In Episode 8, we delve into the backstory of Chun Mak-dong and Hong Min-sik’s friendship. Hong Min-sik, deeply moved by his pregnant wife, buys all the pumpkin taffy from a traveling taffy seller. Impressed by this gesture, the taffy seller uses the taffy to divine the future and predicts that the daughter to be born will amass great wealth, naming her “Jaehwa” (재화). In Korean, names carry meanings through Chinese characters; “Jaehwa” combines “Jae” (wealth) and “Hwa” (riches), symbolizing an accumulation of wealth.
Hong Min-sik, in a gesture of friendship, offers Chun Mak-dong the second syllable of the name, “Hwa,” for his son. Thus, Chun’s son becomes Chun Jun-hwa, while Hong’s daughter is named Hong Jae-on (also known as Hong Deok-su). Furthermore, the two friends were so close that they seemingly arranged a marriage between their children even before they were born.
In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for parents to solidify friendships by arranging marriages between their children, sometimes before the children were even born. While this may seem odd to teens or young adults today, it fits within the narrative of historical dramas, where societal norms often dictated such practices.
In today’s modern world, which values individual freedom and choice, the notion of parents deciding their children’s futures or urging them to accept fate would feel unfair and outdated. However, such themes provide a rich backdrop for storytelling in historical dramas.
Jun-hwa’s Feelings for Deok-su
In “Check-in Hanyang,” Chun Jun-hwa knows that Hong Deok-su is actually a woman disguised as a man and develops feelings for her. When Deok-su is framed and wrongfully accused, Jun-hwa goes as far as liquidating his entire fortune to plead for her release, showing that his feelings surpass mere camaraderie. It’s evident he has romantic affection for her.
However, Deok-su also shares moments of emotional connection with Lee Eun-ho, creating a subtle but significant love triangle.
The Love Triangle
Love triangles are a classic narrative trope that keeps viewers engaged. Person A likes Person B, but Person B is unaware of A’s feelings because they’re interested in Person C, and A and C become rivals. The suspense of whom Person B will ultimately choose keeps audiences hooked.
Although the connection between Chun Jun-hwa and Hong Deok-su was initially established by their fathers, their budding affection for one another wouldn’t be unwelcome. After all, there’s a saying that destiny brings people together, and some relationships are simply meant to be.
At the same time, Deok-su has also shared meaningful and heart-fluttering moments with Lee Eun-ho, suggesting that her feelings may lean toward him.
A Love Story or an Unexpected Twist?
As the story unfolds, viewers are left wondering: will Hong Deok-su’s love story develop with either Chun Jun-hwa or Lee Eun-ho? Or will the drama take an unexpected turn? Will Deok-su carry out her long-awaited revenge against Seol Mae-hwa, the person responsible for her father’s death? Or will the twist reveal that Seol Mae-hwa was not an enemy but an ally all along?
The coming episodes promise to reveal whether the focus will be on romance, revenge, or an unforeseen plot twist, keeping the audience eagerly anticipating what’s next.
