A New Beginning in Arkansas

In 1983, the Yi family, originally from South Korea, relocated from California to rural Arkansas. Jacob, the father, had purchased a plot of land with the belief that the soil would support a farm specializing in Korean produce. His plan was to supply Korean vegetables to vendors in Dallas, hoping to achieve financial independence. One of his earliest choices on the land was to dig his own well, declining the help of a local water diviner. He also partnered with Paul, a deeply religious and eccentric Korean War veteran, to help with the farm work.

Jacob remained hopeful about the family’s prospects, but his wife, Monica, grew disillusioned. She was disturbed by the isolated mobile home and the distance from medical care for their young son, David, who suffered from a heart condition. The couple worked at a nearby hatchery, sexing chicks for income, while tensions simmered in their relationship. Arguments became frequent, often overheard by their children, David and Anne.

A Grandmother Arrives

To help care for the children, Monica arranged for her mother, Soon-ja, to move from South Korea. Her arrival marked a cultural clash for David, who struggled to accept his unconventional grandmother. She did not bake cookies or act like the kind of grandmother he had expected. Still, Soon-ja made efforts to bond with her grandchildren and adapt to her new surroundings.

Meanwhile, Jacob’s plans began to face complications. The well he had dug dried up, forcing the family to rely on costly county water. Later, a major vendor from Dallas canceled their order, jeopardizing the farm’s future. Monica pushed for a return to California, believing the risk was too great. Their relationship became increasingly strained, caught between conflicting visions for their future.

Minari by the Creek

In a quiet moment of hope, Soon-ja brought David to a nearby creek and planted minari seeds—an herb used widely in Korean cuisine. She explained its resilience and value, suggesting that it would thrive in its new environment. David, slowly warming to her, began to see her in a new light. She encouraged him to be active, telling him he was stronger than his parents believed. She taught him the Korean card game hwatu, comforted his fears about his health, and helped him feel more confident.

One night, Soon-ja suffered a stroke. Though she survived, her movement and speech were impaired. Monica, overwhelmed, considered taking the children—especially David—back to California, depending on what his doctors said about his condition.

Fractures and Fire

The family left Soon-ja at home while they traveled to Oklahoma City. There, David received unexpected good news: his heart condition had improved, and he no longer required surgery. Encouraged, Jacob secured a deal with a Korean grocer to sell his vegetables. However, his admission that the farm meant more to him than the family’s stability reopened old wounds. A heated discussion between him and Monica ended with an unspoken agreement to go their separate ways.

While the family was away, Soon-ja accidentally started a fire in the barn while trying to burn trash. The flames quickly spread to Jacob’s stored produce. Upon returning, Jacob ran into the blaze, determined to save what he could. Monica followed, but the fire overwhelmed them. Ultimately, they abandoned the barn to the flames, saving only each other. Soon-ja, distraught and confused, wandered away as David and Anne called after her. David chased her down and, reaching her, gently held her hand. Together, he and Anne guided her home.

That night, the family, worn down by fire, emotion, and uncertainty, rested together on the floor, finally unified in their exhaustion.

Choosing to Stay

Some time later, Jacob and Monica returned to the land, this time accompanied by the water diviner. They were shown a new location for digging a well, symbolizing their decision to remain and try again. Hope had not left them—it had simply changed form.

At the creek, Jacob and David harvested the thriving minari that Soon-ja had planted. The plants had grown strong and vibrant. Jacob noted that she had chosen a good place. The moment marked not only the success of a crop but a quiet tribute to resilience—of family, of dreams, and of roots that had begun to take hold.