Our Blues

Presentation

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Dramas written by No Hee Kyung:
– Dear My Friends
– It’s Okay, That’s Love
– Live
– That Winter the Wind Blows

Analysis

Synopsis

The drama depicts the lives and relationships of people living on Jeju Island.

My opinion (No Spoilers)

What to say about this drama apart that it’s AMAZING! Our Blues is a comforting feel-good drama that makes you laugh, cry and love all at once. There are many different characters who create an entangled and intricate web of relationships; each sweeter and stronger than the previous one. This drama is about being human and going through life; overcoming hardships and connecting with others.

I also loved the healing atmosphere of Jeju Island, where strong bonds are built and relationships never die. If this doesn’t convince you, maybe the notorious screenwriter and the star-studded cast will!

Don’t hesitate one more second and go watch Our Blues immediately!

Analysis (Spoiler Alert)

The relationships: Our Blues depicts a large range of relationships, between friends, lovers and even family members. The screenwriter weaves a delicate web of characters connected in the past, present and future, while describing serious struggles that we may all be confronted with once.

Main relationships: I would distinguish 2 types of relationships in the drama: The main ones and the secondary ones. The former are the stories on the vinyls in each episode’s opening. The latter have to do with side characters, who are important to the plot, but don’t necessarily need an entire focus.

First, let’s deep dive into these main relationships:

Jung Eun Hui & Choi Han Su: Choi Han Su (Cha Seung Won) is Jung Eun Hui’s (Lee Jung Eun) first love. They met in high school, shared a first kiss and remained good friends since then. Eun Hui kept on feeding her one-sided love for Han Su throughout the years, while the young man left for Seoul and established himself there. He got married and had a daughter.

When he returns to Jeju Island, Han Su is financially struggling. His wife lives in the US to support their daughter’s golf career that isn’t going well. Both women are tired, whether it’d be the mother, forced to take on a driver’s job to earn some money; or the daughter, who doesn’t believe she can make it as an athlete. Several times, they beg Han Su to let go of his greed and to let them come back to South Korea, playing golf as a hobby rather than a career. But the bank employee adamantly refuses to give up.

Instead, he continues to ask his surrounding for money to spend on his daughter’s sports. After he has exhausted all his available sources in Seoul, he flies to Jeju. There, he hopes to convince Eun Hui to lend him 200 million won. As the eldest of her family, she has constantly been working to provide for her siblings. By doing so, she managed to accumulate great wealth throughout the years, owning buildings and a coffee shop.
Han Su knows of Eun Hui’s situation, but feels ashamed to ask her directly. So, he uses lies to rekindle the flame. He pretends he is divorced and that it’s the reason why he was transferred to Jeju Island. Eun Hui believes him and feels thrilled that her first love finally came back to her, without realizing she is being deceived.

At some point, both friends decide to go on a trip to Mokpo, where they shared their first kiss. It’s the ideal place for Han Su to mention the state of his finances, yet this get-away is way more meaningful for Eun Hui, who’s still in the dark.

Once in the hotel room, Eun Hui eventually gets wind of Han Su’s scheme. Her friend Ho Shik and Hwang Bo reveal Han Su’s habit to ask around for money. They warn Eun Hui he will try to do the same, and inform her that Han Su is still married. He’s lied from the beginning. Upon hearing that, Eun Hui is completely heartbroken. Han Su used and manipulated her to somewhat scam her.
Eun Hui confronts Han Su who admits everything. He apologizes for his shameful actions, saying he felt pitiful to ask her. After that tense discussion, Eun Hui leaves. Out of loyalty and guilt, she decides to send the money to Han Su. But the latter returns it, realizing he’s gone too far. He needs to let go of his hope and greed. So, he accepts his daughter’s wish to quit golf, and calls his family back home.

Eun Hui and Han Su eventually clear the air and become friends again. Eun Hui says goodbye to her long-time crush and first love, accepting Han Su’s current happiness with his family.

Societal topics dealt with: In that storyline, several themes are entangled. First, there is the world of sports and the difficulty of becoming a notorious athlete. Indeed, the drama shows several times how much a career depends on money and network. Han Su’s daughter has neither of them and her talent is running dry. She understands quite early on that golf isn’t for her anymore. Though she is grateful for her parents’ constant support, but it is time to put an end to her dream.
This point leads me to the second theme which is a parent’s (and more specifically a father’s) devotion. Han Su is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for his daughter. He doesn’t feel ashamed to ask around for money, if it allows his child to be happy. Considering how bad the relationships are between Han Su and his siblings (he’d rather spend money on his daughter than on his sick mother); Han Su and his friends in Seoul and even Han Su and Eun Hui; it’s obvious that he has exhausted their patience. His devotion and sacrifice are noble, but not necessarily in his daughter’s interests. In the end, he understands that and moves on to the next chapter of his life.
The third theme is that of friendship and money. Eun Hui learns this the hard way with Han Su. She discovers that even her closest friends can betray her for money. A truth that hurts a lot.

Jung Eun Hui & Ko Mi Ran: Eun Hui and Ko Mi Ran (Uhm Jung Hwa) are best friends. They have known each other forever. Back in high school, Mi Ran was the wealthy friend loved by all of her classmates; while Eun Hui was the poor sidekick, even referred to as a ‘moocher‘ by Mi Ran herself. Despite appearances, Eun Hui bears resentment towards Mi Ran for always treating her like her maid. Yet, she never mentioned anything to Mi Ran and pretends nothing happened.

When Mi Ran is first introduced, she runs a business in Seoul and wishes to take some time off to go to her daughter’s graduation in the US. As the trip is cancelled, she decides to go see her friends in Jeju Island. There, she is welcomed like a queen by all the men of the city, except Ho Shik who hates her. Indeed, he can’t stand her behavior towards Eun Hui. The latter is kind enough to let her stay at her house. One morning, Mi Ran wakes up and finds the house empty. Eun Hui has already left for the market, leaving her friend on her own. Mi Ran starts rearranging the house to her taste, before stumbling upon Eun Hui’s diaries. She reads one from the 9th grade and reminisces the past. A few moments later, she discovers a more recent one in which Eun Hui calls her friend ‘two-faced’, ‘selfish’ and ‘a horrible person’. Yet, considering all Mi Ran has done for her in the past, Eun Hui will stay loyal.

This description deeply hurts Mi Ran, who feels betrayed by the person she trusted the most. So, she confronts Eun Hui and accuses her of being a hypocrite. Indeed, she pretended she appreciated her, when in fact she harbored rancor. She faked their friendship all along. After their argument, Mi Ran leaves Jeju Island and returns to the capital.

Eun Hui feels guilty, especially when she learns more about Mi Ran’s current situation (her daughter didn’t want to have her at her graduation / Mi Ran was accused of trying to steal a neighbor’s husband, when in reality she was advising him to leave his abusive wife). She empathizes and wants to clear the air. So, she hops on a plane to Seoul. In the end, both friends reconcile. Although Mi Ran explains that she would rather have Eun Hui confess her true feelings next time than keep it all bottled up.

Societal topics dealt with: For this story, you naturally have friendship; the various perceptions people have of the same person (Mi Ran is seen as a narcissist by Ho Shik, but as a caring friend by In Gwon for instance); and the consequences of not communicating in a relationship. Domestic abuse is also tackled through the secondary character Myeong Bo (Kim Hwang Kyu); as well as the dynamics in stepfamilies.

Lee Dong Seok & Min Seon Ah: Lee Dong Seok (Lee Byung Hun) and Min Seon Ah (Shin Min Ah) met at a game arcade, when they were respectively 18 and 14. They found shelter and comfort in each other, enjoying their time together as an escape from their harsh family environment. Indeed, Dong Seok is the son of the ‘concubine’. Because of that status, he is constantly beaten up by his step-brothers. Even his mother ignores his suffering; worse, she turns a blind eye to the violence he undergoes. Seon Ah’s childhood is no better. Her mother left her and her father, resulting in him drinking his sorrow away every day.

Though they don’t say anything, they harbor strong feelings for one another. But Seon Ah puts a strain on their relationship, when she asks Dong Seok’s friend to sleep with her. Though the latter bails at the last minute – fearing Dong Seok’s reaction – the damage is done. Dong Seok actually sees them together. He starts beating his friend to a pulp, only to be stopped by the police Seon Ah called. Later on that day, Seon Ah’s father commits suicide. The teenager is thus forced to go to Seoul with her mother, leaving Dong Seok confused and resentful.

Years later, Seon Ah and Dong Seok reunite during one of her visits to Jeju Island. She reconnects with her childhood love, making him believe they could become an item. Unfortunately, Dong Seok is once again mistaken. Seon Ah lives in Seoul and has no intention of coming back to Jeju. Dong Seok is frustrated, but eventually lets her go without renouncing his strong feelings for Seon Ah.

Our sweet duo rekindles the flame one more time in the drama – and for good at last. When we are first introduced to Seon Ah, she is suffering from depression and is on the verge of getting a divorce. Her husband is aware of her condition, but can’t bear it anymore. Not only does he file for divorce, but also for the full custody of their son. Indeed, Seon Ah’s mental condition is considered dangerous for their child. The news of the separation from her kid crushes Seon Ah. She breaks down and decides to return to Jeju Island. Suicidal, she jumps into the sea, but is rescued by the haenyeos. Seon Ah is confused, lost and feels like her life doesn’t make sense anymore, now that her ex-husband took her son away. Fortunately, she meets Dong Seok again, whose feelings remain unchanged.

After a series of ups and downs, he manages to make Seon Ah stand on her two feet again. He encourages her to get treatment, so she can claim custody rights. Little by little, Seon Ah overcomes her depressive symptoms, though it is an every-day battle. She finds a job as an interior designer, gets to see her son more often and even buys a house in Jeju that Dong Seok rehabilitates with her. They even clear the air about the past. Seon Ah confesses that she wanted her father to pay more attention to her. She thought that he would if she misbehaved. That’s why, she asked Dong Seok’s friend to sleep with her. She didn’t come to him because she knew he loved her, and thus would never comply with her request.

By the end of the drama, Seon Ah seems to have found long-term stability. She is getting better. Her relationship with her ex-husband has also softened. Now, he doesn’t fear for their son’s safety when left alone with his mother. Seon Ah eventually gets the authorization to take her son to Jeju Island sometimes, in the house she lives in with Dong Seok. After so many years of yearning and hoping, Dong Seok has fulfilled his wish: To be with his first love Seon Ah.

Societal topics dealt with: If we follow the chronological order of events, the following topics are to be mentioned first: Domestic violence and social stigma. Indeed, Dong Seok’s mother is a mistress, who’s always judged, belittled and scorned. Dong Seok suffers the consequences of his parents’ actions by falling victim to everyone’s violence. Seon Ah’s situation is no better. Her father is an alcoholic who commits suicide, leaving an indelible scar in her teenager’s mind. The wounds of the past accompany Dong Seok and Seon Ah throughout their entire lives. Dong Seok and his mother are estranged, while Seon Ah suffers from depression. This leads to one of the main themes of the drama: Depression and its consequences. Our Blues does an excellent job at depicting the daily struggle depressed people go through. Sometimes, even getting out of their bed is tough. Seon Ah is oftentimes surrounded by darkness and can’t seem to turn on the lights. Her only comfort is her son. He is the reason why she manages to move on and get better.
I think the hardest part for her was to hear her own child say that his mother was sick, driving a wedge between them. This statement is also a wake-up call for Seon Ah. She immediately realizes that she needs to get treatment if she wants to be with her son.

A third topic would be divorce and custody battle. Seon Ah’s ex-husband is determined to keep their son. He distrusts her entirely, and is willing to do whatever it takes to have their child. I actually thought that his behavior was a way to protect their kid from the dangerous crisis Seon Ah can have. Moreover, I believe that this was his way of trying to push Seon Ah to get treatment. If her son was taken, she would be determined enough to do whatever it takes to get him back – like getting better. Of course, her ex-husband’s actions are clumsy and not quite helpful. But I kind of understand his position. Living with a depressed person is not easy either.

Lee Dong Seok & Kang Ok Dong: The relationship between Dong Seok and his mother, Kang Ok Dong (Kim Hye Ja), is the most complex one in my opinion.

Everything starts when Ok Dong becomes a mistress. To survive, she decides to deny her son by asking him to call her ‘aunt’, and by refusing to be a family of just 2. Instead, she’d rather live a ‘sheltered’ life (in which her son has 3 meals a day), while his son is being mistreated and beaten up by everyone. In a way, she sacrifices her son to get some comfort. After years of violence and domestic abuse, Dong Seok has cut ties with his mother – and I clearly agree with this decision! Though they live in the same town, they are completely estranged.

Nevertheless, it is clearly visible that Dong Seok has not made peace with his past. He still has so much pain, anger and resentment bottled up, that it is tough for him not to burst. But, he is too kind to tell his mother what is truly eating him away. Though he is the one who constantly got hurt, he doesn’t want to hurt anyone else; understanding that the situation was complicated for his mother too.

The story gets worse, when we learn that Dong Seok’s mother has cancer. She refuses treatment and doesn’t have much time left. So, she wants to reconcile with Dong Seok before it is too late. Though she doesn’t tell him about her condition at first, Dong Seok eventually finds out. He softens up and agrees to fulfill her last wishes, such as going to his step-father’s memorial at his step-brothers. For the first time, Dong Seok is able to confront his bullies, who minimize their actions, by saying it was hard for everyone. This is enough to make Dong Seok explodes. Ok Dong is also able to say her piece, directing her anger at herself. This event is the beginning of Dong Seok’s healing process. He starts venting out his pain and anger that had remained silenced for years.

The catharsis continues when Dong Seok and his mother are back to Jeju. She confesses her story for the first time, saying that her parents died when she was young, followed by her son later on (Dong Seok’s brother). She remembers her past and wishes to travel back to her hometown. However, it doesn’t exist anymore. As Ok Dong knows that the end is near, she asks her son to bring her to Mount Halla. She wishes to see the frozen lake and snowy landscape. Despite his mother’s determination, the journey is too difficult for Ok Dong, who is forced to climb back down. Instead, Dong Seok agrees to get to the top alone. There, he records a video for his mother, in which he tears up. He slowly starts to make up with her and make peace with his past. After that event, Dong Seok goes to Seon Ah’s house with his mother. Ok Dong realizes that her son is happy, surrounded by a woman he loves and a cute kid.

I guess she also forgives herself at that moment, seeing how her son has grown. Their story ends with Ok Dong preparing one last meal to Dong Seok before dying in her house. Dong Seok finds her and forgives her too.

Though the episode ends up in tears, I was still quite annoyed at Ok Dong. First, she never apologized to Dong Seok for what she put him through. I understand that she was poor and had no other means to protect him, but still… this was too cruel. At least, she could’ve owned up to the situation. Yet, I believe that Ok Dong really thought that she did the best she could at that time. Second, she never spoke her feelings or emotions. Dong Seok never really got to understand what was going through her mind. Had she said even a few warm words, their relationship could’ve been a lot more different. Instead, she remained silent and stubbornly forced others to do what she wanted. Third, she used her cancer as a weapon to push Dong Seok into complying with her requests. She didn’t care about his feelings, she just had to say she was sick and that’s it! I actually disagree with that mindset: Being sick doesn’t mean you’re automatically forgiven for what you did wrong in your life. It is way too easy! It seems like Ok Dong does exactly that. She expects to have a little sympathy from her son thanks to her sickness to make it easier for her to approach him.

Societal topics dealt with: Not a lot in that story apart from domestic violence and social stigma. The story was more focused on the dynamics in the mother-son relationship.

Park Jeong Jun & Lee Yeong Ok: Park Jeong Jun (Kim Woo Bin) is a fisherman, who’s lived in Jeju Island all his life. He also often works with haenyeos, using his boat to carry them to harvest spots. That’s how he meets Lee Yeong Ok (Han Ji Min). He is immediately attracted by this beautiful woman, who seems to hide a lot of secrets. Indeed, she receives numerous phone calls a day, has been moving from town to town for a while, not wanting to settle down. She also has had some complicated past relationships with men. Yet, everything Jeong Jun hears about Yeong Ok are rumors, as no one really knows her. Her personal life remains a mystery.

Despite the negative opinions haenyeos have on her, Jeong Jun refuses to listen to rumors. Instead, he chooses to approach her and learn more about her; though Yeong Ok is open and volatile at the same time. She also puts a wall between them. Nevertheless, Jeong Jun is persistent and confesses his genuine feelings for her. In the end, Yeong Ok falls for him too, attracted by his comforting and reassuring presence.

Things get more complicated when Jeong Jun starts thinking about moving in together and eventually getting married. Yeong Ok gets uncomfortable, but remains silent as to why. Afterwards, Jeong Jun is finally given the chance to understand where Yeong Ok’s reluctance comes from. She has a twin sister, Lee Yeong Hui (Jung Eun Hye) who has Down syndrome. She lives in Seoul in a facility specialized for disabled people. Turns out Yeong Hui is the person who always calls Yeong Ok, not men as rumors say.

The news take Jeong Jun aback. He doesn’t really know how to react, mentioning his ignorance regarding the condition. Still, he finally grasps the complexity of Yeong Ok’s life and the reason why she resisted the relationship. Now that her secret is out in the open, Yeong Ok expects Jeong Jun to run away, just like many other boyfriends did before. Yet, he does nothing of the sort. Instead, he tries to get to know her sister, and is even appreciated by her. Contrary to others who fled the responsibility, Jeong Jun proves to Yeong Ok that he is THE real deal. He welcomes Yeong Hui with an open mind, takes care of her and supports Yeong Ok. To the haenyeo, the fisherman becomes a reliable, trustworthy, kind and patient love interest. Someone she can rely on, get love and comfort from. Jeong Jun’s reaction is actually the best of all in my opinion. He refuses to renounce his love for her just because her family situation is different that the usual one. He’d rather embrace her and her hardships than to let her go. On top of that, he protects Yeong Ok from his parents’ judgement, before they themselves get used to the idea that a disabled sibling is not the end of the world.

Societal topics dealt with: Obviously here, the drama depicts the impact rumors can have on someone’s life. Yeong Ok never tells anything to anyone, yet all the Jeju residents have made up their mind about her: She is a womanizer; a woman who seduces men and jumps from one relationship to another. The rumors couldn’t be further from the truth. Yeong Ok is actually a reliable and hardworking sister, who does her best to protect Yeong Hui and provide her with all she needs. Of course, the theme of disability should be mentioned too. But, I will give more details about it in the next relationship.

Lee Yeong Ok & Lee Yeong Hui: Lee Yeong Hui is Yeong Ok’s twin sister. She has Down syndrome and currently lives in a facility in Seoul. Early on in their lives, the sisters lost their parents in an unfortunate accident. This put Yeong Ok in charge of the family at a very young age. Not only did she have to take care of her disabled sister, but she also had to confront stigma, criticisms and judgements from ignorant people. She was also just a kid trying to grow up ‘normally’. So, she naturally resented Yeong Hui for preventing her from having an ordinary childhood – like any other kid their age.

One day, Yeong Ok got mad at Yeong Hui and abandoned her in the subway. Though they reunited shortly after, this event left an indelible scar in both their minds. On the one side, Yeong Hui never really forgot her sister’s betrayal and abandonment – although she kept quiet for years; while Yeong Ok felt guilty for leaving her sister behind.

At some point in the drama, Yeong Hui goes to Jeju Island to visit her sister (the facility she lives in is being rehabilitated). During that period of time, sisters clear the air between them. Everything that was hidden comes back to the surface: Past feelings, guilt for Yeong Ok and fear of not being liked for who she is for Yeong Hui. Indeed, Yeong Hui was – and is – completely aware of her environment. She knows people look at her weirdly, talk behind her back and say she is not ‘normal’. She is conscious of her sister’s discomfort when out in public with her, fearing a sudden outburst or some inappropriate comments from strangers. In that matter, the restaurant scene is the best example. While Jeong Jun, Yeong Hui and Yeong Ok go out for lunch, a little kid starts talking about Yeong Hui and staring at her. Unable to contain her anger, Yeong Ok gets mad at the parents for failing at educating their own kid and being so ignorant when it comes to disability. In the end, Yeong Hui and the kid get their own discussion, and eventually make up.

From the get-go, we can clearly see that Yeong Ok loves her sister. Even if she gets pissed sometimes and says harsh words, there is no doubt on that. Yet, she doesn’t have much time to dedicate to her, which makes Yeong Hui feel lonely at times. A loneliness that Yeong Hui exhibits in probably the most emotional scene of the drama (in my opinion). Through her numerous drawings, she recollects their memories together. Yeong Ok is definitely overwhelmed by the gesture. She tears up, understanding that what her sister has been telling her all along is actually true: She has gotten real good at drawing because she does so every time she feels lonely. A real artist with real struggles. What’s sure is that this event allows the twins to get closer to each other.

Societal topics dealt with: Obviously Down syndrome and disability as a whole are a big theme here. There is a clear criticism regarding the lack of education and knowledge on those subjects, as well as the various prejudices associated. Indeed, people tend to fear what they ignore. They either stay away or judge harshly. Yet, the drama chooses to approach that topic using a different angle, one that is more optimistic and hopeful. The scene between Yeong Hui and the kid at the restaurant shows that it is never too late to overcome prejudice, to lift taboos and to confidently talk about those subjects. No matter the age, we can still learn, adapt and accept disability as part of the society. Moreover, Our Blues does an excellent job at emphasizing the need to be confronted with taboos often. The more you see, experience, talk about them, the more normal they become for anyone. Finally, the drama invites everyone to welcome people like Yeong Hui with open mind and arms. After all, they are people like everyone else.

Jung In Gwon & Bang Ho Shik: Though Jung In Gwon (Park Ji Hwan) and Bang Ho Shik (Choi Young Joon) seem to be sworn enemies who’ve always hated each other at first, there was a time when they actually got along pretty well. In the past, both fathers shared a strong bond due to their similar struggles. Indeed, they became single parents pretty much at the same time (the partner ran away and/or disappeared). Yet, on the one side In Gwon was part of a gang, while Ho Shik drown his sorrow in alcohol. The fall-out happened on the day In Gwon criticized Ho Shik, calling him ‘dirt poor‘. This statement resonated deeply for Ho Shik and acted as a wake-up call. After that, both men went their separate ways, bickering constantly, yet never really leaving each other’s side.

The news of Yeong Ju’s pregnancy is a real bomb for both fathers. Indeed, they slaved away from morning to night, saving as much money as possible to give their children the life they never got. But the sudden pregnancy disrupts everyone’s plan, making In Gwon and Ho Shik fear for their children’s well-being and happiness (even if they don’t say it at first).

In the end, not only do In Gwon and Ho Shik reconcile with their respective kid, but they also make peace and clear the air. Instead of fighting all the time, they decide to join forces to support their children and welcome the new addition to their family.

Societal topics dealt with: Several themes are tackled through In Gwon and Ho Shik’s relationship. First, poverty and lack of education as a whole, which reduces one’s chances to lead a decent life. In Gwon and Ho Shik didn’t go to college and don’t come from rich families. They had to learn how to fend for themselves on their own. Hence, In Gwon’s former life as a gang member and Ho Shik’s precarious situation. Second, the drama uses that dynamic to depict two very different single fathers, whose goal converge: To make their kids happy. It was seriously heartwarming to see these two grown-up men tear up and break down when they heard the news of the pregnancy. Deep down, I could feel that they were concerned and seriously worried about Yeong Ju and Hyeon. They felt as if their efforts had been in vain and that there was no way out of their difficult lives, even for their children. Their violent and irrational reactions for me were simply conveying their despair, fear and powerlessness in the face of the situation. Of course, it was not without consequences, as their stubbornness almost destroyed everyone’s chance of happiness. But their sacrificial spirit is rewarded at the end with a marriage, a healthy grandchild and a rekindled friendship.

Bang Yeong Ju & Jung Hyeon: This couple is by far my favorite. Not only does the drama tackle the taboo subject of teen pregnancy, but it also highlights love at its beginning and prime.

Bang Yeong Ju (Roh Yoon Soo) and Jung Hyeon (Bae Hyun Sung) have known each other since childhood. Though they are the same age and frequent the same high school, their respective fathers have become sworn enemies over the years. Due to their constant conflicts, Yeong Ju and Hyeon don’t talk to each other much. Or this is what we are led to believe at first.

Over the course of the drama, it clearly appears that top student Yeong Ju and innocent Hyeon are romantically – and physically – involved. Later on, Yeong Ju discovers that she got pregnant after their first and single sexual intercourse. She tries to hide it at first with loose clothes for instance, but eventually confesses to Jung Hyeon. Both teenagers are taken aback by the news and completely disoriented, fearing their parents’ reaction. At some point in the drama, Yeong Ju thinks about getting an abortion, but she bails out at the last minute thanks to Jung Hyeon’s involvement. After that traumatizing event, both teenagers decide to confront their families head-on, tell the truth and deal with the consequences.

What I loved the most about this young couple is that they stand firm after making the decision to keep their baby. No matter how vehemently their fathers react – to the point that it almost tears everyone apart – they both refuse to bend. They would rather leave and stay together than change their mind. In spite of their young age, Bang Yeong Ju and Jung Hyeon are genuine towards each other and extremely brave.

Moreover, they don’t care about what other people think – doctors, pharmacists, parents or simple members of the community – and are willing to live on their own if it means creating their own happiness. Their love story was heartwarming and strong. From children they turned into responsible adults – and if not better ones than most – with this simple incident.

In the end, Yeong Ju and Hyeon reconcile with their respective fathers. Yeong Ju decides to have the baby and attend college, while Hyeon works to support his family. They intend to switch places later on. Yeong Ju’s father and Hyeon’s father somehow find a way to accept each other for old time’s – and their children/grandchild’s – sake.

Societal topics dealt with: This story highlights the taboo and the stigma surrounding teen pregnancy. In that particular case, the 2 lovebirds mention that they had taken their precautions, but the condom broke leading to that unexpected twist. Yet, this unfortunate event is not the worst part of the story. Indeed, what really shocked me was the reaction of the doctors who examined Yeong Ju. Instead of being supportive and neutral to reassure the confused teenager, they offered her judgmental looks and inappropriate comments. I was really heartbroken to see that she was alone and scared, yet no one – not even the professionals – seemed to reach out to comfort her. No one except Min Seon Ah, whom she meets coincidentally in the streets.

This moment on the bridge between the mother and mother-to-be was really sweet, emphasizing the fact that sometimes it takes a woman – and a mother – to understand another. Though Yeong Ju lacks a mother figure and a female present in her life (that could’ve been useful in that situation), she can count on her boyfriend, who is supportive, strong, caring and acts as her pillar. This brings me to another important element in teen pregnancy cases: The fact that the father disappears most of the time, leaving the girl alone. Jung Hyeon is the complete opposite here and sticks to Yeong Ju, protecting her against his impulsive father and promising her a good future for her and their child.

Hyeon Cheon Hui & Son Eun Gi: Hyeon Cheon Hui’s (Ko Du Shim) life can definitely be described as tragic. She lost her husband in an accident, then 3 out of her 4 sons. All her life, she’s known pain and sadness. Despite that, she stayed strong. She chose to enjoy what’s been given to her (her remaining family) and to accept her difficult fate. Therefore, she works hard as a haenyeo – in spite of her old age – to provide enough money to her last son and his family. The latter is married and has a daughter, Son Eun Gi (Ki So Yu), he adores. The little girl loves her father dearly. She is amazed at everything he tells her, especially that one special story about the stars. If you pray hard enough, and you see enough of them, your wish will then come true.

One day, Eun Gi is sent by her mother to her grandmother’s house. Cheon Hui is glad she can shelter the little girl for a few days and accepts right away. However, days pass by and there is no sign of Eun Gi’s mother coming back. The child is scared, cries a lot and even stands up to her grandmother. Meanwhile, Cheon Hui starts to feel something is off. She becomes more and more anxious, though she doesn’t want to say it. Eventually, Cheon Hui discovers that her son has had a terrible accident. He landed in the ICU and is still in a coma. Doctors don’t know if he will regain consciousness. His wife spends her entire days by his side, hoping her life will go back to normal.

When Cheon Hui hears the news, her whole world comes crumbling down. She feels as if fate is determined to put her through the death of all her family members. Still, she stands strong for her granddaughter, who also suffers from the absence of her parents. The grandmother realizes that she needs to go to the mainland to see her son, in case he’d eventually die. It’s important to her, as it is for Eun Gi to see her father.

This storyline was really poetic and heartwarming. I could really see the love Cheon Hui had for her son, as much as Eun Gi’s love for her father. Though at different moment in their lives, both characters were deeply – and in their own way – affected by the tragedy. Cheon Hui and Eun Gi are both devastated and scared of the consequences of the accident, knowing that their lives may never be the same after.

The best scene of the episodes focused on them is probably when Cheon Hui brings her granddaughter on top of a hill. From there, Eun Gi can see many stars lighting up the dark night. She remembers her father’s story about them. So, she starts praying he will get better. Moved by her granddaughter’s innocence and hope, Cheon Hui decides to do the same. And I guess it worked, because Cheon Hui’s son wakes up later on, as if it were a miracle.

Societal topics dealt with: First, I think Cheon Hui’s tough life can be mentioned. Some people experience so many tragedies in their lives, and yet are so resilient. She never resented anyone nor anything, not even fate. Instead, she endured and moved forward. She is also devoted and sacrificial. Cheon Hui is willing to work herself to the bone to provide for her descendants. Interestingly, I believe that Eun Gi is quite like her grandmother. She is resilient and strong, determined and stubborn. Both are going through a rough pass, still they hang on with all their might. I really felt that Eun Gi was a younger version of Cheon Hui, minus the many disastrous events of life. She is innocent and bright, not tainted by sadness. This made me think that Cheon Hui may have been like that in the past too.

Second, I would evoke being an orphan as a theme here. When Eun Gi arrives in Jeju, she meets another little girl. The latter is being raised by her grandmother after her parents have abandoned her. She even compares her situation to Eun Gi’s, asking if she is all alone now. Eun Gi gets mad and screams she is nothing like her. She is not an orphan because her parents will come back. This scene is so emotional as it shows the scars of abandonment left in the little girl’s mind, as well as Eun Gi’s fear to lose her father. She is aware of the situation. Despite her young age, she understands that her life would forever be different, if her father were to pass away.

Secondary relationships:

Lee Yeong Ok & Hanyeo group: Haenyeos are a very famous and particular community in Jeju Island. These women are independent and go harvest seafood in order to provide for themselves (and their family). Shortly after her arrival on the island, Yeong Ok joins the group. However, she doesn’t have the spirit of a haenyeo yet. Indeed, she is only interested in harvesting a lot, so she can earn more money. She even puts herself in danger for that. Haenyeos are mad at her for not listening and for risking everybody’s life underwater, since this tough task essentially relies on teamwork. On top of that, they constantly criticize Yeong Ok for being too greedy and spread rumors about her mysterious private life. The relationship is tense to the point that even Cheon Hui doesn’t want Yeong Ok to be part of the group anymore. When she is about to be ousted, Yeong Hui reunites with her sister.

It is only then that Yeong Ok confesses to the haenyeos that she harvests so hard so she can send money to her sister. Upon hearing that, the group immediately puts the pieces together. They are able to better understand Yeong Ok’s behavior all along and to forgive her bad attitude. In the end, they welcome Yeong Ok and her sister with open arms; while Yeong Ok promises she will listen to others and be more careful. That’s actually proof that Yeong Ok is trusting people little by little and finally settling down.

Hyeon Cheon Hui & Kang Ok Dong: The 2 elders of the community are surely forces to be reckoned with. Knowing their respective stories, it’s no wonder that they find support and comfort in each other. I actually found these old ladies quite similar in many ways. First, Cheon Hui and Ok Dong both have been through tragic events (death of parents for Ok Dong; death of children for Cheon Hui) that marked them for life. Second, they are about the same age and having lived a tough life, they have reached a point when they are wise enough to accept fate, people’s behavior and whatever life can still throw at them. Their wisdom, especially Cheon Hui’s, is also quite useful to advice other residents. For instance, Cheon Hui constantly argues with Dong Seok and pushes him to forgive his mother. In a way, they are the soul of the community.

I really loved their friendship to be honest. Though sometimes they annoyed me a bit with their attitude towards others, they have never once been against each other. For example, Cheon Hui understood Ok Dong’s wish not to receive chemotherapy. She was heartbroken too when her best friend died, leaving her alone. Conversely, Ok Dong proves to be a pillar in Cheon Hui’s life when the latter is about to lose her last son. A fine pair and a heartwarming long-lasted friendship that anyone can dream of.

Park Ki Jun & Byeol: Park Jeong Jun isn’t the only man who is not prejudiced by disability. His brother, Park Ki Jun (Baek Seung Do), is the same. He has a crush on Byeol (Lee So Byeol). She is deaf and therefore has trouble accepting Ki Jun’s love. Still, he doesn’t give up, making Byeol give in in the end. Their love story was actually so good. Ki Jun was chasing after her all the time, while Byeol was reluctant.

Jeong Jun and Ki Jun are also extraordinary siblings. Both love women with a heavy luggage, still they also think about their parents, arguing about who’s going to give up his love so that their parents won’t be shocked.

Jeju – The healing Island: For some characters in the drama, Jeju Island is their home. A place, where they have suffered, but also laughed and found solace in the tight community. For others, it is a healing place (like for Seon Ah). After undergoing numerous dramas and tough events in the mainland, Jeju appears as a safe heaven. It is a shelter that helps you re-connect with yourself and your family. Despite the emotional and dark themes of the drama, Jeju always provides a light at the end of the tunnel, whether it’d be thanks to the residents, the sea or the clean fresh air.

The music/OSTs: I can’t tell how much I loved the OSTs of that drama. Whether it’d be 10cm, Melomance or Davichi; there is sunshine in each and every song, perfectly adapted to the various situations of the drama. I can only recommend you listen to them all!