Speaking calendar/Black Day
April 14th · Cultural Insight

Black Day

The Korean commiseration of the single life. For those who didn't receive gifts on Valentine's Day or White Day, April 14th is a day to wear black and eat jajangmyeon (black bean noodles). This lesson explores the social pressure to be in a relationship and the growing solo economy in modern Asia.

SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. Why does society make single people feel like they have failed if they are alone on certain days?
  2. Is black day a healthy way to build a community of single people, or does it just make them feel more lonely?
  3. Should we have more anti-Holidays that celebrate the opposite of traditional romance?
  4. What is the best part of being single that people in relationships often forget?
  5. If you had to choose a national colour for your current relationship status, what would it be? Why?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The solo Marketer

The Task: You are selling a gift box for single people. List 3 essential items (e.g., a good book or luxury chocolate) and write a 3-sentence ad that focuses on independence.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Is social pressure the biggest obstacle to human happiness?