The song featured during the recap: "To the Land of Hope" by Choi Baek-ho, a song that evokes nostalgia and the passage of youth.
Feedback from our amazing listeners, including a poem shared by Winfor Lam and insights from Malcolm, Seven Seas, and Sue about character development and OST impact.
How Gwan-sik is portrayed as the "perfect man," which we all think is unrealistic.
Ae-sun’s powerful transformation, stepping into her role as a leader by lying in front of a government truck to defend the haenyeos.
The portrayal of Korea during the 1980s, including steps the government took to modernize the country before the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
The clash between the haenyeos and Bu Sang-gil’s efforts to shut down their market — a symbolic fight for community survival.
Ae-sun’s eventual election as Chief, her "harvesting season" after years of hardship and injustice.
The bitter-sweetness of Ae-sun’s triumph because she missed her mother so much.
Geum-myeong’s dangerous situation in Seoul, being framed while refusing to commit academic fraud under pressure from a wealthy family.
Eun-myeong’s struggles and acts of rebellion, highlighting the sibling dynamic and the emotional weight of living in Geum-myeong’s shadow.
The cultural references to "Aegukga," Korea's national anthem, and the interesting use of "Auld Lang Syne" in East Asia.
The deep camaraderie and subtle politics among village women, including the surprise of Yeong-ran voting for Ae-sun.
The tradition and symbolism of gifting rice cakes (tteok) when Ae-sun thanks the haenyeos for their lifelong support.
Spotlight on Yeom Hye-ran, her acting background, her accolades, and her pivotal role as Gwang-rye in When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Next week, we will recap and analyze episode 8 of When Life Gives You Tangerines. We’ll also talk about Park Hae joon, the actor who plays adult Gwan sik. Did you know that he was once named “the nation’s adulterer?”
References
Aegukga - Wikipedia (South Korean national anthem)
Aegukka - Wikipedia (North Korean national anthem)
As I rewatched this episode, I remembered how this was my least liked episode. However watching it again, I understand the need to for this episode, the writing is truly brilliant. There are so many details in the one that would be important in the later episodes.
ReplyDeleteYeom Hye Ran is an excellent actress. She has a small but extremely important. I love all the scenes with her -- all heart wrenching.
I enjoyed this week’s podcast with one major exception. How dare Joanna refer to One Spring Night as a “middling drama!” It is amazing AND I actually like the soundtrack. Obviously, it is unconventional for a K Drama, as all the songs are English. But it is an amazing K Drama, even if it is essentially just another version of Something in the Rain – the greatest K Drama of all time! How dare you, Joanna!
ReplyDeleteNow back to your regularly scheduled programing…
Seeing as this episode was set in 1988, as was Reply 1988, it made me think of South Korea in comparison to the US at that time. Obviously, Jeju was a much more rural area back in the eighties, so it was even more behind the times than Seoul. I have a theory that South Korea was always a certain number of years behind the U.S. in terms of technology, development, fashion, living standards, etc., until it was not and actually surpassed the U.S.! So based purely on what I’ve read and seen, I would say that in 1900, Korea was almost 100 years behind the U.S. In 1950 it was about 30-50 years behind the U.S., in the 1980s and 90’s it was about 20 years behind, and that some time in the 2000s, South Korea actually surpassed the United States! Now I have not been there, but from everything I see in the news and, to be fair, from K Dramas (which may not be the most accurate point of reference), it seems as if South Korea is currently a more modern and advanced society. That’s my very rough take on things.
I’ve noticed the same thing in other countries that I first visited in the 80’s and thought they were so behind the times, and when I go to them today I think why can’t the U.S. be like this!? Those toilets you mentioned which are just a whole in the ground. Every country in Europe has a name for them. The British call them French toilets, the French call them Italian toilets, the Italians call them Turkish toilets, and so on…..
As for Ae-sun getting framed for robbery by that nasty woman (with a sweet denim jacket!), I would have totally exposed her! Agree to take the test, and the day of the test go right to the police! But I’m sure she is scared and not thinking entirely straight. But, man, think of what that three bedroom Seoul apartment would be worth now…..
I like the law against private tutoring. Even in this country, I feel so bad for these kids whose only after school activity is more tutoring and their only goal in life is getting into one of the most prestigious schools in the country like Harvard, Stanford, or The University of Oregon! ;-)
The letters that Ae Sun’s brother was stealing was hilarious! Did you notice that Ae sun had an “S” on her book band at University. I’m guessing a gift from her brother.
Poor Eun-myeong. Having to grow up in the shadow of a smarter, better looking, more loved older sibling, must have be tough. I know because I have a younger sibling…… ;-)
Finally, for all of you lamenting that there has not been any character development in Gwan-sik’s character, you don’t need to develop when you start out perfect! Or at least that’s what I tell my psychiatrist!
Since nobody asked was I was watching last week, again! I’ll tell you.
Resident Playlist – I am loving this show and in particular Go Youn-jung and her pouty lips. Maybe one of my favorite all time K Drama characters!
Crushology 101 on Viki – Not sure why. Just beautiful people doing dumb beautiful people things.
The Divorce Insurance – More beautiful actress just trying to salvage a not very good script.
And a new entry – The Haunted Palace – Just based on the title alone I know it’s a show for Joanna! Pleasantly surprised with the first four episodes.
*I have a story to share. As I have I mentioned before, I am originally from Asia, and lived there until my mid-twenties before moving to UK.
ReplyDeleteMy parents were from a really small place (population around 20,000). When my Mom finished high school in the early 60s she wanted to go to University in the Capital. At the time, no girl has ever gone to University from the town. Their fathers just didn’t allow them (highly patriarchal society). So, they just stopped and waited to be married.
However, my Grandfather has gone against the tide and allowed my Mom to continue her studies. He faced a lot of social pressure, but he stood firm. And, so, my Mom became the first girl to go to University from our town, and 4 years later (in 1969) became the first University graduate girl from our town. A fact she has always been very proud of lol.
My Grandfather’s decision was a momentous one, not only for my Mom, because the following year, around 10 girls went University (including some of my Mom’s high school friends). And, the number kept gradually increasing. Today it is a common thing.
My Grandfather wasn’t a perfect man. He had his faults, and he has done some questionable things. But, for his time and place he was very progressive and open minded in many areas. He actually can be a good Kdrama character lol, because he certainly led an interesting life.
If you want to know how my parents got married (It is a proper Kdrama stuff lol), and other stories you can take advantage of one time offer of monthly subscription of $1.99. All major cards & PayPal are accepted. Lool.
* I think Kdramas depiction of society is lacking in courage. Yes, they do show a lot of negative things, but it is mostly done on surface level (with very few exceptions), and things usually work out. They rarely push things and attempt serious examination. Novels are way better in that aspect.
I am particularly disappointed in this one, because I had very high hopes for it. I thought this being produced by Netflix (less restrictions) and directed by the “Miseang” director could go in places where others shy away. But, sadly, it is following the trodden path. Yes, there is lots of hardship and misfortune, but ultimately it is a crowd pleaser taking the easy route at the crucial points(Ae Sun not marrying Sang Gil. Sang Gil letting Gwan Sik & Ae Sun to openly humiliate and challenge him and then have their own boat(in real life this boat will be destroyed the following day) without any consequences).
Of course it is still a really good drama and better than most, but I wish it was more courageous.
But, TV shows are ultimately a business. Crowd pleasers gets more ratings and viewers.
* I am still on break from Kdramas, but my comeback drama most likely will be “The Queenmaker” starring Moon Soo Ri. I absolutely LOVED her performance. To me, she was the stand out performer.
Btw, the actresss I mentioned were not necessarily my favourites, but the ones I think were fantastic actresses.