17

The one-week gap between a single batch of episodes is a neat technique to let you re-wind and watch to catch up, and piece everything together so that you’ll have a clearer perspective of what’s going on. Or even if you don’t, I don’t blame you because this series has so far left me gobsmacked in terms of how the scenes are weaved together. Just as you’re taking in a particular scene, another one comes into the picture, and it can be quite the experience watching this one heck of an episodic series. You hardly need another series to remind you of the things we take for granted. At the same time, this is the one that will keep you watching, and perhaps, binge-watching, despite its slow-moving pace – especially because of its genre and mainly its dialogue.

Then again, it’s Jeju Island and parts of South Korea we’re talking about. How can one not marvel over the beauty of Jeju Island and South Korea? In the second set of episodes, deeper and darker themes are surely explored in a seamless, smooth and clever way.

The Yang family and household is put to the test – financially, mentally, and physically – with their source of income heavily reliant on weather conditions. With such a situation, the budding poet in Ae-Sun turns to her elderly grandmother for help, following the losses of two very important people in her life.

In a similar vein to many other series and films which are family-oriented, sacrifices have to be made for a better future of their children. The way the scenes are placed though remains the highlight in terms of why many will be discussing this drama for a long time. Perhaps it is also worth underscoring how both Ae-Sun’s children display rebelliousness – one uses it to usually fight off bullies, rumours, lies and corrupt folks, while the other is most of the time nonchalant about his getting into trouble with the law – all in the name of a better future and financial stability.

A sense of warmth and wonder fill my heart whenever Ae Sun’s departed mother appears in her dreams in the present-day, but with her face shown, in action and talking to Ae-Sun, like as if she’s still around to guide her – especially in her most trying moments.

About halfway through episode 8, which is surely something that will be etched in your memory, as an older (eldest) daughter of Ae Sun and Gwan-Sik is seen achieving yet another milestone in life, it is this opportunity that Ae Sun’s eldest daughter uses to give you a walk through Ae Sun’s childhood and her other phases of life – paved with a mix of happy and unpleasant memories but treasured nonetheless – to show you where they are both the same yet different.

Where will Volume 3 pick up from? There’s only one way to find out. The peeling of the skin on tangerines continues next on Friday, 21 March 2025.  

Updated 18 March 2025