South Koreans React to India’s Lavish Weddings: Awe, Envy, and a Touch of Fairy Tale

When we think of weddings, most imagine heartfelt vows, a gathering of loved ones, and perhaps a little sparkle. But for many South Koreans, witnessing the extravagance of a wealthy Indian wedding is like stepping into another universe—one where reality blurs with fantasy, and the celebration rivals the most dazzling scenes in cinema.

Recently, a viral reaction video captured two young South Koreans, Luat and Yaggung, as they watched footage of a jaw-dropping Indian wedding. Their honest, humorous, and sometimes wistful commentary struck a chord with viewers worldwide. But beyond the laughs and wide-eyed wonder, their reactions reveal much about the cultural contrasts, shared dreams, and the universal magic of weddings.

The First Glimpse: “Is This Even Real?”

From the very first frame, Luat and Yaggung are left speechless. “What is this? I want to go there!” exclaims one, as the camera pans over a palatial wedding venue lit up like a festival. The sheer scale—sprawling lawns, towering floral arrangements, extravagant lighting—leaves them in disbelief. “Is that a wedding hall? Or a hotel? No, it’s a festival!”

For them, the scene is reminiscent of a music video or a scene from a fairy tale. “It looks like Aladdin and the princess are getting married in a palace!” they marvel, half-joking but clearly enchanted. The fireworks, the drone shows, the celebrity performances—everything feels almost too magical to be real. “Are these even real?” they wonder aloud, their skepticism tinged with admiration.

The Impossible Dream: “This Could Never Happen in Korea”

As the spectacle unfolds, the cultural gap becomes clear. In South Korea, weddings are typically elegant but restrained—often held in hotel ballrooms or wedding halls, with a well-defined program and guest list. The idea of a wedding so grand, so lavish that it resembles a concert or a festival, is almost unimaginable.

“This is impossible in Korea,” they sigh. There’s a touch of envy, but also recognition that such opulence comes with its own set of expectations. “If you go to a wedding like this, how much would you give as a gift?” one asks, referencing the Korean tradition of giving monetary gifts to the couple. “I don’t think they’d even care about gifts at a wedding this big,” comes the reply, with a laugh.

The Party of a Lifetime

As the video continues, the scale only grows. There are beach parties, yacht cruises, and performances by global superstars—yes, that was Rihanna on stage! “They’ll probably invite BTS next,” jokes Luat, as the two try to process the sheer scale of the entertainment.

The wedding isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a multi-day festival, a non-stop celebration where every guest is treated to an experience they’ll never forget. “If this was my wedding, maybe I’d want to get married,” Yaggung admits, her earlier skepticism melting into awe. “It’s a total party!”

The Fairy Tale Elements

No detail is spared. The cake isn’t just large—it’s monumental, lowered from the ceiling with all the drama of a Broadway show. The couple cuts it not with a knife, but with a sword, to the delight and amusement of the Korean viewers. “Isn’t that from the Middle Ages?” they laugh, charmed by the theatricality.

The guests, too, are dressed to the nines. “You really have to care about your outfit to go to a wedding like this,” they note, observing the dazzling saris, intricate jewelry, and tailored suits. The beauty and elegance of the attendees add to the fairy tale atmosphere. “Are they all princes and princesses?”

The Bittersweet Aftermath

But amidst the wonder, there’s a touch of sadness. “It’s kind of sad they take it all down after just one wedding,” Luat muses, imagining the beautiful decorations and stages being dismantled. “Can I please borrow the venue for a week before they do?” he jokes, wishing to hold his own celebration in such splendor.

The wealth on display is staggering, prompting questions about India itself. “Are there really that many rich people in India?” they ask, surprised by the scale and luxury. “Maybe I should have gone to India to study… or to get married!” The humor is light, but there’s a genuine curiosity about the world beyond their own.

The Universal Magic of Weddings

As the video draws to a close, the conversation turns reflective. “For me, the bride is more important than the venue,” Yaggung confides. “It’s her day.” Luat agrees, adding, “You’re just a bridesmaid? No, you’re the companion—it’s about both of you.” Their exchange is sweet, highlighting that beneath all the spectacle, the heart of any wedding is the union of two people.

Yaggung shares her own dream: a small wedding in Hawaii, just 10 or 20 close friends from each side. “But are you paying for everyone’s flights?” Luat teases, to which she laughs, “I guess I should! Please invite me, Yaggung!”

More Than Just a Party

Watching the reactions of Luat and Yaggung, it’s clear that Indian weddings are more than just parties—they’re extraordinary spectacles that capture the imagination of people far beyond India’s borders. The colors, music, and grandeur might seem excessive to some, but they also embody the joy, love, and communal spirit that make weddings so special.

For South Koreans, used to more understated traditions, the Indian approach is both bewildering and inspiring. It challenges notions of what a wedding can be, inviting everyone—guests and viewers alike—to dream a little bigger, love a little louder, and celebrate a little harder.

Conclusion: A Memory for a Lifetime

In the end, the most touching moment is when Luat and Yaggung reflect on the memories such a wedding would create. “You could never forget something like that,” they agree. The laughter, the awe, the little jokes—they’re all part of a shared human experience. Whether it’s a palace in India or a beach in Hawaii, the magic of a wedding lies not in its price tag, but in the memories it creates and the love it celebrates.

For these two South Koreans, and for viewers around the world, the spectacle of an Indian wedding is a reminder that sometimes, life really can feel like a fairy tale—if only for one unforgettable night.