Based on the true story of writer Kang Chang-rae. Da-jung used to be a sweet working mom, but as colorectal cancer strikes her, she gradually becomes unable to eat. Da-jung's husband, Chang-wook, has never cooked before, but he begins cooking to take care of his wife's health and meals. Chang-wook handpicks decent ingredients and tries to develop healthy recipes to make a precious meal for his ill wife. Although he may be clumsy sometimes, he begins to realize how to treasure the time cooking and having a meal together with his family.
DirectorLee Ho-jae
WriterLee Ho-jae
The Tears of Japchae
Dec 1, 2022
Since Da-jung was diagnosed with cancer, Chang-wook, her husband, has been in charge of cooking. Their son, Jae-ho, is a senior in high school, and he is waiting for the results of his college admission to come out. Chang-wook cooks japchae for his family today.
The Miracle of Space Warp, Dombe Noodles
Dec 1, 2022
Chang-wook makes dombe noodles for Da-jung. Da-jung is having a hard time trying to remember the beach on Jeju Island she went to with Jae-ho and her sister Da-sol about five years ago but refuses to look it up on the internet. Jae-ho asks Da-jung to get him a studio as a present so that he can live alone once he enters college.
Do Gulbi!
Dec 8, 2022
Chang-wook’s students give him a set of gulbi as a year-end present. Jae-ho learns about Da-jung’s illness. Jae-ho doesn’t go to school and ignores Yeo-jin’s texts and phone calls because he’s disturbed by Da-jung’s condition, and Yeo-jin, who knows nothing about it, is upset.
Rice Cake Soup on New Year's Day We Long For
Dec 8, 2022
Finally, the first edition of Hye-young’s new book is out, so Da-jung delivers it to Hye-young herself. Da-jung tells Min-young to think about taking over her publishing house. Chang-wook makes rice cake soup on New Year’s Day.
We All Need Some Sweet Consolation
Dec 15, 2022
Jae-ho feels helpless regarding Da-jung's illness, so he even audits a class at the medical school and looks up home remedies on the internet. Da-jung visits a woodland burial site by herself to see what it looks like. Da-jung tells Chang-wook to sleep in her bed together.
Separate Tangsuyuk
Dec 15, 2022
Chang-wook buys a Chinese wok and knife and learns the special tangsuyuk recipe to make it properly for Da-jung. Yeo-jin is upset because Jae-ho doesn't understand the frustration she feels as a repeater. Da-jung collapses in severe pain and is taken to the ER.
What I Couldn't See Yesterday
Dec 22, 2022
Da-jung is administered to the hospital and not able to eat much food. As Da-jung says she wants to drink mango juice, Chang-wook makes various types of fruit juices for her. But the doctor says her condition is so serious that immediate surgery might not be possible.
An Amazing Effect of No-Antibiotic Thinly-Sliced Pork Belly
Dec 22, 2022
Da-jung refuses to get surgery. But after a week of Chang-wook’s persuasion, Da-jung decides to get surgery. The surgery, which was expected to take longer than three hours, ends just in one and a half hours, making Chang-wook and Jae-ho worried.
Feeling Joy Needs Training
Dec 29, 2022
Da-jung can eat food after the surgery, but she is still in pain as cancer has spread through her body. Chang-wook feels grateful that she can eat at least and tries his best to take care of her. To share the burden, the aunt in Sweden and Da-sol come to Korea, and Chang-wook cooks food to treat his wife’s family. And Da-sol and Hye-young are surprised to see that Chang-wook’s cooking skills have significantly improved.
Carpe Diem, Braised Sea Cucumber
Dec 29, 2022
Da-jung and Chang-wook start to dispose of Da-jung’s stuff as she is about to be admitted to a care center. Meanwhile, Da-jung’s condition gets worse. As she has almost no appetite, Chang-wook tries to develop a new recipe. The day before Da-jung is admitted, Chang-wook politely declines to sell Da-jung’s car as he is not ready to send her away yet.
You're the Juice You Make
Jan 5, 2023
The doctor tells Da-jung she can drink liquids that aren’t water, so Chang-wook makes fruit juice for Da-jung and filters it multiple times to eliminate all fiber. Da-jung compares the bland but tasty juice to Chang-wook and teaches him how to make his favorite kimchi rice.
Is This What That Was For?
Jan 5, 2023
Chang-wook and everyone bids their final farewell to Da-jung and find their way back to their lives without her presence. Chang-wook finds a way to get closure and come to terms with Da-jung’s absence by doing the last homework Da-jung has left him.
ParkMin
@ParkMin
Succulent Meals Touching exploration of loss, love, and the amazing healing power of food where cooking serves as the thread that binds the characters' stories together, creating this rich journey that really resonates. The plot unfolds with this perfect blend of heartwarming moments and raw vulnerability, letting the characters navigate through their grief while finding comfort and connection. I found it cruel and beautiful whenever they were celebrating a happy moment while the over narration was delivering a heartbreaking news at the same time. Devastating! While most of the drama was great but every now and then there was an awkward piece of dialogue or an awkward shot that was just out of place.
