Drama Special Season 13: Stain (2022)

Stark portrayal of poverty based discrimination

In this Parasite coded drama special we can see a first hand a bleak and bitter story of a young university man struggling with poverty and the toll it takes on his mental health.

There are several recurring elements in the story that portray the power dynamics between the lead and how society views him. People usually talk over him and don't listen to him, since for them he's not important enough to take up some or any space but, at the same time, they look down on him in other ways. A classmate interrupts his studio piano time at university (the only instrument he has access to for practice) five minutes earlier than schedule in a demonstration that her time is more important and then, before she can deign to touch the piano, she wipes out everything the lead touched. When he ask for a recommendation letter from one of his professors so he can apply to study abroad she directly questions him whatever he thinks he deserves special treatment because he is poor and ending it with a "poverty isn't a talent".

Discrimination due to poverty is the main recurring theme, no doubt, and the portrayal of the micro-aggressions this kid has to endure at University, from his peers and professors, are absolutely disgusting to watch.

Home life is no better. His deadbeat family is no support system. His biological mother passed away years ago, his stepmother and half-brother demand every penny he gains on his own because of a mistake he made as child, and his father doesn't stand up for him.

This first half of the drama sets up perfectly the constant beating this kid is getting, although not physical, but emotionally and psychologically; and the drama makes it clear from its opening scene he's at a breaking point. The second half of the story is when things go from bad to worse and a series of bad decisions take our lead into an horrifying situation that could easily make this drama special Parasite's little brother. It's clear the actions of this character are not out of malice but out of desperation and a life where he has only known indifference from other people.

Cha Hak Yeon gives an incredible nuance and complex portrayal of a beaten soul descent into desperation. It was heartbreaking, even in his most cut-through moments. I am deeply impressed by his performance.

Stain is a compelling drama special and I recommend it.

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