5 Similarities Between No Yeong Won and Hong Sa Kang in Bitter Sweet Hell

Bitter Sweet Hell is a riveting drama that focuses on the intricate lives of its female characters. Central to the plot are No Yeong Won (Kim Hee Sun) and Hong Sa Kang (Lee Hye Young), a duo connected through family ties as daughter-in-law and mother-in-law. Despite their apparent differences in personality and lifestyle, these two women share several striking similarities that drive the drama’s intense storyline. Let’s explore five key similarities between No Yeong Won and Hong Sa Kang.

1. Successful Careers

Both No Yeong Won and Hong Sa Kang have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. Hong Sa Kang, with her enigmatic presence, is a renowned mystery novel writer, often referred to as Korea’s Agatha Christie. Her works captivate readers with their suspense and depth. On the other hand, No Yeong Won is a well-known family psychologist who hosts TV programs, offering advice and solutions on household and family issues. Their professional achievements highlight their intelligence, dedication, and influence in their respective domains.

2. Deep Love for Their Sons

One of the most profound connections between No Yeong Won and Hong Sa Kang is their unwavering love for their sons. Hong Sa Kang’s only child, Choi Jae Jin (Kim Nam Hee), is No Yeong Won’s husband. This makes No Yeong Won’s son, Choi Do Hyun (Park Jae Chan), Hong Sa Kang’s grandson. Both women exhibit fierce protectiveness and devotion to their sons, willing to go to great lengths to ensure their happiness and well-being. This shared maternal instinct creates a powerful bond between them, despite their differences.

3. Betrayed by Their Husbands

The theme of betrayal is another critical similarity between these two characters. Both No Yeong Won and Hong Sa Kang have experienced the pain of infidelity. Hong Sa Kang has long been aware of her husband’s unfaithfulness but chose to ignore it to maintain her reputation. Conversely, No Yeong Won recently discovered her husband’s affair with Lee Se Na (Yeonwoo) and is now grappling with the fallout. This shared experience of betrayal adds a layer of complexity to their characters and underscores their resilience.

4. Efforts to Maintain Family Unity

Despite the challenges they face, both women are determined to keep their families intact. Hong Sa Kang refuses to divorce her unfaithful husband, fearing the impact it might have on their child. Meanwhile, No Yeong Won is still undecided about her marital future but opts to conceal her husband’s indiscretions for the sake of their son’s perception of a perfect family. Their efforts to uphold family unity, despite personal suffering, reflect their strength and commitment to their loved ones.

5. Protecting Their Reputation

No Yeong Won and Hong Sa Kang are fiercely protective of their reputations. They both go to great lengths to ensure that their family’s issues remain private to safeguard their public image. Hong Sa Kang even pays to cover up her son’s affair, while No Yeong Won manipulates a detective to locate her missing husband discreetly. Their actions highlight the importance they place on maintaining a facade of perfection, even at great personal cost.

The dynamic between No Yeong Won and Hong Sa Kang is one of the most compelling aspects of Bitter Sweet Hell. Initially appearing at odds, they gradually realize their similarities and begin to work together to protect their family’s happiness from external threats. This evolving relationship, marked by shared experiences and mutual understanding, adds depth and intrigue to the drama, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven storytelling.