Tears and Triumphs: 'Fooled' Episode 4 Captures Hearts with IU and Park Bo-gum's Emotional Journey

The Bittersweet Reality of Marriage in 1950s Jeju

Episode 4 of 'Fooled' (폭싹 속았수다), titled 'Blazing Summer' (꽈랑꽈랑 여름), takes viewers deeper into the married life of Ae-soon (played by IU) and Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum). Set against the backdrop of 1950s Jeju Island, this episode marks a significant turning point in their relationship as they navigate the harsh realities of their time.

The episode opens with the couple beginning their married life, but contrary to expectations, their journey is far from idyllic. Ae-soon faces the oppressive patriarchal traditions of her in-laws, particularly from Gwan-sik's grandmother Park Mak-cheon and his mother Kwon Gye-ok. The young bride is forced to perform 3,000 bows at the temple and even endures physical punishment, being hit with red beans for not bearing a son.

The title 'Blazing Summer' perfectly captures the scorching reality of their lives – just as the Jeju dialect phrase 'kkwarang-kkwarang' refers to the blazing sunshine, the characters face burning challenges and emotions throughout this chapter of their story.

The Struggle Against Patriarchal Traditions

One of the most poignant aspects of Episode 4 is how it portrays the deeply entrenched male preference in Korean society of that era. After giving birth to their daughter Geum-myeong, Ae-soon faces constant discrimination and hardship simply because she didn't produce a male heir.

"A daughter born to a woman is just a girl after all," is a painful sentiment echoed throughout the episode, highlighting the gender discrimination that pervaded society. Despite these challenges, Ae-soon refuses to surrender to these oppressive norms. She becomes even more determined to raise her daughter differently, hoping to create a world where Geum-myeong can ride a bicycle freely and live without the constraints she herself faces.

"I don't want that child to live like me," Ae-soon confesses in one of the episode's most touching moments, revealing her determination to break the cycle of oppression for her daughter's sake. This sentiment resonates deeply with viewers, as it speaks to the universal desire of parents to provide better lives for their children.

Gwan-sik's Silent Love and Ae-soon's Resilience

The relationship between Ae-soon and Gwan-sik evolves in subtle yet profound ways throughout Episode 4. While Gwan-sik deeply cares for Ae-soon, he struggles to actively protect her from the harsh treatment of his family. His hesitation reflects the complex social dynamics of the time, where challenging family elders was considered unthinkable.

In a heart-wrenching scene, Ae-soon tells Gwan-sik, "Don't do anything," essentially releasing him from the burden of having to choose between his wife and his family. This moment showcases Ae-soon's strength and selflessness, as she prioritizes Gwan-sik's well-being over her own suffering.

Despite the hardships, their love deepens through shared struggles. When Gwan-sik gets injured, Ae-soon's unwavering support demonstrates that their bond transcends the challenges they face. Their relationship is portrayed not through grand romantic gestures, but through small acts of kindness and silent understanding – a realistic depiction of love in difficult circumstances.

Powerful Dialogue That Resonates with Audiences

Episode 4 continues the series' tradition of delivering impactful dialogue that strikes at the heart of human relationships. Lines like "Parents are haunted by their regrets, while children are haunted by their resentments" and "When I hurt my mother with words, the same thorn pierced my own heart" have resonated deeply with viewers.

These thoughtful reflections on family dynamics and intergenerational relationships elevate the drama beyond a simple period romance. The writing captures universal truths about family, sacrifice, and the complicated emotions that bind parents and children together.

The dialogue serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes of forgiveness, understanding, and the cyclical nature of family relationships. Many viewers have reported being moved to tears by these profound observations that feel both specific to Korean culture and universally relatable.

Visual Storytelling and Cultural Context

The episode masterfully uses visual storytelling to immerse viewers in 1950s Jeju Island. The cinematography captures both the natural beauty of the island and the harsh realities of rural life during this period. Costume design and set decoration meticulously recreate the era, adding authenticity to the narrative.

For international viewers, the episode offers a window into traditional Korean culture, particularly the customs and expectations surrounding marriage and family life. The series doesn't shy away from depicting the difficult aspects of this historical period, including the strict hierarchy within families and the limited options available to women.

The use of Jeju dialect throughout the series, including in Episode 4, adds another layer of cultural richness. The title itself, 'kkwarang-kkwarang,' is a Jeju expression that refers to blazing sunshine – a metaphor for the intense experiences the characters undergo.

Viewer Reactions and Critical Response

Episode 4 of 'Fooled' has generated significant discussion across online communities and social media platforms. Many viewers have praised the emotional depth of the storytelling and the outstanding performances by the lead actors.

IU has received particular acclaim for her portrayal of Ae-soon, with many noting her ability to convey complex emotions with subtle expressions. Park Bo-gum's performance as the conflicted but loving Gwan-sik has similarly impressed audiences. Their chemistry continues to be highlighted as one of the show's greatest strengths.

On Korean online communities, viewers have shared emotional responses to specific scenes, particularly those depicting Ae-soon's struggles with her in-laws and Gwan-sik's quiet support. Many have commented on how the series portrays the hardships of previous generations with respect and nuance, prompting reflections on family history and societal progress.

International viewers have also embraced the series, with many appreciating its authentic portrayal of Korean history and culture while connecting with its universal themes of love, sacrifice, and family.

The Broader Narrative and What Lies Ahead

As the fourth episode in a 16-part series, 'Blazing Summer' marks the completion of the first quarter of the story. The episode effectively builds on the foundation established in the first three episodes while setting up intriguing possibilities for future developments.

The series has been structured into four acts, with each act containing four episodes. Episode 4 concludes the first act, leaving viewers eager to see how Ae-soon and Gwan-sik's story will continue to unfold across the changing seasons of their lives.

The narrative has already hinted at future developments, including glimpses of their daughter Geum-myeong's adult life and the mystery of who her husband will be. This storytelling approach, reminiscent of the popular 'Reply' series, has created additional engagement as viewers speculate about how various plot threads will connect.

With Episode 4 ending on both emotional and narrative high points, audiences are eagerly anticipating the next installment of this compelling drama that has already established itself as one of Netflix's most acclaimed Korean originals of 2025.