In the enchanting third episode of "Who Is She!" titled "One Fine Spring Day," the narrative unfolds with a surreal twist as Oh Mal-soon and Emily, now in each other's bodies, come face-to-face. The encounter is brief, interrupted by Emily's group members who, suspecting Mal-soon of causing trouble, whisk her away.
The episode delves into the complexities of identity and belonging as Mal-soon, in Emily's body, is mistaken for her grandmother by Ha-na. This leads to a poignant moment where Ha-na urges her "grandmother" to return home, highlighting the depth of their familial bond. Emily, unable to meet Daniel due to the confusion, leaves abruptly, adding another layer to the unfolding mystery.
At UNIS, the dynamics between Mal-soon and the other trainees are tense. Mal-soon's struggle to fit in is palpable, as she becomes the target of ridicule and threats. Yet, her determination remains unshaken, a testament to her resilience. Daniel, in an attempt to jog her memories, takes Mal-soon out for dinner and communicates in English, only to be met with her calm assertion that she doesn't understand a word he's saying.
A significant transformation occurs when Mal-soon undergoes a hair makeover at UNIS, bidding farewell to her "grandma hair" and embracing her new identity as Oh Du-ri. This change is symbolic, representing her willingness to dive into this new life and the opportunities it presents. Her declaration that everyone should call her Oh Du-ri instead of Emily is a bold assertion of her identity and a clear departure from her previous self.
In a moment of solitude, Mal-soon performs a song from her club days, a haunting melody that resonates with her past. Daniel, overhearing her, joins in, creating a harmonious duet that bridges their ages and experiences. Kim Ae-sim, observing them from afar, is visibly unsettled, hinting at the underlying rivalry and the secrets that bind them.
Daniel's training of Mal-soon involves listening to K-pop songs and practicing modern tunes, a process that underscores the cultural and generational gap they must navigate. Meanwhile, Ha-na's acceptance as a UNIS trainee and her move into the dorms against her mother's wishes add another layer of family tension. The debut group members feel threatened by Ha-na's presence, especially her friendship with Mal-soon, further complicating the dynamics within UNIS.
In a parallel storyline, Ban Ji-sook's life takes a dramatic turn when she visits her ailing father in the hospital and learns a shocking truth—that her mother had lied to her all her life. This revelation shakes Ji-sook to her core, just as her husband begins receiving letters demanding repayment for his loans, adding financial strain to their already fragile relationship.
The episode concludes with Mal-soon apologizing to Daniel for a fight with a drunken pervert the previous night, only to be confronted by Kim Ae-sim. This encounter sets the stage for a confrontation that will undoubtedly shape the future of Mal-soon's journey in the entertainment world and her relationships with those around her.
"One Fine Spring Day" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of identity, family, and the pursuit of dreams. It delves into the heart of what it means to be young again and the choices we would make if given a second chance at life. With its intricate plot and rich character development, "Who Is She!" continues to captivate audiences with its magical realism and emotional depth.