📺 You Have Don
e Well Episode 1 Review – Ae-soon's Heartbreaking Journey
Hello, everyone!
The much-anticipated You Have Done Well has finally premiered!
Set against the backdrop of Jeju’s haenyeo (female divers) culture, this drama captivated audiences from the very first episode with its deep emotional storytelling and outstanding performances.
Especially, the journey of Ae-soon (played by IU), her relationship with her mother, and the harsh realities of life in Jeju were portrayed with great depth.
Let’s dive into the most memorable moments from Episode 1!
🔹 The Grandmothers’ Poetry, and Ae-soon’s Memories
The episode opens with a scene where elderly women gather to write poetry.
However, Ae-soon hesitates, unable to write a single line.
Her teacher encourages her, saying, “Write down the words you want to say the most in life—that will be your life’s poetry.”
This leads to a transition into her past.
With Yesterday playing in the background, Ae-soon’s childhood story unfolds.
Her narration, “I didn’t know back then…”, combined with a nostalgic view of the sea and memories of her mother, creates a deeply moving moment.
The longing for her mother and the bittersweet memories of her youth are beautifully captured in this scene.
🔹 Ae-soon’s Childhood – A Life Harsher than the Sea
As a child, Ae-soon longs to live with her mother, but reality is far from kind.
Her grandmother and uncle treat her coldly, forcing her to endure daily hardships.
At times, she is even denied food.
The only person who stands by Ae-soon’s side is Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum).
Gwan-sik quietly takes care of Ae-soon, making sure she doesn’t go hungry.
In one scene, he gives her an extra fish and says, “Why buy only five when there are six people in your family?”
This moment showcases his warm-hearted nature and hints at their growing bond.
Meanwhile, Ae-soon’s mother sacrifices everything for her daughter, but their poverty gradually takes a toll on her.
A particularly touching moment is when Ae-soon excitedly tells her mother that she won second place in a writing contest, only for her mother to respond,
"What’s second place? You should’ve won first! My daughter is the best!"
Despite their struggles, her mother’s unconditional love shines through in this scene.
🔹 “My Daughter Won’t Dive!” – A Mother’s Firm Resolution
Ae-soon’s stepfather remarks,
"You should just bring her back home—it seems like she wants to come."
To this, her mother fiercely responds,
"No! My daughter won’t become a haenyeo!"
Despite others urging her to accept reality, Ae-soon’s mother refuses to let her daughter follow the same difficult path.
Her determination to protect Ae-soon from a life of hardship is deeply felt in this moment.
Yet, as time goes on, the harshness of life begins to weigh on her.
Eventually, knowing she doesn’t have much time left, she secretly gives Ae-soon a piece of abalone to eat and says,
"There’s no food for you during the day because your younger siblings are around..."
This line is especially heartbreaking, showing the extent of her sacrifices.
Finally, she leaves her daughter with a last request:
"When I die, leave this house. Don’t live as a servant."
This moment was impossible to watch without tears.
🔹 After Her Mother’s Passing – A Web of Lies from Her Stepfather
After her mother’s death, Ae-soon tries to keep her promise and leave, but her stepfather continuously deceives her.
"I’ll send you to study literature. I’ll get you into college!" he promises.
Naively, Ae-soon believes him again and again.
But his promises are repeatedly broken, leaving Ae-soon trapped in a cycle of false hope.
🔹 A Turning Point – Selling Cabbage and a Life-Changing Decision
Ae-soon struggles to make ends meet by selling cabbages.
Gwan-sik supports her, helping however he can, but life remains unbearably difficult.
One day, an unexpected disaster strikes—an incident that makes Ae-soon realize she can no longer continue living this way.
She has endured so much, but this time, she has had enough.
"If I stay here, there’s no future!"
At last, Ae-soon and Gwan-sik decide to escape Jeju.
The episode ends with adult Ae-soon (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) desperately running away in the middle of the night—a gripping and emotional conclusion.
Their midnight escape leaves viewers wondering:
Will they finally break free from their past and find a new life?
🎬 Episode 1 Verdict – A Powerful and Emotionally Charged Beginning
From the very first episode, You Have Done Well delivers intense emotions, stunning cinematography, and impeccable performances.
The unwavering love between Ae-soon and her mother, the harsh realities of Jeju, and the deepening bond between Ae-soon and Gwan-sik are all portrayed masterfully.
Most notably, the dramatic entrance of IU and Park Bo-gum as their adult versions at the end sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the story.
📢 How did you feel about Episode 1?
Which scene moved you the most? Let’s talk in the comments! 😊