*Spry is gone
I just finished watching The Red Sleeve on ViKi. It’s set in the Joseon period in the royal palace, and it stars Lee Jun-ho, my new favorite. He plays the prince and then the king, and everyone is prostrating to him all over the place. In the Chinese culture, this is called kowtow, but Korean refer to it as prostrating. Clearly, it’s a sign of deep respect that only YOUNG PEOPLE can do!
To accomplish this, one needs to kneel, then bow so low the head touches the ground. Mind you, this is all done without using hands or arms. Basically, it’s impossible. When I was a teenager I used to be able to get up from a crossed leg sitting position without using my arms or hands. Those days are long gone. In The Red Sleeve NONE of the actors ever used anything to get up but their legs, and that includes the older ones as well. I guess it’s good I live in the 21st century! - Pat
Well, at my exercise studio (shout out to Spenga, Tucson) I actually practice getting up from a seated position without using my arms albeit ungracefully. I cannot roll back onto my feet and rise to standing like you see in Kdramas; I don't know how they can manage that feat. And, I fear it's only going to get worse! ~ Judy
It's easy for Koreans. ㅎㅎ