Yes, Baek Hee-sung (Do Hyun-soo) genuinely loved his wife, Cha Ji-won, in the gripping South Korean drama Flower of Evil. His affection for her was a central, albeit complex, aspect of his character throughout the series.
The Nuance of His Affection
Despite the intricate web of lies and a deeply hidden past that Baek Hee-sung maintained, his profound love for Cha Ji-won was unmistakably present. He went to extraordinary lengths to conceal his true identity and a disturbing history, driven by a desire to protect the life they had built together. This created a heartbreaking dynamic, as Cha Ji-won, a detective, was simultaneously investigating the very past her husband was so desperately trying to hide.
The narrative masterfully portrays the agony of their situation: a husband genuinely loving his wife while keeping monumental secrets, and a wife secretly suspecting the man she loves. The series emphasizes that while his efforts to conceal the truth were extensive, his underlying emotions for her were authentic. His reasons for hiding his past were portrayed as valid within the context of his traumatic experiences, yet this secrecy became a significant source of pain for both characters.
Evidences of His Love
His love for Cha Ji-won was demonstrated through various actions and emotional responses, even amidst his deception:
- Protecting Their Family Life: His primary motivation for maintaining his false identity and concealing his past was often rooted in a desire to preserve their family unit and protect his wife and daughter from the harsh realities of his former life.
- Emotional Turmoil: Despite his initial portrayal as someone who might lack empathy due to a perceived personality disorder, his profound emotional struggles related to Cha Ji-won—her safety, her happiness, and the pain his secrets caused her—clearly indicated deep attachment and love.
- Sacrifice and Risk: He frequently put himself at great risk to protect her and their daughter, showcasing a devotion that transcended his personal safety.
Ultimately, Baek Hee-sung's love for Cha Ji-won was a cornerstone of the series' emotional depth, highlighting how love can exist even amidst extreme circumstances, deception, and the pursuit of a dark truth.
