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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Parenting devider VIRAL: Groom surprises bride's family by speaking Korean at wedding

VIRAL: Groom surprises bride's family by speaking Korean at wedding

It took him over a year to learn the language

Published Dec 1, 2023 04:27 pm

Ben Carpenter, an author and fitness trainer, exchanged vows with his beloved Korean wife, Sohee Carpenter, on Aug. 2, 2023, at the picturesque Rancho Palos Verdes in California.

He then shared a video on TikTok last Oct. 14, 2023, that went viral.

@bdccarpenter For nearly a year, I have been keeping a big secret from my wife, until our wedding day. I kept sneaking off for 30 minutes at a time for video calls she didn’t know about, or pretending they were for work when they weren’t. In bed I would often put one headphone in so she couldn’t hear what I was doing, and turning my screen away so she couldn’t see either. I set myself a goal of learning just a teeny tiny bit of Korean as a show of respect to her and her family on our wedding day. I wasn’t originally planning on sharing this video from a couple of months ago, because I try to make social media about posting educational content for you all. But, it seems silly not to share one of the most important days of my life. So, here is my full wedding speech, for any of you who are interested. ❤️ #wedding #weddingtiktok #groom #speech #weddingday #bride #korean #korea ♬ original sound - Ben Carpenter

In the video, he showcased his Korean language skills in a heartfelt speech during the wedding ceremony, which shocked his wife and her family.

Ben began by expressing his appreciation to his family and friends for joining in the memorable celebration. To everyone's surprise, he continued his message in the Korean language which he secretly learned for over a year.

Ben Carpenter FB (2).jpg
Ben Carpenter / Facebook

“To everyone from Sohee’s family, as a show of respect,” Ben says in Korean, adding, “I have been secretly taking Korean lessons so I can finally speak to you in Korean.”

“When Sohee and I first started dating, she told me that in Korean culture, dating a foreigner is frowned upon by many Korean people. I was very scared to meet you, because I felt like maybe I wouldn’t be accepted,” He said in the video. “But I was wrong.”


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Expressing his sincere gratitude for their warm acceptance, Ben made a heartfelt promise. "I’m thankful you’ve accepted me as a new member of the family, and I promise to love and take care of Sohee forever,” he said.

Moved by his words, Sohee's parents beamed with joy and warmly embraced Ben, sealing their newfound bond.

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Ben also took to Facebook on Aug. 5, 2023, to share his overwhelming happiness, describing the big day as the realization of a lifelong dream.

The video received an incredible response, with over 1.9 million views on TikTok and 4,271 shares. Many brides expressed their appreciation for Ben's efforts.

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