Coffee Prince: Sixteenth Cup

240 August 21, 2007January 24, 2016

by javabeans

I’ve read the comments on whether Coffee Prince is or isn’t “realistic.” Here’s my take: Coffee Prince isn’t realistic, and it doesn’t tout itself as realism. From reading about writer Lee Sun Mi, I highly doubt that’s a claim she aspires to anyway. Coffee Prince isn’t even purely original. What it IS, then, is a wonderfully rendered telling of a story that has elements of the familiar — and it reworks those familiar points in a refreshing, clever, and entertaining way.

Rather than the story being (or not being) realistic, I find that the series displays flashes of realism in the little moments it captures, which I think is a quality many overwrought, emotional, and/or melodramatic series forget. Coffee Prince has those large-scale dramatic moments too (i.e., every cliffhanger episode ending), but balances those out with lovely little touches here and there, and that’s where it shines through for me. Like Yu Ju waiting for Han Sung to come home, whiling away her day in Episode 7, or how Han Gyul tries to figure out ways to get Eun Chan to return to the cafe after she quits. Or the way Han Gyul intertwines his fingers through Eun Chan’s while on the beach in Episode 9, or how he cups his hand around hers later while Eun Chan sleeps. There’s the great moment when Han Gyul shaves, and smears the shaving cream over the mirror in self-loathing, having a hard time accepting that he might be gay. Or how he pours water over his head in front of the open refrigerator in Episode 11 after finding out Eun Chan lied to him.

Coffee Prince isn’t reinventing television. Who would want to see something that claimed to do that? (If I wanted pretentious experimenting, I’d watch Soderbergh, thanks.) But rather than merely regurgitating stale cliches in well-worn genre, Coffee Prince manages to add fresh insights to the landscape. And that’s why I’m watching.

SONG OF THE DAY

재주소년 (Jeju Boy) – “새로운 세계” (“New World”)
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EPISODE 16 SUMMARY

Yanni – “Reflections of Passion” ::

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Yu Ju and Han Sung get married, while Han Gyul’s grandmother is taken to the hospital quietly. When Han Gyul and his mother visit her later that night, he asks his mother if he should take the idea of marriage more slowly, but his mother can tell that isn’t what he wants.

Eun Chan’s mother tells her to go ahead and marry Han Gyul soon — she’ll cash in their house deposit and live in a one-room apartment with Eun Sae, so Eun Chan doesn’t have to worry about them.

Things remain awkward between Han Gyul and Eun Chan the next day. Eun Chan had sent him multiple text messages saying she missed him and asking him to call when he had time, but he hadn’t called back. He takes her aside to talk.

She acknowledges that she was thinking too much of herself — but even though she’s sorry, she can’t marry him right away. Han Gyul acknowledges that he took her financial situation too lightly as well, and wants to help her. Eun Chan says it’s not just about money:

Eun Chan: “I don’t want to become a burden.”
Han Gyul: “Why is that a burden? When I was going through rough times, I shared my worries with you, and you consoled me, don’t you remember? Was I a burden to you while you were with me, comforting me?”
Eun Chan: “That’s different from this.”
Han Gyul: “What’s different about it? Because it’s like you’re giving your heart, and I’m giving you money?”

Eun Chan answers that she wants to stand on her own: “When my father was alive, I lived dependent on him. Now I’d live being dependent on my boyfriend. I don’t want to live the rest of my life being unable to do anything properly on my own.” Han Gyul asks impatiently if she’d marry him if he didn’t give her any money, then — she can send Eun Sae to college and support herself with her own money.

Eun Chan asks why he can’t wait — why does he always decide everything on his own, making one-sided decisions? Han Gyul chafes at the phrase “one-sided” — is he the only one wanting to get married?

Their argument is interrupted, so Han Gyul revisits their discussion later. Calmer now, he asks her, “It’s because you don’t like me enough to marry, isn’t it? It’s okay, so tell me honestly.”

Han Gyul: “I want to live with you. For the rest of my life, I want to eat together, talk together, sleep together, be together. Do I need any other reason?”

Eun Chan’s point isn’t that she doesn’t want to marry him. She just wants to wait. Han Gyul reminds her that he’d given up his dream job and faced his parents’ opposition for her — can’t she give up that little bit of pride for him? Getting more worked up, he asks if she’d still refuse to marry him if that meant they’d break up. Does she dislike the idea that much?

Eun Sae hears about the latest developments with sisterly indignation: How could he be so selfish? How can he threaten to break up with Eun Chan over that? He thinks money solves everything. Psh. She grumbles about how Han Gyul treats her family lightly, then sneaks in a phone call to the offender himself.

Han Gyul answers the call with some surprise, and makes plans to talk to Eun Sae the next day. He wonders about the cause with some anxiety.

As for the Princes: Min Yub blames Ha Rim for pushing him along and causing him to lose Eun Sae. Sun Ki makes the astute observation that Min Yub listened to the wrong guy. Everyone else has somebody, but Min Yub took love advice from Ha Rim, the playboy who has nobody. But Sun Ki also finds himself alone when he arrives at Yuko’s place to find her gone, just as she’d warned him she’d do if he wouldn’t leave.

Han Gyul’s grandmother senses things aren’t going smoothly for Han Gyul and Eun Chan. He admits that he’d rushed with the marriage talk — and as he explains Eun Chan’s position to his grandmother, it seems that he understands it better. He describes Eun Chan’s need to be independent and to support her household, and asks his grandmother to consider Eun Chan’s attitude as something good, admirable.

Eun Sae meets Han Gyul and asks him plainly: “Are you really going to break up with my sister?” She tells him of her mother’s intent to cash in their home deposit to marry Eun Chan off, but neither she nor her mother can afford a monthly rent — therefore, she asks Han Gyul if he could please consider pushing the marriage off a year. She’s not planning to go to college, so she’ll get a job right after she graduates from high school, at which point they’ll be able to afford a monthly rent. Worried he might really break up with Eun Chan, she assures him that her sister is a good person.

Han Gyul listens to Eun Sae’s speech with a mix of confusion and amusement, and tells her, “But I have no intention of splitting up with Eun Chan.” Eun Sae mentions how he told her sister he’d break up with her if they didn’t marry, sees Han Gyul’s smile, and realizes, “I knew it. You were just saying that to get to her, weren’t you? Aish, what an idiot. How could she not tell that from the truth?” Eun Sae calls Han Gyul “brother-in-law,” and a wide smile spreads on his face, liking the sound of that.

Min Yub begs for Eun Sae’s forgiveness, saying earnestly: “No matter how meanly you treat me, you’re still pretty to me. Even if you get mad and yell, you’re cute. I really like you a lot. But if you truly hate me, I won’t call you anymore and I’ll give up. So tell me, do you really hate me?”

Stony-faced, Eun Sae tells him yes. Min Yub accepts her answer contritely, saying he understands. He tells her to take care, and turns to go. Eun Sae calls him back, upset, asking when he got so “cool” that he’d accept one answer right away and leave so quickly. She seems genuinely hurt as she lays out his offense — he’d said he only liked her, then saw other girls. He acted so innocent, then went behind her back — that’s worse than anything a player could do.

Eun Sae: “If you have the confidence to only love me from now on, follow me. If you don’t, leave.”

Eun Sae turns to walk away slowly, and Min Yub takes a few hesitant steps. He tentatively calls out: “Eun Sae. I’m following you right now… Just saying that to let you know. In case you don’t.” Eun Sae looks back a few times to confirm that he’s still there, and crooks a finger to beckon him close. Ecstatic, Min Yub grabs her and runs around the playground in excitement.

Despite finding Eun Sae annoying half the time, I can’t be too upset with her (is it little sister syndrome?), because her logic makes some sense. True, she treated Min Yub poorly, and he took a lot of abuse. But on the other hand, she never pretended she was anything different. He knew what she was like and still pursued her. He, on the other hand, was disingenuous (albeit stupidly, at Ha Rim’s prodding).

Han Sung and Yu Ju have their first marital argument when Han Sung goes to Yu Ju’s studio to find it strewn with tired co-workers (new project) and empty wine bottles. Even though he knew she’s used to staying up all night working and drinking, and that she puts work above him, he’s still disappointed. Yu Ju’s sorry, and explains that she doesn’t rank work above him — both are important. She asks for his understanding, but he asks, upset, if he’s just supposed to stand by and watch from the sidelines.

Eun Chan is summoned to Han Gyul’s grandmother’s office, and Han Gyul listens in astonishment (and panic) to find that his grandmother is offering to send Eun Chan to Italy to study to become a barista, as she did for Mr. Hong. Bursting with agitation, Han Gyul jumps into the conversation, insisting to his grandmother that Eun Chan will never take her support, that she’ll insist on staying to provide for her family.

Eun Chan voices her concerns about accepting the offer, but it seems she’d like to consider it. If she goes abroad, she’ll be earning a salary, which she can send home to her family. Han Gyul recognizes the danger of this development, and asks if his grandmother’s doing this to tear them apart (Granny: “So does that mean your relationship is something I can tear apart so easily? All the better for me, then”).

Han Gyul hounds Eun Chan repeatedly, asking if she’s really considering going. At his persistence, Eun Chan frustratedly says no, she’s in no position to go abroad. Han Gyul mutters in worry, “It’s hard enough as it is not seeing her every day. How am I supposed to last two years?”

Eun Chan’s mother asks her to be honest: “You want to study abroad, don’t you?” Eun Chan admits she found the offer very tempting, but thinking of how she’d have to leave her family changed her mind. Her mother asks, “Am I holding you back? Don’t decide that if it’s because of me.” She assures Eun Chan she’ll be fine — if Han Gyul agrees, she should go. Eun Chan tells her mother she’s not going, and that she’ll have to marry her mother off first — to Mr. Gu. (Eun Chan’s mother denies it, blushing in embarrassment.)

Eun Chan’s mother: “It’s time for you to live your own life. Don’t worry about me or Eun Sae anymore. Even if it’s just this once, live as you want, freely… That’s what I really want to see.”

(Song: “Star” by 어른아이 [Adult Child], posted under Episode 14.)

The Choi cousins again commiserate together. Han Sung understands Eun Chan’s situation: “Eun Chan’s still young. There’s a lot she must want to do. There are a lot of things she probably gave up in choosing you.” Han Gyul says he gave up things too, but Han Sung points out he’s placing the reason for giving up the New York job entirely on Eun Chan. If he’s honest, he’d admit he’d found his work here fulfilling too.

Han Sung brings up his problems with Yu Ju. He’d married her knowing all about her habits and her work, but now he finds himself just barely holding back from insisting she quit working: “Is this why women don’t want to get married?”

Han Sung: “The moment a man makes a woman his, the man wants that woman to live according to his wishes. But just because he’s won her over, can he force her to do as he wants?”

Han Gyul sees Han Sung’s point, laughing in agreement:

Han Gyul: “I wish she would.”
Han Sung: “You too? I do, too.”
Han Gyul: “Why can’t things just go the way I want?”

Note: I enjoy this conversation, but it strikes me as something a woman would want to hear, rather than something a man would actually say. I don’t mean to give men too little credit, but somehow this kind of understanding of a woman’s role in contemporary society seems to be exactly the kind of thing women desperately WISH men would understand… but unfortunately, too many times, they don’t. Great, have I alienated all the men now?

Eun Chan tells Han Gyul she’s decided not to go abroad. She was about to call his grandmother to tell him so. He asks why she decided not to go, and she answers that she’s got at least a hundred reasons.

Han Gyul: “It seems to me that your hundred reasons not to go can’t hold up to the one reason for going. Am I right? I don’t want you to go, either. Thinking of this cafe without you makes me not want to come here every day. It makes me not want to work. I don’t even want to think about not being able to see you. When I was planning to leave for New York, there were times I thought I couldn’t because I’d be haunted by your memory. Do you think I want to send you away? But I want to show you a bigger world.”

Eun Chan says she doesn’t want to be apart from him, but he tells her he can go to visit: “I hate the idea of you giving something up because you love me. I want to be your support, so you can grow, and advance.” When she asks if he really wants her to go, he can’t answer yes, but he does say:

“I’ve realized I can’t be responsible for your life. But I can be by your side, watching over you. I’ll take that instead. We may be separated now, but later, much later… when you hold the hand of your first child… when they go off to school… when you marry your children off… Ah, proposing is so embarrassing.”

(Song: “이별전의 발렌타인” [“A Valentine Before Farewell”] by Pineapple)

Meanwhile, Yu Ju makes the first step in reconciling by calling Han Sung home early to make dinner (and her first batch of kimchi, which both note as lacking something in the taste department, although her efforts are duly appreciated). I don’t think their problems are completely over, but it’s a nice first show of compromise.

Han Gyul makes his official greeting to Eun Chan’s family, who accept him gladly. Though it’s merely a formality, he asks for her mother’s approval to marry Eun Chan.

Eun Chan shows Han Gyul her room, and the toys he’d made for her. He warns her away from smooth-talking Italian men (“They say ‘you’re beautiful’ to everyone, so don’t pay them any attention!”) and sighs that he misses her already. While they kiss, his hand makes his way under her shirt, but at the first contact of his hand on her skin, Eun Chan jumps and pushes him back, skittish.

Flustered and embarrassed, Han Gyul realizes she’s not comfortable with going further. Frustrated, he keeps her at a distance and tells her not to touch him from now on.

That sexual frustration continues the next day — Han Gyul is serious about not letting her touch him anymore. She finds his reaction cute, and he does his best to keep away, with limited success.

Ha Rim, going through girl problems of his own, tells Eun Chan not to torture Han Gyul — if she’s limited their contact to mere kisses, Han Gyul is probably feeling all churned up inside.

Misty Blue – “위로” (comfort) ::

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Eun Chan looks wistfully around her as she thinks about how she’ll be leaving soon. She writes on a leaf, “Let’s meet again in two years,” and affixes her name tag on the branch.

That night, Han Gyul and Eun Chan text back and forth.
Han Gyul: “Are you sleeping?”
Eun Chan: “Nope.”
Han Gyul: “What are you doing?”
Eun Chan: “I miss you.”
Han Gyul: “Let’s meet in our dreams.”

Donawhale – “Running” ::

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After reading the last message, Eun Chan makes a swift decision, and gets up. She makes a lame excuse to Eun Sae, then sneaks past her mother out of the house. She runs through the streets and arrives, out of breath, at Han Gyul’s apartment.

He’s shocked to see her there (Eun Chan: “I missed you, so I ran over”), but he can’t trust himself to be near her this late at night, and won’t let her inside. She pushes past him, and he keeps his distance, agitated at her every movement as she drinks wine, looks around his apartment, and wanders from room to room.

He insists repeatedly that she leave, and tries to occupy himself reading a book. (Eun Chan: “Do you hate me being here so much?” Han Gyul: “Not you, me. “) He tries to push her outside, but can’t bring himself to touch her, so he resorts to dragging her toward the door by her foot.

He manages to shove her outside, shutting the door and forbidding her from coming inside anymore (only in the daytime, and accompanied by Ha Rim).

Unfortunately, he’s forgotten her shoes. She pounds on the door, and taunts him, saying she’ll go off to Italy and be sure to have an affair with a handsome Italian man. Finally, Han Gyul cracks the door open and tells her he’ll drive her home. She shoves her foot through the opening.

Han Gyul: “Don’t come in! Take your foot out. If you come in, I’m not sending you home. I’m warning you.”

Looking him straight in the eyes, Eun Chan squeezes herself across the threshold, and firmly plants both feet indoors.

The Melody – “Paradise” ::

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Han Gyul stares at her intensely, understanding the choice she’s made, then sweeps her up in a kiss.

240

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51 blueseeker

August 21, 2007 at 9:56 PM

Is it just me but when he picks her up, EC still looks sort of like a boy to me......thank you for this summary i have been anticipating it all day. It took forever to read it since the site seemed so busy.

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52 nixxochick

August 21, 2007 at 9:57 PM

wow!
i really loved this episode. i was or actually i still am a bit iffy on the whole 2 years later thing...which we will probably see if EC goes to Italy, but im pretty sure Coffee Prince will be able to pull it off pretty good.

cant wait for next week!

thank you once more

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53 jigs

August 21, 2007 at 9:57 PM

Thank you ive camping here for 2days. You rocks javabeans!

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54 Faye

August 21, 2007 at 10:00 PM

whoaaa... sexy ending LOLX.

thanks for the updates!! ^^

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55 emceelegs

August 21, 2007 at 10:07 PM

I've been grinning since last night, and i'm thankfu to javabeans for the summary
I'm really hooked one more episode to go and we'll be able to buy the complete
DVD for collection and rewind hehehe!!!

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56 Bamidele

August 21, 2007 at 10:08 PM

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
omgomgomg fINALLY SOME hot k-drama action, I hate when dramas stay away from this oh so real aspect of relationships!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I am at work and cannot stop smiling after reading it. The against the door kiss is making me drool

Han Gyul: “Let’s meet in our dreams.”................please let's meet in my dreams tonight!!!!!!

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57 djeedjes

August 21, 2007 at 10:12 PM

Javabeans, you're getting faster everyday!
And I have to refresh this site like..million times, because I always got error messages! But, no problem, I believe this happens because too many of your fans ( and CP fans also ) visit the site, rite? :D

I wish I have better, faster internet connection..T__T I really want to see this episode!!!

So, what's next? I hope you'll keep writing about other dramas. Because one day without your wonderful summary is..suck! hehehe.. Thanks!

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58 alyss

August 21, 2007 at 10:13 PM

thanks for the summary!
the first scene of this episode reminds me of the 2nd movie of the pirates of carribean where they first show the bride waiting to get married. Anyway, i like this episode it could pass as a good ending for me actually, it's unique in it's own way but still I'm not satisfied until they get married, they did it so they should marry. I also want to see Eun Chan dresses more feminine for once, she looks old on her outfit on YJ and HS's marriage. The reaction of Han Gyul whenever Eun Chan tried to touch him is just hillarious, he's trying to control himself and his expression is really funny.
By the way, what's the realtionship between Mr. Hong and Grandma? are they relatives or something or it's just employee and employer? coz they talk casually or informal whenever they have a scene together. Maybe Mr. Hong will teach Eun Chan instead of going to italy so the 2 yrs thing won't be necessary and they'll just show Eun Chan and YuJu's babies grow up together...hehe
Well, all in all i like coffee prince bcoz it's unique and every episode is interesting and will always leave me the question of 'what will happen next?'

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59 MIGSIE

August 21, 2007 at 10:20 PM

IS sHE GOING TO ITALY??? HOPE NOT! SO DANG GOODDDDD THE LAST SCENE & NOT JUST LIKE IMAGINATION OF HG! IT Seems to me like a farewell or goodbye thing b.coz she is going to italy thats why she seduced him most likely. hope they dont do the 2 years thing again like what happend to Goong S, Dal Ja spring! it would be very very dissapointing. i was so perfect, beyond my expectation! THANKS SO MUCH JAVABEANS YOUR THE BEST>>>>.......................................

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60 ruby

August 21, 2007 at 10:20 PM

thanks for the summary...
i too! was waiting for your summary since 6 this afternoon.
thanks again. can't wait for the next episode.
i love how HG is so in love with EC and vice versa.

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61 sinopciones

August 21, 2007 at 10:21 PM

oh gosh, I dunno how am i going to make it till the subs for this eps come out, am totally adicted, as everyone else here I was checking your page during all day, thanks a lot for doing this for us and SOOOOO FAST, thanks lots. I can hardly wait.

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62 secret admirer

August 21, 2007 at 10:22 PM

Yay, bravo and thank you Coffee Prince for fast-forwarding K-dramas into the 21st century. Physical intimacy is an integral part of any loving relationship. Talk about being real, at last!

Although Coffee Prince may not be ground-breaking (consider its genre!), it still is applaudable in many aspects. The storyline may not be realistic but we can admit that the emotions never felt forced, acting rarely below par and the execution/direction at no time veered off course. After all is said and done, i truly appreciate the honesty and thoughtfulness of the dialogues, the beauty of camera works and the unwavering commitment to be different. Its charm lies in the details. This is perhaps where the sum of all parts is definitely greater than the whole. If you take Coffee Prince apart, its great achievements really lie in all those little cinematic moments.

Symbolically, it was nice to finally see Eun Chan taking the initiative to advance the relationship. Many viewers have considered EC self-absorbed for not taking in consideration HG's feelings and placing her needs above their relationship. I am glad that she is matured enough to realize the extent of HG's devotion and love to take the first compromising step. She came to him, in contrast to the many times he compromised (or sacrificed) for her. And for once, she follows her heart; this is like the most impulsive thing that i have seen EC do. I just love how thoughtful and considerate Han Gyul is toward Eun Chan's feelings. As long as the communication channel remains opened, their future's happiness is still intact. The last few minutes of this episode really underlined the give and take aspects of their relationship (what the heck, of any adult relationship). You can feel the trepidation, uncertainty, hope, frustration, love, and ultimately pure explosive happiness between them. It's like the chestnut scene all over again for me. And is there any better way for EC to be initiated into womanhood than this? It's on her own term and with the love of her life.

Thank you again javabeans. Your synopsis is like no other. Can't wait to see how this series is going to end! No doubt, i will miss visiting twice weekly to read your blogs and all the insightful comments here. It has been a blast, everyone! See ya all next week.

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63 Javabeans

August 21, 2007 at 10:24 PM

Arg, first off, the site was down for about twenty minutes because it overloaded (again?!) and I was out, so I didn't see that it was offline. This is getting problematic. I don't want to keep upgrading because it's only crazy on Coffee Prince night... well, maybe I can stick it out and after CP ends next week, things'll be more manageable here.

As for Eun Chan learning from Mr. Hong, somehow I doubt it because Mr. Hong was the one to suggest to Grandma that they send Eun Chan away to learn properly.

I don't mind the "two years later" issue in kdramas because that's just a function of the form. You don't get that in non-kdramas because in long-running TV series (like American ones, for instance), you only wrap up things in the series finale. But with kdramas, there are so many that the "epilogue" format is sometimes needed to tie things up in a satisfying way. Think of it as a book's epilogue -- you can have good ones and bad ones, but I don't hate epilogues for the sake of epilogues, and having one doesn't necessarily make the rest of the book awful because so many other books employ an epilogue.

And Han Gyul gives Eun Sae money to shut her up. When Han Gyul asks Eun Chan's mother for permission to marry Eun Chan, Eun Sae asks why they need permission when it seems like they've already made the decision themselves. She says "It seems like they've already done everything" which is an uncomfortable implication (whether it means sex or something else), so he nervously grabs his wallet and shoves money at Eun Sae.

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64 tuesdhei

August 21, 2007 at 10:26 PM

...still totally stunned at last night's episode....

last night was totally a blast! i still can't get over it as i'm still giggling and laughing... oh my god really -- it is driving me nuts! i'm both feeling happy and sad right now... happy of the drama's progress and if my prediction is correct EC will leave and go to Italy then they'll fast forward it to "after two years"... really really love it!

As for next week's last episode -- i'm feeling sad now coz it means that the "coffee prince fever" here in dramabeans will end as well -- and i'm used to monday and tuesday sched already -- waking up and waiting for your summary... reading your opinions and comments from other people... i will surely miss all of this...

well, till the final episode again -- thanks again javabeans for all your effort!

have a great week ahead!

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65 sunnygirl

August 21, 2007 at 10:29 PM

many thanks ms. javabeans for your lovely and informative recaps. you kept me sane thru the series. (i was ecstatic that i found your site just right after coffee prince started and save me the hair-tearing frustration of not understanding a word.)
good luck on your next endeavor.

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66 soon

August 21, 2007 at 10:35 PM

Wow.. this is too great!!!! thank you so much again!!

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67 Marzy

August 21, 2007 at 11:01 PM

thanks sarah!! i love how HG in this ep aww.. its a mix of a hot, adorable guy, who blunders, trying to control himself, while being sweet and boyish at the same time. really, i feel like Cp is a good cup of coffee that when you get to drink it you savor it even more with time. you enjoy it more with each episode. that's how i felt. like the dev't of the relationship here as well. im sad to say maybe not for SK and HR as much. but you see how both HS and HG grow, how YJ and EC see more in their lives. ahhh... ill miss CP a unforgettable thing.

sarah, side question do u burn ur kdramas onto a dvd after dling? or only the good ones? as a collection? or buy the original ones? ^^

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68 teokong

August 21, 2007 at 11:03 PM

I'm in havenly cloud nine over Coffee Prince and cup sixteenth is over flow with love. Many, many thanks Javabeans for all the beautiful written summaries, additional thoughts, music etc, etc....and to you guys who have written your two cents worth of comments, I truely enjoyed it too. Komapsumnida!!!

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69 sin

August 21, 2007 at 11:04 PM

ahhh....Would be happy if this had been the last episode...but honestly don't think i would be satisfied if it just ends this way....what a contradiction....and so it always is where relationships are concern. I guess it's not about how much one has sacrificed for the other party rather i would think it would be a question of are we willing to sacrifice for the one we love....anyhow......can't wait till monday. Thanks Javabeans!

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70 WOW

August 21, 2007 at 11:05 PM

Oh WOW! WOW! WOW! I love that behind the door scene! WOW!!! Once a woman makes her choice...that's final!
On the boy and girl's different views and thoughts, Yes, indeed that is soooo true!
Tks!

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71 yippieyeah

August 21, 2007 at 11:20 PM

OH MY GOSHHHHHHH...OOhhh the choice that she has made hahahahaha
Sometimes I find this drama a little unreal because men like Han Gyul who are dying to go into commitment don't exist! hahahahaha

Han Gyul: “It seems to me that your hundred reasons not to go can’t hold up to the one reason for going. Am I right? I don’t want you to go, either. Thinking of this cafe without you makes me not want to come here every day. It makes me not want to work. I don’t even want to think about not being able to see you. When I was planning to leave for New York, there were times I thought I couldn’t because I’d be haunted by your memory. Do you think I want to send you away? But I want to show you a bigger world.”

“I’ve realized I can’t be responsible for your life. But I can be by your side, watching over you. I’ll take that instead. We may be separated now, but later, much later… when you hold the hand of your first child… when they go off to school… when you marry your children off… Ah, proposing is so embarrassing.”

I think these are the words any woman would wanna hear..it sure melted me..I like the way they touch on bits of reality in the priorities issue despite the unbelievable heartwarming sweetness that seemed to be flooding the last few episodes.

I often find myself reminded of QSS when I watch it...modern, not all too sweet but yet had enough touches of modern love, sweetness and angst.

I have not been able to watch recently...what would I do without you, javabeans?? Thank you!!

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72 pinklover

August 21, 2007 at 11:22 PM

WOW!

This episode left me speechless for a while. Finally a korean drama that is not afraid to show that physical intimacy is also a bog part of a SERIOUS relationship. I really admired HK in this episode. The way he handled EC initial reaction to his moves. He respected EC's decision and really tried his hardest not to give in. Just love it!

Also a big applause for EC, for finally following what her heart desires. Probably one of the most impulsive decision EC has ever made, and I gotta say it's for the best. This is probably the best for her to enter "womanhood."

A big part of me is so devastated that coffee prince would end already. I can watch this drama everyday. It has been a habit to me to check your summaries javabeans, before watching the raw vids. I will really miss your amazing summaries and insights. Also, part of me is happy that my unhealthy addiction to this series will end soon and the normalcy of life is going to be back.lol

Thanks so much for the efforts you've put in javabeans!

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73 Karina

August 21, 2007 at 11:26 PM

I like the cuteness of this story... and the non-stereotype way of twisting the story. Like YuJu's proposal. and Eun Chan's refusal to get married.
I would not mind Eun Chan taking the oppurtunity to go to ITaly for school...

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74 culik

August 21, 2007 at 11:36 PM

so great...
dont care whether it's realistic or not, it's very very very sweet and sweet...
luv luv this drama...
but i want to ask... did they really 'do' it????
n_n

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75 Taylor

August 22, 2007 at 12:07 AM

Good gracious.... i wonder what will happen next. I can't wait!

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76 doremi02

August 22, 2007 at 12:19 AM

hahaha...I was like that all the time I watch this episode, so cute, so sweet, so romantic they are!!
Thanks Sarah!

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77 DianaB

August 22, 2007 at 12:38 AM

I have been chafing at the bit (Until 10 minutes ago, I was stuck at work and too busy to read your summary--it seemed like an eternity)

I had seen the raw episode (and the two oh-so-yummy-looking kisses), but of course, I had no idea Italy was suddenly on the table. I was really hoping CP would be the exception to the 1-2 year separation rule of Korean dramas. :(

Don't get me wrong, I want EC and HK to fulfill all their dreams, and I realize that that can't always happen with both people in the same place...however, HK opted not to go to NY to be with her, so it seems cruel of fate to have EC then opt to leave for Italy (of course, she may change her mind. HK was in the eleventh hour when he changed his mind).

I am glad that EC bumped their intimacy up a few notches, and I am not surprised after hearing about Italy. The prospect of separation seems to make lovers hold on a little tighter (until the actual departure).

HK sounds painfully sweet in this episode (not painful in that it's difficult to stomach, but painful knowing that, for the moment, he seems to be giving and giving up more to be with EC and make her happy. I hope this changes in the next episode. (sorry in advance for the many disclaimers) I love EC to pieces, but she has been pushing HK away a lot lately...and I know that he pushed her away a great deal not too long ago...I hated that too. I just wish they'd stop pushing each other away period...

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78 DianaB

August 22, 2007 at 12:39 AM

PS--I forgot to say thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

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79 tracee_babee

August 22, 2007 at 12:55 AM

ooooh... so they're taking it to the next level, huh! I can;t wait for the next episode! thanks for the summary!

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80 veron

August 22, 2007 at 1:19 AM

finally they made out hehehe.

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81 val

August 22, 2007 at 1:38 AM

thnx javabean!!! luv ur website... thnx!

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82 Iranian Espresso

August 22, 2007 at 1:51 AM

I think ....
I think the stairs sense, when EC finally decided to go to HK house , has an amphibology or a sophistry, I mean this is correct that was stairs but actually it is the EC track to be a woman. A journey from childhood level to adulthood level. "Maturity Stairs"
Finally she decides to be with HK and runs from her house ( Eun Chan's childhood) to HK house ( her destination ), ... and, um..., I think this series specially about destination because that stairs is the same stairs that EC for the first time delivered Jjang myun over there (for HK, at First episode) and now she goes, or she runs up stairs to make a huge decision and share her destination with her partner and gives his destination.
Who knows what is destination?
Oh, ... Such a beautiful one ...

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83 tory

August 22, 2007 at 1:52 AM

this ending was so subtle yet sweet and romantic. quite lovely. great summary!

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84 ames4eva

August 22, 2007 at 2:05 AM

thanks sooooooooooo much! im resisting the urge to watch the episodes until my uni semester break but i couldn't bring myself not to check ur summaries!!! so will there be 1 or 2 more episodes left?

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85 Gramps

August 22, 2007 at 2:06 AM

"I enjoy this conversation, but it strikes me as something a woman would want to hear, rather than something a man would actually say."

As so often, you hit a rich vein here. As an unalienated male reader, I'd say two things from my own perspective about the slight oddity of this exchange (and some of the earlier ones between the cousins too).

First off, on the whole men don't talk to other men about such things in this way. They are more likely to exchange tactical tips for capturing their quarries (the Princes of course do a whole lot of that). Which doesn't mean men they can't see these sort of concerns and articulate them. But when they do, it's more likely to be through talking with a big sister, or sometimes a Mom or even a granny.

Secondly, if men ("new" and old) don't always recognise a woman's right to, and capacity for, shaping and owning her independent life, within or outside a relationship with a man, that's is partly down to the way femaleness is packaged - and consumed, by women just as much as by men - in contemporary cultures. I don't know nearly enough about Korean culture first hand, but in the mass media as visible to a Westerner there is still much more of the old Angel/Whore dichotomy than in Europe and the UK (I think the US situation is too complex and mixed to categorise briefly). Or maybe Pippie Langstrumpf versus Femme Fatale would catch it better, because there is a strong obsession with cuteness as a female ideal, even down to the level of grammar and speech patterns. Between these poles, the person gets lost. Look at the way those masterly manipulators at SM Media package their female commodities for the pan-Asian market, e.g. in the contrast between two equally phoney and exploitative, though impressively slick images in the first and second music videos by CSJH (for Too Good -- now there's a giveaway title, especially since it has precious little to do with the Korean lyrics -- and 한번 더, OK?). The problem being that these images are not merely, or even principally, meant to entice men: they are aimed at the imaginations of women all over East Asia. And as long a women think, even in their dreams, that that's the way to go, they will have a hard time getting men to recognise them as anything more than appendages to male existences. That's one reason why I think recent developments in KDrama are very important, because they are beginning to break down these patterns and encourage women to imagine themselves differently. I think QSS did a lot in that direction, and CP takes it a whole lot further. Maybe because here to the long-standing tradition of female writing teams is added a female PD. And your blog, by helping what are, let's face it, predominantly female viewers to understand what is going on and develop their own critical reactions to it, is part of a very significant piece of cultural progress. More power to you and your sisters!

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86 lani

August 22, 2007 at 2:31 AM

Eun Chan made the right choices, going to Italy (the mind's decision) and sleeping with him (her heart's decision). I don't know though how they will end this drama after that last scene because of Han Kyul's lovemaking ability based on his previous experiences and his sincere love for Eun Chan, Eun Chan will find it very hard to leave. She jumped from the frying pan into the fire by choosing to sleep with him! So which one will win, the mind or the heart? Personally, I was in similar situation 30+ years ago. I chose to stay but have sometimes been bothered by the thought, what if I decided to go, where would my love be now?

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87 Harry Nguyen

August 22, 2007 at 2:35 AM

i flied back home after class juz to read ur summary java beans , u r COOL ! thx u , 2 =)

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88 Nadia

August 22, 2007 at 2:37 AM

I've been a great fan to your site and really looking forward and enjoy reading your summary....thank you all the good job done.....I really....reallly....really appreciates your effort..you just make my day a beautiful one..... :)

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89 ila

August 22, 2007 at 2:42 AM

tq javabeans!!=) muakhssss!!you are the best!!

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90 ennaoj

August 22, 2007 at 3:11 AM

hey... thanks for the translation!!!!
no more speculations... just waiting... waiting... waiting... waiting... .... .... .... ....
I wish it's monday again!!!

thanks again javabeans!!! you rock!!! ^_^

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91 WhiteBlackberry

August 22, 2007 at 3:20 AM

All I can say is AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhh.....!!!!!!!!

I AM SO HAPPYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.....!!!!

I'm speechless too by the way......hahahahahahaha...I don't know how to describe my feelings about this drama...it's just OUTSTANDING..!!!!Every episode is full of excitement...

Excellent choice of music, amazing actors, exceptional acting skills, great producer and a brilliant writer of courrrzzeeee...!!!

My three favorite scenes (in this episode):

1. When Han Kyul & Han Sung meet @ the cafe...although it's a short scene but it's very thoughtful the way they put it together..I really enjoy it...amazinggg!!

2. When Han Kyul tells Eun Chan that he will let Eun Chan go to Italy and says that he wants to be by her side and watching over her.....aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......so sweettttt and you can tell that he's very sincereeeee about it.....loveee himmm!!!!!

3. The last scene of courseeee......(need I say more??)..hehheeheheheh....

Why does it have to end next weekkkkkkkkkk??....I'm going to miss this drama a lottt!!!!!

I loveee this drama so much until the little tiny bity of ittttt...........

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92 Cartman

August 22, 2007 at 3:24 AM

oh god!!! I don't what or how to feel. I'm thinking if I should feel happy because this is a really great episode or should I feel sad because it's ending or should I feel excited to know what's going to happen next? urgh! lol
btw..this episode had a great way to end it..finally..she decided to have sex with him! lol XD

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93 ennaoj

August 22, 2007 at 3:29 AM

just been thinking again... (i really can't seem to hold it!!!)
in episode 15, (as we all got anxiously waiting - coz of those prviews) Han Kyul imagined that he and Eun Chan were "only" playing in his bed, but ------> in Episode 16, he got more of what he was daydreaming about!!! hahaha. ^_^
I'm really surprised with Eun Chan, I never thought she would really get to a scene like that.. well, it's what the scriptwriters want.. hehe.
----> but i'm sure all of you don't want to see on the next episode that everything that happened will all just be another "DAY-DREAMING" of Han Kyul!!! watching episode 15's daydreaming and episode 16's last scenes is already enough to get me crazy... --> please no day-dreaming anymore!!!
---> I think this episode just made all of us be perverted for a while.. hehe. (no offense.. kidding here... ^_^)

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94 nyx

August 22, 2007 at 3:46 AM

As a sort of coffee geek, "two years in Italy to study coffee" may see a trifle ridiculous -- actually, it's not, if you seriously want to become a professional barista. The length of study might be a trifle exaggerated, but coffee, particularly espresso, and baristi, those who pull espresso, are regarded more and more highly nowadays as well more in demand internationally. Illy (a famous coffee brand professing to be "the world's finest") in Italy actually has a University of Coffee (not a hoax, or a joke; baristi from around the world train there) training program located in Trieste.

Pulling espresso and making coffee are highly complex processes involving not only mere skill, but also intuition, experience, knowledge, taste, and creativity, merging fields of chemistry, technology, art, and cuisine. Highly trained baristi and coffee cognoscenti know not only how to pull a shot, but also how to pick and roast beans (origins of beans, their taste, blending them, roasting them to the right degree, knowing how a blend will taste), to grind beans (espresso requires a fine grind, using a good machine), and to steam milk. They should know what equipment to use and to know the equipment they use very well (two-three degrees of difference in temperature in an espresso machine means the difference between a bad espresso and a good one) and there are a lot of parts to maintain in an espresso machine.

It may seem ridiculous that she's going to study coffee for two years in Italy since coffee is so much taken for granted for the most part (it's a beverage!) and it seems like they're doing this in order to pull the "study abroad/enforced separation" card for maximum drama. However, once you take into consideration the extensive knowledge, training, experience, and skills of good baristi, then it mightn't seem so. Her becoming a professional barista is actually a pretty viable career choice now that they're earning more and aren't considered part-time wage workers as much.

I love this episode so much. The conflict between work and love is actually a very real one that I'm glad they address. People in relationships do get pulled apart rather sadly through factors outside their control as well as deciding between work and love. Thank you for all these summaries with the keen insights (and music!); your hard work is very much appreciated!

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95 April

August 22, 2007 at 3:58 AM

i cant wait to see how they'll wrap this up and end it. i really have no clue!!!!!!1

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96 wandergirl

August 22, 2007 at 4:05 AM

Love reading the comments here. Nyx, thanks for that information!

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97 lolo

August 22, 2007 at 4:28 AM

my love for this drama turned into an obsession.... I'm not ready to let go yet.... Javabeans, what are we going to do??? ... fellow commenters how are we gonna hold up?...hein? HEIN?!?! :p...psh, just waiting for the last cup ... and may it be deliciouss.

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98 Melrence

August 22, 2007 at 5:20 AM

I agree with Lolo, I am not yet ready to part with Coffee Prince and I like the way the episodes are written. I like it that in most episodes whether they are quarelling or just being sweet that both the main characters are both in it. I just love this. I hope that the two leads can do another drama together.
To Javabeans, thank you for your hard work and looking forward to reading more of yours. Cheers!

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99 Cheesey

August 22, 2007 at 5:24 AM

lolo - this is why i have downloaded all the episodes so far, which I fully intend to burn to a DVD and then put them on my ipod so i can watch CP ALL THE TIME

I must say that I started to watch korean stuff because of xman and especially the beautiful realtionship of YEH and KJK - slowly I discovered korean drama and movies - My name is Kim Sam Soon, Goong, Full House, Wonderful Life, My Little Wife, She's a Spy, and even though I've loved every single one of those, nothing has made me smile more than CP.

Not sure what it is - maybe it's the characters that I am able to relate to, maybe it is the romantic in me that believes that whatever hardships people face, true love will overcome them in the end. I love the naivety of MY and his unwavering attachment to EC's sister, Sun Ki's everylasting quest to find the woman that he loves, Ha Rim's indingant speeches and his 'My Chan, My Chan'. Of course I applaud HK's ability to overcome people's expectations and follow his heart regeardless of what prejudices he may face. And of course, being a girl, I applaud any girl who has the guts and the determination to provide for her family and still go after whatever she wants. And of course there is Manager Hong (???) who overlooks the whole process like a guardian angel.

here here - lift my glass to the last episode - may it be sparkling just like the champagne