Escaping the Struggles of Adulting: How K-Dramas Saved My Sanity

They say, “The universe provides when you are ready to receive.” In the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I found myself searching for an escape from the chaos. That’s when Netflix suggested I watch “Crash Landing on You” (CLOY). The storyline intrigued me, and I eagerly added it to “My List.” However, I didn’t actually watch the first episode until September 2024 😂!

In 2021, while looking for something fresh to watch, I randomly clicked on “Business Proposal” (BP). I managed to watch the first 16 minutes of the first episode but didn’t return to it until October 2024 😂.

So, what happened between 2020 and 2024….a lot!! Between 2020 and 2021, I was busy collecting and analyzing data remotely to complete my PhD. During this hectic period, I promised myself I would take a break as soon as I graduated. In 2021, I published two journal papers, got married, and later discovered that we were expecting our first child.

The whirlwind of 2022 saw me defending my PhD, giving birth, and moving from Osaka to Tokyo—all within three months. After my mum returned to Uganda in June 2022, childcare responsibilities fell solely on me. I experienced burnout at least twice before we decided I needed to go back home to Uganda for some rest. My son and I left in March 2023 and returned to Japan in January 2024.

Refreshed and ready to take on the world, I initially planned to let life unfold. However, my busy nature wouldn’t allow me to rest. I single-handedly marketed and onboarded clients for my “Time Management Masterclass,” which took place in March 2024. From April to mid-June 2024, I enrolled in an amazing program designed to empower African women to take on board leadership roles. This program ran every Saturday night from midnight to about 2 AM in my time zone. I attended every single class.

Between July and September, I actively applied for post-doc positions worldwide. Anyone who has done this knows that writing cover letters, fine-tuning CVs, and cold emailing can be draining—physically and mentally. Amidst all these responsibilities, I was also managing childcare and household chores. By the end of September, my body finally shut down; I couldn’t leave my bed for two days due to excruciating pain and a high fever. In that moment, I realized something had to change.

The only thing I could do was find a mental distraction and let the “rest of the year burn.” I finally decided to watch CLOY. I remember downloading the first two episodes on the day we left Manila for Tokyo. I watched both during the four-hour flight and couldn’t wait to get home to watch the rest. The show made me laugh and cry simultaneously—a release that was long overdue.

CLOY helped me escape “real life” and connect with characters and music that reignited my desire to learn more about South Korea. I spent the remainder of September and October binge-watching dramas like BP, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” and “Welcome to Samdal-ri.” By the time I finished, I felt rejuvenated, happier, and energized. In hindsight, I sprinted through the year, but I finally found the pause I needed. This year, I am committed to intentionally create pockets of relaxation. I’d love to hear your K-Drama tales! What are your favorites, and do you have any recommendations for my next binge? Watch out for my upcoming reviews!