the term "putting gomsuin on backwards" when applied to a couple, refers to the termination of their relationship because the girlfriend chose to pursue other men during the boyfriend's military service. this expression originated from an old korean tale in which a wife has an affair during her husband's absence while fighting in the korean war. after the war, the husband returns to find his wife in bed with her lover. in her shock, she runs out quickly, putting her "gomsuin" on backwards. this expression has been compared to the english metaphor, "writing a dear john letter".