Prbbly its their culture. Idk. It may sound better if its korean idk xd
Exposure to East Asian things would make you think otherwise. Korean culture values respect, authority, status, and based on their external presentation, they also value the stage of the relationship as well (they always confess using "i like you" since "i love you" is next level; they also address their partners respectfully).
It's standard to address people based on their status (sunbae, hoobae, -ssi suffix, -nim suffix, et cetera). In this case, FL is probably referring to the CEO as "sajangnim", which sounds better than the translation tbh. And, it's standard to speak formally and respectfully to people. Speaking informally and casually happens when the parties are comfortable or agreed on it—unless you want to be brazen, rude, and start some argument idk.
FL is understandably not yet in the situation where she's comfortable to change her manner of speaking and addressing sajangnim. She's not even confident about the relationship's future yet. Both of them also never brought it up as well, probably because it's easier given their boss-subordinate relationshi (it will stir up issues if they slip up and talk casually in the office).
Thank you for this thoughtful response! You eloquently answered it in a way that’s easily understandable.
Even though I don’t agree with that, I can see that frame of mind and its virtues.
wow, I didn't know this. I kinda of understand it now but for me, it is still super strange to call someone like that (even though I'm German and ppl here are super obsessed with adding the Dr. before your surname everywhere if you have a PhD)
Is it only me or is it really cringe t call someone you like and sleep with not by their name but by their job position? Like, THHHH???