#guem-ja

Usually (at least in western media) adult men who still live with their mothers or even interact with their mothers more than "normal" are seen as 'mama's boys" these men are usually portrayed as overly dependent on their mothers , weak, spineless, and in some cases, romantically involved with their own parents. (EWWWWWWW)

Moms are also seen as nagging, controlling, demanding, or even a downright annoyance, something to be "put up with". Think of the classic nagging phone call, or visit from the in laws, or rivalries between spouse and mother that are prevalent in comedies. Very rarely do we actually see healthy functioning relationships between mother and son.

And in the beginning of the games, It seems like we're getting more of the same thing.

Our first introduction to the pair are when Guem-ja tells off Yong-sik, hitting him and calling him a fool for joining the games. She embarrasses Yong-sik in spite of his weak protests, playing into the overbearing mother and meek, subservient son.

But, as soon as the first round of eliminations are over, Yong-sik tells his MOTHER to get behind him, he tries his best to protect her throughout the games, as Guem-ja tries to protect him.

During the second game Guem-ja tries to leave Yong-sik, knowing he has a better chance without an old lady slowing him down. Yong-sik refuses, Instead he tells her to keep her head up and not despair. he does the same thing later in the episode. This shows another aspect of a healthy parent-adult relationship, they support each other and draw strength from that support.

In Episode, 5 when Yong-sik votes to continue the games Guem-ja tells Yong-sik how she can't lose him. Because when you become a parent, your life is no longer your own, at least not fully. You live for your child, you devote yourself to your child because that's your job.

My final thoughts are this: Yong-sik and Guem-ja care about each other because that's what a mother and son are supposed to do. and that's refreshing to see in a time where it feels like everyone is too eager to "escape" their family. (at least in media)

I'm just so happy to see a healthy relationship between the mother and adult son you guys!!!