In the new year of 2025, tvN unveiled a new season of its one-act drama series 'O'PENing,' known as a gateway for new writers. The first work of this series, which delivers a deep resonance and fresh perspective within its short, hour-long runtime, is 'Cat Custody Battle.' The title itself sparks curiosity, depicting the conflict of a newlywed couple not over the familiar 'child custody,' but over 'cat custody'—a playful term for the guardianship of their pet cat. This setup keenly captures the shift in modern society where pets have transcended their traditional roles to become integral family members.
At the center of the drama are two characters: program developer Kim Do-young (played by Yoon Doo-joon) and corporate employee Lee Yoo-jin (played by Kim Seul-gi). As a newly married couple, they face the realistic problem of divorce right from the start of the drama. As if trying not to hurt each other, the two calmly sit down and begin to divide their joint assets. The process of deciding their respective shares of furniture and appliances is surprisingly peaceful, seemingly showing how rationally and cleanly their separation could conclude.
However, this peace is shattered in an instant by the sound of a cat's meow. With the appearance of 'Yaong-i,' the cat they raised together, their carefully maintained composure is thrown into turmoil. As if their previous calm never existed, Do-young and Yoo-jin begin to vehemently argue that they should be the one to keep the cat. Their 180-degree change in demeanor from when they were dividing assets serves as a dramatic turning point, clearly showing that Yaong-i holds a meaning far beyond that of a simple pet to them.
The drama interweaves the present conflict with flashbacks of their happy past. Do-young and Yoo-jin's first meeting was a small, accidental commotion at a restaurant. Jjambbong soup splashed onto Yoo-jin's clothes because of Do-young, and this absurd incident led them to fall in love and eventually marry. This sweet and lovely beginning stands in stark contrast to the pain of their current divorce, evoking a sense of sorrow from the viewers.
Why did this deeply-in-love couple decide to part ways? Behind their decision lay the realistic issue of childbirth. The couple tried to have a child, but things didn't go as planned, and in the process, misunderstandings and dissatisfaction piled up. In truth, their actions stemmed from a place of caring for one another. However, intentions that weren't properly communicated came across as hurtful, and this lack of communication ultimately deepened the emotional rift, leading to the catastrophe of divorce.
A ray of light in their precarious relationship was Yaong-i, who was once a stray cat. After stumbling upon and deciding to raise the cat together, Yaong-i became like a child to the couple who couldn't have one. By caring for Yaong-i, they experienced the roles of parents, which served to temporarily mend their conflict-weary relationship. Yaong-i was a symbol of their love and happy times, and the last remaining link connecting their broken relationship.
Therefore, the 'Cat Custody Battle' transcends the simple question of who gets to keep the cat. It is a fight over the time, love, and unfulfilled dreams they built together. Giving up Yaong-i means admitting their relationship is completely over, which is why they both fight fiercely without yielding an inch. Through this process, the drama raises questions about how legal and social perceptions of pets need to change.
Under current law, pets are treated as 'property' and are subject to division of assets during a divorce. However, 'Cat Custody Battle' moves beyond this legal definition, approaching the issue with the same gravity as child custody. This is a somewhat unconventional yet deeply empathetic setup for the many 'pet parents' who consider their pets family. The drama warmly and persuasively unfolds the self-evident proposition that a life cannot be divided like an object.
The realistic portrayal of a married couple by Yoon Doo-joon and Kim Seul-gi, who have returned to the screen after a long time, enhances the drama's immersiveness. They delicately express a wide range of emotions, from the flutter of new love to the conflicts of married life and the pain of separation, making the audience laugh and cry. The stable chemistry between the two actors is a crucial element that makes the unique subject of 'Cat Custody Battle' shine even brighter.
In conclusion, 'Cat Custody Battle' is a masterpiece that re-examines the meaning of divorce and family through the new lens of pets. Wrapped in the guise of a lighthearted romantic comedy, it contains a profound message about the value of relationships and the importance of communication. This short one-act drama provides a precious opportunity to reflect on what pets mean to us and what constitutes a true family. This meaningful work is available to watch on TVING.
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