The songs featured during the recap: Shaman by HEO, What by Sol Han, and I’ll Embrace Your Past by Ahn Bo-hyun. Shaman is eerie and haunting, while What adds a frantic, comic energy. I’ll Embrace Your Past is especially meaningful as Seo-ha accepts Ji-eum’s past lives and vows to stay by her side.
How Ji-eum finally discovers the truth about her first life—it wasn’t Seo-ha’s past self, Master Han Ya, who killed her sister Seol, but Master Cheon Un, Kang Min Gi’s past self.
The heartbreaking revelation that Ji-eum herself placed the curse to remember her past lives, fueled by rage and grief after Seol’s death.
Kang Min Gi’s role as a guide for those trapped in the cycle of reincarnation. He helps others find peace, yet remains stuck himself, as he hasn’t encountered the person who triggered his own memories.
The historical context of untouchable classes—the Baekjeong in Korea, Burakumin in Japan, and Dalits in India
The cultural significance of shaman bells in Korean rituals, symbolizing the "opening of the gate of words" to invite spirits into the ritual space.
Ji-eum's emotional turmoil upon realizing that Seo-ha didn’t betray her in her 1st life. Instead, Master Han Ya tried to protect her, and Ji-eum’s misunderstanding led her to attack Seo-ha in this life.
The complicated dynamic between Kang Min Gi and Ji-eum. He wants her to become "normal" by fully remembering her first life, but his own cycle remains unbroken.
The unraveling of the cover-up around the car accident that killed Yoon Ju-won. Chairman Moon, Seo-ha’s father, hid the truth to protect Seo-ha and avoid scandal, while Director Lee, Seo-ha’s uncle, lived for 24 years under the weight of his guilt.
Ha Do Yoon’s emotional struggle over his feelings for Yoon Cho-won. Encouraged by both Ji-eum and Seo-ha, he’s urged to follow his heart despite the social barriers.
The touching parallel between Seo-ha’s note to Ji-eum—"In bad times, remember the happy moments. I’m by your side"—and Ji-eum’s earlier words under the cherry blossoms.
The geographic lesson of the week—Kottayam, India—a city known as the "city of letters" for its publishing industry.
Fun listener interactions: Tina’s blog comment listing Ji-eum’s known past lives, Akiko and Joanna planning a cherry blossom meet-up in Shinjuku Gyoen Park, and new listeners like Irma finding the podcast after Queen of Tears.
A special announcement: After the final episode, Joanna and Sung Hee will do a one-off episode discussing When The Phone Rings, joined by Ernabel Demillo. They’ll dive into the drama’s wild plot twists and controversial ending.
Tease for Season 11—a new show has almost been decided, but listeners still have time to sway the choice by commenting on the blog or Instagram.
Next week, we’ll recap and analyze Episode 12 of See You In My 19th Life and officially announce our pick for Season 11!
References
I also think that Su and Mingi became entangled because of the curse which Su uttered while holding the bells (which I think belongs to Mingi as a shaman).
ReplyDeleteOn Su/Jieum not remembering her revenge all throughout her reincarnations but remembering all her lives, I think this is the core of the “stone story” which Joowon wrote.
I recently watched Bulgasal, the plot also reminds me of See You In My 19th Life - the curse to revenge which eventually led to repeating death and reincarnation.
Yes, agreed. The curse led to the cycle of death and reincarnation. Isn't that interesting that we end up cursing ourselves sometimes?
DeleteHi Kdrama friends, I wanted to share a happy accident via Joanna’s love for OST’s and this show. Last week, I was watching one of my favorite YouTube channels, Seoulwalker, and decided to listen to some music while doing so. The combination of this lovely video walk and the OST from SYIMNL is magical and by the time it was over, I was unstressed and happy!
ReplyDeleteThe walk was on a snowy early evening in January, link below, starting at the picturesque Jeongdok Library, winding through the very old and interesting Insadong neighborhood, and the best is the last, the Cheonggyecheon Stream park with the beautiful, huge Winter Festival light installations, watching happy, enchanted children and their parents enjoying all the winter beauty. So play it on your TV or iPad, and listen to this moody, gorgeous OST on your way. You’ll be glad you did.
https://youtu.be/q909S-nWYEg?si=A-Ix9JV4cOZR4bMr
Ellen,
DeleteThat is an interesting Channel indeed. You really get to see some interesting places.
I have made the mistake to click on a video where he visits a BBQ place though.
God! That made me salivate more than Pavlovs' dogs lol.
Ellen, this was a wonderful find! What fun to watch a beautiful wintry scene while listening to some beautiful music, thank you! I frequently take walks while listening to OSTs. It's relaxing, it allows my mind to wander coz I don't understand the Korean, and it allows me to appreciate the music!
DeleteLadies,
ReplyDeleteIn regard to the new season, I like to put forward "Our Blues" again.
I think this is the perfect series for this podcast. It has such a wide spectrum in topics and demographics. And the cast is star studded with amazing performances.
I also like to throw a new title. "Because This is My First Life". This is a really underrated series in my opinion. It tackles 3 different relationships at different stages with different personalties in modern day Seoul. While there is a "main" couple, the series really feels like an ensemble.
It also has a good balance between fluff and seriousness.
...and Ok, Ok, it has Jung So-min lol (that is me & Malcolm locked in lol)
Seven Seas,
DeleteIf my opinion matters at all in picking the net show (and past experience has taught me that it does not....) I second your pick for Our Blues. More Han Ji Min please! Oh and Shin Min a?! Yes please! But seriously, this show is so good.
If you can't pick a show I haven't seen already (and I will admit I am actively making that difficult to do)I would love to rewatch Our Blues!
Seven Seas and Malcolm, your recommendations mean a lot, promise! I think you will be happy with our choice for Season 11!
DeleteJust wanted to comment that I'm still following along. I'm just behind. After episode 6 I was tempted to binge the rest but I didn't want to. So I thought I'd fill the gap with watching the leads in other shows. Flex X Cop was funny. And now I know the ML is a sad sack in this show due to director's guidance. Actor definitely can to swagger. I didn't love him in Her Private Life and then seeing him in this show as a wooden sad sack, I wasn't sure what to think. After Flex X Cop - I know he has dimensions. And then I also started Mr. Queen with your podcast. Made it to Episode 14 thus far. My preventing myself from binging led me to accidentally be behind. So I haven't been posting because it feels late. Loving all the content. I watched Episode 10 the other day and am making my way through the thoughtful podcast :)
ReplyDeleteHi - actually was inactive for just the past 4 episodes hehe (life happened)
ReplyDeleteJoining a bit late on the topic how i found you - i was so depressed that i found and finished Mr. Sunshine a bit too late, don't have anyone to talk to, and discussions about it had died down. I searched spotify, and boom, youre at the top of the list 😅
On discussion about pushing people away - I am someone who feels overwhelmed easily, and I tend to isolate but at the same time, I want my loved ones to stay! Lol. I agree on the part that we should be better and honest on communicating our feelings.
I feel like this season was too mild and calm for me - am voting something with intense revenge plot: either The Glory or Vincenzo. I'm interested on hearing your take about the mothers on those shows, discussing the 'action' scenes, and about the ending.. But regardless of your choice, I'll still listen and probably watch the series you will feature next!
Another great episode!
So we have reached the penultimate episode!
ReplyDeleteMy biggest takeaway from this episode is that Seo-ha seems to be just as much of a wet blanket in his first life as he is in the present! Do you think this guy was this uncharismatic in all of his lives over the past 1,000 years?! I hate to say it, but I am so uninvested in him!
I agree with Joanna that Ji-eum clearly cursed herself by declaring that she would get her revenge! Girl can hold a grudge!
Now lets talk about some of the things I liked in the episode. Specifically, fa-fa-fa-fashion! Loved the Hanboks that Ji-eum and Cho-won wore in her first life. Although I’m not sure that’s what I would wear while dyeing fabric! Be careful girls!!! No Tide sticks back then! And Cho-won’s light blue tweed mini skirt suit with the white boots!! Yes please. But why the big giant bow. Korena women love a big old flouncy bow shirt. I don’t get it. And what was Seo-ah trying to pull off with that tan suit and t shirt number. Was he supposed to look cool like a modern day Miami Vice vibe (if you can reference Nancy Regan I can make a Miami Vice reference!). Because he did not look cool…..
Dr. Lee, what type of medicine would have cured tuberculosis in 11th century Korea?! I think Cho-won was a gonner either way. But Min-ji didn’t have to do her dirty like that!
As for a favorite line, I loved when Min-ji tells Ji-eum “It’s been a while since you called me that name.” Talk about an understatement!
One more episode to go! What will happen?!?! Will Seo-ha become cool? (No). Will Cho-won get with Do-yoon?! (probably, but she shouldn’t). Will Ji-eum accidently kill Seo-ha again?!?! (please!)
Looking forward to the bonus episode and the big reveal for the next season!
Looking forward to the special When The Phone Rings episode, great idea! And the last episode was nuts, but I loved it anyway. As a writer, one additional episode would have given it some breathing room, and made for a smoother finish, on the other hand, smooth just wasn’t the style for this show!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your special episode review/discussion of When The Phone Rings. And excited to find out what series you'll pick for your next season.
ReplyDelete