On March 19, 2025, comedian Park Narae publicly expressed her affection for Busan men during a lively episode of her YouTube channel, "Narae TV." The segment, titled "The Behind-the-Scenes of the Fabulous Aesoon and Gwan-sik Family Gathering, First Love, Proposal Stories, Busan Dialect," featured fellow guests Moon Sori and Park Haejoon, who are both natives of Busan.
During the episode, Park Narae reminisced about a recent trip to Busan for filming with her guests, where she shared the news that the iconic Jagalchi fish market was undergoing renovations, effectively eliminating the old street vendors. "I toured Busan a few days ago due to my older brother Lee Si-eon. They told me that Jagalchi's street vendor area is all going away, and it's being rebuilt, much like the Noryangjin Fisheries Market," she said, expressing a hint of nostalgia for the changes.
Park Narae continued to elaborate on her feelings towards Busan men, stating, "As a person from Jeolla-do, I have a romantic notion about men from Busan. I really like their charisma and the vibe they emit." The use of the term 'tsundere'—a Japanese word meaning someone who is cold or indifferent on the outside but warm and caring on the inside—captured her appreciation for the unique charm of Busan men.
Moon Sori chimed in, noting the attractiveness of the 'tsundere' personality but shared her own experience with her husband, who is from Jeonju. "I married a Jeonbuk man because while 'tsundere' can be charming, it can be taxing in the long run," she mentioned, prompting laughter from the group.
Park Haejoon took the opportunity to recommend his cousin, actor Tae Inho, to Park Narae. Noting that Tae Inho was born in 1980 and is five years older than Park Narae, he said, "I'm unsure if Tae Inho is seeing anyone, but if Park Narae were to join our family, that would definitely be nice!" His playful matchmaking was met with giggles from the group, including a humorous promise from Moon Sori to let Park Narae know if she ever spotted a Busan man who piqued her interest.
In jest, Park Narae concluded, "I expect you both to hook me up with a blind date within a month!" Her playful demand capped off the banter and sparked excitement among viewers, highlighting the chemistry and camaraderie between the three entertainers.
Throughout the episode, discussions of relationships and personality traits flowed freely. Park Haejoon affectionately teased that his wife still loves him despite his own quirks, while Moon Sori shared memories of visiting Mokpo and recognizing the benefits of compatibility in relationships, especially when it comes to regional backgrounds.
Park Narae's admission about her ideal type aligns with ongoing discussions around the charm and appeal of regional identities in the South Korean dating scene. Politicians, sociologists, and media personalities often debate how cultural backgrounds influence personal preferences in love and friendship.
As the episode wrapped up, Park Narae's excitement about the potential connections fell into line with various cultural trends regarding romantic exploration in modern South Korea, where regional differences often lead to deeper conversations about identity and partnership dynamics. With a playful spirit, the episode not only entertained but also prompted viewers to consider the multifaceted nature of love and relationship preferences.
The vibrant dialogue and interactions among Park Narae, Park Haejoon, and Moon Sori on this episode of "Narae TV" reveal more than just a comedic take on modern relationships—they unearth a complex tapestry of cultural nuances and personal stories that highlight the ongoing engagement with regional identities in the context of romance.