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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 13 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring IU as Oh Ae-sun and Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik as young adults, then Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:
The songs featured during the recap: “Twenty Years of One Side Love” by Yoon Hyun Kyum and “Third Time’s the Charm” by Judah Earl.
How this episode captures the parallel dynamics of Geum Myeong’s marriage to Chung Seob and her evolving relationship with her father, Gwan Sik.
The episode’s powerful themes of generational sacrifice, as each generation sacrifices to make things better for their children.
The poignant wedding scene, where Yeong Beom watches Geum Myeong from afar; he finally sees Geum Myeong in a wedding dress!
The doljanchi (first birthday celebration) of Je Il and the cultural significance of Korean rice cakes and the doljabi ritual.
The confrontation between Eun Myeong and his father, revealing resentment and dreams for a different future.
Ae Sun’s reminder that even “Steelheart” Gwan Sik can be wounded, showing vulnerability with age.
The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and its sweeping impact on Korea that included layoffs, company bankruptcies, and high unemployment.
The bittersweet, missed connection at the Cannes Theater between Geum Myeong and Chung Seob, eventually followed by their emotional reunion on the bus!
The symbolism of inyeon, fate, and timing in Geum Myeong and Chung Seob’s relationship.
Cultural details around drinking etiquette in Korea and “Asian flush syndrome.”
Gwan Sik’s testing of Chung Seob, both at sea and over dinner, and the significance of Chung Seob’s quiet acts of love winning over the protective father.
The grassroots Gold Collection Campaign in Korea during the IMF crisis and its surprising parallels to U.S. wartime efforts.
The wedding of Geum Myeong and Chung Seob, Gwan Sik’s heartache in letting go, and the episode’s title, “Such An Uneven Love,” as a tribute to the father-daughter bond.
The actor, Kim Seon Ho, who plays Chung Seob. We love this actor!
References
Doljabi: Unveiling the Cultural Significance of Korean Celebrations.
Past Lives: This untranslatable Korean word for eternal love has ancient Buddhist roots
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ReplyDeleteAnother Friday, another great episode!
About Changyeob being a 'creep' - it's ok, he got pretty privileges. Just wanna share this - here in PH, there's a running joke that goes as "if the person 'stalking' you is handsome, he's likely really smitten with you. But if he's ugly, he'll probably mug you, or do something illegal". I think if a Kim Seon Ho is going to hold my hand randomly or wait at a particular site for a chance to meet me, I'll probably date him as well (if I am single) lol
On your old recordings - I keep on coming back to your old episodes sometimes, because Friday's are too far from the latest episode, and I have nothing but praise for your effort on doing this show. Imagine, I enjoy it for like 1-1.5 hrs when you made an effort for at least 5hrs per episode (rewatches, recording, editing etc). It's like when my mom makes something delicious for 3hrs only for me to finish it in 15mins haha. So far, the only ones I haven't listened to are 2521 (i got spoiled already and I can't handle another Kim Tae Ri's sad ending) and Queen of Tears (haven't seen yet).
You are absolutely right about the mature relationship of Geum-myeong and Changyeob - it's more stable thus more sustaining, they're at the part of their lives where they had somewhat figured out where they stand. Same can be said to both of you - your wealth of knowledge and life outside and before this podcast gives it more life and vibrancy. Thank you for sharing snippets of your lives with us! Btw Ate Joanna, I understand why you always mention your husband- it's because of your inyeon. LOL
Speaking of inyeon - I can't recall if you have mentioned or discussed this but it's similar to invisible (red) string theory I guess. It's so crazy how our fates are just intertwined with each other.
About Steelheart's old age - i saw something on tiktok the other day about aging and the beauty of it. As much as our get bodies get weaker and unable to carry heavier items, not everyone is blessed of going through with it and living with the life lessons they had. Thus it needs to be celebrated.
For recommendation - I am voting for either Vincenzo or the Glory. They meet certain criteria like unique topics and something you haven't discussed yet. Based on stats, the gore genre didn't do well (which I am a bit sad because I love Kingdom so much that i had watched it and listened to this podcast season minimum 5 times each) but I am still hoping for these shows to be considered! We're long overdue as well with something intense - SYIM19L and Tangerines are just too comforting lol. But if we are to continue the soft and comforting trend, I'll go with Extra Ordinary Atty. Woo - Cho Won (JiEum's sister in SYIM19L) is the second lead there as well, and BFF of the main character. I can't recall if you have mentioned that either the two of you ever seen this show - but it's profound. It's one of the shows that made me really think about how our choices.
For the one-off episode and now you mentioned it - I AM ROOTING FOR MISS GRANNY AS WELL!!! I have watched some of the adaptations as well (PHL, THL, IND). I would recommend you seeing the other films as well (if they are available to you). I may be biased, but the PH adaptation is my favorite. The young version of granny is an IU-version of our country in a way as she is an all rounder, can sing, act, dance, perform, well respected, and demure). Another recommendation though is The Handmaiden - to either to be reviewed or just to be watched by you. I know you are trying to make this as family friendly as much as possible, but I'm interested in what you think!
Looking forward to next week and advanced congratulations to this amazing season!! <3
Thanks, Tina, for your kind words. I'm so glad you're enjoying the podcast. It is a labor of love, because we really love doing it. I've said this before, but while we joke about getting real sponsorship to do this, the fact that we are doing it ourselves means that we can keep it more personal and free of outside influences. It's really just us, Joanna and me, saying what we really think and feel.
DeleteI'm glad to find another MIss Granny fan! I'll have to check out the Filipino version, if I can find it. One thing that resonates with me in this movie is that the young actress captures all the mannerisms of the older version of herself so perfectly and it reminds me of my grandmother and all the other elderly Korean ladies I have known.
I started watching The Handmaiden, but got interrupted, so I'll have to go back and watch it. Another Kim Tae Ri film, one where I think it really made her name early in her career.
Tina, thank you for your wonderful comments! Where to start?
DeleteYes, if the guy is handsome, you're happy he's hanging around, but if he's not, he's a creep. It's like when my husband says you're not a hoarder if your house is large enough.
I am so touched that you listen and re-listen to the other seasons. You are right about the effort that each episode takes. I won't even tell how much time it takes to watch the episode, write notes, do research, record, set up the editing, listen to the edit, etc., etc. Haha, but it's a labor of love and joy!
I think that Sung Hee will make sure that we do a one off episode about Miss Granny! I vote for Past Lives and maybe even Welcome to Samdal-ri, as a counterpoint to Tangerines.
Thank you for your recommendations for the next season. I agree with you that we need high action in the next season and we haven't done revenge yet. We'll see how it goes!
Thank you for listening and commenting!
@Sung Hee - I 100% agree on this podcast being such a labor of love and art, and I believe artists should be paid for their time. I do hope you get sponsors that loves you for what you do, and willing to pay what you deserve!
DeleteOn Miss Granny - YES! 100%! All the versions i've seen so far brought me to tears, both in happiness and sadness haha.
Hope you get back to Handmaiden and finish it!
@Joanna - i think your husband is right lol
DeleteSo many shows, and so much limited time! You guys share so much love and happiness with us, I hope you two are well-taken care off by the people around you!
Sunghee, don’t cancel Hulu just yet—not until you’ve watched Moving! If you’ve already seen it, then yay! It’s my top K-drama of 2023.
ReplyDeleteNow on to When Life Gives You Tangerines episode 13—another father-daughter-centric story. And we get a wedding! I fully approve of Chung Seob for Geum Myeong (it definitely helps that he’s played by Kim Seon Ho—what a sweetheart).
That scene in Jeju where Chung Seob came back, knelt, and spoke in that high-pitched voice? I think he took Geum Myeong’s advice to heart—how she said she made an effort with his mom. This was his attempt to do the same, though… it didn’t quite land since he was drunk.
Currently watching: Pinocchio, because I am thoroughly captivated by Lee Jong Suk—IU’s real-life boyfriend!
Irma, thanks for the recommendation! I still have a little time left on my Hulu subscription so I'll take a look. Also, I might consider subscribing to Hulu alone, instead of the package I got roped into when I signed up for Disney Plus, only to find out that everything I wanted to see was on Hulu.
DeleteWhile I liked Kim Seon Ho in other roles, seeing him here in WLGYT has completely won me over. So charming and irresistible !!
I hadn't heard of Pinocchio, but I just saw Lee Jong Suk in Big Mouth, and I have to agree with you about him!
Irma, thank you for your comments! Wow, more episodes to add to my list. I don't actually watch too many shows each year because the podcast takes a lot of my time, but I'm trying! Moving is on the list and I guess I need to add Pinocchio now!
DeleteI agree that Chung Seob was making an effort when he knelt in front of Geum Myeong's dad. That was hilarious and he made quit the fool of himself. Thank goodness he was drunk so his behavior could be excused. And if that's the worst behavior one can expect of you when drunks, that's a good thing. I'm sure Gwan sir wanted to be sure Chung Seob wouldn't turn into a mean drunk to his daughter. THAT would have been a hard NO.
I have only ever seen Lee Jong Suk in one drama, Romance is a Bonus Book and I didn't finish it. So I can't comment on this guy. He's almost too pretty for me! I hope he is wonderful to IU coz she deserves the very best, forever, not just during courtship!
Thank you for listening and commenting!
I didn’t get a chance to comment last week as I was busy on my K Drama script about Sung Hee’s parents – working title “E=MC Loved!” Apparently, I now how to work on one about Joanna meeting her husband! I guess this wouldn’t be a K Drama but a P Drama? J Drama? JP Drama?! Working title “Metroliner Book Club.”
ReplyDeleteAs for this week’s episode, what a whirlwind! It opened with a fake out about who Geum Myeong was going to marry, but we all knew it was going to be Chung Seob. Poor Yeong Beom flew all the way the Jeju just to sit is his car. I don’t know if anyone has ever been to an ex’s wedding, but I would…. not recommend it. As for the wedding itself, loved the MC! In a church no less. And as for that wedding dress, I still stand by my position that wedding fashion rarely stands the test of time. Very 90s. And don’t even get me started on the hairstyles.
There were so many good lines in this episode, but perhaps my favorite was Geum Myeong saying the last digits of my pager will always be the same!
Thanks for the explanation about what was being stuck to the fence during the college entrance exam. I can always count on this podcast to explain these little details. I almost googled it myself, then thought, nah, Joanna and Sung Hee will definitely cover this!
And poor Joanna just missing out on her big prediction about meeting at the theater. As they say, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. But credit to Chung Seob for running after the bus. Would I run 20 city blocks trying to catch a bus?! I mean, obviously, if IU were on it!
As for the one-off episode, I second Tina’s recommendation of The Handmaiden. This movie is definitely not PG. I don’t think Joanna’s favorite word “steamy” would cut it for this movie. But it has a great cast and a crazy plot. It was Kim Tae-ri’s first major role, and what a first role to play! Trust me on this.
I also second Tina’s suggestion of The Glory for next season. But NOT her recommendation of Vincenzo! Sorry, Tina, I could not do more than a few episodes before giving up on the show. For one, it’s probably the most watched K Drama on Netflix other than Squid Game. It is a bogsu (revenge) drama, which you haven’t done. And it stars Song Hye-kyo! Incredibly, you have not done a drama staring her.
And finally, what everyone’s been waiting for - What’s Malcolm Watching:
Our Unwritten Seoul on Netflix. I absolutely love this show. It stars Park Bo Young playing identical twins who look identical but have very different lives and personalities. And, of course, they swap positions in life with one taking over the big city corporate job and the other heading back to home in the countryside. But instead of hilarious hijinks, there is deep and dark introspection by both characters. And while there are love triangles, they are more like a love web since only the twins know they have switched places. Also, it has my crush Jang Youngnam! Highly recommended.
Tastefully Yours on Netflix – This show is terrible. It’s a shame because it has a great cast and, in theory, a good premise. But the writing is so lazy. I don’t know why I am still watching it. Who am I kidding, it still has Go Min-si as the female lead….
The Third Charm on Netflix – This is a 2018 Drama that I started a while ago and just got around to finishing. The best way to describe this is it takes you on an emotional journey of a couple that first meet when they are 20 and go through a series of life event over the course of 10-15 years. It stars Seo Kang-joon and Esom and has a really good supporting cast. If you like K drama that will emotionally rip your heart out, this is for you!
Malcolm, missed you! Thank goodness you're back!
DeleteYes, I was SO CLOSE on my prediction about when Geum Myeong and Chung Seob would meet again! I'm as frustrated as the theater owner!
Someday, I'll tell you all the ways that my life is just like Geum Myeong's, including the boyfriend with the evil mom. Hmm... maybe that's why I have such PTSD over shows with evil moms!
Thank you for your recommendations for Season 12. We have some good shows to consider, including The Glory and Our Unwritten Seoul. Our Unwritten Seoul was recommended by others so it's a last minute addition to the list!
I LOVE that you share what you're watching. You are amazing. I can't keep up. I feel like my Friday - Monday is devoted to the podcast, which leaves only a few other days for other shows. I'm on episode 12 of Reply 1988. Maybe I'll finish before the end of the year. Man, Park Bo Gum has a million dollar smile!
Thanks Malcolm for backing The Glory up! Absolute yes on all your points! CMIIW, but none of the actors there had been featured, right? Looking forward for Ate Joanna and Sung-hee unnie discovering Lim Ji-yeon's filmography HAHAHA
DeleteI understand why Vincenzo can be a no for some. I just rewatched it a month or so ago and it has some fluff scenes that may have been nice during the pandemic when it was aired, but would not float anymore. But the villains' ending was just too satisfying!!
I also hope you still sleep Malcolm - you are watching too many shows lol.
And you too, Ate Joanna, I hope your life now is as pretty as Geum Myeong's with a Chung Seob on your side. Evil mother's aren't fun! They'll have their place too somewhere - that said - have you guys seen Heavenly Ever After?
Hi everybody! I have nothing to add to everyone’s comments on this wonderful episode, other than to say that I didn’t feel sad for Yeong Beom, who lacked the courage to stand up to his witch of a mother. When he finally made weak noises in that direction, it was too late.
ReplyDeleteFor the new season, have you considered Signal? It won Best Drama in 2016 at the Baeksang Arts Awards, has a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes,and most importantly, is coming back for a Season 2 early next year on Netflix. It will have the same writer, cast, director etc.
Some of its plot was based on real crimes. I haven’t watched The Glory because of its revenge-based plotline, same with Vincenzo. Just my thoughts. Where does one watch Miss Granny?
"When he finally made weak noises in that direction, it was too late." - girl, I'm stealing this line. I find it so funny and I'll put it on a sticker.
DeleteI heard Signal is good too - haven't seen it, but I should get this back on my list. If you don't mind me asking, what's with revenge-based plotline?
On Miss Granny - i think i watched the original/Korean version on iQIYI. Right now, Netflix PH only shows the Philippines and Indian adaptations.
Hey Tina Choi, I’m all for catching bad guys and righting wrongs, but I run out of enthusiasm for straight up score- settling, because I just end up hating everyone. Maybe we’ll all get to trade views on a Zoom one of these days.
Delete*I don't have much to add about the episode itself.
ReplyDeleteI will just say that running after the bus was very good effort, but can't really compete with jumping from a boat and swimming in the sea :)
*So, I have seen quite few series and movies mentioned. here are my thoughts:
The Glory: I am certainly down to discussing it. It was really enjoyable, and utterly addictive. I finished it in less than a week. It also had some very good acting. However, despite having some interesting themes, it leans shallow in my opinion. It is ultimately a plot driven story fulled by suspense and our desire to see a form of justice done. Viewed with cold analysis, it is just one big wishfull thinking with highly, and extremely unrealistic sequence of events.
Also, I think the discussion will suffer from the fact that all of us know how things end.
This is an inherent problem with all shows of that nature.
Maybe instead of 16 episodes you can do 4? or just special episode?
Or, maybe I am wrong, and we can actually talk about each episode on its own :)
Vincenzo: Probably the fastest Kdrama I have dropped. Couldn't get past 30mins.
Miss Granny: I have seen the Korean version. It is a familiar story. It is done well. I enjoyed the film, but can't say I loved it. It was fine. It is however a good for discussion.
The Handmaiden: 18+ is not enough. More like 36+ lol. But, jokes aside, it is very good one, especially when I watched in Cinema. I watched it when it came out. I didn't know any actor then, and I wasn't into Korean dramas or Cinema. I watched it because it was loosely based on a novel I loved "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters. The film is much more faithful to the book in the early parts, but gradually starts to have its own path, and the last act is completely its own.
It has beautiful cinematography, set designs, and costumes, not to mention its crazy plot.
It has few long explicit scenes though. Not convinced all that was needed.
..finally what I am watching?
After having a Kdrama break, I finished "Queenmaker" (I wanted more Moon So-ri). It is a political drama on Netflix. I really enjoyed it. It was tight 11 episodes. I have some issues about the logic of certain events, especially in the last episode, but enjoyable, and something different.
Next is Our Unwritten Seoul, which I probably start tomorrow.