drama beceause they are attracted to his character? The character isn't the first jerk in Korean drama - there have been many; they're usually rich, some even spoiled, but somehow they are able to attract and get the heroine. In this drama that would be Yoon Ji-hye, played by Choi Jung-won, who recognizes mid-way through the drama that she has been stupid for liking him, since he doesn't seem to reciprocate but also because his personality isn't that great. Will she play any role in taming the bad boy and win his heart before the drama ends? It does seem that a lot of those Korean dramas featuring the alpha bad boy captitalize on this female fantasy--it may be a good way to draw in female viewers, but what does it reveal about women's desires (in contrast to what they claim).

Meanwhile, what sort of male group would tolerate that sort of vainglory? An institution that relies upon "meritocracy" and "efficiency" may be able to tolerate such vice so long as it does not lead to a lawsuit. But it would alienate his colleagues and be disruptive to social harmony and friendship. Self-seeking ambition would be tamed in a close-knit community where reputation matters. But in a megapolis? Isn't it more likely that it would be rewarded with promotions and the like (and character flaws ignored or unknowable) in the name of meritocracy and efficiency? So long as the talent is there, isn't the whole improved, even if he is short on personality and character with respect to dealing with others? So long as he produces results, what concern is it of the institution that his arrogance alienates others and prevents him from making friends?

What about service for the sake of the whole, as exemplified in a small military unit and ideally within the political community as well? Being a braggart about one's martial abilities may not be problematic, but being arrogant and concerned only with one's self will be so, especially if these are the qualiaties in one's commanding officers.

Edit. Last episode tonight. Will Professor Kim be able to effect a moral change in Professor Lee?


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