Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Betrayal, ambition and hope merge in popular K-drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Good Bad Mother
What's the Story?
In THE GOOD BAD MOTHER, a cheerful woman named Young Soon (Ra Mi-ran) who delivers feed to her rural customers is courted by a loving pig farmer. They marry, and though their livelihood is threatened by a construction company, a son named Choi Kang-ho (Lee Do-hyun) is born. Young Soon has high hopes for her son, pushing him to breaking with her demands that he study to become a prosecutor. But his success isn't what she hopes for, and his aspirations hurt her. Will ambition ruin family ties? Or will joy return to the home of the cheerful pig farmer?
Is It Any Good?
Complex, at times dark, and ultimately hopeful, The Good Bad Mother examines values tied to ambition and greed. Is it a cautionary tale for parents who push their kids too hard? Or are humans simply greedy -- like the pigs that are used to grow the wealth of the family at the center of this drama?
This series can take a while to warm up, but by the time a few plot twists have turned, it's gained momentum. The moral lessons are easily construed, but the messages don't feel burdensome. Fine acting from Ra Mi-ran as the humble but ambitious mother will keep viewers watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lack of compassion that ambitious characters display in The Good Bad Mother. What happens when ambitious characters are humbled or disgraced?
Perseverance helps Kang Ho become a high-level prosecutor. How else does he use this character strength as the show progresses?
High-status people in this show come off as arrogant and rude. Why do you think they value vanity over humility? What's more valuable?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 26, 2023
- Cast : Lee Do-hyun , Ahn Eun-jin , Ra Mi-ran
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Humility , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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