In South Korea, two women, Sunwoo and Hana, defied societal norms by choosing not to get married. Instead, they embarked on a platonic partnership that would bring them joy, companionship, and stability. Their decision to buy a sunlit house together and live as friends was a bold move in a society where same-sex marriage is not recognized.
The book "Two Women Living Together" chronicles their journey, with 49 warm and chatty essays that delve into their daily lives, from food preferences to retirement fantasies. Sunwoo, a fashion journalist, and Hana, a copywriter, share the same taste in music and books, but their living arrangements also reflect their contrasting personalities - Sunwoo loves shiny things, while Hana is a minimalist.
Their partnership is not without its challenges. They bicker about laundry protocols, New Year rituals, and whether to ruthlessly tidy up before trips. However, as they write, "we never stop pinning our hopes on each other." When Sunwoo is hospitalized, Hana becomes her primary guardian, but she's ineligible for the free flu vaccine offered to employees' families at Sunwoo's workplace.
The book highlights the invisible nature of their partnership in official paperwork and societal expectations. In South Korea, cohabiting partners and friends do not have access to equal tax benefits, welfare support, or even the right to act as "chief mourner" at funerals. The conservative government blocked a 2025 bill aimed at securing rights for cohabiting partners and friends.
Despite its frustrations, the book is a generous and witty portrait of friendship. As interest in platonic partnerships grows worldwide, Sunwoo and Hana's story serves as a reminder that people are turning to friends as their primary source of stability, companionship, and care. Their decision offers a new way of being a family, one that challenges traditional notions of partnership and family structures.
As the author notes, there is no tradition in South Korea of unmarried women living together for mutual support, unlike in Britain and Europe. However, with the introduction of a new census category allowing respondents to describe themselves as "cohabiting partners," there are green shoots of progress. Sunwoo and Hana's story is a testament to the power of human connection and the need to redefine what it means to be a family in today's society.
The book "Two Women Living Together" chronicles their journey, with 49 warm and chatty essays that delve into their daily lives, from food preferences to retirement fantasies. Sunwoo, a fashion journalist, and Hana, a copywriter, share the same taste in music and books, but their living arrangements also reflect their contrasting personalities - Sunwoo loves shiny things, while Hana is a minimalist.
Their partnership is not without its challenges. They bicker about laundry protocols, New Year rituals, and whether to ruthlessly tidy up before trips. However, as they write, "we never stop pinning our hopes on each other." When Sunwoo is hospitalized, Hana becomes her primary guardian, but she's ineligible for the free flu vaccine offered to employees' families at Sunwoo's workplace.
The book highlights the invisible nature of their partnership in official paperwork and societal expectations. In South Korea, cohabiting partners and friends do not have access to equal tax benefits, welfare support, or even the right to act as "chief mourner" at funerals. The conservative government blocked a 2025 bill aimed at securing rights for cohabiting partners and friends.
Despite its frustrations, the book is a generous and witty portrait of friendship. As interest in platonic partnerships grows worldwide, Sunwoo and Hana's story serves as a reminder that people are turning to friends as their primary source of stability, companionship, and care. Their decision offers a new way of being a family, one that challenges traditional notions of partnership and family structures.
As the author notes, there is no tradition in South Korea of unmarried women living together for mutual support, unlike in Britain and Europe. However, with the introduction of a new census category allowing respondents to describe themselves as "cohabiting partners," there are green shoots of progress. Sunwoo and Hana's story is a testament to the power of human connection and the need to redefine what it means to be a family in today's society.
i mean, it's 2025 and they still don't have equal tax benefits or welfare support for cohabiting partners? that's wild 
sunwoo and hana's story is so inspiring, though - they're proof that friends can be just as supportive and loving as family members 
and i love how the author highlights the invisible nature of their partnership in official paperwork - it's like, we get it, you two are a thing and happy about it 
what's crazy is that britain and europe have been doing this for ages 
anyway, can't wait to read "two women living together" and learn more about sunwoo and hana's adventures 
, i mean sunwoo & hana's story is def inspiring but isn't it just a bit weird that they don't get any official benefits or recognition as a couple? like, wouldn't it be nice to have some kind of security blanket for ppl who choose not to get married? 
and what's with the whole "we never stop pinning our hopes on each other" vibe? is that just code for love 
.
But seriously, Sunwoo and Hana's story shows us that family isn't just about biology or marriage 
. It's about the connections we make with others, and how they support each other through thick and thin 
.
. And if more people are inspired by Sunwoo and Hana's story to build their own friendships and support networks, then I'm all for it 
!
. Plus, it's crazy to think about how much progress we can make when we start talking about alternative family structures and redefining what it means to be part of a 'family' 
These two women, Sunwoo and Hana, are total inspirations 
. I mean, who needs marriage when you've got a partner in crime (and life) like that? 
. It's wild that they can't even get equal access to healthcare benefits without going through their 'friend' 
. Still, it's heartening to see a new generation of people redefining what family means to them. I mean, who says you need a romantic partner to have stability and companionship? Sunwoo and Hana's partnership is proof that love can take many forms