TV
Uhm Jung-hwa proves her true value in ‘Cha Jung-sook’ in 4 episodes
JTBC's Saturday-Sunday drama 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook' has become the center of attention amidst rave reviews. The residency challenge of Cha Jeong-sook (played by Eom Jeong-hwa), a housewife of 20 years, is showing a frightening power, evoking not only exhilarating catharsis but also empathy with reality. The viewership ratings and topicality were also 'all-kill'. In just four episodes, the viewership rating surpassed 11.7% (Nielsen Korea, based on paid households, metropolitan area), breaking its own record and ranking first among non-terrestrial channels. It is raising expectations as it has successfully established itself in the lineage of JTBC Saturday-Sunday dramas that started a craze last year, starting with 'The Youngest Son of a Chaebol Family' and continuing with 'Agency.'
Its popularity was also evident in the topicality index. In the topicality survey for the third week of April (April 17 to April 23) announced by Good Data Corporation, it ranked first in the drama category and also ranked first in the comprehensive chart including OTT. In particular, Uhm Jung-hwa and Kim Byeong-cheol swept first and second places, drawing attention in terms of the popularity of the performers. In addition, Myung Se-bin (5th place) and Min Woo-hyuk (9th place) also showed off their presence by being named in the TOP 10.
At the center of this power is Eom Jeong-hwa. The character he plays, Cha Jeong-suk, is a character who survives a life-or-death crisis and tries again to pursue a major that he gave up 20 years ago. Cha Jeong-suk is a familiar name that is likely to be around us. Uhm Jung-hwa aroused sympathy from viewers by convincingly portraying his fiery rebellion. In addition, Cha Jeong-sook's colorful emotional changes were expressed in a delicate and realistic way, adding to the appeal.
Previously, Uhm Jeong-hwa said, “The character of 'Cha Jeong-suk' is 'my' story, or a person who seems to really exist around me,” adding, “I wanted to feel sincerity when expressing Cha Jeong-suk , and I always kept this in mind while filming. “I hope this is a character that viewers can empathize with,” he said. The acting, which accurately delved into the character's roots and focused on sincerity and empathy, was clearly spot on. Uhm Jeong-hwa's ability to empathize with the character of 'Cha Jeong-suk' causes overindulgence in the rebellion of living as 'me', making viewers laugh, cry, and cheer enthusiastically. She was at the center of favorable reviews by completing 'Cha Jung-sook, who is only possible because of Uhm Jung-hwa.'
Uhm Jeong-hwa realistically portrayed the dramatic emotional changes of Cha Jeong-sook, who finally looks back at herself after overcoming the crisis of life and death. Family happiness in exchange for her dreams and career was Cha Jeong-sook's entire life. Cha Jeong-sook prided herself on having created a perfect family with her custom-made dedication, but faced with the reality that that fantasy was shattered, Cha Jeong-sook was hit hard. Uhm Jung-hwa's passionate performance, which captured the process of upheaval in detail, made me empathize with Cha Jeong-sook even more.
Cha Jeong-suk has been raising a family for 20 years, but the only thing she has in her name is a cell phone. The reason why Cha Jeong-sook's passionate rebellion, which no one wanted, is even more thrilling and why we can't help but root for it unconditionally is because her emptiness and desperation are fully conveyed through Uhm Jung-hwa.
Cha Jeong-sook's unstoppable counterattack, which awakened to live as 'me', brought catharsis. Cha Jeong-sook confidently succeeded in her residency challenge, breaking through all opposition and prejudice. The more he struggled, the more his true value shone. It was refreshing to see Cha Jung-suk, who had zero sense of blow, throw a full swing at the sleeping face of her husband, who was hesitating about a liver transplant even though he knew it was dangerous for his wife, who had devoted her entire life, and slyly hit back at all the obstacles. In response to the daughter's complaints, “Is it natural for a mother to sacrifice herself? “It's time for you to start your own life,” he said, adding, “Mom, I want to live as myself at least once. Cha Jeong-sook's sincerity in wanting understanding was heartwarming, saying, "What my mother needs most now is your support and support."
The same goes for hospitals. Although she had the handicap of being an older resident, Cha Jeong-sook did not expect consideration, nor did she admit her mistakes and make excuses despite criticism and harsh words from her younger colleagues for a long time. The appearance of Cha Jeong-sook brought about 'cheering' rather than 'sympathy'. Rather than being discouraged by the cold reality, Cha Jeong-sook shouts to fight for a new tomorrow and says what she has to say without hesitation. Cha Jeong-sook's skill is also like cider itself. In this way, Uhm Jung-hwa's unique way of depicting a character that could easily be too heavy in a pleasant and realistic way created the most relatable character of all time. Cha Jung-sook's heartfelt sincerity, which cherishes opportunities that will never come again, is completed by Uhm Jung-hwa, who has been loved by the public for 30 years, proving the true value of why 'Cha Jung-sook should be Uhm Jung -hwa.'
Viewer reactions are also varied. In particular, the support from working mothers pouring in on Cha Jeong-sook is strongly driving the box office success. Cha Jeong-sook's struggle to be faithful to her patients and family, but going through a difficult time as she feels, is arousing their sympathy. Immediately after the broadcast, SNS and online bulletin boards said, “This feels like support for all the 'Jeong-sooks' in the world who have experienced a career break.” “As a housewife, I sympathize 200%.” “I support Jeong-sook.” “Let’s not lose and apply to the hospital.” “Jolly Jeong-sook, let’s walk down the cider road.” ” Supportive responses poured in, such as “Uhm Jung-hwa = Cha Jung-sook, the casting was a godsend.”
In the 5th episode of 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook', which will be aired on the 29th, Cha Jeong-sook faces a major crisis as Seo In-ho's (played by Kim Byeong-cheol) sabotage operation to oust his wife Cha Jeong -sook begins in earnest. Episode 5 of JTBC's Saturday-Sunday drama 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook' will be broadcast at 10:30 pm on the 29th.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
