The Good Bad Mother

A successful prosecutor's life is upended by a devastating accident that leaves him with the cognitive and emotional state of a child. His mother, a tough, no-nonsense woman who poured everything into his career, becomes his primary caregiver. The series tracks how they relearn how to be a family, switching roles, apologizing out loud, and discovering small joys amid setbacks. Scenes shift from awkward comedy to heartfelt drama as the son relearns everyday skills and the mother reevaluates pride, guilt, and what it means to love without conditions. Supporting characters add friction, humor, and moments of warmth without giving away major plot turns.

Created by Sim Na-yeon, Bae Se-young, and Kang Sook, The Good Bad Mother premiered in 2023 as a South Korean drama that mixes humor with emotional beats. It stars Ra Mi-ran and Lee Do-hyun, with strong supporting work from Ahn Eun-jin, Yoo In-soo, and Choi Moo-seong.

Critics and viewers praised the show's tonal balance, and it holds an 8.942/10 vote average from audience votes. The series foregrounds themes of maternal sacrifice, forgiveness, and caregiving, while also touching on identity and personal responsibility. Performances are often highlighted for bringing warmth and realism to tricky emotional material, and the writing favors character-driven scenes over melodrama.

The series resonated widely with domestic viewers and international fans of Korean dramas, sparking conversations about how television shows portray caregiving and cognitive change. Ra Mi-ran's portrayal, in particular, raised her profile with audiences who appreciated a layered maternal lead rather than a one-note figure. Social media and fan communities exchanged clips and reactions, helping the show reach viewers beyond its initial broadcast.

While The Good Bad Mother received significant audience acclaim and solid ratings, it wasn't a major player at international award ceremonies immediately after release. Still, the cast's performances and the show's emotional mix garnered attention in discussions of standout Korean TV offerings from 2023.