**폭싹 속았수다": A Korean Epic Conquering the World with Tears and Tangerines
1. An Emotional Journey Through the Four Seasons
The series, set in 1960s Jeju, follows the life of Ae-soon, a witty rebel, and Gwan-sik, a man of unbreakable character. The first four episodes, titled "The Spring That Roared," explore a childhood marked by poverty and the tense relationship between Ae-soon and her mother, Gwang-rye, a diver who sacrifices her health to support the family. The scene where Ae-soon reads a poem to her mother, causing her to cry, has become an iconic moment, highlighted in Korean blogs as a masterful example of visual storytelling.
The Korean community on Naver highlights how the series portrays "love that hurts but heals," especially in Gwang-rye's decision to send her daughter away to protect her, an act that many viewers compare to the stories of their own grandmothers.
2. Symbolisms That Weave the Plot
Ae-soon's old shoes emerge as a recurring symbol. In episode 4, when Gwan-sik grabs her sandals during their first kiss, fans interpret this as a metaphor for "holding her destiny." Analysts on YouTube point out that this gesture represents Gwan-sik's promise to free her from her life as a servant.
Additionally, the Yuche flower field, where the teenage romance occurs, is not just a setting: according to critics, it symbolizes "the fleeting nature of happiness amid social oppression." A Naver user commented: "Each petal seems to whisper the sorrows of Jeju."
3. The Cast: Performances That Tear You Apart
**IU (Ae-soon)** and **Park Bo-gum (Gwan-sik)** receive unanimous praise. IU captures the transition from a stubborn girl to a resilient woman, while Park Bo-gum surprises with a rougher, quieter role, far from his previous characters. Korean bloggers highlight the scene where Gwan-sik defends Ae-soon from an abusive boss: "It's the rawest, most authentic Bo-gum we've seen!"
The child actors also shine: young Shin Chae-rin (young Ae-soon) moved viewers with her desperate cry "Mom, I want to be with you!" in episode 1.
4. Global Reception: Tears Without Borders
After its premiere on March 7, the series climbed to the **Top 10 on Netflix in 23 countries**, including Mexico and Spain. In Taiwan and Hong Kong, it led for three consecutive weeks. International comments on YouTube reflect admiration: "I never thought I would cry so much over a Korean mother from the 60s."
In China, where it is illegally distributed as "苦盡柑來遇見你", it has a rating of 9.4/10 on pirate platforms. Viewers praise its "ability to universalize pain and hope."
5. Production Details: An Authentic Jeju
The team recreated historical Jeju with **hand-dyed costumes** and period fishing tools, consulting local historians. A detail that won over Koreans: the "ttangkkeut" (wooden clogs) that Ae-soon wears are exact replicas of those used by real divers in the 60s.
The budget, estimated at **20 billion won**, is evident in sequences like the storm in episode 3, where hundreds of extras simulate a fish market in the rain.
6. Reactions in Korea: "It's Our Collective History"
In communities like Naver, users compare the series to "Mother" (2018) and "Reply 1988" for its portrayal of family. A viral blog notes: "It's not just a drama; it's a mirror of our grandmothers who survived wars and dictatorships."
However, there are debates: some criticize that the Jeju dialect (제주 방언) is subtitled even in Korean, arguing that it "loses authenticity." Others defend the decision as necessary for young audiences.
Conclusion: The Next Netflix Classic?
With its mix of bitter romance, historical realism, and stellar performances, 폭싹 속았수다 is shaping up to be a strong contender in international awards. As episodes 5-8 delve into the protagonists' adulthood, Korean fans are already calling it "the work that taught us to embrace the scars of our elders."