The episode begins with the mysterious music playing. We see our heroine’s face, stoic and wearing a ball cap. It’s dimly lit, ao there’s lots of shadows and the background looks like it’s a jail cell. A woman asks if our heroine, Park Bok Nyeo (Choi Ji Woo), can do anything she’s told to do. Bok Nyeo says, “Yes.” No matter what it is. Woman asks if Bok Nyeo can kill a person. No answer. I think the voice is that of Wang Ji Hye.
Switch to the funeral portrait of Woo Sun Young (Kim Hee Jung). She’s a busy working actor. She was Lady Yoon in ‘Gu Family Book’ and Younger Aunt-in-Law (YAIL) in ‘Hundred Year Inheritance.’ Yoon Song Hwa (Wang Ji Hye) looks at the portrait solemnly. She takes a flower from the bucket, places it on the mantle below Soo Young’s portrait and prays. Soo Young’s family stands, wearing black. There’s the father, Eun Sang Chul (Lee Sung Jae); eldest daughter, Han Gyul (Kim So Hyun); older son, Doo Gyul (Chae Sang Woo); and younger son, Se Gyul (Nam Da Reum). She bows a respectful greeting to the family. They bow back.
And this is the first series I watched Lee Sung Jae since ‘Gu Family Book,’ where he played someone absolutely eeeevil, so I’m hoping that this character will be likeable, because he was so good in being amoral that I absolutely hated him. At our first meeting, I’m shocked because this is a completely different man. Where Jo Kwan Woong is confident and self-possessed, this guy is mousy and indecisive.
Sang Chul steps forward and thanks Song Hwa for coming. She says that she’s sorry for his loss, pausing and then adding ‘Manager.’ After a moment of them awkwardly looking at each other, Sang Chul decides to introduce Song Hwa to his family. He puts his hand in the small of her back to escort her over, something Han Gyul notices. And I’m thinking something’s fishy here, too, from the way they're looking at each other. He tells the kids that she’s his co-worker. She introduces herself. Han Gyul looks from Song Hwa to Sang Chul.
Song Hwa goes to sit with the coworkers. Lee Dong Shik (Jang Seo Won) asks if Song Hwa was sick, since she’s missed the last couple days of work. Now that’s not fishy. Manager Choi (Jo Yeon Woo) asks, too, and Song Hwa says that she had a cold.
The youngest Eun enters the mourning hall, Hye Gyul (Kang Ji Woo), crying and calling for Appa. Everyone comes out of the greeting area, but it’s Han Gyul and the other kids that try to comfort her, rather than Sang Chul. Hye Gyul asks if she’s a pitiful child. Someone called her a pitiful motherless child. Doo Gyul gets mad that someone said that to his sister. Aunt, Woo Na Young (Shim Yi Young) runs in, trying to cheer Hye Gyul up with a toy. It only makes Hye Gyul cry harder because Oma made it for her. Everyone is awkward. Sang Chul and Song Hwa exchange looks.
Manager Choi remarks that Sang Chul will have to go through some hard times. It’s going to affect the new project he's been working on. He asks if Song Hwa agrees. She agrees and says that it’s sunk in now, that he’s the father of four children. And somehow I think she’s talking more about herself with that comment.
[49 days later]
Daybreak. Bok Nyeo walks down the street, carrying a satchel. She’s wearing the baseball cap and a silver puffy jacket. She stops outside the Eun household and stands and waits.
At 6:30 Han Gyul’s alarm goes off. She puts on her school uniform – which includes a plaid necktie – and goes downstairs. It’s a mess. Really? Those kids are old enough to clean up after themselves. She stops and looks at Oma’s portrait. Leftover food left out on the counter. Uneaten waffles in the toaster and no rice in the rice cooker. Disgusting. The sink is overflowing with dishes. Han Gyul frowns at the dishes in the sink and turns on the faucet. She starts picking up some stuff and before she gets too far, decides to give up. It will take 20 minutes max to clean that kitchen. They are just lazy. The Duggars need to visit them.
Han Gyul notices Bok Nyeo through the kitchen window. She’s standing outside the house, looking at their front door. That’s not creepy, strange or suspicious. Doo Gyul comes downstairs and yells at Han Gyul for not washing his basketball uniform – even though he’s old enough to do his own laundry. Se Gyul is right behind him, asking his noona if there’s anything he can eat. She says that there is – although I don’t know what she’s talking about. Doo Gyul looks in the refrigerator and marvels at how empty it is. He yells at Han Gyul for not acting like a proper eldest daughter. She tells him to look again. He finds it. Whatever it is.
Han Gyul goes in to get Hye Gyul. How she can sleep when her room is right outside the living room, which is next to the kitchen, I don’t know. Hye Gyul is cuddling a sweater. Han Gyul takes it and hangs it up, telling Hye Gyul that she needs to go to school. Hye Gyul wants to sweater back, since it smells like Oma. And I think it’s the sweater from Oma’s portrait. It’s the same color.
At the table, Han Gyul asks what everyone wants to eat. They all wants something different. Hye Gyul asks for something she sees off TV: steamed eggs. She complains that she’s tired of triangle kimbap! Doo Gyul pours out the bag that he found in the refrigerator: kimbap. Yum. The kids look at the food bleakly. They wonder where Appa is.
Sang Chul is hiding in the bathroom. Doo Gyul begs him to come out. It’s obvious that Sang Chul doesn’t want to. He tells himself to get going.
As the kids eat, Sang Chul just sits at the table. There isn’t much conversation. Se Gyul says that Appa needs to meet with his teacher. When they were in the Philippines, they went to an international school and Se Gyul’s trying to get into an international middle school in Korea. Sang Chul basically asks why he has to be involved. He changes the subject to ask how Han Gyul is liking her new school. She deflects answering by telling Hye Gyul to drink some water. Doo Gyul snaps that Han Gyul doing well in school comes second to her taking proper care of the household first. What was Oma teaching this kid? It should *not* only be the responsibility of the females of the house.
Sang Chul announces that he has something to tell them. Since Han Gyul is having a hard time and he's also busy with his new work project, starting today-- He’s interrupted by the clock ringing 7 am and the doorbell ringing. She’s prompt. Hye Gyul answers the door and Bok Nyeo says nothing. Just steps inside. Sang Chul comes to the door and starts to ask who she is. Bok Nyeo rattles off that she’s the housekeeper from Happy Company. And that must have been his announcement. He knows that Bok Nyeo is coming and is just shocked that she’s not older.
Sang Chul tries to explain the messy entryway by saying that he has many children. The Duggars would argue with him at that being many children and being an excuse for the house being a mess. He grabs some spare slippers for her but she has her own, which she pulls out from her bag.
Now in the dining room, Sang Chul quickly introduces all the kids. He says that from 7AM to 9PM, she will take care of the household chores. And Bok Nyeo has no facial expression whatsoever. She just stares straight ahead. Doo Gyul asks why they have a housekeeper now. Sang Chul says that it’s been 49 days since Oma died. Hye Gyul wants to know what the big deal is about the 49th day? Sang Chul doesn’t know how to explain it. He looks at the other kids to help but they say nothing. Sang Chul stands there and struggles. Bok Nyeo chimes in with the explanation: “For 49 days, before a dead person travels to their after life, their family members cherish the memory of the deceased person long enough to forget them. That way, the people that are left behind feel less sorry.” It’s like she’s a robot, rattling off facts from her database. Everyone, except Hye Gyul, looks at Bok Nyeo surprised, with their mouths hanging open.
Hye Gyul hates the idea of forgetting Oma. She refuses. Sang Chul says that Hye Gyul is still too young to accept this. He smiles awkwardly and says that Oma got in an accident in the nearby river. The Han River? Bok Nyeo just blinks and asks to take a look around the house? Sang Chul is all for that. Hye Gyul asks what they should call Bok Nyeo. Se Gyul thinks that housekeepers are usually called Aunt. Sang Chul eagerly agrees to call Bok Nyeo Aunt. Bok Nyeo immediately says that an aunt is either their mother's older or younger sister. She is not their mom's sister, therefore she cannot be called Aunt by them.
Doo Gyul protests that this Aunt isn't the same as that Aunt! Like Bok Nyeo is stupid. And she’s really talking like a robot. Doo Gyul protests that they should call her ajumma. Sang Chul politely asks what Bok Nyeo’s name is. After a moment, she declares that her name is Park Bok Nyeo, which immediately makes Doo Gyul bust out laughing. He laughs at how old-fashioned Bok Nyeo’s name is. But Hye Gyul likes the idea of Bok Nyeo-nim and smiles.
Checking out the house. Bok Nyeo inspects while the family watches. Don’t they have to go to school? The bathroom is a mess. Bok Nyeo declares that she’ll have to buy cleaning products and toilet paper for the bathroom, plus clean the mold. Wouldn’t they already have cleaning supplies from Oma being there? No one was using them, so wouldn’t they still be there?
On to the kitchen. Wow, it is disgusting. How they don’t have roaches and ant crawling everywhere, I don’t know. Bok Nyeo declares that she will fix the kitchen drain and fill the refrigerator with food. To the patio. Bok Nyeo looks at the outdoor potted plants and declares that she’ll put in new soil and give them fertilizer. Sang Chul’s room, complete with unmade bed. You can’t even make your own bed? No wonder the kids don’t do any chores. Boys room. Bok Nyeo asks if Sang Chul wants her just to clean without changing where the furniture is located. That’s what he wants.
The room where Hye Gyul was sleeping. Now that we get a better look at it, it wasn’t Hye Gyul’s room but Oma’s sewing room. Which makes sense now, why it’s the only ‘bedroom’ downstairs. Bok Nyeo asks what Sang Chul wants done with the room. Awkwardly, Sang Chul says that they’ll have to clean up the room eventually. Doo Gyul – calling Bok Nyeo ‘ajumma’ – orders her not to touch the room. He’s offended by the idea. Se Gyul is irritated at Doo Gyul wanting to leave it alone. Han Gyul tells them both to be quiet. Doo Gyul asks her what she wants done with it then and Hye Gyul begs her unni not to get rid of it. Sang Chul awkwardly fidgets. And I find it interesting that it’s the kids who are deciding this. Like Sang Chul isn’t really the parent in this equation. Sang Chul tells Bok Nyeo to leave it alone for now. Score one for Doo Gyul and Hye Gyul. Doo Gyul angrily slides the doors to the room shut.
Mystery music plays as Bok Nyeo takes off her cap and coat, ties her hair back and puts on her apron, with the family watching. Don’t understand why it’s that interesting. Bok Nyeo tells Sang Chul to hurry. There’s a subway strike, so there will be traffic jams. Everyone hurries to get going.
Why the kids had to hurry, I don’t know, since they’re walking… down the middle of the street. Doo Gyul wonders why Bok Nyeo doesn’t smile. The other kids – Han Gyul and Se Gyul – didn’t really notice. And Doo Gyul is pushing his bike instead of riding it. Doo Gyul declares that Bok Nyeo is weird for not smiling and not trying to get on their good side. The other kids don’t see what the big deal is. Se Gyul declares that a housekeeper is a home laborer. All she has to do is follow orders. Is it necessary for her to get along with the family? Se Gyul declares that Doo Gyul’s expectations are unwarranted. And it’s obvious from Doo Gyul’s response that Se Gyul is the genius of the family and Doo Gyul is not so academically inclined. Doo Gyul gets annoyed at Se Gyul for using big words.
Sang Chul rushes out of the house to find Bok Nyeo waiting outside for him. He smiles and says that Bok Nyeo doesn’t need to walk him out. Bok Nyeo reaches forward and straightens his necktie. Which is seen by Mrs. Nosy (Bang Eun Hee), the next-door neighbor and mother of Hye Gyul’s friend, Uh Jin. Mrs. Nosy is shocked. Like Bok Nyeo is the new girlfriend instead of the new housekeeper. Sang Chul sees Mrs. Nosy, who then is all smiles and friendly. Sang Chul looks at Bok Nyeo – who is still working on the tie – and say that Mrs. Nosy is Uh Jin's mother who lives next door. Bok Nyeo just looks over at Mrs. Nosy. Sang Chul starts to introduce Bok Nyeo, but she declares that she's Housekeeper, Park Bok Nyeo. Awkward smiling by Sang Chul and Mrs. Nosy, who also awkwardly laughs.
Mrs. Nosy goes inside where Mr. Nosy is watching himself on television and drinking his coffee. Who watches themselves on television? Mrs. Nosy declares that it’s just not right, having a young woman next door. Not looking away from the TV, Mr. Nosy asks if Sang Chul got remarried or something. Mrs. Nosy declares that Sang Chul said she's a housekeeper but Mrs. Nosy doesn’t get a good feeling about her. Bok Nyeo is strange. Still not looking at her, he asks why she doesn’t feel good about his housekeeper. Mrs. Nosy says that it’s just because.
Mr. Nosy stops the TV and looks at his wife. He asks if Bok Nyeo is pretty. Mrs. Nosy gives him a glare/look. Mr. Nosy says that Mrs. Nosy think Bok Nyeo’s strange because she's young and Mrs. Nosy doesn't feel good about Bok Nyeo because she's pretty. Mrs. Nosy responds by asking if Mr. Nosy’s ever seen a housekeeper who just came outside to straighten a man's necktie. He chuckles and says that that’s not illegal. Uh Jin comes downstairs and Mrs. Nosy fawns over him. Mr. Nosy goes to get some water and spots Bok Nyeo outside. He stops drinking to look at her. Mrs. Nosy asks if he’s leaving for the station. He goes. She takes the opportunity to spy on Bok Nyeo, too, but when Bok Nyeo looks in her direction, she pretends she was just adjusting the curtains.
Bok Nyeo gets to work, cleaning. She looks in Oma’s room. Doo Gyul tells her to stop right there. What is he doing home from school so soon? He demands to know what she’s doing. Bok Nyeo turns around and it looks like she’s going to slap Doo Gyul. Doo Gyul dodges, but Bok Nyeo’s hand stops in a fist in front of his face. She declares, “A fly.” She's in the room to catch a fly. Doo Gyul sputters that he said not to touch the room and she should follow his orders. She replies that she didn't touch anything and before he can think of anything more to say, Bok Nyeo takes the fly outside. And I think I like Bok Nyeo. Uncrushed, the fly goes on its way.
Bok Nyeo goes back inside the house and Doo Gyul starts yelling at her about the mess. Is she playing hooky? Bok Nyeo stops and says that it’s him who played hooky, Mr. Doo Gyul. He sputters that he’s there to find something. Sure you are. He grabs his basketball and leaves. Wow. That was important.
At work, Sang Chul and Dong Shik are working on their project. Sang Chul takes a glance out at Song Hwa. Even when Dong Shik’s talking to him about how the project is a matter of the company's life and death, he’s still distracted. There is definitely something going on between them. Hmmm…. Sang Chul are you going to be a scumbag in this drama, too? Dong Shik declares that if their proposal is chosen, it looks like Sang Chul’s promotion to director will be set. Song Hwa has finished her conversation and walks away, so Sang Chul puts Dong Shik on hold to run after her.
Sang Chul stops Song Hwa in the hall. She doesn’t look like she wants to talk to him. She slowly turns around to look at him. He smiles self-consciously and says that 49 days felt so long, didn't it? She looks around to see if anyone’s looking. He smiles and whispers that he’ll come to her house later. I sigh. He is a scumbag. Cheating husband. Song Hwa doesn’t look excited. Sang Chul says that they haven't talked since the funeral and the 49th day after death has passed. Wow, he ‘respected’ his wife enough to wait for the 49 days… He says that they need to discuss their future relationship.
Song Hwa interrupts Sang Chul, asking him if he doesn’t need to go home early to take care of his kids. He happily explains that he has a new housekeeper that started working that day, so it's okay. He asks is she has an appointment today, then. She – almost coldly – says yes. And I have a feeling I am really going to hate this woman. She liked being the mistress, when Sang Chul didn’t have to be responsible for anything. But now that he does have some responsibilities, she wants to drop him like a hot potato.
Sang Chul gets a phone call and Song Hwa walks off with just a bow. He tries to get her to stop, but she goes. The phone call is from Director Hong (Kim Hae Sook) at Happy Company, who almost cackles as she greets him. She’s eating a cookie and says that she’s calling to find out how he likes his new housekeeper. Any complaints? When Sang Chul isn’t sure what she means, she immediately starts laughing again and pretends that it’s a question that she normally asks everyone.
Sang Chul says that he was a bit surprised that Bok Nyeo is so young, but he appreciates Bok Nyeo for not refusing the job since he has a lot of kids. Director Hong laughs and declares that Bok Nyeo looks kind of cold but she does a great job. Sang Chul tries to get off the phone, but Director Hong stops him, saying that there’s something she didn't tell him. He needs to be careful.
Bok Nyeo is working on Sang Chul’s suits. She finds a card that says ‘Happy Birthday,’ in one of Sang Chul’s coat pockets. Director Hong’s voice says that Bok Nyeo does everything that she's asked to do. Interesting. Everything. Sang Chul doesn’t see why that’s a problem. Softly Director Hong says that that's what she means. If Bok Nyeo was asked to kill somebody, she might actually do it. Sang Chul’s a little shocked and then Director Hong laughs it off as just an extreme example. Like she was just kidding, but because of the mystery music playing, I have a feeling that she wasn’t. Director Hong hangs up before they can talk anymore.
Sang Chul mutters to himself about Director Hong’s weird extreme example and the phone rings again. It’s Bok Nyeo. She asks if she can have his old suits cleaned. He has no problem with that. She asks what she should do with the stuff in the pockets. He asks what they are. Bok Nyeo says that she found what looks like a birthday card. When he asks who its from and she checks, she says that it’s from Oma. Sang Chul is a little uncomfortable now. Distracted by seeing Song Hwa come back to her desk, he just asks Bok Nyeo to put the card someplace. So Bok Nyeo sticks it on the refrigerator. Bok Nyeo stops to look at Oma’s picture and then there’s a close-up of the card.
Sang Chul arrives home and he’s shocked at how good the house looks. Like it was never messy. He’s a little startled when Bok Nyeo greets him. She asks if he needs some help changing his clothes and when he says he doesn’t, she just goes back to work in the kitchen. She’s slicing up cucumber. He gets some water from the fridge and doesn’t notice the card. He stops to look at Bok Nyeo chopping, her back to him. He thinks of Director Hong saying that Bok Nyeo might actually kill someone if he asks her to.
Suddenly, Bok Nyeo stops chopping. Lifting the knife a little off the counter, without turning around, she asks Sang Chul not to stand behind her. He chokes on the water and then apologizes, explaining that he was just so surprised to see how clean the house had become. She goes back to chopping.
Hye Gyul comes and grabs Sang Chul and drags him to the bathroom. They’re amazed. Hye Gyul declares it’s like they’re in a hotel. Sang Chul checks out his closet and is amazed at how clean it is. His bed looks like it’s in a hotel, too. The boys are pleased with how clean their room is, too. Well, at least Se Gyul is. Doo Gyul still has an attitude, for some reason. The patio now is a peaceful garden oasis. And the dead plants are now lush and full. I think those are new plants rather than just some fertilizer. Dinner is a spread.
Hye Gyul asks if Bok Nyeo will be joining them. She replies that she won’t, calling Hye Gyul ‘Miss.’ Sang Chul tells her that she doesn’t need to use honorifics with the kids. Bok Nyeo replies that she feels more comfortable using them. I wonder if she drops them later. I don’t know Korean well enough to know the answer to that.
The family digs in and is amazed at how the food tastes exactly like Oma’s food. Doo Gyul finds it seriously weird. Han Gyul tells him that it’s because Oma’s recipes are on the refrigerator. Doo Gyul still isn’t buying it since everyone's cooking has a different taste. He declares that he has a very sensitive palate but decides to go ahead and eat.
Se Gyul asks Sang Chul about a math problem. Sang Chul is clueless, using the excuse that it’s been a long time since he did this kind of problem. Han Gyul doesn’t know either. But Bok Nyeo does. Doo Gyul mutters that Bok Nyeo cheated. Bok Nyeo says, “Trash.” Doo Gyul looks at her shocked that she said that to him. But she simply looks at him and says that it’s recycling day. She will go separate the garbage. She leaves the dining room.
Doo Gyul can’t believe that Bok Nyeo just called him trash. Se Gyul is stunned because the problem he was asking about was from the Math Olympiad and Bok Nyeo was faster than his tutor. Doo Gyul still think she’s suspicious. He asks Sang Chul if he’s okay with Bok Nyeo. Sang Chul says that Director Hong’s phone call is making him question, because she said that Bok Nyeo does everything that she's asked to do. And that seems to be a problem. This makes Doo Gyul smiles almost evilly. Sang Chul tells the kids to be careful, because if she's asked to kill somebody, she might do it.
Outside, Bok Nyeo is sorting the trash. Mrs. Nosy comes out to gather some gossip. Bok Nyeo doesn’t give her anything. Mrs. Nosy hits at Oma’s death not being an accident and then pretends to be on Bok Nyeo’s side. Bok Nyeo says nothing. Mrs. Nosy leaves the two bottles she’s holding behind on the ground and is startled when Bok Nyeo stomps on one loudly.
Aunt arrives with two bags of groceries and stumbles as she comes in the door. She groans loudly as she falls. She brightly announces her arrival. The kids do not look that thrilled that she’s there. Neither does Sang Chul. It takes Aunt a moment to realize that they don’t need her to cook the food she's brought. Hye Gyul says Bok Nyeo’s name and Aunt is startled by Bok Nyeo’s sudden appearance. Sang Chul introduces their new housekeeper. Aunt brightly introduces herself. Instead of introducing herself, Bok Nyeo asks what Aunt wants done with the groceries. Aunt sighs and says that they can use them later. Bok Nyeo puts the groceries away.
Aunt tells the kids that she was going to make them some amazing food. They smile, humoring her. Aunt makes her exit. Doo Gyul cheers that the bomb is gone and Aunt comes back. She forgot to tell them a very important thing. Aunt declares that the next day is Hye Gyul's birthday and they should have a party! No one but Aunt wants to do a party. Sang Chul asks Hye Gyul what she wants for her birthday. Hye Gyul says she wants Oma. Uncomfortable faces.
Sang Chul tries to get Hye Gyul to choose something else, but she won’t. She miss Oma! Se Gyul sighs and asks Aunt why she had to ask Hye Gyul that. But Aunt declares that she will let Hye Gyul meet Oma. Everyone thinks this is a bad idea… except Aunt. Sang Chul tries to pull Aunt aside but Aunt tells Hye Gyul that she’ll definitely make sure to let Hye Gyul meet Oma. She runs off before anyone can argue.
Nine o’clock. Bok Nyeo prepares to leave for the day. Bok Nyeo packs her slippers and apron in her satchel, unties her hair and puts on her coat and cap. Sang Chul approaches Bok Nyeo and asks what she thinks Sang Chul should do about Aunt. Bok Nyeo just looks at him. Sang Chul writes down Aunt’s phone number and address. He says that he’s supposed to ask Aunt what she’s planning but if he goes there and Grandpa sees him, Grandpa’s going to yell at him, tell him, 'Get the hell out of there!' because of his bad temper. Bok Nyeo asks if it’s an order. Sang Chul says that it is. Bok Nyeo replies that she will obey his orders.
Next morning, Bok Nyeo arrives at Grandpa’s house. She is about to ring the doorbell, when Grandpa arrives and demands to know what she’s doing there. Bok Nyeo says that she's a housekeeper. Grandpa brings her inside and they sit. He asks what “that jerk” wants to know that he sent her there that early. Bok Nyeo quickly, robotically explains the events of the previous evening. She ends by saying that her master is very worried about what Aunt is going to do for the birthday party, but he thinks if Grandpa sees him, Grandpa will yell at him saying, 'Get the hell out of here!' And he also mentioned that Grandpa has a bad temper.
Out of everything, Grandpa focuses on “a bad temper.” He tells Bok Nyeo to “say that again.” She begins reciting the events all over again. Grandpa stops her – showing that he does, indeed, have a bad temper – and has her repeat the last two lines of it: Grandpa yelling and having a bad temper. Grandpa yells about “that mug” daring to insult him and tells Bok Nyeo that if Sang Chul wants to ask something, he should come there himself! Grandpa says that Sang Chul has no guts. All that mug has are two little balls! Heh.
Grandpa yells for Aunt and then yells at the picture with Oma in it, that she’s such a disobedient daughter! If she hadn't fallen for that little mug and gotten pregnant, she wouldn't have died and he wouldn't have been treated like this. Starting to cry, Grandpa asks how she could die and says that if there's something she wants to say about her death, she come talk to him in his dreams, damn it! Aunt gets up and is shocked by Bok Nyeo being there. Grandpa yells at Aunt for what she promised Hye Gyul, but more importantly, for visiting Sang Chul’s family. Aunt answers that he doesn't deserve to say that because didn't do anything for the family as their grandfather. Grandpa snaps that he broke off relations with them! Aunt answers that even Scrooge wouldn't be as mean as Grandpa to his grandchildren. He knows how hard Oma worked to raise four kids with the small salary her Sang Chul made.
Grandpa raises his fist and tells Aunt not to keep in touch with them! Aunt protests that they're her nephews and nieces! Grandpa wants to know why Aunt never tells him ‘yes.’ He tells her to repeat: 'Yes, Father.' Aunt mutters that this is why his grandchildren hate him. He always yells and speaks in a tone of command. No wonder why even his employees say he a bad temper. Bok Nyeo is just sitting there, silently listening to all of this. Did they forget she’s there? Guess not, because Grandpa yells at Bok Nyeo to leave.
Bok Nyeo reports to Sang Chul what she discussed with Grandpa. She’s doing it over the speaker phone while she does the ironing. Sang Chul can’t believe that she told Grandpa what he said about the bad temper. He’s at work, talking to her on the phone, and this gets all his employees to look at him because of the outburst. He tries to settle down. Bok Nyeo reports the part about Sang Chul having no guts and two little balls.
Sang Chul makes a faces and asks what else. Bok Nyeo mentions what Grandpa yelled at Oma’s picture. Sang Chul mutters that Bok Nyeo didn’t have to tell him all that. Sang Chul asks what Aunt said. Aunt said that she has a very good idea. When Sang Chul asks what the idea is, Bok Nyeo answers that it’s a secret. Bok Nyeo reports that she’s picking Hye Gyul up from school and hangs up.
At school Hye Gyul watches all the mommies come pick up their kids, including Mrs. Nosy and Uh Jin. Aw, Mrs. Nosy really seems to love Uh Jin. Hye Gyul sadly sits and then she notices Bok Nyeo. She’s really happy to see Bok Nyeo. She asks to hold Bok Nyeo’s hand. Bok Nyeo agrees. Hye Gyul asks why Bok Nyeo’s hand is so cold. All Bok Nyeo will say is that she’s sorry. As they walk, Hye Gyul says that she’s happy Bok Nyeo is there. She wonders if Aunt can really let her see Oma. And Hye Gyul is too cute.
They get home and there’s a woman chopping up vegetables in the kitchen. She’s wearing Oma’s sweater and has dark hair like Oma. Hye Gyul runs to the woman, crying “Oma!” and hugs her tightly. Woman stops chopping. Hye Gyul looks up at the woman and for a moment it’s Oma. But no, it’s Aunt, wearing a dark wig. Who for some reason thought this would be a fantastic idea. Wow. Aunt is clueless. Hye Gyul gets really mad and stomps upstairs.
Later, Bok Nyeo stands outside, looking at the full moon. I wonder what she’s thinking. Aunt has made the food, a spread. She declares that the food is just like what they had last year with Oma. She’s used a picture of everyone and the food as her frame of reference. Hye Gyul is understandably sulking. Bok Nyeo has come inside and stands in the background. Se Gyul points out that there are cherry tomatoes. Hye Gyul doesn't like those. Aunt tries to get Hye Gyul to eat some of the food, saying that it's just like Oma’s. Hye Gyul shoves them onto the floor and says that it’s not Oma’s!
Han Gyul tries to get Hye Gyul to be nice, but Hye Gyul isn’t having it because Aunt said that she’s going to let her meet Oma. Aunt tells Hye Gyul that Aunt means a second mother. Hye Gyul protests that Aunt isn’t her Oma. Aunt sits in Oma’s seat and asks that Hye Gyul think of her as Oma from now on, since Hye Gyul used to like her very much. Hye Gyul says that she hates Aunt now and Aunt shouldn’t sit in Oma’s chair. She shoves Aunt out of it. Hye Gyul pulls Oma’s clothes off Aunt, ripping the sweater in the process. Aunt starts to cry and runs out of the house. Hye Gyul cuddles the dress and cries that Oma is broken because of her. Aw, poor Hye Gyul.
Instead of cuddling Hye Gyul, Sang Chul pulls out a teddy bear that he bought for her. Aw, Appa really doesn’t know how to connect with his kids. The kids try to get Hye Gyul to like it. Hye Gyul hits it and says that she doesn't need that. She’s going to go see Oma! She heads off to Oma’s room and cries. Han Gyul comes and tells Hye Gyul to stop her crying. Oma is dead. Hye Gyul says, “no!” Han Gyul says that Oma is gone. Even if Hye Gyul cries, Oma isn't coming back! The rest of the family is standing awkwardly behind her.
Han Gyul is crying now, too. She yells at Hye Gyul to stop it! She grabs Oma’s clothes out of Hye Gyul’s hands and throws them on the ground outside the room. She yells that carrying those everywhere won't make Oma come back! Han Gyul looks at Bok Nyeo and tells her to throw the clothes away. Bok Nyeo asks if that… is an order? Han Gyul angrily declares that it is! Throw all of Oma's stuff away! Bok Nyeo says that she will obey her order. She begins grabbing all of Oma’s clothes and throw them out onto the patio.
Doo Gyul yells at Bok Nyeo, asking if she’s crazy! He tells her to stop. Han Gyul yells at her to continue. Hye Gyul starts sobbing to Han Gyul that she’s sorry and she begs Han Gyul not to throw the clothes away. And Sang Chul does nothing. Han Gyul yells that Bok Nyeo should burn everything. Se Gyul looks at Sang Chul and asks why he’s not stopping Bok Nyeo. Sang Chul mutters uncomfortably. Han Gyul looks at him and says that this is what he wanted to do, right? He sputters that it isn’t.
Han Gyul walks over and grabs more of Oma’s clothes, throwing them out onto the patio. She asks what the is point of keeping all it. Keeping it won't bring Oma back from the dead. It’s all only going to make them more upset! Doo Gyul tries to stop her, but she shoves him aside and he falls to the floor. Sang Chul just stands there. And I just noticed Han Gyul’s braces. Han Gyul cries, asking if they think she doesn’t miss Oma? need Oma? She cries as she says that she tried to be a good eldest daughter for her family. But it just doesn't work! And how can she, while taking care of their family's household, catch up to other students who have tutors and get support from their mothers? She sags to the ground as she sobs. All the kids try not to cry. Sang Chul does nothing.
Bok Nyeo arrives with gasoline and sets everything on fire. Doo Gyul comes outside, demanding to know who the hell she is to do this. He yells, asking how far she’ll go and punches her in the face. I can’t believe he just did that. Neither can Han Gyul. Sang Chul doesn’t do anything but watch. Bok Nyeo doesn’t retaliate. Doo Gyul grabs her shoulders and asks why she’s doing this. Does his family look easy to her? Does his mom look easy to her? Finally, Sang Chul yells Doo Gyul’s name to get his attention. Doo Gyul backs up and starts yelling at Sang Chul, asking why he’s just watching. Why was he keeping his mouth shut and doing nothing? Is he okay to live without Oma?
Sang Chul steps out into the patio and tries to pull Doo Gyul inside. But Doo Gyul won’t. He yells at Sang Chul to get the hell out of here. Then he starts sobbing as he says that these are the only words that he kept on saying to Oma. He could only remember being frustrated and annoyed with Oma until the day she died. He grabs his shirt and says that people always say kids don't get it until later, but he did. He knew it was all his fault and he did appreciate her. He wanted to tell Oma that he loved her, but he can't do that now. Wow, this whole family is hurting.
Se Gyul steps outside and asks why everyone is overreacting. Doo Gyul gets up and shoves Se Gyul to the ground, calling him a punk and saying that he wasn’t Oma’s son, was he. Se Gyul yells in his brother’s face, asking why Doo Gyul is crying. He wants to cry, too. He wails that if crying could bring Oma back, he would cry. What's the point of studying so hard? What's the point of getting in Seoul National University? Oma's not here to compliment him on doing well on his exams. How could Oma die so suddenly? She told him she wanted to discuss every part of his future with him, one by one. He didn't even get to start. How is he supposed to do that by himself?
Doo Gyul grabs Se Gyul’s shirt and yells, asking Se Gyul if Oma was a housekeeper or a manager? Doesn't he feel so bad for Oma who always cleaned up after him and just died? Hye Gyul then declares that it’s because of her that Oma died. Aw, pour Hye Gyul has been carrying around that guilt. The kids are stunned. Hye Gyul declares that she told Oma to disappear. Oma got so upset that she didn't eat cherry tomatoes. So Hye Gyul said that she wished Oma was gone! That's why Oma disappeared. Everyone feels bad for how Hye Gyul has been thinking.
Sang Chul finally does something. He squats down and tells Hye Gyul that it’s not her fault. Doesn't she know how much Oma loved her? Hye Gyul wraps her arms around Sang Chul’s neck and starts sobbing Oma’s name. Sang Chul looks totally awkward and overwhelmed at Hye Gyul hugging him, but eventually hugs her back.
The moment of catharsis is broken by Mrs. Nosy coming outside and yelling at them about the fire. Sang Chul apologizes and has Bok Nyeo put the fire out. Mrs. Nosy declares that she knows they’re going through hard times after Oma’s death, but she feels so unsafe living next door. She tells Sang Chul to try to keep balance in his family and take care of the kids. Now their family is different from other families. Bok Nyeo looks upward from the fire that she’s spraying out with the hose. Almost as she's just taken offense at what Mrs. Nosy just said. Doo Gyul demands to know what Mrs. Nosy means: what's different?
Mrs. Nosy asks if she really has to say it? They’re a family without a parent. A motherless family always stands out among the others! She’s almost proud as she declares it. Bok Nyeo sprays her with the hose. Heh. Mrs. Nosy screams at Bok Nyeo, asking what she’s doing! Bok Nyeo stops spraying and says that it’s because the fire shouldn't get on her house. Heh. Se Gyul politely points out that Mrs. Nosy’s makeup is smudged. Everyone tries not to laugh. Mrs. Nosy declares that she’s not letting this go. She’s going to talk about this at Woman's Society. Just know that! Now there's a threat! You will be discussed by women that you will never, ever run into!!! She wails and runs inside her house.
In the ashes, Doo Gyul spots a tin. He tries to pick it up, but it’s too hot for his fingers. Bok Nyeo reaches down and picks it up, like it’s not hot at all. She opens it to reveal stones inside. Everyone is excited at the discovery. Sang Chul says that these are their family stones! Oma bragged about this. She said Hye Gyul gave her pretty stones from the river. She kept these because it was the first gift that Hye Gyul gave to Oma. Sang Chul declares that this is proof that Oma loved Hye Gyul very much and Hye Gyul agrees. Everyone smiles as they look at the stones (except Bok Nyeo).
Hye Gyul’s birthday cake with no candles. Doo Gyul mutters that, of course, it doesn’t have one because Aunt bought it. Sang Chul asks Bok Nyeo if she has candles. Doo Gyul scoffs but Bok Nyeo has some in her satchel. They forgot that, too, but Bok Nyeo has one. Happy birthday party, with Bok Nyeo standing to the side. Sang Chul actually looks like he feels at ease with his kids. Focus on the birthday card stuck to the refrigerator.
Sang Chul waits outside for Bok Nyeo to leave work. He tells her thank you. He’s grateful for how she helped the kids grieve tonight. Bok Nyeo holds out a bill. He notices that her hand is burnt from the tin. Bok Nyeo says that she worked an extra two hours today. Sang Chul takes the bill. Bok Nyeo starts to leave but he stops her. He starts to say something.
Inside, the kids are in their pajamas in the kitchen. Han Gyul tells Hye Gyul to go brush her teeth before bed. Hye Gyul imitates Bok Nyeo, asking if it’s an order. Heh. She declares that she’ll obey Han Gyul’s order. Doo Gyul doesn’t like it. Se Gyul says she’s imitating someone. Doo Gyul orders him not to do the same thing! Se Gyul teases, asking if it’s an order and then snarks that he’ll obey Doo Gyul’s order. Doo Gyul chases Se Gyul upstairs. Han Gyul stops and looks at Oma’s picture. She tells Oma that it’s still a mess but it's getting better, isn't it?
Outside, Sang Chul declares that to his wife and the kids, he’s not a good enough husband and father. He says that actually, he’s not ready to be a father. Then you should have stopped at Han Gyul instead of having *four.* Plus, it’s been 18 years. How can you *not* be ready to be a father, yet? He says that he shouldn't have rushed into marriage like that. Like it was yesterday instead of 19 years ago. He admits that he missed the kids more when they were far away from him. Every time he sees the four kids in the morning, he gasps. When he thinks of living with them, he just can't get out of the bathroom.
Sang Chul continues that especially the youngest, Hye Gyul, is so annoyed with him. She still needs help and every time she wakes up, she looks for Oma. It drives him crazy. She started living far away from him from when she was 3 years old. So he doesn't know what to do. He sighs and says that if Hye Gyul hadn't been so young, he would've made a different choice... What does that mean? A different choice about what? His words drift off so Bok Nyeo chimes in asking if he’s done talking so she can please go. Then she turns and walks away. And it appears that Hye Gyul was eavesdropping. Sang Chul checks, but she pretends to be asleep. She’s not. She silently cries and looks at the rock tin.
At school, Uh Jin dances around Hye Gyul and tells her that she’s stupid. She can't meet a dead person. Her mom is in heaven. How are Hye Gyul going to meet her? Hye Gyul declares that she heard if she’s a good person, she can meet Oma. Uh Jin asks if Oma is Santa Claus. He starts singing that Hye Gyul is stupid and then decides to tell her how to really meet a dead person.
At home, the rest of the kids are there. Han Gyul wonders where Hye Gyul is. Se Gyul answers that Bok Nyeo probably went to pick her up.
Sang Chul is at work, talking to Song Hwa. He says that he knows it isn't right. He feels bad for my wife but she's dead now. He declares that he wants their relationship to be honorable. They were having an affair. The relationship *isn't* honorable. Oh, deluded Sang Chul. Sang Chul declares that at least, their relationship isn't an affair. Song Hwa’s not looking at him or saying anything. Sang Chul says that breaking up the relationship may not be the best way. Song Hwa tells him it's already broken. Sang Chul is shocked.
Song Hwa declares that, of course, she still has feelings for him, but she’s not stupid enough not to realize that the situation has changed. Wow, I’m already not liking her. She was going to handle the affair. She could have torn out her hair if she had to. But now his wife is dead. Sang Chul tries to argue that they just need time. Song Hwa stands up, irritated, stopping him. She declares that a lonely mother died suddenly from an accident. What would people think about that? They're going to gossip day and night. Can he handle that?
Doo Gyul is at home, trying to get into Bok Nyeo’s bag. But it won’t open. It’s now six o’clock. Se Gyul and Han Gyul wonder why Hye Gyul isn’t home yet. But not why Sang Chul isn’t home yet. They call Happy Company to try to get Bok Nyeo’s number, but there’s no answer. So they decide to call Sang Chul.
Sang Chul is still talking to Song Hwa. She asks him if he can abandon his kids. Wow, she’s asking him to do that. Kids calling. He doesn’t answer the phone. Weenie! Doo Gyul worries that Bok Nyeo kidnapped Hye Gyul. They decide to go out and look for them.
Bok Nyeo sits on a bench by the river with Hye Gyul. Mystery music starts to play. Hye Gyul asks Bok Nyeo if she really does everything that she’s asked to do?
Kids frantically search for Hye Gyul. Music gets louder, more desperate, as they look.
Hye Gyul has left her backpack on the bench. She and Bok Nyeo are wading out into the river, holding hands. And I have a feeling I know what Uh Jin told Hye Gyul. They go in farther and farther, holding hands as they do. Episode ends. With Hye Gyul trying to commit suicide so she can be with Oma.
Thoughts
So we’ve met the family, hurting from Oma’s sudden death. Bok Nyeo is indeed mysterious and there are a lot of dysfunctional things happening. We know that:
- Sang Chul is a cheating husband with his subordinate, Song Hwa.
- Song Hwa is a selfish woman who doesn’t want to be bothered with Sang Chul’s children.
- Han Gyul might suspect that something is off.
- The kids haven’t always lived with Sang Chul, because he doesn’t know how to interact with them. Until recently, they were living in the Philippines and Se Gyul attended an international school.
- Sang Chul, for the most part, seems like a coward. He doesn’t want to deal with his life, so he avoids it.
- A part of Sang Chul really does want to be a good dad, but he doesn’t know how.
- He has the nerve to declare that he wants his affair with Song Hwa to be honorable.
- Sang Chul ended up married to Oma because she accidentally got pregnant.
- Grandpa disowned Oma for marrying Sang Chul and isn’t a part of the kids’ lives.
- Aunt still had a relationship with the kids, despite Grandpa's objections. They tolerate her at best because she constantly is doing the wrong thing.
- Aunt is also really clumsy.
- Se Gyul is the ‘smart’ one and Doo Gyul is the ‘dumb’ one. Se Gyul is trying to get into a prestigious international school in Seoul.
- The birthday card Bok Nyeo found in Sang Chul’s coat pocket is going to be important, because they keep showing it and it’s prominently displayed on the refrigerator.
- Bok Nyeo has cold hands.
- Bok Nyeo doesn’t react to pain: she was punched and burnt her hand but didn’t react to it.
- Sang Chul doesn’t seem to have any other family besides his kids.
The bonfire scene was pretty moving because it showed how all of them were holding in their grief over Oma’s death. The only one who didn’t break down was Sang Chul, but that’s probably because of his guilt over having an affair, or his cowardice for not wanting to deal with any of his kids’ pain.
At this point in the show, I found Doo Gyul very annoying. My hatred for Song Hwa’s selfishness was only beginning and I was only just starting to be annoyed at what a weasel Sang Chul is.
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