Growth and transformation is also common. The love story often serves as a catalyst for the soldier's personal growth. They may become more empathetic or learn to value life more because of their relationship. For instance, a soldier who was initially cold - hearted may become more loving and caring due to the influence of his partner in the love story.
Duty and love conflict is a common theme. In many of these dramas, the soldiers have to balance their military duties, which often involve danger and long - absences, with their love for the partner. For example, in 'Descendants of the Sun', the captain has to leave his love to go on dangerous missions.
Another theme is sacrifice. Soldiers may sacrifice their personal happiness or safety for the sake of their loved ones or the greater good. This is shown in different ways in various dramas, like a soldier choosing to protect a civilian at the risk of his own life, which also impacts his love relationship.
One common theme is the struggle against social norms. In Korean society, which has certain traditional values, a secret love often goes against what is considered proper. For example, relationships between people of different social classes or statuses are sometimes frowned upon, so when characters fall in love secretly, they are fighting these norms.
One common theme is sacrifice. Often, one of the characters in the triangle will sacrifice their own feelings for the sake of the other two. For example, in some dramas, a character might step back from a relationship they desire because they think it will make the other two happy.
Power and love. Usually, the president's position comes with a great deal of power. So, the drama often shows how this power affects the relationship. For example, they might face opposition from political rivals or the public because of their relationship.
Unrequited love is a common theme. For example, in many dramas, one character may love another deeply, but due to various reasons like social status differences or family opposition, the love is not reciprocated. Another theme is separation. It could be because of death, like in some dramas where one of the lovers dies, leaving the other in great pain.
One common theme is family loyalty. In many Korean dramas, family members will go to great lengths to protect and support each other, no matter what. Another theme is the generation gap. There are often conflicts between the older and younger generations due to different values and ways of life. For example, in 'Reply 1988', the parents have traditional values while the kids are more influenced by modern trends.
One great Korean drama with a soldier love story is 'Descendants of the Sun'. It tells the love story between a special forces captain and a doctor. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of military duties and dangerous situations.
The theme of identity is also present. A soldier may struggle with their identity as a fighter and as a lover. They have to balance their duties and their emotions. In addition, the theme of long - distance relationships can be common. Since soldiers may be deployed far away, they face difficulties in maintaining their love relationships, like in the anime where a soldier is sent to a distant battlefield and has to keep their love alive through letters or memories.
Separation is a common theme. Soldiers are often sent far away from their loved ones, which puts a great strain on relationships. Another theme is sacrifice. Soldiers may sacrifice their relationships for the sake of their duty or because they think they are not good enough for their partners due to the traumas they've experienced in war.
One common theme is sacrifice. The soldier may have to sacrifice his relationship for the sake of his duty in war. Another theme is longing. Being away from their loved ones, they constantly long for their presence. For example, in a story, a German soldier might long for his sweetheart back home while facing the perils of the battlefield.
Memory loss or forgetting can also be a theme. In some Korean sad love stories, a character may lose their memory, either due to an accident or an illness. This causes them to forget their beloved, and the process of trying to regain the memories or the pain of not being remembered is a very sad aspect of these stories. It shows how fragile love can be in the face of such adversities.