"Thank You" Korean Drama: A Must-Watch for Emotional Healing

Only the stories that touched my heart make it to my reviews.

The 2007 MBC drama "Thank You" is a touching story that explores the lives of characters burdened by societal prejudice and personal wounds. It portrays how they heal one another and rediscover the meaning of family, leaving a lasting emotional impact on its viewers. The drama sheds light on the lives of marginalized individuals, including a young girl with AIDS, a single mother, and an elderly man with dementia, weaving a delicate narrative of understanding and love.

"Thank You" 2007

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Characters

• Min Gi-seo (Played by Jang Hyuk)
  A talented surgeon whose life spirals into despair after the death of his lover. While grappling with guilt over a mistake that affected Bom’s health, Gi-seo arrives on Blue Island (Pureundo), where he meets Yeong-shin and Bom. Despite his initial cold demeanor, he begins to change through his interactions with them.

 

• Lee Yeong-shin (Played by Gong Hyo-jin)
  A strong-willed single mother who cares for her daughter Bom, who was infected with AIDS due to a medical error, and her grandfather, who suffers from dementia. Yeong-shin dedicates her life to protecting Bom despite financial struggles and societal prejudice.

• Lee Bom (Played by Seo Shin-ae)
  An 8-year-old girl was infected with AIDS after a blood transfusion. Despite her condition, she remains cheerful and brings hope to everyone around her.

• Choi Seok-hyeon (Played by Shin Sung-rok)
  Yeong-shin's childhood friend and Bom’s biological father. After becoming a successful businessman, he returns to Blue Island and reconnects with Yeong-shin, creating tension as he learns about Bom.

• Lee Byeong-guk (Played by Shin Goo)
  Yeong-shin's grandfather, who suffers from dementia, remains loving and devoted to his family.

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[Video Source] Old MBC Dramas

Synopsis

Min Gi-seo (Jang Hyuk) is a skilled surgeon who has lost his will to live after the tragic death of his girlfriend, Ji-min (Choi Kang-hee). Before she passes away, Ji-min asks Gi-seo to deliver an important message to someone on Blue Island. Gi-seo sets off on this seemingly simple errand out of a sense of duty, unaware of how profoundly it will change his life.

On Blue Island, Gi-seo encounters Lee Yeong-shin (Gong Hyo-jin), a single mother raising her daughter Lee Bom (Seo Shin-ae) and caring for her ailing grandfather Lee Byeong-guk (Shin Goo). Yeong-shin’s life is filled with challenges, not only due to Bom’s medical condition but also the stigma and prejudice they face from the local community.

Initially, Gi-seo keeps his distance but is gradually drawn into their lives. Despite her illness, Bom’s courage and optimism inspire Gi-seo to reevaluate his outlook on life. He slowly begins to

 

Lee Yeong-shin and Bom's Life

Lee Yeong-shin became a single mother at a young age and has dedicated her entire life to raising Bom, despite the societal stigma attached to her circumstances. Bom is Yeong-shin's greatest source of joy and strength. However, their lives take a difficult turn when it becomes known that Bom is infected with AIDS due to a blood transfusion.

The revelation brings forth the community's prejudice and fear, leading to isolation and hostility toward Yeong-shin and her family. Despite the discrimination, Yeong-shin remains unyielding, fiercely protecting her daughter and standing strong in the face of judgment. Her unwavering love and determination make her one of the most inspiring characters in the drama.

 

Min Gi-seo's Transformation

Gi-seo arrives at Blue Island, burdened by grief and guilt over his lover's death. Initially cold and indifferent toward Yeong-shin and Bom, he gradually finds himself moved by their resilience and love.

Their attitude toward life touches Gi-seo deeply, prompting him to confront his emotions. Ultimately, Gi-seo experiences healing through Yeong-shin and Bom, just as they find solace in his presence.

 

From left to right: Bom, Min Gi-seo, Lee Yeong-shin

The Role of Choi Seok-hyeon

Another significant character in "Thank You" is Choi Seok-hyeon (played by Shin Sung-rok). A successful businessman, Seok-hyeon is Yeong-shin's childhood friend and Bom's biological father. Despite his success, he harbors deep guilt for abandoning Yeong-shin and Bom in the past. Upon returning to Blue Island and learning about Bom's condition, he makes amends and reconnects with Yeong-shin.

However, by the time of his arrival, Yeong-shin and Bom had already formed a familial bond with Gi-seo. This creates emotional tension, as Seok-hyeon wishes to reclaim a place in their lives, while Yeong-shin finds herself leaning more toward Gi-seo. Seok-hyeon's journey is a bittersweet tale of redemption and acceptance as he prioritizes Yeong-shin and Bom's happiness over his desires.

The Revelation of Bom's Condition

The story reaches a dramatic turning point when Bom's HIV-positive status becomes public knowledge. The news spreads throughout the small, close-knit community, eliciting fear and prejudice from the villagers. Yeong-shin and her family face ostracism and cruel treatment from their neighbors, compounding their struggles.

In these trying times, Gi-seo becomes a steadfast ally for Yeong-shin and Bom. His presence and unwavering support provide much-needed stability. Through his growing connection with Bom, Gi-seo realizes that she is healing him and teaching him the true meaning of family and love.

The Ending and Its Message

In the final moments of the drama, Gi-seo embraces Yeong-shin and Bom as the center of his life and decides to create a new family together. Overcoming societal prejudice and personal pain, the story highlights the importance of love and connection, leaving a lasting impression as a heartfelt and inspiring masterpiece.

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Watching points

• A Heartfelt Storyline
  "Thank You" addresses heavy themes such as HIV, dementia, and single motherhood. However, it tackles these issues with warmth and compassion, presenting a narrative that deeply moves its audience.

• Stellar Performances
  The cast, led by Gong Hyo-jin as Yeong-shin and Jang Hyuk as Gi-seo, delivers outstanding performances. Child actress Seo Shin-ae, playing Bom, also captivates viewers with her natural and touching portrayal.

• Breathtaking Visuals
  The series showcases Blue Island's natural beauty with its warm, inviting tones and stunning cinematography, creating a visually soothing experience for the audience.

• Uplifting Themes
  At its core, "Thank You" is a story about the value of family, love, and human dignity. It offers hope and solace, reminding viewers of the power of compassion in overcoming life’s adversities.

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Appendices

[Appendix 1] Iconic Scenes and Memorable Quotes

1. A Conversation Between Yeong-shin and Gi-seo
   This pivotal moment occurs when Yeong-shin questions Gi-seo about societal perceptions of her family.
• Yeong-shin: "Is it bad or strange that Bom doesn’t have a father? Is it wrong that I’m a single mother? It’s just different, isn’t it? You taught me that."
• Gi-seo: "Yes, it’s different. Like how some people have smaller right eyes, or how some are taller, or how some people’s index fingers are longer than their middle fingers."

This exchange highlights the drama’s empathetic perspective on social prejudice, emphasizing the idea of accepting differences.

2. Gi-seo's Declaration to Yeong-shin
• Gi-seo: "Do you believe in miracles? I do."
  This turning point marks Gi-seo’s complete transformation. From a cynical and detached man, he becomes someone who believes in the magic of love and family, vowing to bring happiness to Yeong-shin and Bom.

 

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[Appendix 2] Original Soundtrack (OST)

The soundtrack of "Thank You" enhances the emotional depth of the drama. Here’s the list of tracks and the artists who performed them:

• Tae-hoon – Thank You

[Source] YouTube HANKOOK NORE

• Oh Jin-woo – I Love You, Sad Memories, Sacrifice, Angel
• Yoo Tae-hwan – Recollection of You
• Lim Ha-young – Windy Day, Trace, Morning of Blue Island, Farewell, As Time Flows

The beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics of these tracks perfectly complement the drama’s themes of love and healing.

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[Appendix 3] Korean Dramas with Similar Emotional Depth

If you enjoyed "Thank You," here are some other Korean dramas that deliver similarly touching narratives:

• "Dear My Friends" (2016)

This series beautifully depicts the lives and friendships of older adults, offering heartwarming stories about intergenerational communication and mutual understanding.

• "The Light in Your Eyes" (2019)

A drama about a protagonist who gains the ability to turn back time but learns to appreciate the value of life and cherish its fleeting moments.

• "Our Blues" (2022)

Set on Jeju Island, this series tells the intertwined stories of various characters, focusing on relationships, personal growth, and hope amidst adversity.

 

"Our Blues" 2022

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[Appendix 4] Filmography of the Main Cast

A.4-1: Jang Hyuk

Jang Hyuk is renowned for his intense portrayals and diverse range of characters. Here are some of his notable works:

Notable Dramas:

• 1999: School 1 (as Lee Kang-seok) – A breakout role in a youth drama.
• 2002: Successful Story of a Bright Girl (as Han Ki-tae) – A romantic comedy that brought him widespread popularity.
• 2008: Robber (as Kwon Oh-joon) – A thriller exploring themes of power and revenge.
• 2010: Chuno (as Lee Dae-gil) – A critically acclaimed historical drama about a tragic slave hunter.

Chuno 2010

• 2014: Fated to Love You (as Lee Gun) – A heartwarming blend of romantic comedy and melodrama.

Notable Films:

• 2001: Volcano High School (as Kim Kyung-soo) – A groundbreaking school action movie.
• 2003: Please Teach Me English (as Park Moon-soo) – A humorous story of a woman learning English to succeed in life.
• 2004: Windstruck (as Myung-woo) – A romantic comedy with high expectations following My Sassy Girl.
• 2013: Flu (as Ji-gu) – A disaster movie revolving around a viral pandemic.
• 2017: Ordinary Person (as Choi Kyu-nam) – A touching story set in 1980s South Korea, highlighting a detective entangled in political conspiracies.

 

Ordinary Person 2017

A.4-2: Gong Hyo-jin

Gong Hyo-jin, often referred to as the "Queen of Romantic Comedies," is beloved by audiences for her exceptional acting and charming characters. Below are her notable works:

Notable Dramas:

• 2003: Sang-doo, Let’s Go to School (as Eun-hwan) – A heartwarming tale of a single father with a troubled past and the teacher who believes in him.
• 2005: Hello My Teacher (as Na Bo-ri) – A comedic take on the relationship between a teacher and her students.
• 2011: The Greatest Love (as Gu Ae-jung) – A romance between a top star and a former celebrity.
• 2014: It’s Okay, That’s Love (as Ji Hae-soo) – Gong Hyo-jin delivered a nuanced performance as a psychiatrist navigating personal and professional struggles.
• 2019: When the Camellia Blooms (as Dong-baek) – A poignant coming-of-age drama that explores themes of hope and love, which became a massive hit.

When the Camellia Blooms 2019

Notable Films:

• 2006: Family Ties (as Seon-kyung) – A unique take on unconventional family dynamics.
• 2008: Crush and Blush (as Yang Mi-sook) – A critically acclaimed performance as a quirky and comical character.

Crush and Blush 2008

• 2013: Boomerang Family (as Mi-yeon) – A story about a dysfunctional family that reunites, resulting in endless chaos.
• 2017: A Single Rider (as Soo-jin) – A deeply introspective film about the search for true happiness and life’s meaning.
• 2019: Crazy Romance (as Sun-young) – A realistic portrayal of modern relationships in this romantic comedy.