Kim Hee-sun Shines in 'No Next Life' with Record-Breaking Ratings

Kim Hee-sun has once again broken her own viewership record.

In the 7th episode of TV CHOSUN's Monday-Tuesday miniseries 'No Next Life,' Kim Hee-sun, playing the role of Jo Na-jung, delivered a poignant portrayal of the complex emotions of a working mom and a daughter, leaving a lasting impression.

Just as workplace conflicts were being resolved, another issue arose. Na-jung faced a new challenge when her childcare helper suddenly announced their resignation. Despite her mother's offer to temporarily take care of the children, Na-jung hesitated to burden her mother, who was already helping with her brother's children.

The family conflict reached its peak when Na-jung's mother, An Soon-im (played by Cha Mi-kyung), declared she would no longer take care of the grandchildren. Na-jung's brother and his wife, who came to persuade their mother to continue, subtly blamed her, prompting Na-jung to finally express her pent-up emotions. She defended her mother, who had been caring for her grandchildren for six years for only 500,000 won, by asserting, "I'm also mom's daughter," escalating the sibling dispute. This scene intensified the emotional depth of the episode.

Kim Hee-sun's performance reached its peak in the ensuing emotional scene. She poured out a mix of regret, anger, frustration, and love in front of her mother, saying, "I always held back because I was told to be good, to be patient. I'm not naturally good. I can be bad too. But I held back because I didn't want to burden you."

To express her gratitude and guilt, Na-jung gifted her mother a travel package, acknowledging the sacrifices her mother made, never having the chance to travel due to her caregiving duties. Kim Hee-sun's final narration resonated deeply with viewers: "People say working moms rely on the knees of their mothers, caregivers, and mothers-in-law. I was no different. But just because it's inevitable doesn't make it right. They are all women with their own desires, living their lives beyond being my mother."

Episode 8 of 'No Next Life' will air on TV CHOSUN at 10 PM on the 2nd and is also available for streaming on Netflix.

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr