Why do the two of them make me feel this way?

Why them in particular? There are four couples on the show, some have gone and others have come in their places, but Alex and Shin Ae are the only couple who were welcome to return after leaving. Why is that? Out of all the couples, I have to admit that I cherish these two very much. What’s so distinct about these two that differentiates them from the others? Let’s dissect this by examining person’s character, the characteristics of their relationship, and the demographics of the viewers who support them.

Let’s begin with Alex, who established himself on the show as a firm leader and open-minded guy with a disarming smile. On a mocking level, he’s absolutely the Mr. Perfect that any girl could dream of. To all the proud men of South Korea, he’s absolutely a threat, and they all wibble whenever he says the magical words: “Wait here.” Does he always have a plan up his sleeve to woo the apple of his eye? True, the most admirable qualities about Alex are his level-headed considerations and cautious protection. He doesn’t overdo anything. There’s no suffocation. However, he knows his limits. He could never live every day of his life trying to romance the girl of his dreams. It’d be tiresome and much too dull to keep up with. It’s only in him to try and be careful of other people, to be considerate of their feelings and wishes. If it’s in his ability to grant their wishes, then why not? He certainly doesn’t go to extremes to win women over. He can prioritize well for himself and those he considers dear in his life. He can be a leader and a protector. He likes order and control, but he’s not Mr. Perfect. Most would wonder if he’s just a playboy, trying to use his skills to delight women for his own pleasure… but he actually invests in what he does. His cooking, singing, and presents all require practice, time, thought, and such. The significance is that his efforts will always be recognized because he actually tries. How can men complain about what he does if they haven’t put in the same effort? Alex is just himself. He leaves advice for other people about good character. “Instead of trying to rid your loneliness by getting a girlfriend, you need to get over your loneliness and be happy with yourself.” It’s much easier said than done, but it’s the truth. Confidence is an attractive quality. Take it from the man who’s had his own troubles with love.

Now about about the lovely Shin Ae? The Shin Ae the viewers were introduced to at the beginning of We Got Married was a very cautious young woman with a closed heart. She admitted to having been foolish in the past by allowing romance in her life. She was happy for a while until the trust with her loved one had broken in a way that scarred her in ways that kept her from gaining intimacy again with another person. Having known her own heartaches and foolishness, she matured into a person who was more aware of her own behavior as well as that of people around her. Shin Ae didn’t turn into a fragile girl crying out for help. Instead, this gave her a reason to try and stand on her own two feet, building a shell around her to keep love away. She was afraid of love and the heart’s spontaneity, too frightened by the burn of loss. As a celebrity, she knew the feeling of being used before. How could she ever differentiate between being someone else’s love and a means for someone else’s gain? Celebrity relationships never played kindly with her either, as she experienced much hate from anti-fans when dating people such as Shinhwa’s Lee Minwoo. Rumors had spread about her before, some of them deeming her a homewrecker. For the most part, such gossip didn’t bode well with her sensitive heart. The protective shell about her chipped away bit by bit as she grew closer with Alex. Soon the cautious young woman showed that underneath that exterior of hesitation and forbearance was a childish girl who wanted to laugh out loud and run about with someone chasing after her. The heart can be wounded, but it can also be mended.

Having described each person in this pairing, can you see where complement each other well? He has the patience to care and love, while she’s still trying to recover. Deep down, she has the same intentions for him. They’re timid, but it’s because they have their own histories. A little caution with love never hurt, did it? The way they joke with one another is so formal but adorable. They find much joy in being “formal” around each other, bowing all the time. He teases her, she pouts. He asks for her hand, she carefully thinks about it and complies. It’s a sweet relationship that takes its sweet time. There’s no rush. It’s all like a fine wine. Just as Shin Ae says, Alex tries his best to be around her to make her look better. The two of them look as if they really have affections for each other, and in that light, they look livelier and more beautiful.

It’s been reported that most of the couple’s supporters are a bit older than the rest of the viewers, ranging between the 20s and 30s. One can say that it takes a lot of experience and maturity to appreciate a relationship that thrives on subtlety and patience. Gestures like flowers, cooking meals, singing, washing feet, and the like have more meaning when one grows to admire the smaller things in life. The significance of items weigh heavier than the item itself. With their presents to one another come compassion, admiration, and respect. In such a fast-paced world where people live by their self-importance, who has time for slow budding romances? Those who have endured rocky relationships and break-ups probably see hope when they watch Alex and Shin Ae on screen. By no means are they the perfect couple. Not everyone would want what those two offer to each other. But it’s endearing to see a match interact so well with one another, almost as if they had been made from the same mold.