It’s a brisk April 14th afternoon. The city of Seoul is as busy as ever, but there’s a stillness in the air. This emblematic fermata could only be explained by one event. Hundreds- nay- thousands of young Korean men and women are preparing a bowl of Black Bean Noodles in the confines of their home. A splintering wooden chopstick pokes through the shiny plastic casing. The steam oozes out in fluid strokes. The warmth against skin feels reminiscent of intimacy, but it ultimately serves as a bitter reminder of the truth. At last, the feast is had, and a cacophony of slurps echoes through Korea as the devastating finale.
What I’ve just described is “Black Day.” A holiday where Koreans eat Black Bean Noodles and think about being single two months after Valentine’s Day. Seeing as Black Day is to come, I’ve been thinking about how I’ll celebrate it this year. And so, whether you’re a Black Day veteran or a B.B.N first timer, I invite you to join me in this celebration. But not like, actually, join me. This is a solitary experience. AND SO, here are my favorite “Black Day” themed things to watch this holiday season:
I hope these movies put you in a “Black Day” mood, as you celebrate singleness watching these love movies. It’s a sort of cognitive dissonance that could solely be conceptualized in a bowl of sweet/salty Black Bean Noodles.
So sit back, relax, and slurp away.
What I’ve just described is “Black Day.” A holiday where Koreans eat Black Bean Noodles and think about being single two months after Valentine’s Day. Seeing as Black Day is to come, I’ve been thinking about how I’ll celebrate it this year. And so, whether you’re a Black Day veteran or a B.B.N first timer, I invite you to join me in this celebration. But not like, actually, join me. This is a solitary experience. AND SO, here are my favorite “Black Day” themed things to watch this holiday season:
- Ottercam: Otters are infamous in the animal kingdom as the ultimate symbol of love. You ever seen a tiny otter paw reach out and grab another tinier otter paw? That’s a testament of love if I’ve ever seen one. The Vancouver Aquarium offers a 24 hour livestream of their otters, and I like to come back to it every now and then. It’s nice knowing they’ll always be there for me.
- Castaway on The Moon: “The moon understands what it means to be human. Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” This isn’t a quote from the movie, but it’s a true reflection of the movie as well as the spirit of “Black Day.” The real reason you should watch it is because of a scene where he makes black bean noodles from scratch. It’s the best scene. But don’t just take it from me, Youtube user nikihildhaunukey5 says so too.
- Ratatouille: I mean, this is just a good movie. Don’t really need to say much more, do I?
- Frances Ha: What’s more fitting for black day than a black and white movie? The titular character is STRONG and INDEPENDENT, the writing has got that classic Baumbach quick witted verisimilitude, and the soundtrack will leave you feel like you’re falling in love.
I hope these movies put you in a “Black Day” mood, as you celebrate singleness watching these love movies. It’s a sort of cognitive dissonance that could solely be conceptualized in a bowl of sweet/salty Black Bean Noodles.
So sit back, relax, and slurp away.
Hajin Yoo
Staff member