brina

(Contains SPOILERS) I was enjoying this show but ultimately had to stop. The mother is very toxic and is always bringing her daughter down. It’s so irritating to watch. Now I know that unhealthy parent and child dynamics do exist in reality, but what bothers me the most is that I know that Hee-do and her mother will reconcile. The show is not over, but it’s predictable. Plus we see in the future that Hee-do still has contact with her mom. I’m aware that character development can happen, but I highly doubt that the mother will grow sufficiently in the few episodes left for all of the hurt she’s inflicted. She’s self-centered and insensitive, it is unfair that she keeps her relationship with her daughter in the future despite her bad behavior. Hearing the things she says to her daughter and even when she kicked Yi-jin made me feel disgusted. Just because you are related to someone by blood, does not mean you have to keep them in your life. Especially if they are toxic. Another aspect that irks me is Hee-do’s daughter. She read the diary and yet we see that she still sympathizes with her grandmother, Hee-do’s mother. The daughter invalidates her mother’s feelings which was ridiculous. Hee-do practically had the whole world against her when she won gold, including her mother. Her mother who always chooses her job over those she loves (which we even saw happen to Hee-do’s trainer). It’s unbelievable that her daughter is not more understanding of her considering she had a whole diary to explain any inner turmoil. Yurim as well is someone that does not have adequate character development. She’s basically a bully through most of the show. No, I do not have sympathy for her. She’s in a bad financial situation but she’s an adult, old enough to know not to belittle Hee-do because of any insecurities. Yurim and Hee-do become friends which feels forced and uncomfortable. Who in their right mind becomes friends with their bully? Hee-do was peculiar for that one. When it comes down to it, this is just a show. It’s fictional. However, seeing such insensitive and cruel people get away with their wrongdoings with inadequate growth is unfavorable. I expected more from a k-drama with such high praise. And yes I realize that the reason Hee-do still engages with her mother could be because of culture since in lots of cultures individuals will stay with family regardless of any pain. “Family is forever.” “Respect your elders/parents.” etc. These ideals are present in my culture as well as I’m Latina. I get that it’s expected to forgive family no matter how cruel they may be. However, I do not agree with that sentiment so seeing Hee-do stay with such a mean mother and befriend Yurim was unappealing to me. 🤷‍♀️