
Understanding the Significance of Children’s Names
When parents choose names for their children, they’re often motivated by deep aspirations and heartfelt intentions. Each name encapsulates a message—a desire for strength, resilience, or kindness. Rather than merely a superficial label, a name serves as a spiritual gift, reflecting a parent’s hopes for their child’s future filled with promise and positivity.
Inspiration from When Life Gives You Tangerines
The drama series When Life Gives You Tangerines depicts this theme beautifully through the characters Ae Sun (IU) and Gwan Sik (Park Bo-gum).The couple has chosen names for their children that not only carry intrinsic meanings but also resonate with their own life aspirations. Their eldest daughter, Geum Myeong, carries the meaning of “gold, ”while their second son, Eun Myeong, means “silver, ”and the youngest son, Dong Myeong, symbolizes “bronze.”

Medals of Life
These precious names reflect the iconic medals of gold, silver, and bronze, paralleling the achievements Gwan Sik dreamed of in his youth as a potential track athlete—a dream paused as he shifted focus to family and work to ensure their well-being.
For Gwan Sik, his children have become the ultimate accolades of his life, far surpassing any trophies he might have earned. He illustrates a universal truth: children are invaluable treasures, often the result of sacrifices made with unwavering love, with parents seeking nothing but their happiness and safety.

The True Honors of Parenthood
Every name chosen by parents conveys a story filled with wishes and hopes. Whether it’s a desire for a bright future or a prayer for health, names encapsulate the dreams parents hold for their children. In Gwan Sik’s perspective, his three children symbolize the dreams he once had, now realized in a different form. He cherishes the family bond over individual accolades, illustrating that the essence of victory lies within genuine happiness, not in achievements.
Redefining Success Beyond Medals
The original ambition for sporting victories has gracefully transformed into an understanding that true fulfillment is found in the simple yet profound moments spent with loved ones. Gwan Sik recognizes that the joy derived from seeing his children thrive eclipses any material success he once aspired to attain.
Despite not having medals displayed, Gwan Sik feels victorious every time he witnesses his children flourish. His heart is full, nourished by the love, joy, and warmth of family—a treasure beyond measure. If given a second chance, he would still choose the path of family, for it has bestowed upon him life’s truest essence.
Names as Hopes, Not Constraints
While some may interpret the children’s names as unfulfilled aspirations of Gwan Sik, it’s crucial to note that these names represent more than just dreams. They are symbols of encouragement, inviting his children to carve out their narratives and journeys free from the weight of expectation. Each name is a beacon of hope, embodying freedom and the potential to overcome life’s challenges.

Ultimately, Gwan Sik believes these names are motivators for his children, uplifting their spirits and empowering them to navigate their paths with conviction. He desires for them to shine individually, liberated from the shadows of his unrealized dreams.
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