yes, it appears to be a toxic relationship. I was at one point wondering if he would give up his kingship, but…
Hmmm, maybe you should stop watching this series... You make it sound like a fly crawling up the wall is more exciting, given that you find the side stories more compelling than the main plot.
yes, it appears to be a toxic relationship. I was at one point wondering if he would give up his kingship, but…
Yes, you raise a good point. I would dare to say that it was director's choice to present the female lead with an effeminate appearance, even in male attire, which we, as viewers, are aware of, and might be intentional. This approach allows the drama to delve into themes of identity and societal expectations, portraying the character in an androgynous light, as @lex suggests. This portrayal enriches the story, making us more invested in her journey and the obstacles she faces as part of her journey.
yes, it appears to be a toxic relationship. I was at one point wondering if he would give up his kingship, but…
That is how I was with My Dearest. I watched the first episode, and then thought it would be too dramatic and my headspace was not in the right place at that time. I have since watched the first season, and have loved it. I am having a break before I watch the second season. Keep on going.... the suspense is great (and frustrating - I want to know what happens next - lol). I'm sure you have noticed that there seems to be a recurring pattern in K-dramas that follows a narrative arc, especially around episodes 11 to 14, where the story often descends into darkness before the dawn. The narrative demonstrate the stark contrast between struggle and triumph, underscoring the characters resilience as they navigate through their darkest moments towards a hopeful resolution. So, there may still be hope for the ML and FL.
yes, it appears to be a toxic relationship. I was at one point wondering if he would give up his kingship, but…
Just finished watching the episode. I guess, she is unwell because so many things have happened e.g. wasn't she nearly executed, and her beloved father has not come back from being sent to the Qing Dynasty. That could potentially send one over the edge. She shows strong character to be able to continue after all this has happened. Does he trust her? That is the impression we get, but in the scene with courtyard with Park Jong Hwan (I think that was him), we see a different King - lots of manipulation going on. I'd probably have to watch the episode again. I actually really like the FL, as well. I think that there has been much criticism regarding her looking too effeminate as a male but we can't expect that she look too masculine either. There are all sorts in the world - effeminate males, etc. Criticism (not from you) demonstrates viewers limited views on gender presentation in appreciating the diversity in human expression enriches our understanding of characters and their development within stories.
I think the FL is toxic and the ML is worse than she can possibly imagine. She should quit while she's ahead bc…
yes, it appears to be a toxic relationship. I was at one point wondering if he would give up his kingship, but then he said it will remain as King to the end of his days. If you don't like the FL, than her job is done - because that is how they want to portray her (she is, afterall, wanting to kill the King). Now we will have to wait a whole week to see what happens...argh!!
I know I will get backlash for this comment but I just can't help myself...Unless Son Ye Jin is willing to pay…
Yes, iyou have provided an interesting response. However, m any husbands are away frequently, and the women are left at home to bring up more than one child. It is only a recent idea that men are expected to have and be more involved with their children, reflecting changing societal expectations around parenting roles. However, it's also important to recognise the diversity of family arrangements and the significant challenges of balancing parenting and career demands, regardless of gender. The reality is that every family's situation is unique, and many parents rely on various support systems, whether through family, hired help, or community resources, to manage these responsibilities. This broader perspective helps us understand the complexities of modern parenting and the need for supportive environments that enable all parents to balance work and family life effectively.
Why is the show so damn focused on the red shoes and the candy box? It’s the act of cheating and plotting her…
Red shoes are a metaphor. Storytelling, such as those in K-dramas, uses symbolism to convey complex emotions and societal themes - and there are so much of this happening in the story. In this case, the red shoes may tap into broader themes of morality, societal expectations of fidelity and friendship - think of the scene where Kang Ji Won took the red shoes (who were gifted to her) out of the bottom draw in the office, when she was organising a meet up with Park Min Hwan. Then the scene cuts to the "other woman" Park Min Hwan is having the affair with Oh Yoo Ra where she gets the same red shoes and candy.
I started watching 'My Dearest' upon its release but had to pause my viewing as I felt that there was a looming shadow of tragedy. My mindset at the time wasn't up for it. Returning to it now, after hearing of its accolades and awards, I can wholeheartedly agree with the praise. The series not only beautifully portrays the turbulent Joseon period of the 1630s, but it also resonates deeply with the universal themes of love, loyalty, and resilience, much like the iconic 'Gone with the Wind' does with its depiction of the American Civil War era.
I have now watched a number of My Dearest episodes, brilliant acting and with its panoramic scenery stunningly showcases the beauty of South Korea, and as a viewer I was taken back to a time of significant historical upheaval. This series, much like the iconic Gone with the Wind, which immerses us in the American Civil War of the 1860s, explores universal themes of love, loyalty, and resilience through the lens of its era's defining conflicts.
Here's how I see the characters from both series mirror each other across centuries:
Namkoong Min (Lee Jang Hyun) and Clark Gable (Rhett Butler): Namkoong Min's Lee Jang Hyun, set within the strife of the 1630s Korea, embodies the charm and complexity akin to Clark Gable's Rhett Butler during the American Civil War. Both characters navigate their tumultuous worlds with a blend of cynicism and charm, offering insights into the human condition amidst societal upheaval.
Ahn Eun Jin (Yoo Kil Chae) and Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O'Hara): Yoo Kil Chae, amidst the societal expectations of 17th-century Korea, mirrors Scarlett O'Hara's fierce independence and resilience in the face of the 19th-century American South's challenges. Both characters exemplify the enduring spirit of women navigating the complexities of love and societal constraints in their respective times of war and change.
Lee Hak Joo (Nam Yeon Joon) and Leslie Howard (Ashley Wilkes): As a scholar in 1630s Korea, Nam Yeon Joon's ideals and loyalties reflect those of Ashley Wilkes, torn between tradition and his love during the American Civil War. Their stories highlight the internal struggles of men caught between duty and personal desire in times of national crisis.
Lee Da In (Kyung Eun Ae) and Olivia de Havilland (Melanie Hamilton): Kyung Eun Ae's embodiment of kindness and moral strength during Korea's historical upheaval parallels Melanie Hamilton's role as a moral compass in the Civil War-era South. Both characters showcase the power of grace and endurance amidst the turmoil surrounding them.
By examining these characters side by side, I hope you can see how My Dearest and Gone with the Wind have served as narrative bridges, spanning centuries and cultures to explore the human spirit's enduring qualities. These stories, rooted in their distinct periods—Korea's Joseon dynasty and America's Civil War era—underscore the timeless nature of their themes, demonstrating how love, conflict, and resilience transcend the boundaries of time and geography.
If you haven't watched Gone with the Wind (1939), please do so. It is an epic story, filmed at the start of Technicolour movies, and from memory, has been divided into two parts.
1 
1 
I am having a break before I watch the second season.
Keep on going.... the suspense is great (and frustrating - I want to know what happens next - lol).
I'm sure you have noticed that there seems to be a recurring pattern in K-dramas that follows a narrative arc, especially around episodes 11 to 14, where the story often descends into darkness before the dawn. The narrative demonstrate the stark contrast between struggle and triumph, underscoring the characters resilience as they navigate through their darkest moments towards a hopeful resolution. So, there may still be hope for the ML and FL.
Does he trust her? That is the impression we get, but in the scene with courtyard with Park Jong Hwan (I think that was him), we see a different King - lots of manipulation going on. I'd probably have to watch the episode again.
I actually really like the FL, as well. I think that there has been much criticism regarding her looking too effeminate as a male but we can't expect that she look too masculine either. There are all sorts in the world - effeminate males, etc. Criticism (not from you) demonstrates viewers limited views on gender presentation in appreciating the diversity in human expression enriches our understanding of characters and their development within stories.
Now we will have to wait a whole week to see what happens...argh!!
any husbands are away frequently, and the women are left at home to bring up more than one child. It is only a recent idea that men are expected to have and be more involved with their children, reflecting changing societal expectations around parenting roles. However, it's also important to recognise the diversity of family arrangements and the significant challenges of balancing parenting and career demands, regardless of gender. The reality is that every family's situation is unique, and many parents rely on various support systems, whether through family, hired help, or community resources, to manage these responsibilities. This broader perspective helps us understand the complexities of modern parenting and the need for supportive environments that enable all parents to balance work and family life effectively.
Storytelling, such as those in K-dramas, uses symbolism to convey complex emotions and societal themes - and there are so much of this happening in the story. In this case, the red shoes may tap into broader themes of morality, societal expectations of fidelity and friendship - think of the scene where Kang Ji Won took the red shoes (who were gifted to her) out of the bottom draw in the office, when she was organising a meet up with Park Min Hwan. Then the scene cuts to the "other woman" Park Min Hwan is having the affair with Oh Yoo Ra where she gets the same red shoes and candy.
I have now watched a number of My Dearest episodes, brilliant acting and with its panoramic scenery stunningly showcases the beauty of South Korea, and as a viewer I was taken back to a time of significant historical upheaval. This series, much like the iconic Gone with the Wind, which immerses us in the American Civil War of the 1860s, explores universal themes of love, loyalty, and resilience through the lens of its era's defining conflicts.
Here's how I see the characters from both series mirror each other across centuries:
Namkoong Min (Lee Jang Hyun) and Clark Gable (Rhett Butler): Namkoong Min's Lee Jang Hyun, set within the strife of the 1630s Korea, embodies the charm and complexity akin to Clark Gable's Rhett Butler during the American Civil War. Both characters navigate their tumultuous worlds with a blend of cynicism and charm, offering insights into the human condition amidst societal upheaval.
Ahn Eun Jin (Yoo Kil Chae) and Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O'Hara): Yoo Kil Chae, amidst the societal expectations of 17th-century Korea, mirrors Scarlett O'Hara's fierce independence and resilience in the face of the 19th-century American South's challenges. Both characters exemplify the enduring spirit of women navigating the complexities of love and societal constraints in their respective times of war and change.
Lee Hak Joo (Nam Yeon Joon) and Leslie Howard (Ashley Wilkes): As a scholar in 1630s Korea, Nam Yeon Joon's ideals and loyalties reflect those of Ashley Wilkes, torn between tradition and his love during the American Civil War. Their stories highlight the internal struggles of men caught between duty and personal desire in times of national crisis.
Lee Da In (Kyung Eun Ae) and Olivia de Havilland (Melanie Hamilton): Kyung Eun Ae's embodiment of kindness and moral strength during Korea's historical upheaval parallels Melanie Hamilton's role as a moral compass in the Civil War-era South. Both characters showcase the power of grace and endurance amidst the turmoil surrounding them.
By examining these characters side by side, I hope you can see how My Dearest and Gone with the Wind have served as narrative bridges, spanning centuries and cultures to explore the human spirit's enduring qualities. These stories, rooted in their distinct periods—Korea's Joseon dynasty and America's Civil War era—underscore the timeless nature of their themes, demonstrating how love, conflict, and resilience transcend the boundaries of time and geography.
If you haven't watched Gone with the Wind (1939), please do so. It is an epic story, filmed at the start of Technicolour movies, and from memory, has been divided into two parts.