3/13 Talk about relationships with in-laws in Korea.

Marriage in the West commonly focuses more on the couples themselves. However, marriage in Korea has a huge emphasis on the relationship with family.

* have a huge emphasis on: ~에 큰 비중을 두다

ex> The policy has a huge emphasis on spurring economic growth.

A lot is expected of a married couple, family-wise.

* family-wise: 가족적인 면에서

ex> I considered many things for this trip, family-wise.

Aside from the typical family gatherings, couples are expected to visit parents for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.

ex> He wears the suit only on special occasions.

Daughter-in-laws are especially expected to constantly check up on their mother-in-laws.

* check up on: ~에게 안부 인사를 하다

ex> You should check up on your parents more often.

If there is a problem with the in-laws, it can put a lot of stress on the marriage.

In fact, marriages sometimes even end up in divorce because of tensions with in-laws.

* tension with (one’s) in-laws: 시댁(처가)과의 갈등

ex> Tension with in-laws is a common issue in a marriage.

@ I have a lot on my mind.  생각이 좀 많아.

<HOMEWORK>

1.      You have to deal with the issue, family-wise.

2.      We exchange gifts on special occasions.

3.      I check up on my parents on a regular basis.

4.      She did her best to reduce tension with her in-laws.