I know the title looks sad already but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this hidden gem. Having seen the first four episodes, I can say without a doubt that this is a special brand of romance and family drama that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
Now, let’s talk about “Recipe for Farewell,” and see why it’s the perfect drama to watch at the end of this year. Don’t worry because this will be spoiler free, perfect for those who want to start the new drama!
“Recipe for Farewell“
Synopsis: About Da Jung (Kim Seo Hyung), who got diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She then asks his husband, Chang Wook (Han Seok Kyu), who has never cooked before, to take care of and prepare her meals. It’s based on a non-fiction novel by Kang Chang-Rae.
Episodes: 12
Actors: Han Seok Kyu, Kim Seo Hyung & Jin Ho Eun
Duration: 30-35 minutes per episode
Why “Recipe for Farewell” is a Must-Watch K-drama
1. A Heartwarming Family Drama Perfect For This Season
The recent K-Dramas right now are usually full of thrillers, and as a K-Drama fan who loves watching all genres, “Recipe for Farewell” is balancing my week for their heartfelt episodes.
Since this drama is about a family: a terminally ill wife, a husband who cooks healthy foods for her, and their son experiencing puberty, you’ll see that this is the kind of drama that you have to watch this season. It’s all about family connection and reconnecting with the past. I really enjoy how slow-paced it is because you can definitely feel all the emotions while watching them converse and interact with one another. The narrative of a married couple and their efforts to mend their broken family is at the heart of this drama.
The fact that “Recipe for Farewell” is based on the novelist’s real life makes it that much more heartbreaking to watch. Kang Chang Rae published the non-fiction novel “Oneuleun Jom Maewoolji Molla” on April 20, 2018.
2. Drama Perfect For Those Who Love Cooking
The time has come for us food lovers, because “Recipe for Farewell” features different dishes in every episode. We watch Kang Chang Wook (Han Seok Kyu) buy, prepare the ingredients, and cook them for his beloved wife.
Han Seok Kyu’s narration while cooking is one of my favorite parts in every episode. The sound of his voice is really healing and calming. Almost every episode has Chang Wook making two dishes and explaining how they relate to events in the family. I love how they show us Chang Wook deliberating about what to make for his sick wife in the kitchen, where to find the necessary components, and how to best serve the meal. Knowing that he had no experience in the kitchen but yet agreed to help his wife out when she asked him to show her some love is a clear indicator that acts of service are his primary way of expressing affection.
Another way in which food plays a central role in this story is that every meal included has some sort of significance to the couple. Chang Wook was spot-on when he said, “Taste has the power to bring back memories,” because the Jeju noodles he prepared for his wife brought back fond memories of her time spent in Jeju, even though it had been five years since she had last been there.
3. A Drama About A Married Couple Years Into Their Marriage
So what sets “Recipe for Farewell” apart from other romance K-Dramas is the main characters are already a married couple years into marriage, and they have a son who’s entering college.
In most romance K-Dramas, they feature the heart-fluttering kind of love, right? But here’s a comforting kind of love. “No matter what happens, we’ll always be there for each other,” type of love. Even though Da Jung and Chang Wook don’t get along very well, when Da Jung learns that she has a terminal illness, her first instinct is to ask her husband for help, and Chang Wook grants her wish without hesitation.
4. Learning About Different Kinds of Love
“Recipe for Farewell” doesn’t only feature one married couple, but also the high school lovers, Dae Ho, and his girlfriend. The drama is amazing, showing the contrast between the two. The married couple has a lot of “what if” in their marriage because they aren’t really the conventional type of family who shows their feelings, and Dae Ho is learning from his father’s mistake and not doing it to his current girlfriend.
5. Best Actor and Actress in 1 Drama
I’m sure a lot of us are familiar with top actor Han Seok Kyu and top actress Kim Seo Hyung who starred in a lot of hit dramas like “Dr. Romantic” and “Sky Castle”!
Since it stars the two veteran actors, it will be so much easier for us to feel connected with the story and characters. Just like how I feel emotional every time Han Seok Kyu and Kim Seo Hyung look at each other or when Kim Seo Hyung shows how hard it is to be a cancer patient.
Where to Stream “Recipe For Farewell” with English Subtitles?
It’s just the first four episodes, but I’m so deeply invested in this drama. It’s really perfect to watch at the end of my day and think about life and food. I highly recommend this drama, so let’s all watch “Recipe For Farewell,” streaming on KOCOWA!
