In the Korean drama Bitter Sweet Hell, two mother characters, Hong Sa Gang (played by Lee Hye Young) and No Yeong Won (played by Kim Hee Sun), exhibit distinct parenting styles that captivate the audience. Hong Sa Gang, mother to Dr. Choi Jae Jin (Kim Nam Hee), and No Yeong Won, wife of Choi Jae Jin and mother to Choi Do Hyun (Jae Chan), both show immense dedication to their children’s lives. Despite their dedication, their parenting methods are starkly different. Let’s delve into the three main differences in their parenting styles.
Listening to Their Children
Hong Sa Gang (Lee Hye Young) And No Yeong Won (Kim Hee Seon) In The Drama Bitter Sweet Hell (Instagram.com/Mbcdrama_Now)
One of the most notable differences between Hong Sa Gang and No Yeong Won is how they listen to their children. Hong Sa Gang often interrupts Choi Jae Jin when he tries to express his problems. Her intention is to impose her own wishes, which frustrates Jae Jin, leading him to shout at her in exasperation. This indicates a lack of effective communication and empathy, causing a rift in their relationship.
In contrast, No Yeong Won is a good listener when it comes to Choi Do Hyun. She allows him to speak freely and waits until he finishes before responding. However, due to the manipulations of Moon Tae Oh (Jung Gun Joo), Do Hyun becomes less open with his mother, believing that honesty would only lead to anger. Despite this, Yeong Won’s approach fosters a more understanding and supportive environment for her son.
Respecting Their Child’s Choices
Hong Sa Gang (Lee Hye Young) And No Yeong Won (Kim Hee Seon) In The Drama Bitter Sweet Hell (Instagram.com/Mbcdrama_Now)
Another significant difference lies in how each mother respects their child’s choices. Hong Sa Gang is highly controlling and makes decisions for Choi Jae Jin without considering his feelings. From food to career choices, she imposes her own ideas, believing she knows what’s best for him. This controlling behavior stems from her fear of her son repeating his father’s mistakes.
No Yeong Won, on the other hand, respects Choi Do Hyun’s autonomy. She facilitates his needs but does not dictate his choices. For instance, she supports his decision to excel in his studies without pressuring him. This respectful approach allows Do Hyun to grow independently and make his own decisions, highlighting a healthier parent-child dynamic.
Solving Their Children’s Problems
Hong Sa Gang (Lee Hye Young) And No Yeong Won (Kim Hee Seon) In The Drama Bitter Sweet Hell (Instagram.com/Mbcdrama_Now)
When it comes to solving problems, Hong Sa Gang and No Yeong Won exhibit drastically different strategies. Upon learning that Choi Do Hyun’s girlfriend is pregnant, No Yeong Won remains calm and seeks to understand everyone’s wishes, demonstrating a composed and considerate approach. She is concerned for the well-being of the girlfriend and does not rush to drastic decisions, showcasing her empathetic nature.
Conversely, Hong Sa Gang resorts to using money to solve Choi Jae Jin’s issues. When Jae Jin, a doctor, reveals his fear of blood, she finances Oh Ji Eun’s (Shin So Yul) medical studies to assist her son during surgeries. This method reflects her tendency to control situations through financial means rather than addressing the root cause of the problem.
Both Hong Sa Gang and No Yeong Won love their children deeply and bear emotional scars from their pasts. However, their methods of expressing this love and guiding their children differ significantly. Hong Sa Gang’s controlling and financially-driven approach contrasts with No Yeong Won’s respectful and empathetic style, providing a rich tapestry of parenting dynamics in Bitter Sweet Hell.
Final Thoughts
Bitter Sweet Hell portrays the complex nature of parenting through the characters of Hong Sa Gang and No Yeong Won. While their love for their children is evident, their distinct approaches highlight the diverse ways parents can influence their children’s lives. By comparing these two characters, viewers can reflect on the impact of different parenting styles and the importance of empathy and respect in nurturing a healthy parent-child relationship.
