The drama Romance in the House is captivating audiences this August with its intense family dynamics and emotional depth. At the heart of this story is Byeon Mi Rae, played by Son Na Eun, who feels a deep resentment towards her father, Byeon Mu Jin, portrayed by Ji Jin Hee. This father-daughter conflict drives much of the drama’s emotional tone. But why does Mi Rae harbor such strong feelings? Let’s look into the reasons.
The Pain of Seeing Her Mother Suffer
Byeon Mi Rae grew up in a seemingly loving and harmonious family. Her mother, Geum Ae Yeon (Kim Jee Soo), was her rock—someone she looked up to and relied on for everything. Mi Rae saw her mother as a superwoman, a figure of strength and resilience. However, as her father repeatedly failed in his business ventures, Mi Rae watched her mother suffer.
Geum Ae Yeon, despite her strength, became visibly weaker due to her husband’s continuous failures. Mi Rae found this heart-wrenching and began to resent her father, whom she believed was responsible for their family’s downfall.
The Bitter Outcome of a Failed Business
After many failed attempts, Byeon Mu Jin decided to take one last shot at turning his fortunes around. He opened a restaurant in a prime location, which initially showed great promise. The family, including Mi Rae, hoped for a brighter future. However, their hopes shattered when loan sharks, from whom Byeon Mu Jin borrowed money, came knocking.
The loan sharks didn’t just demand payment—they demolished the restaurant and seized the family’s house and shop. This catastrophic event marked the lowest point for Byeon Mu Jin and further solidified Mi Rae’s belief that her father caused the family’s misfortune. Her dreams of a stable life crumbled, along with her respect for her father.
The Crushing of Byeon Mi Rae’s Dreams
The final blow came when Mi Rae discovered that the funds her mother set aside for her college education were gone. These funds represented Mi Rae’s dreams of higher education and a better future. Her father’s failure had now directly impacted her life, threatening her aspirations and forcing her mother to work tirelessly to make ends meet.
Mi Rae’s hatred towards her father peaked when she realized how much her future had been compromised. She decided to kick him out of their lives, unable to forgive him for the damage he caused.