The Tragic Loss of His Wife
Jang Ki Yong in The Atypical Family (doc. JTBC/The Atypical Family)At the core of Bok Gwi Ju’s depression lies the sudden and tragic death of his wife. This loss left him adrift, unable to cope with the gaping hole in his life despite the passage of time.
Guilt and Regret
Jang Ki Yong in The Atypical Family (doc. JTBC/The Atypical Family)Compounding his grief is the guilt he carries for not being able to protect his family. His absence during the fatal accident, while he was on a time-travel journey, haunts him, leaving him grappling with profound regret.
Strained Relationships
Jang Ki Yong in The Atypical Family (doc. JTBC/The Atypical Family)Before the accident, Bok Gwi Ju’s relationship with his wife was fraught with conflict. Despite his deep love for her, their youthful immaturity led to frequent quarrels, adding another layer of complexity to his grief.
Control and Pressure
Jang Ki Yong in The Atypical Family (doc. JTBC/The Atypical Family)The dynamics within Bok Gwi Ju’s family, where his mother possesses the ability to foresee the future through dreams, exacerbate his distress. Her authoritarian approach, driven by her visions, leaves him feeling stifled and powerless, further contributing to his depression.
Burden of Superpowers
Jang Ki Yong in The Atypical Family (doc. JTBC/The Atypical Family)While Bok Gwi Ju’s ability to revisit past moments should theoretically bring him solace, it often brings more pain. Unable to alter the course of events, he is left to witness the transformation of cherished memories into tragedies, deepening his sense of despair.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Jang Ki Yong in The Atypical Family (doc. JTBC/The Atypical Family)Rather than seeking professional help and adopting healthy habits, Bok Gwi Ju resorts to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol and isolation. His avoidance of sunlight and withdrawal from social interaction only serve to prolong his suffering.
Strained Father-Daughter Relationship
Jang Ki Yong in The Atypical Family (doc. JTBC/The Atypical Family)Bok Gwi Ju’s depression further strains his relationship with his daughter, Bok In A. Despite his genuine love for her, his inability to connect with her leads to feelings of inadequacy and exacerbates his reliance on alcohol as a means of escape.
A Glimmer of Hope
However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of a mysterious woman named Do Da Hae. Through her, Bok Gwi Ju begins to see a path toward recovery, driven by his desire to protect his daughter.
As The Atypical Family unfolds, viewers are left to wonder whether Bok Gwi Ju will ultimately triumph over his depression and find redemption in his journey to safeguard his family.