oldman123

yes, finish what was started is a good motto.

yes, the writer reflects society and there might be a high probability that she stays for the family to save them. But maybe, she could still do that by being an independent woman. that's why it's interesting to see how the present writer (a woman) deals with it. Korea is highly feudal and patriarchal and this is evident in k-dramas and even in real life - the recent elections showed an outpouring of misogyny and the election of such politicians.

I agree with your comments about not using the kids as an excuse but in patriarchal societies, it's often the case. this is true in both western and eastern societies. Just look at why women stay in the west - divorce rates are higher for those in their 50s and 60 and typically after the kids have grown up. It may not be right but if women do not have financial independence and emotional strength and support, it's very hard.

would it not be interesting if Dr. Kim turns out to be the son of Dr. Cha's mother-in-law?

Many have been critical of Dr. Cha. But is there not a context? Korea like China and Japan are Confucianist. People still hold patriarchal and feudal views, still very much of a dominant male view. Most k-dramas emphasised that, and that's a reflection of the society. Just look at the last elections where a male backlash was underway and anti-'women' views were articulated enabling a conservative government to be elected. That is reality. K-dramas can subvert that but most don't. I only hope the current series and the writer does. Will Dr. Cha stay with her cheating husband or become independent and seek a divorce? Many would root for the latter, including me but that sadly may not happen - she may stay to rescue the family from the fraudster (conning her mother-in-law), conformity and 'feudal' values.