Mad for Each Other

Presentation

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Analysis

Synopsis

No Hwi Oh is a detective, who has been suspended because of his anger management problems. Lee Min Kyung is his neighbor and also deals with her own traumatic past. After an explosive first encounter, they start trusting and depending on each other.

My Opinion (No Spoiler)

This drama is actually a very good surprise. I have always been interested in stories tackling mental health, so obviously Mad for Each Other immediately grabbed my attention. Yet, after the first two episodes, I was a bit concerned because the female lead was really annoying (at first). I felt that she was being unfair to poor Hwi Oh.

Despite that, the drama rose above my expectations in the next episodes. The plot became even better and I could clearly see that characters were “mad(e)” for each other.

In the end, I was so satisfied with the result! I highly recommend this drama if you have time for 13 short episodes of only 30/40 minutes. Don’t hesitate.

Analysis (Spoiler Alert)

Characters:

No Hwi Oh (Jung Woo) is a detective, who has been suspended after a dramatic turn of events on one of his cases. Indeed, he was following a drug dealer named Yang Pil Hee (Lee Gyu Hyun), who was supposedly very active in a bar. However, Hwi Oh was ordered not to do anything. Enraged, Hwi Oh insisted on going in and his partner ended up being killed. He was blamed for it and suspended. Moreover, he was asked to see a psychiatrist in order to deal with his anger management issues.

Of course, there is more to this drug-dealer-story than meets the eye. No Hwi Oh was actually on the right track, as we learn later on in the drama. But Yang Pil Hee was actually working off-the-record with a police division that thus protected him constantly. Hwi Oh eventually discovers the masquerade at the end of the drama and is able to stop Yang Pil Hee, enabling him to finally move on from this kind-of-traumatic experience.

Though Hwi Oh was right from the get-go regarding Pil Hee, this doesn’t change the fact that he also deals with serious issues. He is impulsive, angry all the time and doesn’t know how to properly communicate when in that state. Therefore, he beats up everything (or everyone) on his way. Seeing a psychiatrist, which turns out to be the bridge between both leads, is quite a good thing for him. She helps him understand his emotions and gives him clues as to how he can control or express them without hurting anyone. Through his various sessions and his behavior towards his “crazy” neighbor Lee Min Kyung (Oh Yeon Seo), another side of Hwi gradually emerges. Indeed, deep down he is a very sensitive and sincere man. His feelings are always genuine. Actually, there were so many scenes in which I simply wanted someone to comfort him. His tears always revealed his honesty and he never lied regarding his feelings for Min Kyung.

There are two certain facts with Hwi Oh: one he is a loyal and trustworthy person, who will go all-in in order to protect those he loves and second, he is trying his best to overcome his issues and prevent himself from hurting anyone else.

Moving on to the female lead now. Lee Min Kyung also has a dark backstory. She used to be a successful employee, appreciated by her colleagues and considered attractive by most men. She was also dating a nice man, who turned out to be a real psycho, married and obsessive. When Min Kyung discovered that her boyfriend Lee Seon Ho (Kim Nam Hee) was married and that she was his mistress, she put an end to the relationship. However, Seon Ho refused leading to him beating her up in the middle of the street. She ended up in the hospital with severe injuries, pressed charges against Seon Ho and moved somewhere he could never find her again. Unfortunately for Min Kyung, Seon Ho’s wealthy family enabled him to go out on bail (or whatever it is that happened in his favor) and she carried the violence and trauma with her. In order to overcome her PTSD, anxiety and almost paranoiac behavior, Min Kyung decided to see a psychiatrist (the same as Hwi Oh), leading to their quite unusual encounter.

Indeed, when Hwi Oh and Min Kyung first meet, she thinks he is a dangerous stalker, who wants to harm her. He follows her to the psychiatrist and to her home (I mean, they are neighbors, so it’s not really following), which makes her anxiety rise at an abnormal pace. On top of that, Hwi Oh anger issues don’t help. He gets mad at Min Kyung for treating him like a dangerous and violent man.

Yet, they manage to resolve the initial misunderstandings and become friends and more. Lee Min Kyung is someone who doesn’t trust men anymore and who is afraid of their violent reactions. Despite that, she develops affection and love for Hwi Oh, who made it clear that no matter the situation, he would never beat a woman. Point made. This relationship eventually enables Min Kyung to get her self-esteem back and self-confidence as well. Not only could she not trust others, she also couldn’t trust herself and her own actions. Hwi Oh helps her getting all of that back. In the end, Min Kyung turns out to be cute and her “craziness” (if I may say so) can only make you more attached to the character.

Apart from these two characters, the drama focuses on others, as interesting as the main ones. First, there is Lee Su Hyun (Su Hyun), a young woman working many different part-time jobs and studying for the police exam. Even though her appearances in the drama are only punctual, she always brings something to the story. Indeed, she works at the convenience store, next to Hwi Oh and Min Kyung’s apartment complex, which leads to funny situations highlighting characters’ own mental health issues. She also works at a coffee shop, where she eavesdrops on Seon Ho’s mother’s evil deeds on the phone and at a bar, where she meets Samantha/Lee Sang Yeob (An Woo Yeon). They develop a strong friendship and Samantha eventually supports her in her career as a singer. At the end of the drama, Su Hyun gives up on the police exam, realizing that after 3 years of study, she still can’t solve the first question. Despite her quietness, Su Hyun is crucial to the story and as charming as other characters.

Second, there is Samantha. This atypical character (and I was so happy to see this kind in a drama) is a young man gifted with computers, who lives as Samantha by night. Like Su Hyun, he is very quiet and private. He never talks about his personal life for fear of being judged. That is a huge common point between he and Su Hyun and probably one of the reasons why they get along so well. Neither of them is judgmental and accepts the other one for who he/she is. So Samantha’s character is also very much needed for the story. First, he helps Hwi Oh going undercover as a woman during a sting operation. Second, he helps Min Kyung discover who is behind the slanderous online articles on her (remember he is a computer hack). He is also involved at some point in an exhibitionist incident (but he was just a collateral victim). That’s how he meets Hwi Oh. Once again, the beauty of the drama is that characters with issues never judge others. They know what it’s like to be pointed at or criticized for who you are or how you act.

Samantha rapidly sees the sensitive side of Hwi Oh and they befriend each other. Even Min Kyung at some point gets jealous of Samantha, thinking she is in a special relationship with Hwi Oh. Like I said, even second leads have their importance in the drama. Also, I think the title Mad for Each Other can apply to Su Hyun and Samantha as well. They are really soulmates and so cute to see on screen. Their friendship and affection for each other is heartwarming and an incredible lesson of tolerance.

The last characters of the complex who need to be addressed are the female trio made up of nosy Kim In Ja (Baek Ji Won), Choi Sun Young (Lee Hye Eun) and Lee Joo Ri (Lee Yeon Doo). Contrary to the others, these three are the judgmental type. They put their nose in everyone’s lives, believe rumors as they come and criticize people. Though they seem mean and intolerant, they actually deal with their own issues at home (alcoholism, hate comments online…). However, they can still be saved and know how to make amends when they are in the wrong. Indeed, they take responsibility for their actions, when they realize they have hurt others and retaliate if someone dares attacking one of the residents of the complex (e.g. the scene when they threaten Seon Ho’s mother). They made me think of the not-so-mean neighbors in When the Camellia Blooms, constantly criticizing Dong Baek but willing to beat anyone who would hurt her.

Ambiance: This drama is a great mix of fun and seriousness. Indeed, the main theme (mental health) introduces a certain gravity to the story. Add to that dating abuse and drug dealer/murder cases and you’re in for some darkness. Still, Mad for Each Other cleverly manages to avoid that kind of atmosphere and tells its story in a lighthearted and warmhearted way. The confrontation between Min Kyung and Hwi Oh are always funny, the odd encounters with their lover’s mother hilarious, not to mention the shaman and her amazing hunches. Even scenes with other residents and the psychiatrist are dealt with a lot of humor. Finally, the episodes focusing on the dating abuse and murder case are quite scarce in the drama, acting more like a support to the story than the main plot. And that is a great thing, especially if you consider that there are only 13 episodes of 30 minutes, so no time to waste on the details.

Moreover, the drama reaches its climax with a kidnapping scene full of action that is very well implemented in the overall plot. Jung Woo hanging on to a car is definitely a must-see!

What are the themes tackled?

Mental health: In case you still hadn’t understood, the drama dedicates most of its plot to mental health issues through both main leads’ story. Anger management issues, PTSD, anxiety…. All are treated in a respectful way, showing one, that they can be overcome and second, it is not something to be ashamed of. It is normal to have problems and you are even braver if you try to confront them and overcome them. Don’t be scared to ask for help or to recognize that sometimes you can reach out to others when overwhelmed.

Accepting and loving yourself: One thing is for certain, Mad for Each Other breaks down multiple taboos, stereotypes and clichés. Naturally mental health is on top of the list, but there are other great lessons to take away from this drama. For example, don’t judge or be afraid of who you are if you were born male but prefer to dress with female clothes. Samantha is an excellent depiction of the taboos and intolerance that fall upon people who are different and shows that being different is absolutely not a bad thing. Su Hyun is also an excellent example: she prefers pursuing her dream of singing while remaining a part-timer instead of having a more “stable job”. Just do the things you like and be proud of it.

I am pretty sure that the more you watch the drama, the more societal myths you will debunk!

Dating abuse: Obviously this one needs to be mentioned. It is actually (and unfortunately) more common than it seems and absolutely needs to be talked about. It is not fine if you partner hits you or emotionally abuses you. The drama does an excellent job at highlighting the terrifying consequences of such relationships for the victims and (and that is sad) the lack of support and recognition provided to them. Very often, they will be disregarded or considered as part of the problem, when in reality nothing justifies violence. Lee Min Kyung in the drama is a symbol of resistance – she keeps wanting to press charges – despite the pressure and the judgements.

Hwi Oh / Howi / The whistle: For all of those who know a little bit of Korean, I am quite sure you didn’t miss the puns / links made between Hwi Oh’s name, the name of Min Kyung’s dog and the whistle story.

Briefly explained, to whistle in Korean is “Hwi” (try making the sound with your mouth and you’ll hear it!). Hwi Oh and Howi are obviously the same syllables in reverse, which emphasized Min Kyung’s connection and the attachment to her soon-to-be boyfriend. Howi (name of the Min Kyung’s dog) also means “guardian”, hence her entire metaphor at the psychiatrist’s when she says that she met a big dog that never barks at women. Howi and Hwi Oh are Min Kyung’s protectors.

Finally, the whistle is simply a reference to Hwi Oh’s name, as well as a crucial element in the drama. Not only does it prevent Min Kyung from being hurt, but it also alerts Hwi Oh when she is in danger, enabling him to run to her rescue.

The whistle necklace is definitely important to the plot and to their relationship.

Good values: Support, trust, love, self-esteem, self-confidence, tolerance, acceptance are all values that transpire from the drama and that make it so feel-good. That and the water/fire relationship showing that opposites attract!

P.S.: Who else loves the relationship between Su Hyun and Samantha? They literally steal the spotlight!