Precious Family (To my Dear Parents) 2004
January 20, 2008
Origin: Korea, KBS2
Actors: Song Jae Jo, Kim Hee Sok, Kim Hee Ae, Chung Hyun Sung, Lee Dong Wook, Lee Yuri
Description: A Family drama by KBS that revolves around the lives of the Ahn family.
Ahn Jae wok is a soon-to-retired vice principal who lives with wife Ohk Hwa and younger sister. His 4 children, Seong-sil, Ji-Hwan, Jeong-hwan and Seong-mi have all grown up. The marriage of his eldest daughter Seong-sil is on the rocks, due to tensions caused by her autistic son, while other siblings face their own issues. Watch as the Ahn family battle the simple yet complicated issues of everyday life.
What to watch out for: Themes and meaning. This is a real gem of a family drama. It explores family dynamics and conflicts such as personality differences, courtship and divorce, with sensitivity and maturity. The Ahn family is surprisingly good-natured and tightly bonded, so you won’t get the generic yelling sessions that occurs in every other family “melo-drama”.
Performances:
The acting is natural and and excellent all-round, from the veterans to teen actors. The atmosphere was great and they felt like a real family. Special mention goes to young Yoo Seung Ho as the autstic son of Seong-sil.
Downsides:
Slow/ moderate pacing and length (68 episodes). It might be difficult to pay attention before you truly become immersed in the lives of the Ahn family. Its also a fairly mild drama without thrills and complex plot.
