Lunch with the Man in Charge

Today the faculty and staff of the Seoul Language Institute-Bundang Campus, were treated to a 5 course Chinese meal bestowed upon us by our director/president Mr. WonJonNim. We received this special treat for the time and hardwork we are currently putting in at the office.

What I found particularly entertaining and a little unnerving was the fact that no one wanted to sit with Mr. WonJonNim and his wife. You can imagine why...making a good impression, minding all of your manners, not doing anything to lose your job, etc. I even avoided riding in the car with them at first, but ironically enough; I not only rode in the car with him but sat across the table from him at lunch.

I got in the car thinking, "Its okay, you can do this, just be polite and smile, a car ride no big deal."

We enter the restaurant and meet some of our Korean coworkers and head to our table. As soon as a couple of the ladies notice that those next to file into our private dining area are going to be seated next to Mr. WonJonNim and his wife; they stop and step aside to make way for someone else to enter the room first. Now I am thinking, "Why are we stopped, isn't this a little too obvious that we are all scared to dine with this man?"

David Ogles, esteemed coworker, newly found buddy, talented musician, says to me (if I recall correctly)"Let's rock this" (if he didn't say it at this point, it is something he says). And we did. We sat right across from Mr. and Mrs. WonJonNim. I was relieved to see the vice president's friendly, laid back, Canadian husband sit next to Mr. WonJonNim. I knew that no matter how nervous or awkward I might feel at certain points I could focus on conversation with him and David. And I did. The only time I felt uncomfortable was when Mrs. WonJonNim poured me a glass of coke and I was unsure as to where I should put my hand that wasn't holding my glass.

***Koreans traditionally place the hand they are not using to hold their glass either on their wrist, by the elbow, or higher by the armpit, depending on the relation to the person pouring the beverage. This tradition is something I am trying to understand, be conscious of and put into practice, but I forget and get confused so today I did what I thought would be best and that was to hold my glass with 2 hands.... and Mr. WonJonNim says, "This is my wife." I smile and nod because I know this, but then I get embarrassed because I am afraid that I either put my hands in the wrong position or should have poured her glass for her because she is older than me (another aspect of Korean traditional drink pouring). So anxiety sets in, my cheeks get flushed and its all I could worry about. I lean over to David, and I ask, "Did I hold my glass right, why did he tell me she was his wife?" David says, "I think maybe he just forgot who was in the car earlier," and then I able to relax. BUT with further contemplation I do suspect that I should have poured her coke or done something differently at that moment during my lunch with the director and his wife.

P.S. This meal had some of the best crab meat I have ever tasted.