We're used to seeing Ikjun play Cupid, especially to our WinterGarden couple. But amidst all the "seemingly fluffy stuff" that we witness in Episode 4 of Season 2, do you notice that he takes on another role during the scene? We'll call this The Ikjun Mirror Analysis.
Now before we proceed, please take note that this analysis may seem a little more subjective than others as we zoom in and isolate our scene of interest. We'll try to discover new parallels based on our observations of the characters and their relationships, rather than rely on already established ones.
OUR PROPOSED ANALYSIS IS THAT:
Ikjun mirrors the two mothers, Young-hye and Rosa, and reveals their potential dynamics with their future daughters-in-law (yes, we believe that GomGom will sail too!), during the tteokbokki club scene of Episode 4 of Season 2. To understand better where we are getting at, we recommend that you rewatch the scene while or after reading this analysis.
How do we prove it? Steamed egg!
Just look at how differently Ikjun reacts to his two daughters getting his steamed egg.
Exhibit A: When Min-ha grabs the steamed egg to give it to Seok-hyeong, Ikjun shows possessiveness and antagonistic behavior. It reminds us of Young-hye, particularly in her scene in Episode 5 of Season 2. The steamed egg in this scene may signify two things: 1) material possessions and 2) Seok-hyeong, both of which Young-hye is very protective of.
How does GomGom react? Min-ha complies while Seok-hyeong reassures Min-ha and badmouths Ikjun. We read this scene as such: Young-hye disapproves of Min-ha, Min-ha stays polite, and Seok-hyeong learns to take Min-ha's side instead of his mother's. Do we think then that it foreshadows a romantic relationship for GomGom? We definitely do. Otherwise, what is the point of alluding to a potential interaction between Min-ha and Young-hye?
The look that Ikjun gives GomGom afterwards is that of suspicion. This doesn't mean though that Ikjun, himself, disapproves of the match. In fact, he is probably having another thought here. Nonetheless, his expression is still used as a mirror for Young-hye. Who we are supposed to see here is not Ikjun but Seok-hyeong's mother.
Exhibit B: Ikjun changes his exterior expression when Jeong-won joins them on the table, immediately offering his tteokbokki tub to share, in a caring, almost motherly manner. Doesn't this remind you of Rosa feeding Jeong-won in Yangpyeong?
When Gyeo-ul snatches the steamed egg to give it to Jeong-won, instead of chastising her, he teased them. But while his words are that of protest, we see a contrary expression on his face. Ikjun appears pleased and touched. Now it is interesting how Ikjun reminds them that he is their Cupid, and at this point, I think we should remember that Rosa also played Cupid for this couple in Episode 11 of Season 1 when she asked Gyeo-ul to stop Jeong-won from pursuing priesthood.
Going back to the tteokbokki scene, the steamed egg in this case signifies Jeong-won. When Gyeo-ul snatches it from Ikjun who is mirroring Rosa in this scene, it embodies how Gyeo-ul takes over Rosa's usual role of caring for Jeong-won. Looking at Ikjun's reaction to Gyeo-ul snatching the steamed egg, we can say that Rosa will be very contented to have Gyeo-ul take care of Jeong-won. Rosa approves of her. Does it foreshadow marriage? It could.
In relation to this analysis, we can throw in a theory. But I warn you, this one might be a very long shot. Should we attempt it? Here it goes:
The Tteokbokki Theory!
We believe that one of the strongest contrasts of Rosa and Young-hye is their view on socio-economic status as a factor in choosing a match for their sons, so we suspect the use of props in this scene to signify status. What do we think might indicate wealth on the table? Food of course, and of particular importance are the large tteokbokki tubs! So we'll call this The Tteokbokki Theory!
There are three large tteokbokki tubs on the table, signifying that there are three big shots (chaebols/very rich people) in the scene. Let's see how these big tubs of tteokbokki are distributed across the table:
Gyeo-ul gets one whole tub first, and even declares that she can finish it all:
Min-ha gives a tub to Seok-hyeong:
Ikjun initially has a tub but pushes it towards Jeong-won when he arrives. It should be noted that in this tteokbokki scene, Ikjun alternately embodies Young-hye and Rosa.
That's it for now! Make sure to rewatch this scene with a new perspective to enjoy the extra layer of meaning imbued in it. This is in Episode 4 of Season 2. We'd love to hear your thoughts and insights so feel free to comment down below!
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