In South Korea, where same-sex marriage is not recognized, two women, Sunwoo and Hana, defied societal norms by choosing to live together without romantic ties. Their story was chronicled in the bestselling book "Two Women Living Together," which chronicles their journey from independent bachelorettes to cohabiting friends.
For Sunwoo and Hana, life as a couple was not meant to be romantic; instead, it evolved into a deep friendship built on mutual respect, trust, and companionship. They shared the same taste in music, books, and lifestyle, which provided a sense of security and comfort in their lives. However, as they entered middle age, loneliness began to creep in, and their apartment felt oppressive.
Their decision to buy a house together marked a significant shift in their relationship. In 49 essays that read like intimate confessions, Sunwoo and Hana invite readers into the life they share with four cats, exploring themes from food to retirement fantasies. Like any couple, theirs is a life of quiet joys and irritations.
The book delves into their daily struggles, such as laundry protocols and New Year rituals, which may seem trivial but reveal deeper dynamics in their relationship. When Sunwoo faces disappointment, she finds solace in her friendship with Hana, who becomes her primary caregiver during a hospital stay.
However, beneath the warmth lies a radical proposition: treating their partnership like any family. In South Korea, where cohabiting partners and friends lack official recognition, Sunwoo and Hana's relationship remains invisible on paperwork. This omission is reflected in the country's laws, which deny equal tax benefits, welfare support, or authority in medical emergencies to those living with friends or unmarried partners.
Despite this, there are signs of progress: the recent change allowing census respondents to describe themselves as "cohabiting partners." However, the conservative government's rejection of a bill aimed at securing rights for cohabiting partners and friends leaves much to be desired.
The book is not without its flaws. Some essays feel like filler, particularly when they delve into their love for cats. Nevertheless, it serves as a generous and witty portrait of friendship. As interest in "platonic partnerships" grows worldwide, stories like Sunwoo and Hana's matter, making visible the growing number of people turning to friends as primary sources of stability, companionship, and care.
Their journey highlights the many ways of being a family, transcending traditional norms and societal expectations. In an era where housing costs are soaring, and family-centred care is unraveling, Sunwoo and Hana's story offers hope – a testament that friendship can be a powerful form of support and love.
For Sunwoo and Hana, life as a couple was not meant to be romantic; instead, it evolved into a deep friendship built on mutual respect, trust, and companionship. They shared the same taste in music, books, and lifestyle, which provided a sense of security and comfort in their lives. However, as they entered middle age, loneliness began to creep in, and their apartment felt oppressive.
Their decision to buy a house together marked a significant shift in their relationship. In 49 essays that read like intimate confessions, Sunwoo and Hana invite readers into the life they share with four cats, exploring themes from food to retirement fantasies. Like any couple, theirs is a life of quiet joys and irritations.
The book delves into their daily struggles, such as laundry protocols and New Year rituals, which may seem trivial but reveal deeper dynamics in their relationship. When Sunwoo faces disappointment, she finds solace in her friendship with Hana, who becomes her primary caregiver during a hospital stay.
However, beneath the warmth lies a radical proposition: treating their partnership like any family. In South Korea, where cohabiting partners and friends lack official recognition, Sunwoo and Hana's relationship remains invisible on paperwork. This omission is reflected in the country's laws, which deny equal tax benefits, welfare support, or authority in medical emergencies to those living with friends or unmarried partners.
Despite this, there are signs of progress: the recent change allowing census respondents to describe themselves as "cohabiting partners." However, the conservative government's rejection of a bill aimed at securing rights for cohabiting partners and friends leaves much to be desired.
The book is not without its flaws. Some essays feel like filler, particularly when they delve into their love for cats. Nevertheless, it serves as a generous and witty portrait of friendship. As interest in "platonic partnerships" grows worldwide, stories like Sunwoo and Hana's matter, making visible the growing number of people turning to friends as primary sources of stability, companionship, and care.
Their journey highlights the many ways of being a family, transcending traditional norms and societal expectations. In an era where housing costs are soaring, and family-centred care is unraveling, Sunwoo and Hana's story offers hope – a testament that friendship can be a powerful form of support and love.
I'm low-key obsessed with Sunwoo & Hana's story! Like, I get it, societal norms are hard to break, but their friendship is REAL 
. It's so refreshing to see people prioritizing companionship over romantic labels. I mean, can we talk about how relatable their laundry protocols essay was? 
The way they explore the complexities of their relationship without shying away from the imperfections is truly inspiring. What I love most about this story is that it humanizes platonic partnerships & shows us that family can take many forms 
. It's not just about marriage or kids; it's about finding stability, care, and love in unexpected places 
.
for platonic partnerships I just looked up the stats on how many people are turning to friends as primary sources of stability and companionship in 2023 it's insane 43% of millennials in Korea are cohabiting with their besties 
I mean they're not even trying but somehow they've built this amazing life together with four cats and all
like 72% of respondents in a survey said that living with a partner makes them feel more anxious and stressed out
. In my opinion, it's about time we shift our focus from romantic love to companionship and mutual respect 
I mean, Sunwoo and Hana are proof that companionship can be just as meaningful as romance. Their daily struggles and quirks are so relatable 
, and I love how they've created this warm and cozy space together with their four cats. It's beautiful! 
The book might have some flaws, but it's definitely a refreshingly honest look at what friendship can offer 
. As more people start to question traditional norms, stories like Sunwoo and Hana's will keep shining through 
.
. And honestly, I'm not even bothered by the cat-filled essays 
. What I love most is how their story highlights the importance of friendship and companionship – especially in a world where it's getting harder to find stability and care for one another 
. And can we talk about the lack of recognition for cohabiting partners in Korea? It's like they're invisible! 
Anyway, their book is giving me all the feels & I'm so here for this radical proposition: treating friendships like families 
But what really resonates with me is how their relationship has evolved into this deep friendship built on mutual respect and trust.
. It's hilarious when you read about their laundry protocols - who knew that was a thing? 
I gotta say, this whole thing about Sunwoo and Hana living together as friends but not in a romantic relationship is kinda inspiring 
I mean, who needs all that paperwork when you've got trust, respect, and cats 
But what's even more amazing is how it highlights the growing trend of platonic partnerships worldwide 
those 2 ladies in korea r defying norms & making their own way 
plus the gov in south korea is still super slow on recognizing platonic partnerships 
at least theres a growing interest in it tho & ppl r talking about treating friendships like families 
especially since we r gettin more ppl talkin about "platonic partnerships" 
And the fact that they're living in a society where cohabiting partners aren't officially recognized just adds an extra layer of complexity to their journey. 
And I'm so glad they're speaking out about the importance of cohabiting partners getting equal rights 
It's time we celebrate all forms of love & support, not just the traditional ones 
so like sunwoo & hana, these 2 korean women r defying societal norms by livin together without bein romantic lol but seriously, their story is EVERYTHING 
and new year rituals 
but seriously, sunwoo & hana's story highlights the many ways of being a family & transcending traditional norms 
it's like, we need more stories like this!