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"I'm only interested in finding what I've lost and restoring it"
Memory is a hidden gem of a drama. Perhaps the subject matter or age of the cast doesn’t appeal to younger viewers but it’s a shame. This was a well-made drama with a brilliant performance by Lee Sung Min. While there was a murder mystery and the oft used systemic corruption, this was a drama focusing on reconciliation, restoring justice, and healing the searing pain of grief and guilt.
“Life’s misfortunes come suddenly” as do “heaven’s gifts”.
After the death of his young son, lawyer Park Tae Suk went to work for the prestigious law firm Taesun. He remarried and had two children with his new wife, Young Joo. At Taesun, Park was not afraid to get his hands dirty for his clients and earned a ruthless reputation. The firm hires Jung Jin, a young idealistic lawyer who is taken aback by Park’s methods. Coinciding with Jung's arrival, Park discovers he has early onset Alzheimer’s. Interlocking cases and buried memories break to the surface. The ghosts of the past lead Park back to where he started in order to discover the truth behind the lies of his life.
“My heart remembers the stuff I want to forget.”
Lee Sung Min gave the performance of a lifetime as Park Tae Suk. He played every key on the piano of emotions knowing when to hit them with subtlety or a great crescendo. Park was a complex character with a complicated past. He and his ex-wife, Na Eun Sun, dealt with their grief in different manners which drove them apart. They had to discover the courage to face their pain and when to let go of it. Jun Ho played the young lawyer Jung Jin who came to be a loyal ally when he wasn’t flirting with the equally loyal, Bong Sun Hwa.
Park had contentious relationships with numerous characters, but what I enjoyed was that his family was a safe place. Both for him and for me as the viewer. There was no yelling and berating as in many family dramas. They may have been overly simplistic but I found their support and unconditional love a relief. There were eardrum piercing characters elsewhere.
It was 2016 so there were a few dated elements. The dreaded wrist grabs made multiple appearances, something I never found remotely romantic. Awful lip fillers were also on display. Two of the more frustrating rules of the script seemed to be, Trust No One and Tell No One, which led to multiple problems.
I cannot stress how remarkable Lee Sung Min’s performance was and for it alone the drama is worth watching. Park’s disease brought people together and propelled him to right the wrongs of the past. As he said, “Every minute is like ten years for me.” Admittedly, this type of story is my jam. I love reconciliation and redemption stories and this drama delivered on both. While it was heartwarming, best to have a box of tissues nearby as well.
“I’m only interested in finding what I’ve lost and restoring it.”
7 April 2025
“Life’s misfortunes come suddenly” as do “heaven’s gifts”.
After the death of his young son, lawyer Park Tae Suk went to work for the prestigious law firm Taesun. He remarried and had two children with his new wife, Young Joo. At Taesun, Park was not afraid to get his hands dirty for his clients and earned a ruthless reputation. The firm hires Jung Jin, a young idealistic lawyer who is taken aback by Park’s methods. Coinciding with Jung's arrival, Park discovers he has early onset Alzheimer’s. Interlocking cases and buried memories break to the surface. The ghosts of the past lead Park back to where he started in order to discover the truth behind the lies of his life.
“My heart remembers the stuff I want to forget.”
Lee Sung Min gave the performance of a lifetime as Park Tae Suk. He played every key on the piano of emotions knowing when to hit them with subtlety or a great crescendo. Park was a complex character with a complicated past. He and his ex-wife, Na Eun Sun, dealt with their grief in different manners which drove them apart. They had to discover the courage to face their pain and when to let go of it. Jun Ho played the young lawyer Jung Jin who came to be a loyal ally when he wasn’t flirting with the equally loyal, Bong Sun Hwa.
Park had contentious relationships with numerous characters, but what I enjoyed was that his family was a safe place. Both for him and for me as the viewer. There was no yelling and berating as in many family dramas. They may have been overly simplistic but I found their support and unconditional love a relief. There were eardrum piercing characters elsewhere.
It was 2016 so there were a few dated elements. The dreaded wrist grabs made multiple appearances, something I never found remotely romantic. Awful lip fillers were also on display. Two of the more frustrating rules of the script seemed to be, Trust No One and Tell No One, which led to multiple problems.
I cannot stress how remarkable Lee Sung Min’s performance was and for it alone the drama is worth watching. Park’s disease brought people together and propelled him to right the wrongs of the past. As he said, “Every minute is like ten years for me.” Admittedly, this type of story is my jam. I love reconciliation and redemption stories and this drama delivered on both. While it was heartwarming, best to have a box of tissues nearby as well.
“I’m only interested in finding what I’ve lost and restoring it.”
7 April 2025
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