'Forecasting Love and Weather:' What meteorology can teach us about life

An office romance blossoms between colleagues at the Korea Meteorological Administration. It’s one way to describe “Forecasting Love and Weather,” and if you haven’t seen any of the episodes that are already out on Netflix, you might wonder what a K-drama about weather forecasters has to offer.

A lot, as it turns out.

Gone are the days when Korean dramas were all about the star-crossed love story of the chaebol (conglomerate heir) and the poor little meek girl. Today’s slice-of-life main character can now choose from a variety of occupations—an interpreter-translator on “Run-on,” a small-town dentist on “Hometown Cha-cha-cha,” an R&D employee at a foods company on “Business Proposal”—and “Forecasting Love and Weather” continues this lovely trend.

There are touching moments and nuanced comedy, but the story is grounded on everyday realities and the characters are relatable.

In an interview with GMA News, Park Min-young (who plays chief forecaster Jin Ha-kyung) says this was a deliberate choice on her part.

“Because this drama is the first of its kind to delve into this premise, I did a lot of research to make sure we show the KMA as is, without embellishing things, while still having some dramatic and fun elements,” she says. “I practiced a lot of the technical jargon and the pronunciations to make sure the words come out as natural as breathing.”

Getting familiar with the terminology was also the biggest challenge for Song Kang (who plays Lee Si-woo, a talented rookie forecaster) who otherwise had no trouble immersing himself in the role. “When I read the script, I found myself in Si-woo. We have different professions but I think we share a lot of characteristics,” Song Kang tells GMA News.

An episode is usually bookmarked with Ha-kyung or Si-woo thinking out loud, seeing the parallels between the weather and life. The signals of an upcoming storm, much like the quiet unease before a relationship blows up. Cold air meeting hot air, like two persons with opposite personalities. The wind, which we can’t see, but can definitely feel—much like a secret affair. (Beautifully written, as ?? or “param” refers to both the wind and cheating on someone.)

But beyond the daily weather updates, the metaphors, and the giggling and squabbling, the cast got reminded of the things that go unnoticed and often unappreciated. Like how all planning starts with the weather, and how government agencies need to mobilize for disaster mitigation or rehabilitation.

“The weather affects how we live. For some, it could mean life-and-death, it could mean their livelihood. I had no idea how hard they work to give us those forecasts,” Park Min-young says. “Now, even if they get some things slightly wrong, ‘Ah they’ve used the most scientific approach.’ I’ve become more understanding.”

“I think we can all have that mindset these days,” she adds, “being a bit more understanding about the little things.”

As more K-dramas like “Forecasting Love and Weather” shine the light on the overlooked aspects of daily life, we can look forward to learning more about different types of people—and ourselves—in the process.

Catch “Forecasting Love and Weather” on Netflix, with new episodes every Satuday and Sunday through April. — LA, GMA News