What Is Mom

What Is Mom is a heartwarming Korean family sitcom that explores the everyday struggles and joys of a multi-generational household. Starring Na Moon Hee as the wise and strong-willed matriarch Na Moon Hee, the drama follows the lives of her children and grandchildren as they navigate love, family, and personal growth. With a mix of humor, emotion, and relatable life lessons, this show is a must-watch for those who enjoy slice-of-life Korean dramas. At the center of the story is Park Mi Sun (played by Park Mi Sun), a devoted mother trying to balance work, family responsibilities, and personal happiness. Her daughter, Park Sae Ron (played by Kim Sae Ron), represents the challenges of growing up in a fast-changing world while staying connected to family traditions. Yoo Yeon Seok as Kim Yeon Seok and Shin So Yool bring additional layers to the family dynamic with their quirky, yet heartfelt interactions. As each episode unfolds, the show tackles real-life issues such as parenting, generational gaps, relationships, and self-discovery, all while maintaining a lighthearted and comedic approach. The interactions between the characters, from hilarious misunderstandings to touching moments of unity, create a strong emotional connection with viewers. Na Moon Hee’s portrayal of a loving yet strict grandmother adds depth and wisdom to the series, making it even more engaging. With its talented cast, witty humor, and touching family moments, What Is Mom is a feel-good sitcom that resonates with audiences of all ages. Whether you're looking for laughs, heartfelt moments, or a nostalgic family drama, this series delivers it all. Watch as love and chaos collide in this charming, slice-of-life Korean drama!

Details

🙂 Native Title: 엄마가 뭐길래
🌎 Also Known As: Ummaga Meogilrae, Eommaga Mwogilrae, What’s the Deal, Mom?, What the Heck Is a Mom?, Mom Is Acting Up
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Sitcom
🏷 Tags: Family
✍ Screenwriters: Son Geun Joo
🎬 Directors: Information not available
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 27
🗓️ Aired: October 9, 2012 – December 25, 2012
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 23 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

Family Reunion at the Noodle Shop: A heartfelt scene where Na Moon Hee’s children, after facing unemployment, return home and collectively decide to support the family business, highlighting themes of unity and resilience.
Mother’s Day Surprise: The children organize a surprise celebration for Na Moon Hee, showcasing their appreciation and love, which resonates with many viewers.
Sibling Rivalry Resolved: A comedic yet touching episode where sibling disagreements are settled, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
Noodle Recipe Revelation: Na Moon Hee shares her secret noodle recipe with her children, symbolizing trust and the passing down of family traditions.
Community Support: The neighborhood comes together to help the family during a crisis, highlighting the significance of community in times of need.

Filming Locations

Seoul’s Traditional Markets: Many scenes were filmed in local markets, capturing the authentic hustle and bustle of daily Korean life.
Hanok-style Family Home: The family’s residence showcases traditional Korean architecture, providing a cultural backdrop to the sitcom.
Neighborhood Noodle Shop: The primary setting is a quaint noodle shop, reflecting the central theme of family and food.
Local Community Center: Several episodes feature the community center, emphasizing the family’s involvement in local events.
Seoul’s Scenic Parks: Outdoor family gatherings and events are set against the backdrop of Seoul’s picturesque parks.

Visual Design and Costumes

Traditional Korean Attire: Characters occasionally don hanboks during special family events, celebrating Korean heritage.
Casual Everyday Wear: The wardrobe reflects typical Korean family life, with characters in relatable, everyday clothing.
Noodle Shop Aesthetics: The set design of the noodle shop combines traditional and modern elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Home Decor: The family home is adorned with traditional Korean decor, enhancing the cultural authenticity of the series.
Seasonal Outfits: Costume choices align with Korea’s distinct seasons, adding realism to the storyline.

Themes and Messages

Family Unity: The series emphasizes the strength and importance of family bonds, especially during challenging times.
Resilience Amidst Adversity: Characters demonstrate perseverance when faced with unemployment and financial struggles.
Cultural Traditions: The sitcom highlights Korean customs, from food to festivals, fostering cultural appreciation.
Community Engagement: The narrative showcases the value of community support and involvement.
Generational Wisdom: Elders impart life lessons and traditions to the younger generation, underscoring respect and continuity.

Interesting Facts

Real-life Family Dynamics: Lead actress Na Moon Hee’s portrayal draws inspiration from her own experiences, adding depth to her character.
Culinary Influence: The noodle recipes featured became popular among viewers, leading to increased interest in traditional Korean cuisine.
Cameo Appearances: Several well-known Korean actors made guest appearances, adding surprise elements for the audience.
Cultural Impact: The show sparked discussions about the challenges of multigenerational households in modern Korea.
Set Location: The noodle shop set was based on an actual family-run restaurant in Seoul, lending authenticity to the series.

Awards

There is no publicly available information indicating that the Korean drama “What Is Mom” has received any awards. The series, which aired in 2012, is a sitcom that portrays the story of a mother, played by Na Moon Hee, who reunites with her adult children after they face unemployment, leading them to work together in her noodle shop. Despite its engaging plot and performances, there are no records of accolades or awards associated with this drama.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no publicly available information indicating that any romantic relationships from the Korean sitcom “What Is Mom” (2012) have extended into real life. The series, which aired on MBC, focuses on family dynamics and features a cast including Na Moon Hee and Kim Sae Ron. While the on-screen chemistry among actors contributes to the show’s appeal, there are no reports of off-screen romances among the cast members.