5 Powerful Life Lessons from “Crash Landing on You”

Dear Sweet Friends

As you know from my last post on K- Dramas, I am a fan, and one of the reasons for this is the many life lessons weaved into each storyline. In this post, I will detail 5 powerful life lessons we can learn from “ Crash Landing on You”. Crash Landing on You was the K-drama that made me the fan I am today, which is why it’s so exciting to revisit this show.

This Korean Drama was a love story between two main characters, Ri Jeong-Hyeok and Yoon Se-ri, who were from vastly different cultures and had to overcome many boundaries for their love to prevail. The show is a fan favorite because of its unique storyline, enjoyable characters, the natural onscreen chemistry between the cast, and its heart- warming story.

At face- value, this show was about a love story, yet it did a remarkable job of providing 5 powerful life lessons we can all use. These lessons ranged from the importance of friendships to the ability to grow continuously as an individual. This post will be a nice trip down memory lane for fans and a welcome to those who have just discovered this show. (spoilers – ahead)

Crash Landing On You(CLOY)- Original Air Dec 2019- February 2020

CLOY tells the story of a South Korean Heiress, Yoon Se- Ri, who ends up in North Korea after a paragliding accident and must find her way back to South Korea with the help of an army officer Captain Ri. Of course, with such an unusual premise, one would never expect to learn essential life lessons. But here are my Top 5 powerful life lessons that I learned from Crash Landing on You (CLOY). Minimal spoilers ahead

Lesson 1: Importance of true friends

As adults, there are many day-to-day responsibilities, and it can be challenging to maintain friendships. Work, family, and distance are just a few reasons that can slowly dissolve these relationships if we are not intentional and proactive concerning showing up and nurturing these relationships. Studies have shown that healthy friendships are beneficial to emotional and physical health. And that they also help decrease feelings of loneliness while increasing life satisfaction.

Throughout the show, we witnessed the extent Captain Ri’s comrades would go for him. Knowing that his decision to help Yoon Se-Ri was risky but admirable, they supported him even if it meant risking their own lives. Each choice they made to be there for him wasn’t just because he was their leader but because he was a friend who needed support to overcome adversity. Similarly, Yoon Se-Ri developed a bond with the ladies of North –Korea, and they demonstrated supporting each other during both good and difficult times. 

In these types of shows, romantic relationships are often heavily highlighted as the relationship to achieve, and friendships do not always get much attention. But CLOY decided to spotlight that friendship is also significant and valuable in one’s life. It reminded us to appreciate the extraordinary friends we have in our lives. Remember to cherish those friends who are continuously there for the highs, the lows, and everything in between. And never take those friendships for granted.

Lesson 2: Happiness doesn’t only come from money

“People with many possessions live in a house full of things, but they themselves are empty.” -Lao Tzu

Yoon Se- Ri lived a significantly more modest lifestyle when she was in North Korea compared to how she was living in South Korea. Although most of her home comforts are gone, she starts to find a sense of joy in the simplicity and relationships she forms. So much so that when she returns to South Korea, she realizes how less content she feels. Yoon Se-Ri admits that her wealth was not what brought her joy and contentment but the relationships she gained while stranded in North Korea.

We often hear about and see people with a lot of money who are seemingly happy and later find out how truly discontent they are. Unfortunately, this era of social media inundates us with highlight reels that appear to show people living the perfect luxurious life, and you can often forget this lesson.

Yes, money is helpful and can make life easier, but it is essential to remember that it can’t buy genuine connections. Being surrounded by a community of people who care about you, support you, and are there for you, especially during rough times, is priceless. No amount of money can replace having genuine people in your life.

Lesson 3: Regardless of the age or circumstances, you can always grow

CLOY did a great job showing the evolution of many of its characters. From the main characters to the supporting characters, all faced choices that tested them on whether they would continue to be the person they were or make choices that would lead them to grow. 

Han Jeong-Yeon and Gu Seung-Jun were two supporting characters that stood out to me. Han Jeong-Yeon is a woman set in her ways with a strained relationship with her stepdaughter Yoon Se-Ri. As the story progresses, she consciously chooses to move past their history and be present for Yoon Se-Ri when she needs her. Although older,  Han Jeong-Yeon could have decided that it was too late to evolve, but she embraced change and actively chose to grow as a person.

On the other hand, Gu Seung- Jung’s difficult childhood shaped his character, and he was selfish and irresponsible. But after meeting Seo Dan, he learns the importance of caring for others and making sacrifices. As a result, he ultimately makes a selfless choice that allows him to grow into a better version of himself. 

Many of us relate to feeling tied to an identity. Certain circumstances may have shaped you; maybe people are used to a particular version of you, or you think you are at an age where growth is impossible. There can be an endless list of reasons that can serve as barriers to change, but we have more control than we think. Intentional choices can transform us into who we deem as the best version of ourselves.

Lesson 4: The Importance of Courage to face adversity

Throughout Crash Landing on You, many characters show remarkable courage. Ri Jeong-Hyeok stands out with the risks he takes to protect Yoon Se-Ri and stand up against injustices. But Jung Man-Bok stood out the most for me. Jung Man-Bok decides to go against his duties in his job, risking not only his safety but that of his family because he knows it is the right thing to do.

Although his decision to ignore commands could have been costly, he showed bravery, courage, and determination to right a past wrong. The show demonstrated that facing one’s fears and finding the strength to overcome them can make a difference, not only in your life but also in the lives of those around you.

Lesson 5: Overcoming Cultural Barriers

Through creative interpretation, the show aimed to highlight cultural differences between North and South Korea and highlighted how these differences could lead to barriers between people. CLOY took this concept and further demonstrated that we are more alike than different. Yoon- Seri and Ri Jeong- Hyeok could see each other as individuals regardless of their culture. By learning to understand and accept their differences, they found they shared more in common than one would assume.

From this, we learn to be open-minded regarding others’ perspectives because we likely share common ground. By doing this, we can create a community of people who can find beauty and appreciation for those differences and each other.

Conclusion:

This show provides these 5 powerful life lessons that, as human beings, we can all incorporate into our lives to better ourselves and those around us. CLOY was more than a love story and I hope at least one lesson can be valuable to you.

Have a wonderful day!

Sweet Lyfe Daily!

Comment: If you are fan of CLOY, please share what life lesson resonated with you?