Not everyone can like them.

Because personal attacks aren’t nice. There are a lot of people I know who like this pairing, but of course, there are always those who will criticize and dissent. It’s understandable if these two aren’t your cup of tea, but I’ve read some hateful comments about this couple which I feel are undeserved. From what I’ve read, those who dislike this pairing either are sickened or bored by them. I’m prepared to agree to disagree anyday if you’re willing to be civil.

Alex has been ridiculed and lambasted for being unrealistic on screen, supposedly using his time on the air as a way of attracting attention for fame and personal gain. These claims have angered him before, causing him to defend himself a few times. In no ways had he ever done anything that was rather impossible for Shin Ae. He reinforced this by saying he didn’t spend million of dollars on her. The opportunities to please her were always within reach and reason. Though he also gained the title of the Romantic Guy in South Korea, he denied any ideas about him being so all the time. Concerning romance, he did admit that he wanted to make the love of his life very happy, but there was no way he could pull of such stunts and surprises everyday.

In my opinion, Alex is still human. And a guy. So that means he’s a human guy. Unlike the guys who are intimdated by Alex, he knows how to utilize what he has. That’s the difference between him and “other” guys, if there really even is a distinction. He’s thoughtful in his plans. Nothing he does goes without some musings. (Do I really even have to mention Hyung Don?) I don’t believe Alex possesses ill intentions when it comes to romance, especially when it comes to Shin Ae. He comes across as a very genuine person. He does have it all to be a player, but he doesn’t choose to be that kind of person. Although many regarded his departure on We Got Married as irresponsible, he never said to Shin Ae that he would be leaving forever. He reassured her that he would be leaving for a little while, that he would be coming back later. He sincerely expressed his wishes for her to wait for him. And he returned to her. How is that irresponsible? Well, given the good day they had together, the news of his departure was surprising. I agree that it was irresponsible of him to have broken such terrible news at the climax of their relationship. However, he didn’t make an unfulfilled promise. It’s not as if he had dumped her to make a move onto another girl. Although some have questioned whether his first solo album was so crucial as to make a temporary leave from the show, he’s a singer. His first solo album required his full attention and dedication of mind and body. He can’t invest all of his time to love when music occupies another place in his heart.

Interestingly enough, Shin Ae doesn’t face as much loathing as Alex does. (Usually when it comes to celebrity pairings, the girl becomes the target of abhorrent sentiments.) The few attacks that she does receive are either directed toward her appearance or her behavior. I don’t like getting started on what people have to say about her. They poke at her about her weight and her face. But who are they to talk? We live in a world where everyone has their own flaws and distinct features. What’s the point in talking about them? She’s successful as a model, so she must be great at what she does. I personally think she looks lovely, but is that even important? Comments on her behavior claim that Shin Ae is feigning an innocent and shy persona for attention to compensate for the rumors about her feminine wiles and homewrecking ways. Alex once said that the intriguing thing about this show is that emotions are still lively even after cameras have stopped rolling. The celebrities on the show seem to have no problem with showing their natural behavior around one another. Shin Ae has shown moments where she doesn’t seem to be as aware of things as Alex is, but for the most part, she also seems genuine with her tears and laughter. Keeping up a facade would take too much effort for such a long show. At least that’s what I believe.

We have our own ideas of love, and those ideas are always changing as we grow older. The unspoken attraction between Alex and Shin Ae is definitely for those who’ve acquired an older longing for love—one that is chaste and inexplicable. Those who can relate with either of them have their own emotional scars, battling with loss and sacrifice. The two have had terrible luck with romance before, and it seems that they’re right for each other. Although Alex is more forward with his feelings, he’s willing to wait. Anyone who’s stopped believing in love will find reason to start again when they see them on the screen. Call it disgusting if you want, but it’s inspiring for me, to say the least.