In the Korean drama Bad Memory Eraser, Lee Shin, portrayed by Lee Jong Won, finds himself trapped in a world of perfection and pressure. As the younger brother of Lee Goon (played by Kim Jae Joong), a former tennis star, Lee Shin is pushed into the limelight after his brother’s injury. However, beneath the surface of his success lies a deep struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that is tragically exacerbated by his surroundings.
A Mother’s Unyielding Expectations
Lee Shin (Lee Jong Won), Eun Ji Sun (Yun Yoo Sun), and Lee Suk Do (Lee Joon Hyuk) in the drama Bad Memory Eraser
Lee Shin’s battle with OCD can be traced back to his mother, Eun Ji Sun (played by Yun Yoo Sun), whose unrelenting desire to see her children succeed becomes suffocating. As a former athlete herself, Eun Ji Sun lives vicariously through her sons, especially after Lee Goon’s injury forces her to redirect her ambitions onto Lee Shin. The pressure to perform is immense, with no day passing without rigorous training and strict dietary controls. Lee Shin’s every move is monitored, leaving him no room to express his thoughts or feelings. This constant pressure leads to a heightened sense of anxiety and the development of OCD as a coping mechanism. The scene where Lee Shin meticulously organizes his belongings is a poignant reflection of his inner turmoil and need for control in an otherwise chaotic life.
A Management that Sees Him as a Machine
Lee Shin (Lee Jong Won) and Hong Joon Man (Han Sang Jin) in the drama Bad Memory Eraser
Adding to Lee Shin’s woes is the indifferent attitude of his management. Hong Joon Man (Han Sang Jin), the CEO of Lee Shin’s agency, views him not as a person but as a profitable asset. This lack of empathy is starkly highlighted when Hong Joon Man forces Lee Shin to wear uncomfortable shoes simply because they were provided by a sponsor, threatening to expose a secret if he refuses. This incident showcases the relentless exploitation Lee Shin faces, driving him further into his compulsive behaviors as a way to regain some semblance of control over his life.
Loneliness in the Midst of Success
Lee Shin (Lee Jong Won) in the drama Bad Memory Eraser
Despite his wealth and fame, Lee Shin is profoundly lonely. With his life dictated by others, he has no time for friendships or personal connections. The once-close relationship with his brother Lee Goon has also deteriorated, leaving Lee Shin isolated with no one to confide in. His loneliness is palpable, making his OCD even more pronounced as he clings to rituals to fill the emotional void. The introduction of Kyung Joo Yeon (Jin Se Yun), a psychiatrist, offers a glimmer of hope. Her advice and understanding allow Lee Shin to take his first step towards reclaiming his life, choosing for the first time to lose a match and reject his grueling training regimen.
Bad Memory Eraser paints a harrowing picture of a young man burdened by the expectations of others, his struggle with OCD a silent cry for help in a world that demands perfection. Lee Shin’s journey is a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and the devastating effects of neglect on mental health.
