Brief Summary
This YouTube video presents a detailed summary of the Korean drama. The story revolves around Aesoon, a woman whose life is marked by hardship, love, and resilience, and Goansik, her devoted partner. The drama explores themes of family, sacrifice, societal expectations, and personal growth against the backdrop of Korea's changing times.
- Aesoon's journey from a young girl in Jeju Island to a successful writer.
- The unwavering love and support between Aesoon and Goansik.
- The challenges and triumphs of family life, including societal pressures and economic hardships.
The Beginning of Aesoon's Story
The story begins in an old age home where elderly people are writing poetry. Aesoon, an elderly woman, instead of writing, colors the entire paper blue and goes to the seashore. She reflects on a word that remains important to her even in old age: "Mother." The scene shifts to 1960, Jeju Island, where a 10-year-old Aesoon watches her mother, a diver, descend into the sea to collect shellfish. Aesoon anxiously urges her mother to return, while other women nearby comment on the abundance of fish and the diver's greed. Goansik, a boy who is the male lead in the drama, blushes, and Aesoon kicks him, questioning his red cheeks. Aesoon's mother returns with shellfish, and Goansik prepares them for the market.
Family Conflicts and Hardships
Aesoon's mother is portrayed as stern and often clashes with fellow divers over sharing their earnings with their mentor, Halim Dadi. At home, Aesoon reveals she placed second in a poetry contest, but her mother is preoccupied with shellfish. Her mother suggests showing the poem to her step-grandmother, who is from an educated family. Aesoon expresses feeling unwelcome by her step-grandmother, who criticizes her resemblance to her mother. Aesoon's mother insists she stay there, leading to Aesoon's unhappiness and feelings of alienation. Aesoon's stepfather encourages her to eat with them, but she refuses and leaves crying.
Mother's Sacrifice and Dreams
Aesoon's stepfather suggests letting Aesoon stay with them, but her mother refuses, citing the need for her to finish her studies and avoid becoming a diver like herself. The stepfather threatens to discard Aesoon's poem, but the mother fiercely protects it and reads it, moved to tears. The poem expresses Aesoon's desire to earn enough money to allow her mother to rest and stay with her. Aesoon lives with her step-grandmother, uncle, aunt, and their children, where she faces discrimination. Goansik offers her extra fish, but Aesoon's mother confronts the family, asserting Aesoon's belonging and taking her away.
Ambitions and Social Barriers
Aesoon becomes vice president of her class but is disheartened because she received more votes than the president. The teacher explains that because she accepted favors, she has no right to complain. Aesoon's mother works at her aunt's restaurant to earn a pearl necklace to bribe Aesoon's teacher to make her president. Aesoon says she doesn't want to be president. Her mother says she may be poor, but she should never think of herself as poor and never compromise. Aesoon promises to buy her a real pearl necklace when she grows up. Aesoon's mother throws away her cigarettes, determined to live long enough to see Aesoon fulfill her promise.
Love and Loss
Aesoon's mother develops lung problems from diving. Her friend warns her to stop or she will die. Aesoon secretly burns her mother's diving suit. Goansik writes "Aesoon Goansik's wife" on the ground. Aesoon confronts him, asking if she looks like a beggar. They go to the seashore, where Aesoon pleads with the sea to spare her mother. Goansik offers her chicken, a gesture of affection. Aesoon says she will never marry him. Aesoon's mother asks her step-grandmother to go with her, but the details are not shown. She tells Aesoon to leave her step-grandmother's house after her death. Aesoon's mother dies, and Goansik brings her food.
New Beginnings and Dreams Deferred
Aesoon's stepfather encourages her to stay and care for her siblings. Aesoon initially refuses but agrees to stay for two months. She works the fields with her stepfather and Goansik. Aesoon decides to leave to pursue her education. Her stepfather promises to support her studies if she stays. Aesoon sells cabbage at the market next to Goansik's fish shop. Goansik sells all her cabbage so she can study. In 1967, Goansik is 18 and Aesoon is 17. Goansik's mother criticizes Aesoon for making Goansik do all the work. Goansik's grandmother throws Aesoon's cabbage on the ground, saying Aesoon has her mother's shadow. Aesoon says she doesn't like Goansik.
First Love and Conflicting Aspirations
Goansik picks up Aesoon's shoes and puts them on her feet. Aesoon says sitting next to Goansik's shop is not dating. Aesoon wants to marry someone from Seoul. Goansik gets angry and tells her to take her hand out of his pocket and put it in a Seoul boy's pocket. Goansik takes Aesoon to a field of mustard flowers and gives her fish. He holds her hand and kisses her. Goansik says he wants to be with Aesoon. Aesoon says she will never marry Goansik.
Family Secrets and Broken Dreams
Aesoon is consumed by her first kiss. She finds her stepfather and his lover hiding in the closet. Aesoon overhears the lover saying she doesn't want to be her stepmother. Aesoon leaves her stepfather's house and goes to her grandmother's house. She has no room there and sleeps in the kitchen. Her uncle pressures her to work in a factory. Aesoon knows if she works in a factory, her dream of becoming a writer will end. She sees her mother's picture being taken down.
Desperation and a Risky Plan
Aesoon demands compensation from her stepfather for her years of labor. She has no money saved. Aesoon tells Goansik her uncle is forcing her to work in a factory and she has nowhere to live. Goansik can't take her home. Aesoon is angry at Goansik. Aesoon and Goansik make a plan. Aesoon steals her stepmother's clothes and jewelry. Goansik steals jewelry from his grandmother. They decide to run away to the mainland.
Running Away and Facing Reality
Aesoon and Goansik board a ship to the mainland. They have no ID. Goansik tries to bribe the staff. Aesoon says they are husband and wife. They arrive on the mainland and try to sell the jewelry, but the shopkeeper knows it is stolen. They go to a hotel. Aesoon says their purse was stolen and offers a ring instead. The hotel owner's wife agrees. The next morning, the window is broken and the jewelry is gone. The hotel presents a bill. Goansik realizes they were tricked.
Caught and Sent Back
Goansik and Aesoon warn a new guest about the hotel. They sneak into the hotel owner's room to find their jewelry. Aesoon is caught. They are taken to the police station. The police know they ran away. Goansik's mother arrives and asks about the jewelry. The hotel owner tries to sell the jewelry. Goansik's mother confronts the hotel owner and gets the jewelry back. Aesoon and Goansik are sent back to their island. Aesoon is expelled from school.
Sacrifices and Unfulfilled Dreams
Aesoon's uncle forces her to work in a factory. Goansik's mother tells him he will get a gold medal if he doesn't do foolish things. Goansik tells his mother he will marry Aesoon. Goansik's mother tries to convince Aesoon to leave Goansik. Goansik proposes to Aesoon. Aesoon's uncle wonders if Goansik's family will accept her. Aesoon runs away and says she will marry someone richer and better. Aesoon agrees to a blind date with a divorced man.
Choices and Consequences
Goansik's family is insulted. Goansik returns with dried fish and promises Aesoon will never go hungry. He doesn't want Aesoon to marry a divorced man. Aesoon's uncle says Aesoon doesn't want to marry him. Goansik takes Aesoon's hand. Aesoon says where will he keep her? He has no home. Goansik puts a ring on Aesoon's finger. Aesoon says will this run a household? Goansik says he will take care of her. Aesoon throws the ring away and says her dreams will never be fulfilled.
Regrets and Alternate Paths
Aesoon says if she marries him, she will have no respect. She asks him to leave her. Goansik asks if he is in the way of her happiness. Aesoon says yes. The next morning, Aesoon looks for the ring. In 1993, Gami asks her mother, Aesoon, why she married into this family. Aesoon says she chose her own path. She has no regrets. If she hadn't, Gami wouldn't be here. Goansik is leaving Jeju. Aesoon talks to Goansik's mother. Aesoon asks if Goansik is one of the top four runners.
Decisions and Departures
Goansik's mother says if he hadn't been distracted, he would have been a gold medalist. Aesoon says he only ran for the free milkshakes. Goansik's mother says he sacrifices his own happiness. She wants Aesoon to reject him. Goansik is waiting at the jetty. His coach says his mother is sending him to the mainland for training. Goansik says he doesn't want a gold medal. He only participated because Aesoon wanted him to leave Jeju. Aesoon is with Sangil at a boutique shop.
Sacrifice and Reconciliation
Aesoon says she is marrying him because she has nowhere to live. She remembers her childhood dream of becoming president. Goansik says he will be her husband. Aesoon looks at the clock and tells Sangil she is marrying him because she has nowhere to live. She asks him to hire her. Aesoon hears the ship's horn and runs to the jetty. Goansik jumps into the sea. He swims back with an umbrella. They embrace. They got caught two days after running away.
Family Life and Broken Dreams
Goansik holds his baby. Aesoon takes pictures. Aesoon says what will she do with college? Her world is stuck in this room. Goansik says what will he do with a gold medal? He has Gami. Gami became a mother at 18 and forgot her dreams. Her father became a father at 19 and gave up his gold medal. Goansik goes to a jewelry shop and trades his ring for a ring for Aesoon. Aesoon and Goansik are looking at wedding dresses.
Societal Pressures and Family Conflicts
Aesoon is at a temple. Goansik's mother is praying for a son. Goansik's grandmother throws red bean paste at Aesoon, believing she is possessed by her mother's spirit. Goansik's mother says if she makes her do 3,000 prostrations, she won't be able to do any work. She tells Aesoon not to ruin her relationship with her son. Aesoon hits a statue and runs away with Gami.
Shifting Dynamics and Generational Differences
Aesoon packs her siblings' belongings. She sees her mother in the house. Goansik's grandmother and mother take Gami to learn diving. Goansik's grandmother says they want Gami to be a good driver. Goansik's grandmother insults the other women. Minuk tells Aesoon to stop packing her siblings' things. Aesoon tells Minuk not to mistreat her siblings. Minuk says they are like his own children.
Sacrifices and Growing Resentment
Goansik's mother is angry that Aesoon took corn to her siblings. Goansik says he brought expensive fish. Goansik's grandmother tells her to throw away the bicycle. Goansik's mother says she will sell it. Aesoon asks Gami if she went to the sea. Goansik is cleaning Aesoon's books. Aesoon's feet hurt. Goansik asks why she doesn't tell him anything. Aesoon says if she does, they will hate her. Goansik says what should he do? Aesoon says to speak for Gami.
Community Involvement and Personal Struggles
Aesoon wakes up to Goansik's grandmother throwing red bean paste at her. Goansik brings Gami a new bicycle. He tells his mother to remember it cost 2,000 won. Gami finishes her food and wants more. Goansik gives her his food. He says he will eat at her table. Aesoon smiles as Goansik leaves for work. Gami says her mother spent her youth in the kitchen.
Diverging Paths and Unspoken Discontent
Aesoon visits Gami in Seoul. She cleans Gami's apartment. Gami is talking to her boyfriend on the phone. Gami's boyfriend's mother said Gami's parents must be happy she is dating him. She asks if Gami will continue working. She says Gami will want to show off. She says poor people want to be rich. She asks if Gami wants to be a manager. She says Gami should support her son.
Clashing Values and Generational Conflicts
Gami tells her boyfriend she is not dead and will not marry him. She closes the window. Aesoon says she spends her salary on shoes. Gami says she was always poor. Aesoon says they sacrificed for her. Gami says don't lie. Aesoon asks if something happened at work. Gami says she can't take time off. Aesoon says quit and get married. Gami says she wants her to live like her. Aesoon says she had joy in her life.
Family Bonds and Unforeseen Challenges
Goansik brings Gami peas. Aesoon is cooking. Goansik's grandmother tells her to take Gami to be blessed. Aesoon sees they are preparing her to be a driver. Aesoon throws the ritual items and says it is her daughter. Goansik's mother tries to take Gami. Aesoon says her mother died saying never be a driver. Goansik's mother slaps Aesoon. Goansik's grandmother throws red beans at Aesoon. Goansik hears and says Aesoon is his wife. He is leaving.
New Beginnings and Lingering Tensions
Aesoon and Goansik live in a small apartment. Aesoon says he should not wear those shoes. Gami says they look better on her. She asks why she didn't marry a rich man. Aesoon says she would choose him again. Goansik brings peas. They are eating. The landlord comes and says someone paid their rent. Aesoon and Goansik wonder who it is. Aesoon is pregnant. Her mother's friends visit. They say she is happier since leaving her in-laws.
Financial Struggles and Unexpected Support
Jung says Goansik is working for So Bill's family. Aesoon cries. Chungsu says don't let him know you know. He is taking care of his responsibilities. Aesoon asks the landlord for rice. The landlord says they have nothing. Aesoon says they lie. She knows they give her rice. The landlord says they can't let a pregnant woman starve. They gave her octopus for her mother's memorial.
Past Sacrifices and Future Hopes
In 1972, Minuk paid Aesoon's rent. In 1987, Aesoon and Goansik are waiting for Gami. Gami says she got into Seoul University. Aesoon cries. Aesoon and Goansik go to Gami's orientation. Aesoon calls for Gami. Young Bom sees Gami and likes her. His mother says they have a Gami. His father's name is Gami. Young Bom takes their picture.
Jealousy and Misunderstandings
Goansik says he doesn't like Young Bom. He is looking at his daughter. Aesoon sees Young Bom took a picture of Gami. Goansik says call Gami. Aesoon says he is afraid they will run away to Busan. Goansik says he will have a heart attack at her wedding. Gami and Young Bom are dating. Young Bom has to go to the military. Gami breaks up with him. She has responsibilities.
Community Tensions and Political Aspirations
Some people are removing the fishermen's things from the street. They say the Olympic torch will pass through. Sangil takes their side. Jungki says he took a bribe. Aesoon's friends tell her to speak. Aesoon lies in front of the car. She says run her over. Jungki tells Aesoon to run for village chief. They say Sangil takes bribes. Aesoon refuses. Goansik is giving people snacks to vote for Aesoon.
Family Dynamics and Societal Expectations
People say if his wife is village chief, he will have problems. Goansik says he will be the village chief's husband. Someone says Sangil is giving out mutton. Sangil is giving people mutton. He says Aesoon is from outside the village. He says Aesoon and her husband are shameless. She was pregnant before marriage. Someone says her daughter is at Seoul University. Sangil says the son is worthless.
Personal Struggles and Political Maneuvering
Aesoon goes to her son's school. He made the car into a scooter. He steals letters and sells them. He makes 11 tickets out of 10. He bets. Aesoon is ashamed. She tears off the tag that says vice village chief. She says she sends him to school, not to make money. He says if he is not worthy, she can't be village chief. Gami is at university. A boy opens the car door for her.
Community Support and Political Intrigue
Some girls say she dates older men for money. Gami smiles. Sangil is feeding people. He says he is warning them. They have a right to know the truth. The women say stop slandering her. Jungki tells Aesoon she is not giving out mutton. She will lose the election. Aesoon is silent. Sangil is singing. The woman says stop singing.
Secrets and Alliances
Sangil is drinking with Misuk. Misuk says her life is hard. Sangil says give him 20%. He is lonely. He touches her foot. Aesoon opens the door. Aesoon says he has no shame. Misuk leaves. Sangil says she is interfering. Aesoon says they heard everything. They say he is not fit to be village chief. Aesoon says her son may be a thug, but he is not characterless.
Triumph and New Beginnings
Aesoon is village chief. Everyone is celebrating. Goansik is feeding everyone. Sangil arrives and asks for mutton. No one pays attention. Goansik's mother says Aesoon's fortune opened after marrying her son. Young Ran is there. She says she is happy for her. Aesoon says she is taking advantage of her. Goansik's grandmother says she would throw red bean paste at her.
Family Dynamics and Unspoken Truths
Goansik carries Aesoon home. He says she is number one. Aesoon says it took her 30 years to get to number one. She misses her mother. Aesoon gives her mother's friends rice cakes. She says they are like her mother. Ungan is kissing a girl. Gami sees the girls and gets in the car. The driver says they are always acting. Gami says she is sitting in the front to make them jealous.
Hidden Agendas and Unexpected Connections
Gami is tutoring Jenny. Jenny says she is increasing her fan following. Gami says she has seen her cooks leave. Jenny says her mother won't fire her. Gami says she wants to meet her mother. Jenny says she approved her. Jenny says she can't lift her bra. Gami asks why she is interested. Jenny says she is more attractive. Gami says write attractive.
Moral Dilemmas and Difficult Choices
Gami gets paid. Jenny says take only what is agreed. Jenny's mother calls. Gami is told to leave. Jenny's mother tells Gami she has everything but education. She wants Gami to take Jenny's entrance exam. She will give her a 1,000 square foot apartment. Gami says she can't cheat. Jenny's mother says her scholarship is ending. She can buy her parents a house.
Consequences and Unexpected Revelations
Gami says Jenny will be harmed. Jenny says she wants to be a singer. Jenny's mother says she can't stand frogs. Gami takes the payment. She tells the guard she is from house number 208. She gives him the money and says she is not a thief. The guard says where is the diamond ring? Young Bom and Goansik are waiting for Gami. Gami is knocking on Jenny's door and saying she has no diamond ring. The police arrive.
False Accusations and Family Support
Gami is at the police station. Jenny's mother accused her of stealing a diamond ring. The police search her bag. Gami says she is not a thief. The police say she was tutoring. Gami is silent. The police say they will call her father. Gami says they will be devastated. Goansik and Young Bom are at the bus stop. Goansik is staring at Young Bom. He says he is going home.
Unexpected Connections and Lingering Affections
Young Bom says he is on leave. Goansik says he is dating his daughter. Young Bom says she dumped him. Goansik says he is bothering her. He says she has high standards. Young Bom says she says he is too quiet. Goansik is shocked. He sits down. Jenny and her mother are eating. The housekeeper is cleaning. Jenny says it was wrong to do that to her.
Unveiling the Truth and Rekindled Feelings
The housekeeper puts the ring under the table. She tells Jenny's mother the girl stole the ring. Jenny's mother says yes. The housekeeper says the ring was there. She threatens to throw the ring off the balcony. Jenny's mother says she is crazy. Gami is outside the police station. She calls Aesoon. She can't say what happened. Aesoon asks if she saw her father.
Reunions and Unspoken Words
Aesoon says he was sent to Seoul. Gami says she doesn't have time. Aesoon says make time. He wanted to see her. Gami goes to the bus stop. Goansik is waiting. Gami cries. She says she was selected to study abroad. She is angry. Goansik says go. He will manage. Gami says she is selfish. She can't say sorry. Goansik is getting on the bus.
Sacrifices and Missed Opportunities
Gami grabs him and says she is angry. He makes her so anxious. He came because the museum was close. Goansik says she can't come home. He came to see her. Gami remembers she told Aesoon she didn't have time. She is sorry. Goansik is taking her to the museum. He is taking her to the museum.
Community Support and Unresolved Conflicts
Aesoon is making rice cakes. She is upset. She says she is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She is not a good mother. She
