The songs featured during the recap: They Fell Down But Got Back Up Again and Eternal Nostalgia, both by Judah Earl, a non-Korean musician who has contributed to many K Dramas OSTs.
The history and use of yeontan (연탄), charcoal briquettes in Korea to heat homes; Joanna talked about how these briquettes are prominent in Reply 1988.
The healing nature of this episode for Geum Myeong, who returns to Jeju a year after her breakup with Yeong beom and is cared for by her parents.
The lavish and carefully prepared meals Ae-sun prepares to nourish her daughter, including jangjorim, chonggak kimchi, bibim naengmyeon, and kimbap.
A sweet sunrise boat ride between Gwan-sik and Geum Myeong that rekindles their bond and reveals Gwan-sik’s quiet but profound love.
Ae-sun’s maternal wisdom and her confidence in Geum Myeong, seen when she reveals she never sent out wedding invitations, instinctively knowing the marriage wouldn't happen.
The thoughtful gifts Geum Myeong gives her parents, the notebook for Ae sun and the hand cream for Gwan sik.
Ae-sun’s touching conversation with her elderly grandmother; both women understand what it means to have lost a child.
The poetic scene between Ae-sun’s grandmother and Gwang Rye, possibly a moment of transition to the afterlife.
Eun Myeong’s return home from the military and the shocking arrival of Hyeon suk and the announcement that she is pregnant.
The return of Chung Seop and his desperate dash after Geum Myeong’s bus, echoing Ae-sun’s cry to Gwan-sik years ago.
Cultural references to Sandglass, Seo Taiji and Boys, Princess Diana’s 1995 interview, and former President Chun Doo Hwan’s downfall.
The moving cinematography of the sunrise scene.
Reflections on the multiple deaths in the episode and their emotional impact on Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, especially concerning their lost son.
Our deep dive into the career of Jang Hye-jin, her impressive range, and how unrecognizable she is across her roles—from Parasite to Crash Landing on You to Dr. Slump.
References
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*Considering the low birth rate in South Korea, I think Eun Myeong was serving his country by getting his gf/wife pregnant lol.
ReplyDeleteThe tooth pulling thing might be an Asian thing. I don’t remember a lot, but I had one of my teeth pulled that way. But, it wasn’t by one of my parents. I think it was an Uncle, or Aunt. I don’t recall my parents doing it though. Maybe because with time people didn’t do it that much. But, it certainly was a common thing during the time it happened in the series.
I love Gimbap.
*Zoom meeting would be nice, but I am a camera shy person. I probably will join if you allow me voice only. Malcolm will then probably be able to guess my origin since I do have clear accent :).
*The e-mail you read from one listener was interesting. I strongly disagree that the series we are watching doesn’t feel like a Kdrama because it doesn’t have slow motion. Because that is essentially reducing the entire Kdrama as an art form to one single defining “element”.
However, I agree with her that the lack of that “element” was beneficiary to the overall outcome.
And that highlight the issue that not all “Kdrama elements” are “good” ones. This of course varies from one person to another.
Personally, I HATE love-triangles.
I hope she can join us on the blog.
* For the “intermezzo” episode(s) I suggest we discuss a movie. I think “Past Lives” would be an excellent choice. Although I consider it an American movie, there is more than enough South Korean flavour to it. Also, I think issues of immigration, identity and your ever changing relationship with your country of origin is something many of your listeners (myself included) can relate to.
On top of everything, it is just a damn good movie, and if more people watch it to enjoy the discussion then it is really good.
Seven Seas, thank you for your comments! I'll work on finding a date for a Zoom! Will have to figure out how to distribute the Zoom link privately.
DeleteI LOVE the idea of discussing Past Lives. I loved the movie and you are right that it is an American AND a Korean movie. I had seen him in Chocolate and recognized him!
I love gimbap and maki rolls! Like Sung Hee says, they are superficially similar, but different in ingredients, preparation and even final presentation!
Seven Seas, I think a Zoom meetup would be just great, voice only if you prefer. And I think discussing Past Lives would be an excellent choice for a bridge episode, and also nominate Parasite and Harbin, because all three are internationally acclaimed Korea-based movies, and popular in Korea itself.
ReplyDeleteThe boat trip with Geum Myeong and Gwan-Sik; to see the sunrise together, was indeed among the most moving of the series so far.
With regards to being camera-shy, I once read a quote which affected me profoundly and changed my feeling. It is, “To the artist, all human faces are beautiful”. That’s how I see everyone now, and I no longer fear the mirror orbthe camera.
Ellen, I will work on a date for a Zoom meeting. I can't wait to be in real time conversation with some of you! I would not care if people didn't come on camera. I am fine with people being off camera and being on mute. I understand that a meetup like this could be intimidating. I just want to be sure that participants are known enough that nobody will act badly. See you soon!
DeleteHi, I have an idea on organizing the Zoom meeting! On your podcast tomorrow, ask everyone who wishes to participate to send you their email to an email address you use or create just for this purpose. You can reply individually with a link, which will not disclose the emails of others in the group. But we can all participate with control of video on or off in our own control. A lot of work setting it all up, but it would be so fun, and protect everyone’s privacy too.
DeleteEllen, thank you for the suggestions! We record today's episode several days ago, but we will think about the Zoom meeting some more this weekend!
DeleteI’d love to join the Zoom meeting.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite scene for the episode was sunrise boat ride of Gwan Sik and Geum Myeong. I still cry hearing their exchanges, how Gwan Sik works hard so his children can sleep a bit more.