Lee Dae-Hyoung  Junior  /College of Physical Education

1.Dae Hyoung with Najat in Han-river

My fiance is a French woman whom I will marry this summer in a town called Antony (next to Paris). A lot of people are surprised to see me getting married with a foreigner at such a young age. They wonder how we manage to communicate and deal with the cultural differences. Actually, she can speak Korean very well and has already learned our culture through dramas, movies, and variety shows. Of course she does not know everything but she has a real interest in Korea and learns fast, so it has not been a big problem for us. Moreover, as we know each other, we also know how to explain things to make the other one understand quickly what we mean.
It is true that I hesitated to get married so young, but I have never hesitated about marrying her.

We met in the gym when she was studying in Seoul for postgraduate courses. I saw in her eyes that she wanted me. Well... if you ask her she will say that I tried to tempt her with my smile. Anyway, we went for dinner together and eventually fell in love. At first I wondered a lot about our relationship and did not want to let myself feel too deeply about her. She was bound to leave Korea for France in a few months. She was going to go away so how were we supposed to build something? Our relationship was supposed to finish the day she took the plane for Paris... but who was I trying to fool? Of course my feelings were deep, and of course we could not break up. We talked to each other every day and realized that we could not stay apart any longer, so we decided to get married. Now we can love each other without fear.
I went to her hometown in France last winter. It gave me the opportunity to meet her parents and see how she is used to living. Actually her parents are Moroccans. I discovered both French and Moroccan cultures during my trip. It was quite interesting! After that trip we got closer, because I could understand her reactions better now that I know how the life in France is. After the wedding we will go to Morocco to meet the rest of her family. It will be an amazing trip for sure. In fact, we are so close that I do not see her as a foreigner anymore. She is just the woman I love.
Recently I realized how difficult getting married is. I have to prepare to be a husband and this requires a lot of money. I had to get three part time jobs to be ready for her arrival in Korea. As a man, I should be able to give her a nice place to live. Even if it takes the rest of my life, I will never regret my decision. I choose my way and I am the captain of my fate.
 On her side, she is also doing her best. She is working, taking care of the wedding preparations and learning how to cook Korean food. She tries to spend the remaining time with her family because when she made the decision to live with me in Korea. It also means that she will leave all her family and friends. I know it is not easy for her and I am thankful for her love.
These days many young people only need one-night love, also called “instant love”. I think it is very dangerous and not sufficient. We should be serious when we love. Do not forget that your love is waiting for you... somewhere... maybe on the opposite side of the earth...

 One of Dae Hyoung’s job MC

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