Our Blues

Full Series Synopsis Our Blues

Our Blues is an omnibus-style South Korean drama that premiered on April 9, 2022 on tvN and Netflix. The 20-episode series, directed by Kim Kyu-tae and written by No Hee-kyung, presents emotional stories about life, love, and human relationships on Jeju Island. Dengan latar pemandangan laut yang indah, drama ini menampilkan deretan aktor ternama seperti Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-ah, Cha Seung-won, Han Ji-min, Kim Woo-bin, Lee Jung-eun, Kim Hye-ja, dan Uhm Jung-hwa. Each episode focuses on a different character or couple, yet connected through life in Jeju's small village of Pureung, creating a mosaic of heartwarming stories.

Setting and concept

Set on Jeju Island, Our Blues depicts the life of villagers with a strong local culture, such as the profession of haenyeo (female divers) and close communal relationships. The omnibus concept allows each episode to highlight the story of an individual or couple with realistic conflicts, ranging from love, friendship, family, to past trauma. The Drama combines elements of melodrama, romance, and slice of life, offering a viewing experience that feels like a mix of drama series and short films. The central theme is “blues " or melancholy, reflecting the emotional ups and downs of the characters facing wounds and expectations in their lives.

Synopsis per Episode and main characters

Episode 1-2: Han-su dan Eun-hui

The story opens with a focus on Jung Eun-hui (Lee Jung-eun), a fish shop owner in Pureung village, and Choi Han-su (Cha Seung-won), a bank branch head who returns to Jeju after living in the city. Eun-hui, a successful single woman, harbors feelings for Han-su, her first love since high school. However, Han-su, who is now in financial trouble because of his ambitions to support his daughter's golf career abroad, admits that he is in the process of divorce, when in reality it is more complicated. The two spend time together, reminiscing about their youth, but Eun-hui begins to question Han-su's honesty. The story explores nostalgia, disappointment, and the impact of egoism in relationships.

Episode 3-4: Dong-seok dan Seon-a

Lee Dong-seok (Lee Byung-hun), a traveling salesman selling goods from his truck, reunites with Min Seon-A (Shin Min-ah), his first love who has just moved to Jeju. Dong-seok, a simple but warm-hearted man, harbors childhood wounds due to a bad relationship with his mother, Kang Ok-dong (Kim Hye-ja). Seon-a, a single mother, is struggling with severe depression due to divorce and custody battles over her child. Their meeting opens up old wounds, but it also fosters an emotional bond. This Episode illustrates the process of healing from trauma and the importance of supporting each other.

Episode 5-6: Yeong-ok dan Jeong-jun

Lee Yeong-ok (Han Ji-min), a haenyeo known for being flirtatious and full of rumors, attracts the attention of Park Jeong-jun (Kim Woo-bin), the sincere captain of a fishing boat. Although Yeong-ok initially keeps her distance due to her dark past, Jeong-jun steadfastly shows her sincerity. Their relationship develops amid everyday life in Jeju, with Yeong-ok learning to open her heart and Jeong-jun proving that love can overcome uncertainty. This story highlights the theme of acceptance and the courage to love despite wounds.

Episodes 7-8: Yeong-ju and Hyeon

The Episode focuses on two high school teenagers, Bang Yeong-ju (Roh Yoon-seo) and Jung Hyeon (Bae Hyun-sung), who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Yeong-ju, an outstanding student, initially wants to have an abortion for the sake of the future, while Hyeon tries to take responsibility despite being confused. The conflict is compounded by the enmity between their fathers, Jung In-gwon (Park Ji-hwan) and Bang Ho-sik (Choi Young-joon), who oppose their children's relationship. The story depicts the dilemmas of teenage pregnancy, social pressures, and struggles to make adult decisions at a young age.

Episode 9-10: Chun-hui dan Eun-gi

Hyeon Chun-hui (Go Doo-shim), the leader of the haenyeo and a vegetable merchant, is a tough figure who is respected in the village. However, behind her stubbornness, she kept the grief of losing her husband and child. Chun-hui takes care of her granddaughter, Eun-gi, lovingly, despite feeling her life is full of misfortune. This Episode highlights the strength and vulnerability of an elderly woman, as well as the warm relationship between grandmother and granddaughter amidst the simple life in Jeju.

Episode 11-12: Dong-seok, Yeong-ok, dan Eun-hui

This Episode deepens Dong-seok, Yeong-ok, and Eun-hui's emotional conflict. Dong-seok increasingly shows anger towards his mother, Ok-dong, who keeps the past a secret. Yeong-ok, who is always cheerful, begins to uncover the wounds she harbors, including her relationship with her twin sister who has a disability. Eun-hui faces disappointment because her best friend, Go Mi-ran (Uhm Jung-hwa), keeps a secret. This Episode explores themes of forgiveness, hidden trauma, and the importance of communication in relationships.

Episodes 13-14: In-gwon and Ho-sik

Jung In-gwon and Bang Ho-sik, two fathers who are hostile because of their children's relationship, become the center of the story. Although they initially hate each other, they begin to understand each other through grief and parental responsibility. This story highlights the impact of teenage pregnancy on families, as well as the process of reconciliation and understanding between people.

Episodes 15-16: Ok-dong and Dong-seok

The tense relationship between Dong-seok and his mother, Ok-dong, reaches its peak. Ok-dong, a hard worker who rarely shows affection, is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Dong-seok, who had harbored resentment for feeling neglected in childhood, begins to understand his mother's sacrifice. This Episode presents a heartwarming moment of late-spoken family forgiveness and love.

Episode 17-18: Mi-ran dan Eun-hui

Go Mi-ran, Eun-hui's best friend who returns to Jeju after getting tired of city life, brings a new dynamic. Although initially cheerful, Mi-ran keeps a secret about her stressful life. Conflict arises when Eun-hui feels betrayed, but the two learn to understand each other. This story highlights the power of friendship and the importance of honesty.

Episodes 19-20: Finale

The final Episode ties all the stories together with a moment of Pureung villagers ' togetherness in a sporting event. Ok-dong passes away, leaving Dong-seok with a peaceful feeling after they reconcile. Seon-a finds the strength to move on from his depression, supported by Dong-seok. Yeong-ju and Hyeon choose to raise their child together, while Yeong-ok and Jeong-jun plan for the future. Eun-hui and Mi-ran mend their friendship, and Han-su learns from his mistakes. The play closes with the message that life, although full of melancholy, always offers hope through love and community.

Theme and message

Our Blues explore universal themes such as love, loss, forgiveness, and resilience. Each character faces their own “blues” or sadness, but finds a way to rise through relationships with others. The Drama also highlights Jeju culture, such as haenyeo professions and communal life, as a reflection of authentic Korean sentiment. The main message is that life is a mix of sweet and bitter, and happiness is found in accepting imperfection.

Cast and characters

• Lee Byung-hun as Lee Dong-seok:a simple but scarred itinerant Merchant of childhood.
• Shin Min-ah as Min Seon-a: a single mother who struggles with depression and trauma.
• Cha Seung-won as Choi Han-su: the selfish but redemption-seeking head of the bank.
• Lee Jung-eun as Jung Eun-hui: a warm and loyal fish shop owner.
• Han Ji-min as Lee Yeong-ok: a cheerful but secretive Haenyeo.
• Kim Woo-bin as Park Jeong-jun: the sincere and loving captain of the ship.
• Kim Hye-ja as Kang Ok-dong: Dong-seok's tough but sacrificial mother.
• Go Doo-shim as Hyeon Chun-hui: a tough but fragile haenyeo leader.
• Uhm Jung-hwa as Go Mi-ran: Eun-hui's glamorous but troubled best friend.
• Roh Yoon-seo and Bae Hyun-sung as Bang Yeong-ju and Jung Hyeon: A teenage couple facing pregnancy.

Interesting Facts

• Our Blues it marks Kim Woo-bin's return to acting after a hiatus due to nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017.
• The Drama features Jung Eun-hye, South Korea's First Down syndrome actress, in a Supporting Role.
• Soundtrack drama ini, termasuk lagu “With You” oleh Jimin BTS dan Ha Sung-woon, meraih popularitas besar.
• Jeju Island was chosen because of its strong local culture, reflecting blood ties and close-knit community.
• Our Blues recorded high ratings, with the final episode reaching the top position in its air slot.

Closing

Our Blues is an emotional journey that describes life in all its complexity. With stunning acting, beautiful cinematography, and a realistic story, this drama managed to touch the hearts of audiences around the world. For drama lovers looking for an in-depth story about humanity, Our Blues is a must-watch option.