Contemporary Korean media, particularly K-dramas and webtoons, often present a sanitized, professionalized version of romance (the "faint-and-fall" trope). However, a parallel, grassroots landscape of amateur romantic storytelling has emerged on digital platforms (YouTube, Naver Cafe, TikTok, and private messaging communities). This paper investigates how non-professional Korean creators construct and consume "Eros" (erotic desire) within their own relationship narratives. Moving beyond the polished productions of the Korean entertainment industry, we analyze how amateur storytellers use authentic, lo-fi aesthetics to portray the messiness of physical intimacy, jealousy, and emotional vulnerability. Drawing on case studies of user-generated micro-dramas and anonymous relationship vlogs, this study argues that amateur Korean romantic storylines function as a counter-narrative to hegemonic "pure love" ideals. By reclaiming the erotic as a personal, flawed, and non-commercial force, these creators forge a new, participatory grammar of intimacy that reflects the anxieties and realities of modern Korean dating culture.
While romantic love is now considered a prerequisite for marriage, transactional elements remain through practices like matsun (formally arranged matchmaking) or sogaeting (blind dates arranged by friends). These interactions allow individuals to "cut to the chase" regarding backgrounds and financial stability before pursuing emotional connection. Dating and Intimacy in South Korea: Diverse Stories Korea Eros Vol. 1 -Amateur Korean Sex-
Eros and Modernity: Convulsions of the Heart in Modern Korea Moving beyond the polished productions of the Korean