Kim So Hye forced to find love in new web drama

Most people, at some point in their lives, have been pressured to find love or get married, despite them enjoying being single. Actress Kim So-hye has probably felt that pressure to find love too; well at least her character in a new web drama has.

As noted by website Allkpop, Kim So-hye's new web drama is all set to premiere next week and it is called, 'Society That Forces Dating.' The drama produced by South Korean cable and satellite television channel OnStyle, is about the pressures put on individuals by society, to find love. Kim So-hye plays the lead role of a teenager called Han Sa-rang.

A 31-second teaser of the web series was released on August 13. It shows Han Sa-rang, who is happily living with her pet cat, frustrated by society's demand that she start dating and finding love. She is probably screaming at her parents who have been asking her to 'go out for a date.' She wonders why single people like her are considered as 'unfortunate'.

Kim So-hye's character realises to her horror that human society is obsessed with love and dating and strongly demands that she be left alone. The teaser does offer glimpses into her carefree, jovial nature; something that is constantly threatened by societal expectations of her. She is heard lamenting, "No matter how I enjoy a day, others consider me a pathetic single." She wonders, "Is being single really unfortunate?"

The latter half of the teaser becomes even more interesting as a fellow male student named Senghyuk, is seen attempting to kiss her while she stands confused. When the boy asks Han Sa-rang whether she likes him, she is heard saying she feels awkward rather than excited. She further adds, "He is a nice guy and he likes me." Senghyuk is played by actor Kim Young-jae.

It is interesting to note that the teaser began with a confident and defiant Han Sa-rang and ends with a confused and rather timid Han Sa-rang. The actress is even seen crying in a shot. It might be hoped that 'Society That Forces Dating' does not eventually become a typical romantic drama but is more analytical in its exploration of societal pressures on individuals to "settle down" or conform to societal norms and expectations.

'Society That Forces Dating' will premiere on August 21 at 6 pm KST on Olleh TV's mobile app and will have five episodes. The web drama will also be available on OnStyle's Facebook page and Youtube on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Watch the teaser below.