The songs we featured during the recap:
Mi Ji and Mi Rae by Nam Hye Seung and Cho Mira
Gentle Souls that Longed to be Trees by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee
The surprising moment when Han Se Jin finally calls Mi Rae by her real name and what it reveals about his perception of her.
The heartbreaking story of Bun Hong and Ho Su, including the revelation that she is his stepmother and the sacrifices she made to raise him after his father’s death.
How overheard conversations and misunderstandings shaped Ho Su’s belief that he was a burden rather than a beloved son.
The powerful friendship between Bun Hong and Ok Hui, culminating in Bun Hong finally sharing the truth about her relationship with Ho Su.
Ho Su and Mi Ji’s awkward but endearing transition from confession to an actual relationship, including their disastrous first date and eventual reconciliation.
The meaning behind the episode title, “An Unconventional Whole,” and the idea that imperfect people can become stronger together.
Mi Rae’s growing uncertainty about returning to Seoul and Han Se Jin’s invitation for her to consider a different future at the strawberry farm.
The shocking appearance of Park Sang Yeong, who looks exactly like Mi Ji and Mi Rae’s late father, and the emotional impact this has on both sisters.
Kim Rosa’s hidden family situation, the introduction of adult guardianship, and the increasing pressure being placed on her by KFMC.
The reveal that Kim Tae I is connected to the mysterious Kim Su Yeon and what this might mean for Mi Rae’s past.
Actor spotlight: Im Chul Soo, the beloved character actor known for memorable roles in Mr. Sunshine, Crash Landing on You, Vincenzo, Alchemy of Souls, Queen of Tears, When the Phone Rings, and many more hit dramas.
References
Adult Guardianship in Korea: What Psychiatrists Need to Know
How One Organization Supports Orphans who Age Out of Care in Korea
Adult Guardianship in Korea: What Do Psychiatrists Need to Know? - PMC
The Japanese art form of kintsugi: embracing the imperfections of life
K Drama Chat is a weekly podcast where we take one Korean (K) Drama each season and and recap and analyze each episode. K Drama Chat is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
This was a stunning episode of a show that continues to surprise me, particularly as we learn Bun Hong's backstory. And it's not even the "mid-point" -- the show reveals all of this on episode 8 (of 12!) Actress Kim Sun-young was simply brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThis is something the best k-dramas often do -- come at you unexpectedly with a character's surprising backstory, and as a viewer all of the actor's previous, interesting and quirky decisions begin to fall in place in your mind. Those wonderful "ah-ha!" moments. What a terrific pay-off.
Perhaps I was emotionally moved so much by this reveal because I too am a step-parent (with both sons now in their mid-20s). While in the U.S. we don't seem to have the same toxic societal stigmas, as a step-parent it still often feels like an uneasy, unsure path! As you said, the parent/child relationship is inherently "unfair" -- that's just a simple fact of life. Like Bun Hong, as parents we are often called upon to keep that smile plastered on our face and exert some calmness, care and maturity, even amidst a child's emotional turmoil and pain.
Interesting to note -- I see actress Kim Sun-young is ALSO a step-parent! Perhaps she was able to draw from that experience for this role.
The additional backstory information of her own family experience was equally moving -- like Ho Su and other characters in the show, Bun Hong never felt like a "whole" member of her OWN family. And we can see why -- those sisters were so dreadful I expected their ride to the hospital was maybe a pumpkin coach! Some serious Cinderella vibes. Ho Su was definitely better off making her own family, and all her haters, gossips, and naysayers can choke on pumpkin seeds as far as I'm concerned.
So cheers to some outstanding writing and an incredible performance by Kim Sun-young. There's so much to talk about in this episode, but I really wanted to single out this character and actress for some very well-deserved praise.
That hair-washing scene was the absolute highlight of this episode for me too. Two actors at the top of their game. Love them both.
DeleteAgree on all of this, especially the hair washing scene. I remember when we were going through Startup, how Kim Seon Ho’s scenes with the grandma were so well-acted that they stood out on their own from the rest of the show. I think it’s the same with this pair of great actresses. It’s the writing too, but they bring an extra dimension that’s not in the script, very touching.
DeleteJeff, with this rewatch of Our Unwritten Seoul, I am appreciating the moms so much more. The acting is top notch. Kim Sun Young is brilliant in this role. The way she would put on a mask of cheerfulness before each interaction was amazing.
DeleteDoremi and Ellen, yes, that hair washing scene was great. I laughed at how hard Bun Heong's hair was getting washed though!
In Reply 1988 Hosu's Mum washed someone's hair, so it is only fair that someone washes her hair :)
DeleteThose perm wigs!
DeleteAnd to be fair, Bun Heong's hair was probably pretty manky after all that time.
DeleteThis series, which I already loved, continues to surprise me. There is so much unfolding and so many layers to uncover. It only proves how well-written this show is.
ReplyDeleteBun Hong, played by Kim Sun Young, was amazing. The level of restraint she brought to her performance was remarkable. I’ve seen her in other series, so I know just how wide her acting range is.
The same can be said for Im Chul Soo. He isn’t typecast into the same roles and consistently shows impressive versatility. My favorite role of his is still Master Lee from Alchemy of Souls—the seemingly unassuming master who turned out to be so much more.
Joanna, I recently rewatched Goblin, and I know exactly which scene with CEO Kim you’re referring to.
Side note: the controversy surrounding Perfect Crown feels way over the top. Come on, guys—it’s fiction, hence the disclaimer. But then again, I suppose disclaimers don’t seem to carry much weight anymore.
Irma, you and I are in complete agreement here. Bun Heong is played so well by Kim Sun Young. Im Chul Soo is great here, and he was amazing in Alchemy of Souls.
DeleteSo glad you recognized the scene from Goblin. It's from one of the last episodes and it's great! It's almost a throwaway scene but so meaningful. I still remember it!
And re: Perfect Crown, I LOVE this show. The controversy is ridiculous. It's much ado about nothing and people should be ashamed of how they are abusing IU and Byeon Woo Seok!
Unfortunately, it's part of Korean celebrity culture for people to tear their idols down, even for merely being associated with something they disagree with. It's the parasocial bargain - 'we worship you, you never disappoint us in any way'.
DeleteOn a happier note, I just finished watching Lovely Runner (delightful) and I'm really enjoying My Royal Nemesis. (I actually love watching episodes as they are released, more than binge-watching.)
Ah! Master Lee and his chastity tea lol.
DeleteA Korean perspective on tearing down celebrities from a former music journalist.
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/fhQxONScQcs?si=T3a5vjyGViv0-z0P
(Mentions abuse, including CSA.)