The 8th episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'To the Moon' (directed by Oh Da-young, Jung Hoon/written by Na Yoon-chae), aired on the 11th, was themed 'Mother and Daughter'. The episode saw the return of Jeong Yong-jik (played by Seo Hyun-chul), who had disappeared after plunging his family into debt due to his 'jackpot syndrome', causing upheaval in Jeong Da-hae's (played by Lee Sun-bin) life.
In this episode, Jeong Da-hae encountered her father Jeong Yong-jik at the police station, where he was found drunk, clutching a 'coin mining machine'. Despite their reunion after several years, Yong-jik was still chasing after a big win, calling it his "last shot in life." Da-hae, having lost her last bit of hope in him, turned her back, vowing never to meet again.
However, their reunion came sooner than expected. Yong-jik unexpectedly appeared at the 60th birthday party Da-hae had prepared for her mother, Lee Jeong-im (played by Kim Mi-kyung). To make matters worse, Yong-jik revealed Da-hae's involvement in coin investments, leaving Jeong-im in shock. Jeong-im expressed her disappointment, saying, "I lived with all my might so I wouldn't be ashamed to see you," and questioned why Da-hae resembled her father, who was never there for them. Da-hae explained, "I don't wish for a huge jackpot like Dad, I just want things to be a little better," but Jeong-im's tears didn't stop.
Later, Yong-jik visited Da-hae's workplace, demanding money. Da-hae, unable to hold back her frustration, exclaimed, "Do you know why I started with coins? It was to survive," adding, "While others start easily with good parents, I didn't have that, and my life keeps pushing me to the edge." At that moment, Yong-jik collapsed, and it was revealed at the hospital that he had stage 2 lung cancer.
Upon hearing the news, Jeong-im suggested to Da-hae that they contribute to his treatment costs. Despite being swept by waves of emotion, the mother and daughter soon understood each other. Jeong-im apologized, saying, "I'm sorry for being a parent who couldn't do much for you," prompting Da-hae to recall her mother's silent endurance for her sake. Jeong-im encouraged Da-hae, saying, "Whether it's coins or anything else, go as far as you want," to which Da-hae responded, "I know moms pretend to be strong, but you have a stronger daughter, so give up that concept." As the episode's subtitle 'Mother and Daughter' suggested, the love between them, after overcoming hurt and reconciliation, deeply moved the audience.
The epilogue added to the emotional impact. A young Jeong-im (played by Bae Bo-ram) was shown whispering love to her soon-to-be-born daughter Da-hae, saying, "There are many fun things and delicious things in the world. I'll let you experience them all." Da-hae reflected on her mother's promises, wondering, "What wonderful answer should I give to someone who makes the kindest promises and allows the biggest heart?" The scene concluded with baby Da-hae, just learning to speak, calling out "Mom" for the first time, delivering a dramatic resonance.
Meanwhile, MBC's 'To the Moon' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr