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KBS2’s ‘Drama Special 2024’ has once again proven the power of its acclaimed one-act plays with the broadcast of its third installment, ‘Youngbok, Sachiko,’ directed by Park DanBi and written by Ko WooJin. Aired on the 26th, this episode captivated viewers with the touching tale of transcendent friendship and humanity between Youngbok (played by Kang MiNa) and Sachiko (played by Choi Ri), crossing national borders and tugging at the heartstrings.
Set one year before the outbreak of the Korean War, ‘Youngbok, Sachiko’ opens in a small mountain village where Youngbok awaits her husband, Im Seorim (played by Ha Joon), whom she has never met. To avoid being taken to a comfort station, Youngbok married into an unfamiliar village, her husband having gone missing in Japan for five years. During this period, Korea gained independence, and Youngbok, now a living widow, buried both her biological and in-law parents.
Unbeknownst to Youngbok, Seorim returns to his hometown with his Japanese wife, Sachiko. Upon seeing her husband for the first time through a photograph, Youngbok is shocked to find him accompanied by Sachiko. Seorim demands Youngbok leave, denying their marriage. However, Youngbok defiantly declares, “Why should I leave? What right do you have to tell me to go?” sparking viewers’ interest.
Seorim finds himself in the middle of a love triangle, with Youngbok and Sachiko living under one roof, both vying for his affection. Sachiko, pregnant with Seorim’s child, becomes Youngbok’s rival, while Seorim is caught in a dilemma between the two women.
As Seorim’s affection for Youngbok grows due to her dedication to household duties during his absence, Youngbok experiences love for the first time. Overhearing their conversation, Sachiko regrets coming to Seorim’s hometown and is filled with anxiety.
The reason for Seorim’s return is revealed: he was imprisoned in Japan for participating in a Korean language reading group, where he contracted tuberculosis. Upon hearing this, Youngbok’s anger and resentment towards Sachiko draw sympathy from the audience.
On the day Sachiko’s child is born, Seorim’s condition worsens and he unexpectedly passes away. Youngbok and Sachiko, devastated by grief, cling to each other, moving viewers deeply.
With the onset of the Korean War, Youngbok and Sachiko are engulfed in fear as they hear the sounds of bombings and gunfire from dawn. Seeking refuge in a hut with villagers, Youngbok tells Sachiko, “No matter how chaotic the world gets, we must bravely face it and live on,” placing Seorim’s photograph in the baby’s arms.
In a tense moment, North Korean soldiers storm the hut, grabbing Sachiko by the hair. Youngbok, with all her strength, manages to escape with Sachiko. In a desperate bid to evade capture, Youngbok decides to divert the soldiers, giving Sachiko her treasured silver ring as fare for a ship to Japan. Tearfully, she bids farewell to Sachiko, saying, “Safe travels, my dear traveler.”
Youngbok ultimately meets her demise while leading the soldiers away. Sachiko resolves to cherish the silver ring, a memento from Youngbok, for the rest of her life. The ending, with an elderly Sachiko reminiscing about her time with Youngbok, leaves a profound impression.
The fourth one-act play of ‘KBS Drama Special 2024,’ titled ‘Around the Corner,’ will air on December 3rd at 10:45 PM KST.
This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.
English (US) · 