In South Korea, where traditional values are deeply ingrained, two women living together without romantic entanglements has become increasingly common. Kim Hana and Hwang Sunwoo, a couple in their 40s from Busan, are at the forefront of this trend, sharing their story through 49 warm and witty essays that invite readers into the depths of their platonic partnership.
The book chronicles how these two friends, who met on Twitter and bonded over their love of music and literature, decided to buy a house together despite their initial reluctance. They embarked on an experiment in cohabitation as equals, creating a life built on friendship rather than romance. From sharing household chores to fantasizing about retirement, Sunwoo and Hana reflect on the quiet joys and irritations that come with living alongside each other.
However, beneath the warmth lies a radical proposition: treating their partnership like any family. When Sunwoo is hospitalized, Hana becomes her primary guardian but is ineligible for certain benefits due to South Korea's stubbornly patriarchal culture. This oversight highlights the need for greater recognition of platonic partnerships as families in law.
Despite its frustrations – some essays feel like filler, and the cat-centric pages tested even this writer's patience – "Two Women Living Together" offers a generous portrait of friendship that feels witty and authentic. The book shows how people are turning to friends as their primary source of stability, companionship, and care, making visible the growing number of individuals opting for platonic partnerships over traditional family structures.
Interest in cohabitating friendships is spreading globally, driven by soaring housing costs and the unraveling of family-centred care. In France, "Pacte Civil de Solidarité" offers legal protections to friends and couples who choose this path. The growing recognition of platonic partnerships comes with its own set of challenges, from how neighbors respond to assumptions about same-sex relationships.
In a society where family is deeply embedded in culture and tradition, Sunwoo and Hana's friendship offers a breath of fresh air. By sharing their story, they invite readers into the world of platonic partnership, demonstrating that being a "family" is not limited to romantic relationships alone.
The book chronicles how these two friends, who met on Twitter and bonded over their love of music and literature, decided to buy a house together despite their initial reluctance. They embarked on an experiment in cohabitation as equals, creating a life built on friendship rather than romance. From sharing household chores to fantasizing about retirement, Sunwoo and Hana reflect on the quiet joys and irritations that come with living alongside each other.
However, beneath the warmth lies a radical proposition: treating their partnership like any family. When Sunwoo is hospitalized, Hana becomes her primary guardian but is ineligible for certain benefits due to South Korea's stubbornly patriarchal culture. This oversight highlights the need for greater recognition of platonic partnerships as families in law.
Despite its frustrations – some essays feel like filler, and the cat-centric pages tested even this writer's patience – "Two Women Living Together" offers a generous portrait of friendship that feels witty and authentic. The book shows how people are turning to friends as their primary source of stability, companionship, and care, making visible the growing number of individuals opting for platonic partnerships over traditional family structures.
Interest in cohabitating friendships is spreading globally, driven by soaring housing costs and the unraveling of family-centred care. In France, "Pacte Civil de Solidarité" offers legal protections to friends and couples who choose this path. The growing recognition of platonic partnerships comes with its own set of challenges, from how neighbors respond to assumptions about same-sex relationships.
In a society where family is deeply embedded in culture and tradition, Sunwoo and Hana's friendship offers a breath of fresh air. By sharing their story, they invite readers into the world of platonic partnership, demonstrating that being a "family" is not limited to romantic relationships alone.
. In my opinion, it's about time we break free from traditional norms and create our own paths to stability and companionship. The fact that Kim Hana and Hwang Sunwoo are paving the way for platonic partnerships as families in law is a huge step forward 
.
. It shows us that we still have work to do to create a more inclusive society where platonic partnerships are recognized and respected.
. Their essays are witty and authentic, and it feels like they're speaking straight to my heart 
. I think this book is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt like they don't fit into traditional family structures or want to create their own definition of love and partnership 
.
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But seriously, South Korea is getting ahead of the game here, recognizing that platonic partnerships are valid families too 
. I wish our societies would catch up and offer more legal protection for friends who choose this path 
. It's not just about Sunwoo and Hana's story - it's about creating a world where people can live their lives freely, without having to conform to traditional norms 
.
! I mean, who says you can't be a family with your BFFs? It's like, we're living in a time where family isn't just about blood ties anymore. I've got some friends who are in long-term platonic relationships and they're literally raising each other's kids. It's wild 
. Anyway, this book is all about how Kim Hana and Hwang Sunwoo's friendship has been built on trust and mutual respect. They even went so far as to buy a house together! I've read some of their essays and it's so witty and insightful. We need more stories like this in the media. 
cuz in South Korea, it's still super patriarchal & Hana can't even get benefits when Sunwoo gets hospitalized 
like wut?!
but we gotta keep pushing 4 more recognition & acceptance of platonic love 
its not just about 2 women, it's about everyone who wants a support system that doesn't involve romance 
I think its really cool how Kim Hana & Hwang Sunwoo are breaking down barriers around what we consider a family. Their openness about their platonic relationship is so refreshing 
. Of course, there are still some flaws in the book, like those filler essays 
, but overall I think its a really important conversation starter. As we move forward into an increasingly uncertain future, having more options around how we build community and support each other is exactly what we need 
. Who knew platonic partnerships needed recognition as families? 
That cat-centric section did test my patience though... 
, and it's refreshing to see friends taking on a parental role 
. This trend of cohabitating friendships is getting me all excited 
! Maybe it's the future of family? 
, and I love how they're tackling the challenges of living together as equals. The fact that their friendship is being recognized in law is a big deal too! 
But, yeah, some of the essays did feel a bit... filler 
more than I'd care to admit. Still, overall, it's a beautiful story about the power of friendship and the importance of building communities around love and support. Let's celebrate these platonic partnerships and keep pushing for greater recognition! 
. But what's really needed is some progress on those patriarchal laws 
. Can't we just have a simple "family" law that covers all types of relationships? Not too much to ask, right? 
! I love how they're breaking the mold and showing that family isn't just about blood ties 
. It's so relatable when Sunwoo gets hospitalized and Hana's all "got her back" 
. It's crazy to think about how housing costs and changing family structures are driving people to seek out non-traditional forms of support 
? Fingers crossed that we can make our society more inclusive and accepting of all types of relationships 
Cohabiting couples with no romantic entanglements getting the same tax breaks as married couples? 
. The fact that they're sharing household chores and fantasies about retirement is adorable! I love how they're showing the world that friendships can be just as meaningful as romantic relationships 
. Like, in France they have this "Pacte Civil de Solidarité" law that protects friends and couples who choose not to get married or have kids 
. It's about time we recognize the importance of non-romantic relationships too 
. It's all about spreading love and acceptance wherever you go 
i mean, kim hana and hwang sunwoo's book "two women living together" is like, totally inspiring 
and it's so cool to see sunwoo and hana's story going global 
making us realize that family isn't just about blood ties 
that would be a game-changer for people like me who don't identify as romantically-oriented but still want to build strong relationships. And I love how they're not afraid to poke fun at each other's quirks, it just shows how deep their friendship is 
They're like the ultimate #catlady duo. Anyway, this article is making me want to start a new book blog and focus on non-fiction books with great formats!