When one looks at old stationery stores or supermarkets from childhood, there's a nostalgic, warm-and-fuzzy feeling that is hard to explain. Moreover, as adults, we still hold dear the things we loved as children. The same sentiment likely applies to Disney and Pixar movies. Despite being simple animated films that lack overly sophisticated thoughts or intricate plots, many adults seek them out and find emotional resonance. Furthermore, what could be the reason that many adults still seek out characters they loved in their childhood? Let's explore some things that have stirred up nostalgic memories of innocence among various age groups of Koreans and the reasons behind it.
1. nostalgic reveries, examples that deal with childhood memories
a. Imaginary Friend from Childhood
Not only children, but even adults, hold onto their inner child. In the Disney-Pixar film "Inside Out," which revolves mainly around the adventures of five emotions (Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness) which live inside an 11-year-old girl named Riley, there is an interesting character named Bing Bong. Bing Bong was Riley's imaginary friend from her childhood, resembling a cotton candy body with a tail reminiscent of a cat. In the movie, as Riley grows into adolescence, she forgets about Bing Bong, and eventually, Bing Bong fades away. Even during his disappearance, the scene where Riley wishes for a happy life brought tears to the eyes of many adults. In actual moviegoer's reviews, many people shared sentiments like 'It was so heartbreaking when Bing Bong disappeared. It resonated with the lost Bing Bong inside me,' or 'Although it's an animation for children, ironically, kids might be less captivated by this movie than us. The profound impact of the 11-year-old protagonist's struggles is because we, as adults, have already forgotten many memories and joys.' were expressed. Interestingly, adult moviegoers seemed to empathize with the emotions akin to losing an imaginary friend from their childhood. Films like "Inside Out" demonstrate that animations, typically targeting a younger audience, can also be appreciated and enjoyed by adults. Similarly, in the context of the movie "Toy Story," childhood toys are endowed with personality and life, embarking on adventures or battles in the realm of imagination, sharing precious moments and growing together. Even in adulthood, these toys and memories remain cherished, preserving the preciousness of the world of childlike innocence.
b. Reply Series
The "Reply" series is a Korean drama series that achieved high viewer ratings by invoking nostalgia among those who lived through the depicted eras, allowing them to reminisce. For those who experienced the period depicted, it brings back memories of a life at this time, while for subsequent generations, it introduces new and enjoyable elements, leading to consistently high ratings. Unlike some dramas, such as "Penthouse," which recorded exceptional viewership a few years ago and incorporated elements of infidelity, violence, or provocative content, the "Reply" series does not rely on such sensationalism. It doesn't primarily focus on romantic stories between male and female protagonists, as seen in many romance dramas. Instead, it authentically and honestly portrays the events that occurred during that era, such as the family atmosphere or school life which friends in 1988, without exaggeration or omission. Nevertheless, the reason this series gained popularity lies in the fact that viewers who were once youths and students during that era are now adults, reminiscing about the memories of that time, momentarily escaping reality to indulge in happy fantasies and experience pure joy. Especially some episodes, like the warmth shared among neighbors who would spontaneously exchange delicious food on certain days, or the entire village coming together to preserve the innocence of a child named 'Jinjoo' by collectively striving to uphold the belief in Santa, resonated deeply with adults. Moreover, looking back now, one may find solace and emotional healing by realizing that the aspects of oneself that seemed strange and unremarkable at the time shone brighter than any other period. In this way, reminiscence remains remarkably valuable even as one becomes an adult.
c. Teeny Weeny Friends, Kim Young-man
In the 2000s, Kim Young-man, known for his paper folding skills as the Origami Uncle among the "Teeny Weeny Friends" in the 1900s, began appearing on an MBC entertainment show.
Despite being a show where Kim Young-man simply engages in daily conversations with viewers and continues to fold paper, itachieved remarkable viewership ratings and became the talk of the town. There was the power of reminiscence behind this popularity. Those now in their 20s and 30s, now adults and active members of society, recall their childhoods while watching Kim Young-man, who was famous for paper folding in the past. Many express that watching the show brings them comfort and serves as a source of solace. Kim Young-man also mentioned after the broadcast that he felt joy and consolation seeing the teeny weeny kids, who are now grown up, as adults. Particularly, many were touched by his statement, "Now that you guys have become adults, you can fold paper even better. And you've all grown up so well.". Such words provided significant console and emotional resonance to young individuals facing challenges in their social lives. Moreover, the process of transforming the once seemingly impressive paper-folding teacher from childhood into a peer or alumni like figure also stirred deep emotions and sentimental resonance.
2. Kidult, a Culture
"Kidult" is a portmanteau of "kid" and "adult," referring to individuals who maintain and seek the world of childhood nostalgia even after becoming adults. They exhibit distinct consumer tendencies in areas of interest such as movies, toys like LEGO, novels, and so on. While some negative judgments exist about behaving in ways deemed inappropriate for one's age, the "kidult" culture now receives predominantly positive evaluations. According to a survey conducted by the job portal Career, among 610 employed individuals, 41.8% identified themselves as "kidult." These individuals break the typical societal mold of being an 'adult' in Korea, choosing to break free and find vitality in consuming and enjoying the play they loved in their childhood. As an example, there are cases where individuals who enjoyed the 1990s animation 'Pokémon' during their childhood grow up to become a member of society and develop it into a hobby. They collect Pokémon-themed bread, various Pokémon games, and merchandise. While the reasons for becoming "kidult" vary among individuals, a common thread is the centrality of nostalgia and childlike innocence. According to an interview in the senior magazine 'Bravo My Life,' as adults navigate through life, constraints arise from surrounding conditions, and they find themselves compromising even their childhood dreams. In contrast, the joy derived from consuming items that were once considered expensive and extravagant during childhood, as well as finding delight in small-scale cartoons, movies, stickers, bread, etc., allows them to retain the energy and spirit of their younger selves. This, in turn, evokes a nostalgic, warm-and-fuzzy emotion, as described in the interview.
In this way, things that felt immense or brought joy during our childhood not only persist and endure over time but also remain integral parts of our happy memories. Furthermore, revisiting the same movies or works from both a child's and an adult's perspective adds a new layer of interpretation to the piece, enriching our understanding or leading to the discovery of different thoughts compared to the past. Ultimately, a certain degree of childlike innocence and nostalgia adds richness and vitality to our lives. Additionally, while we enjoyed the present during our childhood, as adults, complex emotions, such as regret for the past or worry about the future, often intertwine with the present. Therefore, the pure innocence of children serves a healing and comforting role for the adults we've become. Occasionally, returning to a childlike mindset can be a means of relieving current stress and sadness, akin to embracing the simplicity of a carefree child.