Frankly in Love

The trope of fake dating shapes characters’ relationships and challenges their perceptions of love and identity. Using fake dating, David Yoon delves into the complexities of cultural expectations and societal pressures, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of genuine connections.

Frank, a Korean American teenager, finds himself caught between his parents’ traditional values and the realities of his American upbringing. In an attempt to navigate these conflicting expectations, he enters a fake dating arrangement with Joy, a Korean American childhood friend who shares a similar predicament. Through this arrangement, Yoon explores the pressures that young individuals wrestle with in balancing their own desires and those of others. Frank wishes to date a white classmate, while Joy is already dating a Chinese American boy at the beginning of the novel—however, both of their families harbor prejudices against those who aren’t Korean. In order to exercise their own decision-making, Frank and Joy fake date to hide their real partners.

Fake dating also becomes a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth. As Frank and Joy engage in a fake relationship, they begin to develop genuine feelings for each other, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. The façade of fake dating forces them to confront their true desires (as they spend a great deal of time attending Gatherings and texting each other)—challenging their preconceived notions of love, relationships, and cultural identity. With Frank and Joy both being Korean American and friends prior to their arrangement, they have a strong foundation conducive to romance. Through this arrangement, Yoon highlights the transformative power of authentic connections and the potential for personal growth outside of societal constraints.