The song featured during the recap: Hwal Hwal by Hwang So-yoon (aka So!YoON!), a blazing track that mirrors the episode’s emotional intensity.
The tragic and pivotal loss of Dong Myeong, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s son, and the overwhelming grief that overtakes the family.
The episode’s haunting realism in showing how each family member carries deep guilt for Dong Myeong’s death.
Listener Malcolm’s brilliant comparison of the haenyeos to a Greek chorus that offers communal commentary, humor, and moral perspective.
The emotional support network of Jeju villagers, especially the haenyeos and the elderly couple who helped the family survive.
The revelation that Min-ok paid the rent under the guise of a “moral scholarship,” and how language misinterpretation played a key role in the mystery behind who paid the rent.
The deeply affecting scene of Gwan-sik breaking down at the government office while declaring Dong Myeong’s death.
Ae-sun’s evolution, embracing help from others despite her strong sense of pride and independence.
The powerful legacy of Gwang Rye, Ae-sun’s mother, whose advice and memory give Ae-sun strength to carry on.
The return of hope through Geum Myeong’s acceptance into Seoul National University, a major family milestone.
Cinematic details like the realistic typhoon scene and the use of the Jeju Fishing Village Set.
2 possible, new K Drama elements: the kick to the shins, and reading poetry.
Next week, we’ll recap and analyze Episode 7 of When Life Gives You Tangerines. We’ll also talk about Yeom Hye-ran, the actress who plays Jeon Gwang Rye, Ae-sun’s mother—nominated for a Baeksang Award this year!
References
Protecting Haenyeo: Ritual and Spiritual Practices of Jeju Haenyeo
Behind the Scenes: When Gwan sik Collapses Upon Seeing Ae sun and Dong Myeong
No other comments so far? I’m surprised, though this episode was so sad, everyone blaming themselves for the little boy’s tragic death. Pulling themselves together to go on was heart-wrenching, but inspiring too. I was once in the middle of testimony at an attempted murder trial, whose intended victim had the the same name as me. I was the key witness for intent, because I had received numerous threats before the event, including phone threats from the defendent after the murder attempt from jail. The state sent me to a psychologist through a program for witnesses. His normal clientelle was wealthy, unlike me.
ReplyDeleteI moaned about how I didn’t want to get up and go to work each day, I just wanted to hide under the covers. He said something I’ll never forget. He said “Don’t you know how lucky you are? You have to go earn a living, you have to do what’s necessary for your survival! My sickest patients are the ones with the money to dwell on their troubles all day. You’re going to be okay.”
I thought of that time watching this little family stand back up, because they had no choice.
Ellen, what a harrowing experience. It speaks to how there is no real objective measure of what we can and cannot do to survive, It really comes from within, your own strength and determination. It also makes me think of Gwang Rye, struggling desperately to free herself and swim up to the surface, to see the sky and breathe again. I'm so glad that you were able to overcome that terrible experience. And now here you are, part of our community of friends. We're so glad you're here.
DeleteI do think of you all as my friends! Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteAbout Min-ok financing three months rent; didn’t her husband just sell the house? And would not Ae-sun be entitled to a share of the proceeds, since it had been her mother’s house. I think Min- ok was just putting things right, in the God-Is-Watching sense of the word.
ReplyDelete