Ep 1. The Wind in the Willows

When the Weather Is Fine is a heartwarming South Korean drama that explores themes of loneliness, healing, and finding oneself. In season 1 episode 1, titled "The Wind in the Willows," we are introduced to the show's two main characters, Hae-won and Eun-seob.

Hae-won is a successful but unhappy city girl who returns to her small hometown in the countryside after a series of setbacks in her life. She moves into her late grandmother's home, hoping to find solace and a fresh start away from the stresses of city life. However, the people in her hometown are wary of her, as she left abruptly without saying goodbye to anyone.

Meanwhile, Eun-seob is the owner of a small bookstore in town. Known for his warm personality and love for books, he is well-liked by the locals. Despite his cheery exterior, Eun-seob has his own share of problems. His father, who also owned the bookstore before him, is suffering from dementia and no longer recognizes him. Eun-seob is struggling to keep the bookstore afloat and to find a purpose in life.

"The Wind in the Willows" starts off with Hae-won's arrival in town. She is greeted by Eun-seob, who is immediately taken with her beauty but also curious about her sudden return to the town. Hae-won is cold and distant towards him, unwilling to reveal much about herself.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of Hae-won's troubled past and her struggles with anxiety. She has trouble sleeping at night and often wakes up in a panic. Her tense relationship with her mother is also hinted at, adding to her overall sense of unhappiness and isolation.

Eun-seob, on the other hand, is shown to have a close relationship with the town's residents. He takes care of his father and also volunteers at the local senior center. We see him interacting with various people throughout the episode, from a young boy who comes to the bookstore to an elderly man who has a fondness for checking out obscure books.

Despite Hae-won's initial reluctance to engage with the townspeople, she slowly starts to warm up to Eun-seob and his charm. She begins to visit the bookstore and to spend more time exploring the town. One of her favorite pastimes is to take walks by the river and to watch the wind blowing through the willow trees. This peaceful scene becomes a recurring motif throughout the episode, symbolizing the beauty and tranquility of the countryside.

As the episode progresses, we see Hae-won and Eun-seob's relationship deepening and becoming more meaningful. They confide in each other and share their hopes and fears. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, they find solace in each other's company.

"The Wind in the Willows" ends on a bittersweet note, as Hae-won must return to Seoul to sort out some personal matters. Eun-seob is left alone in the town, continuing to take care of his father and to run the bookstore. However, their brief time together has left a lasting impact on both of them. They have both started to heal and to discover the joys of life in a small town.

Overall, "The Wind in the Willows" sets the stage for a heartwarming and introspective drama that explores themes of connection, healing, and self-discovery. The episode's beautiful cinematography and peaceful soundtrack contribute to its overall sense of tranquility and harmony. Viewers are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Hae-won and Eun-seob's journey.