11.8 - Podcast Review of Episode 8 of When Life Gives You Tangerines

Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.comToday, we’ll be discussing Episode 8 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, and Moon So-ri as Oh Ae-sun and Park Hae-joon as Yang Gwan-sik as older adults. We discuss:The song featured during the recap: My Love by My Side by Isaac Hong, a gorgeous acoustic ballad performed with only guitar, piano and voice.The full-circle moment when Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s past kindness saves their daughter Geum Myeong from a false accusation nearly 20 years later.Guilt and obligation between parents and children, especially how Geum Myeong's guilt leads to emotional distance from her loving parents.Geum Myeong’s awful experience at the police station, reminiscent of her mother’s experience at the Busan police station 20 years earlier.Gwan-sik’s efforts to connect with his daughter, waiting all day to see her in Seoul and facing her rejection with grace.Ae-sun’s sacrifice: abandoning her dream of opening a café so Geum Myeong can study abroad in Japan.The museum that Gwan sik visited, which is probably the Independence Hall of Korea and the historical context of the 1987 democratic elections in Korea.The heartbreaking memory of little Geum Myeong waving to her father, and how a grown-up Geum Myeong’s wave brings Gwan-sik to tears.How Gwang Rye, in Ae sun’s dream, is still giving Ae sun advice how to discuss the death of Dong Myeong with Gwan sik.Ae-sun finally winning the poetry contest after years of longing, thanks to the haenyeos’ secret submission of her poem.The mysterious wedding scene where Geum Myeong is sobbing—who is she marrying and why is she so sad?Reflections on “gaman,” a Japanese concept of enduring hardship with grace, and how it defines both Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s character.Park Hae-joon’s transformation from the "nation’s adulterer" to the "nation’s romantic lead," and how playing Gwan-sik changed his personal outlook on his marriage and life with his wife.ReferencesIndependence Hall of Korea - Wikipedia1987 South Korean presidential election - Wikipedia