Ep 17. ...In Translation

In this episode of Lost titled "…In Translation," flashbacks focus on Jin-Soo Kwon, a Korean businessman who is seemingly happy in his marriage and determined to rise up the ranks of his father-in-law's company. However, as the episode progresses, it is revealed that Jin's marriage is far from perfect, with his overbearing father-in-law constantly criticizing him and his wife Sun secretly planning to leave him.

Meanwhile, on the island, Jin struggles to communicate with the other survivors due to his limited English language skills. He is ostracized by many of the others, including Michael and Sawyer, who accuse him of hoarding water and stealing from their campsite. Tensions rise between Jin and the other survivors as they struggle to understand each other, leading to a violent confrontation.

As the episode progresses, flashbacks reveal the source of Jin and Sun's marital problems: Jin's job. He is forced to work for her father, a powerful businessman who runs an illegal crime syndicate. Jin is tasked with carrying out brutal acts of violence against rivals, including a man who showed an interest in Sun. Over time, Jin becomes disillusioned with his life and longs to escape his father-in-law's influence.

On the island, Jin begins to realize that he needs to learn English in order to communicate with the others and protect Sun. He turns to a survivor named Michael for help, and the two begin to bond over their shared love of fishing. Jin also attempts to make amends with Sawyer, offering him a bottle of water as a gesture of goodwill.

As the episode comes to a close, Jin's flashbacks reveal that he had planned to leave his life of crime and start fresh with Sun. He had secretly bought tickets for them to leave Korea and start a new life together. However, Sun's father found out about Jin's plans and threatened to kill him if he ever tried to leave the company. This revelation sheds new light on Jin's behavior on the island, and the other survivors begin to understand and empathize with him.

Overall, "…In Translation" is a powerful episode that explores themes of communication, cultural misunderstandings, and the struggle to break free from one's past. The flashbacks provide crucial backstory for one of the show's most enigmatic characters, revealing the depths of Jin's pain and desperation. Meanwhile, on the island, tensions come to a head as the survivors struggle to coexist with someone who they view as an outsider. Ultimately, the episode ends on a bittersweet note as Jin begins to forge new connections with the others, but at the cost of his own sense of identity and belonging.