Secret Sunshine

Lee Shin-ae experiences a profound loss as her husband dies in a tragic traffic accident. This event triggers her decision to relocate to Miryang, her husband's hometown, in search of a fresh start for herself and her son, Jun.

As Shin-ae and Jun arrive in Miryang, their journey takes an unexpected turn with the breakdown of her car. Local mechanic Kim Jong-chan comes to their rescue, not only fixing the car but also becoming an unexpected ally in Shin-ae's quest to start anew.

Shin-ae launches a piano school to build a new life. Along the way, she grapples with the complexities of faith when a pharmacist suggests that it could provide her with the strength to overcome her struggles, leading her to explore spiritual teachings.

During a visit from her brother, Shin-ae confronts her decision to return to Miryang, which is complicated by unresolved feelings regarding her husband's betrayal. Despite her brother's doubts, she is determined to find peace.

One fateful night, Shin-ae faces every parent's worst nightmare when she discovers that Jun is missing. A chilling phone call from his abductor leads her to withdraw all her savings for a ransom, fueling her desperation.

After her desperate attempts to secure Jun's return, Shin-ae receives an unbearable blow when the police inform her that Jun has drowned at a reservoir. The tragedy is compounded by the revelation that Park Do-seop, Jun's daycare teacher, is involved.

Shin-ae attends Jun's funeral consumed by a mixture of disbelief and sorrow. Despite the heavy weight of her grief, she finds herself unable to shed a tear, highlighting her inner turmoil and emotional disconnect from the tragedy.

In her overwhelming despair, Shin-ae seeks guidance from the pharmacist again, who encourages her to embrace faith. Despite skepticism, she takes tentative steps towards belief, hoping to find comfort amidst her chaotic emotions.

As Shin-ae begins to embrace her new faith, she has unexpected encounters with individuals from Jun's past. This includes a girl who experiences bullying, leading to a deeper understanding of the intertwining lives around them.

Determined to find closure, Shin-ae decides to visit Park Do-seop in prison to offer him forgiveness. Jong-chan accompanies her, but he struggles to comprehend her need for forgiveness towards someone who caused her unimaginable pain.

During their prison visit, Do-seop reveals that he has found faith and claims his sins have been forgiven. This revelation deeply confuses Shin-ae, leading her to question the nature of forgiveness and her own path to healing.

Amid her emotional struggles, Shin-ae's actions become self-destructive, culminating in a theft and an ill-fated romantic encounter. These moments serve as a reflection of her internal chaos and deep sadness.

During her recovery from the emotional turmoil, Shin-ae finds solace in the support of Jong-chan. He plays a crucial role in steering her towards healing, showcasing the importance of companionship in her journey.

As Shin-ae navigates the complexities of grief, forgiveness, and self-acceptance, she discovers a glimmer of hope. The journey remains fraught with challenges, but the possibility of redemption offers a way forward.