Really it's not a depressing tear jerker melodrama at all. Sure it's clear from the title and description that death is on the menu, but that's far from the whole story of this family facing loss pretty much head on. There are family, friends and work place relationships in play. The cooking is an act of loving kindness by the husband. Sharing food is way of showing love and care for another person and this is central to the story.
Smell and taste are incredible memory triggers. Food is an integral part of life--everyone needs it. The 'improving' recipes will probably make you hungry so prepare your favorite snacks and meals accordingly for consumption before, during, after viewing.
I found this via a search for Han Suk-kyu's roles after watching Dr. Romantic and while this is an entirely different story and role, it was a most welcome surprise. It's a very positive take on the circle of life overall.
