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The Story of Hyang Dan: Episode 1

MBC’s just-aired two-episode drama STORY OF HYANG DAN, which translates to The Story of Hyang Dan, isn’t really a sageuk drama, even if it takes place in the time of the Joseon Dynasty, which was founded in the late 14th century. This drama (really a minidrama, if even that) is much more like a fusion of period and modern elements (as well as comedy with drama) — to produce a cross between a Monty Python and a Shrek-ification of the famous folktale of Chun Hyang.

I say this as someone who doesn’t watch a lot of Korean historical dramas — The Story of Hyang Dan is A. DOR. A. BLE.

SONG OF THE DAY

Wanted – “Moonlight” [ zShare download ]

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FOLKLORE AND BACKGROUND

This is where I wish I had a better background in classical Korean folk tales and literature, because my knowledge is in bits and pieces, so take it all with a huge grain of salt:

The tale of Chun Hyang is one of the most popular classical stories in Korea, and has spawned numerous adaptations over the years — the most recent of which was 2005’s modern reimagining of Chun Hyang as a resilient, independent, contemporary woman who refused to be pushed around by controlling men, in the thoroughly enjoyable KBS drama Delightful Girl Chun Hyang.

The love story between Chun Hyang and Lee Mong Ryong is one of those well-known narratives that exists in many interpretations, and the telling of the story over the years has elevated it to pseudo-mythical standards. Sometimes the love story is likened to Romeo and Juliet, and sometimes the side characters are emphasized more.

Chun Hyang’s mother, Weol Mae, is a gisaeng, the Korean equivalent of the geisha. I’ve read about some versions where Weol Mae is more of a malicious character, and some where she’s just misguided. And then there are the faithful servants — Hyang Dan as Chun Hyang’s devoted maid, and Bang Ja as Mong Ryong’s loyal attendant.

This version takes the characters off into a different direction with the simple hypothetical question: What if Lee Mong Ryong fell in love with Hyang Dan the servant girl, rather than Chun Hyang?

The plot is not only light-hearted and cute, but weaves together various different folk tales and legends — it’s rife with cultural references and satirical bits. I only wish I could get them all — I know I must be missing some. It’s definitely a drama that is made much more funny when the references come through. But the ones I do recognize are enough to convince me that The Story of Hyang Dan is layered, clever, and hi-la-ri-ous. It also mixes modern and antiquated speech to create an anachronistic, fusion feel — it’s not completely parody, and it’s not completely conventional sageuk.

I was also surprised at how much I liked the directing style, because I didn’t think much of PD Kim Sang Ho‘s prior directing in Fantasy Couple (aka Couple or Trouble). (At one point here, he even inserts the jokey theme music from Fantasy Couple.) I liked that drama well enough (the Hong sisters screenwriting team is as close to a sure thing as you can get, for lovers of fun romantic comedies), but the directing often felt slapdash and weird. I’d actually wished he directed more in the style of Delightful Girl Chun Hyang, which the Hong sisters also wrote.

Ironically, the directing in Story of Hyang Dan actually feels a lot like that of Delightful Girl Chun Hyang, particularly because that drama also incorporated brief Joseon-era parodies in each episode. I wondered initially if that comparison would be a detriment to Story of Hyang Dan — because there really are similarities between the two — but in the end, I think it enhances the fun.

Also interesting is that around the time that Fantasy Couple ended, I read that the Hong sisters were interested in a retelling of Hyang Dan’s story… But it was their director who has taken on Hyang Dan, and the Hong sisters are slated to pen the upcoming drama Hong Gil Dong, another famous Joseon-era story that’ll be a fusion sageuk as well, starring Kang Ji Hwan (yay!), Jang Geun Seok, and Sung Yuri.

 

EPISODE 1 (of 2) SUMMARY

In this version the character of Hyang Dan, played by Seo Ji Hye, is a clever, plucky young woman with a wonderfully upbeat personality in spite of living a hard life in the slave class. She diligently serves her mistress, the young lady Chun Hyang, who’s really kind of a pill. Chun Hyang’s mother, retired gisaeng Weol Mae, is controlling and ridiculous, while Chun Hyang herself is materialistic, frivolous, and exceedingly vain. It’s hilarious. Chun Hyang, the pillar of virtue, reimagined as an airhead?

Hyang Dan first meets Lee Mong Ryong, the magistrate’s son, when he sneaks onto Chun Hyang’s estate while she’s trying on her mistress’s fancy hanbok. Hence the initial confusion about her status, because she’s dressed as a noblewoman.

Partly acting out of idealism and partly out of youthful rebellion, Mong Ryong is a member of a secret group of Robin Hood-like rogues who raid the idle rich and distribute the spoils to the poor. His band of merry thieves scatters, and Mong Ryong dashes onto her property to evade capture by the authorities.

Mong Ryong immediately hushes her as the men outside sound an intruder alert. While he’s tucked away in the room, Hyang Dan covers up for Mong Ryong and directs the other men in the opposite direction. He’s not quite sure why she helped him, but she tells him with admiration that she’s heard of how he gives to the poor. He’s impressed with his supposedly noble aims, although here he is just doing it for kicks.

There are definite sparks there but no time to do anything about it, as Mong Ryong has to make his getaway. Hyang Dan assists him, giving him peasants’ clothing and showing him a safe escape route.

With a dashing backward glance, Mong Ryong disappears over the wall, and runs home in excitement over his meeting with Hyang Dan. (Brief Bruce Lee reference? Check.)

Mong Ryong is played by Choi Siwon, a singer belonging to some pop idol boy band called… Su… per… Ju… something? You may have heard of them? He’s pretty darned charming.

Along the way, he runs into the vapid Chun Hyang and her mother Weol Mae, and to prove that they are gold-digging idiots, Chun Hyang immediately turns up her nose at Mong Ryong’s dirtied peasant disguise. Hmph. Her good looks are soooo wasted on the poor.

Of course, as soon as she gets home, she’s all a-flutter, primping in hopes of meeting Lee Mong Ryong The Magistrate’s Handsome Son, not knowing she’s already met him.

Mong Ryong goes home and sighs over the lovely Hyang Dan and her doe-like eyes, neglecting his studies (he sneaks recreational texts — martial arts manuals — underneath his scholarly texts, hehe). He asks his manservant Bang Ja about the young lady living on that particular estate. Bang Ja assumes he must be speaking of Chun Hyang (“But her eyes aren’t doe-like”) and rushes over to tell Chun Hyang and Weol Mae the great news that the Young Master has fallen for the young mistress.

They’re ecstatic — the magistrate’s son! — ignoring the small detail that they haven’t met him yet. He must’ve seen her from afar or something. And Hyang Dan is happy for her mistress for having a promising marriage prospect on the horizon.

That night, swept up in youthful ardor, Mong Ryong sneaks onto Chun Hyang’s property hoping to see Hyang Dan. He’s taken for an intruder until Hyang Dan recognizes him….

…and both realize the true identities of the other. Hyang Dan is actually the servant girl, and Mong Ryong is the wealthy young master who’s supposedly infatuated with Chun Hyang.

I’m glad that the discovery doesn’t do anything to change anyone’s feelings; rather, it helps crystallize them more decisively. Hyang Dan realizes she likes Mong Ryong but knows he’s beyond her aspirations; Mong Ryong, on the other hand, doesn’t care one bit and attempts to court her. At one point, he looks on at the filial Hyang Dan, tending to her poor, blind father — which effectively makes Hyang Dan the folk tale heroine Shim Chung, ha!

(The story of Shim Chung is another famous folktale about a devoted daughter who sold herself to regain her father’s sight. Sailors were in need of a beautiful young woman to sacrifice to the angry sea god, much like young Mayan virgins were supposedly sacrificed to appease volcano gods or whatever. But rather than coerce a girl to her death — because that would just be crude! — they bribed her to go willingly with lots of rice as payment. After she dove into the water, Shim Chung was saved by the sea god, and maybe she married him, and maybe they all lived happily ever after or something. I’m a little hazy on the ending.)

Anyway, the point is, Mong Ryong sees Hyang Dan caring for her father and sighs with love in his eyes. Hilariously, a singing trio actually enters the scene to narrate the events in full musical detail like some kind of Greek chorus.

That would be awesome enough as it is, but the group is the triplet trio I.S. (which stands for Infinite of Sound — yes, the erroneous English kills me), a group that makes a fusion kind of pop music blending traditional Korean instruments with modern(ish) sensibilities. They were featured in an episode of Goong S with the song “Spring.” Song samples below.

Mong Ryong approaches Hyang Dan, and because she maintains a proper sense of decorum, he resorts to trickery to induce a date. Since she voiced such support for his Robin Hood-ing activities, he takes that angle and enlists her assistance. His band is planning a raid for more items to distribute to the poor, and he needs her help.

He runs through an entire fake scenario of the big plan, even invoking a Damo parody along the way —

— saying he needs her to prepare rice balls (to hide gunpowder) and half-full casks of liquor (to act as molotov cocktails). Hyang Dan agrees to make them and the next day he whisks her away to “meet” the “others.”

To her surprise, Mong Ryong takes a leisurely seat in the bamboo forest and eats the rice balls and drinks the liquor. He drops the act and tells her today was all in fun. He tells her to close her eyes and listen to the wind; it’ll make her feel better. As Hyang Dan does, the singing trio’s song plays (although they themselves don’t make an appearance):

I.S. (Infinite of Sound) – “자연스러워” (It’s natural) :: [ Download ]

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Mong Ryong wants to finish their impromptu picnic, and although she probably does too, her sense of propriety makes her leave right away. Not deterred, he calls after her to meet him again in two days, saying he’ll wait for her.

Although her departure is abrupt, Hyang Dan has enjoyed spending time with Mong Ryong, having fallen for him as well.

HOWEVER.

Weol Mae has her eyes set on Mong Ryong as her future son-in-law, and orders Hyang Dan to help marry Chun Hyang off to him. She reminds Hyang Dan that she raised her from birth after her mother died, and basically emotionally blackmails her into a life of servitude as Chun Hyang’s attendant. Now the relationship takes on shades of Kongji/Patji, the Korean Cinderella story, right down to the mean ol’ stepmother with withholding issues.

Thus reminded of her place, Hyang Dan sadly complies, denying herself any hope of romance with Mong Ryong. It’s sad, but she knows her place in the world, and some dreams are just too impossible to bear dreaming.

And so, she shows up at their rendezvous spot with Chun Hyang in tow, and avoids all of Mong Ryong’s attempts to stay by her side. He keeps trying to maneuver close to her, she keeps stepping aside to give Chun Hyang her chance to cling. It’s cute and hilarious.

Even Jang Hwa and Hong Ryun make an appearance — their macabre folktale deals with an evil stepmother who mistreated them, leading to the death of the younger sister. The elder sister also died and they both went on to haunt the stepmother and the evil magistrate, bringing them to their own deaths. (Or something.) It’s the story that the horror film A Tale of Two Sisters is based on (which is really very good, even if you hate horror, like I do).

The ghost sisters look on at the lovesick Mong Ryong (“How can you tell he’s lovesick?” “Any minute, he’ll look up and sigh the name of his beloved”). Sure enough, seconds later Mong Ryong sighs, “Oh, Hyang Dan…”

In a funny bit, the two sisters appear before the magistrate in the middle of the night to appeal to him to address their wrongful death, but they only get halfway through their introductions before he collapses in fear. The sister ghosts complain that they hadn’t even gotten to their point yet.

Weol Mae concocts a complicated plan to ensnare Mong Ryong for Chun Hyang, and Hyang Dan is forced to obey.

So when Mong Ryong hears that Hyang Dan wants to see him, he runs off to the village to meet her. Both don masks as part of the festivities, and Hyang Dan draws Mong Ryong into a traditional circular dance. Then she switches places with Chun Hyang, who’s wearing the same mask and clothing.

Heartbroken over her own actions, Hyang Dan steps back as Chun Hyang leads Mong Ryong away. He eagerly follows her into an empty barn, which is promptly locked from the outside by Weol Mae.

Only now does he realize that this girl isn’t Hyang Dan, and yells for someone to get them out. Chun Hyang clings to him, causing him to reflexively shove her away, which knocks a lantern to the hay and sets the place ablaze.

The village is alerted to the flames, and everyone watches as Mong Ryong bursts out, carrying Chun Hyang. The magistrate arrives, demanding to know why Mong Ryong is there, and Weol Mae takes advantage of the situation to suggest that Mong Ryong and Chun Hyang have been romantically entangled. She wails over her daughter’s foolishness in being thus compromised.

Mong Ryong’s father angrily punishes him by locking him up at home and telling him he’s to be sent away to focus on his studies. Meanwhile, Weol Mae counts her chickens before she’s even got the eggs, rejoicing in Chun Hyang’s upcoming marriage.

The Greek-chorus trio arrives to disabuse her of that notion, pointing out that the young master is being sent away. They sing their song “고무줄놀이” (Playing with rubber bands) (the lyrics have been altered from this version to fit the scene in the drama). [ Download ]

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Weol Mae rushes to the magistrate and puts on the full teary act to appeal to his sympathies and guilts him about Chun Hyang’s future.

It works: She comes back with a jade ring, which they interpret as proof of an engagement. With a sickened heart, Hyang Dan sits by and offers weak congratulations.

Weol Mae tells Hyang Dan to hurry and marry too — with Bang Ja, who’s been in love with her for years. Hyang Dan has no intention of marrying him — wasn’t she told her life’s duty was to serve Chun Hyang? — but Weol Mae tells her she won’t be needed once Chun Hyang. Probably for the best anyway, not to be forced to serve the man you love and his new bride.

Mong Ryong manages to sneak out of his house long enough to confront Hyang Dan about her role in the plan that led him to Chun Hyang. He demands to know why she keeps pushing him toward Chun Hyang, and she bursts out:

Hyang Dan: “Because that’s my duty! Because it is my duty to care after Lady Chun Hyang.”
Mong Ryong: “Then… what about your heart?”
Hyang Dan: “Why is my heart important?”
Mong Ryong: “It’s important to me!”

Hyang Dan grieves over her lost claim on Mong Ryong, and is reminded from all quarters that Bang Ja is much more suitable for her. She tries to convince herself, “That’s right. Marriage is for people on the same level. That’s how it is.”

As Mong Ryong prepares to leave the village of Namwon, he looks around and wonders where Bang Ja is, only to be told that he’s in town for his wedding — to servant girl Hyang Dan.

What?! In alarm, Mong Ryong immediately rides off in a hurry toward town…

I.S. – “Juliet” :: [ Download ]

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…where Hyang Dan awaits her fate.

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Plucky, loveable girl falls for rich dude. No matter how many versions of this story I read or watch (Ruth, Scheherezade, Cinderella, Emma), still love this plot line to bits. Hope you keep up with it...

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DUDE I wanna see this! Where do I find it and are there translations - please say S2 will do this please please please? With Sugar on top?

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I loved the OST in this drama. Can't seem to find it anywhere. The links above don't work anymore. Can someone help me find them? Please, Please!!

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it's good to read/hear about a GOOD drama again... haha =)

two episodes, nevertheless...

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Javabean, glad that you decide to watch this series and summaried them. Thank you again for a great job. Bless you girl.

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Didn't read the summary to avoid being spoiled (incase a kind soul decides to sub it) but Choi Si Won is so freaking cute... and tall. He had a minor role in 18 vs 29 (playing the lead character in high school) and I honestly preferred all the high school flashbacks to the main story.

Just like you, I'm really not into the historical dramas but I think I might try this one if it's just 2 hours long... after all, I thoroughly enjoyed The King and the Clown... and I'm also a big fan of adorable.

Javabeans, good luck in your search for a good drama to watch. By the way, I just started watching the daily drama As much as heaven and earth/Land and sky/high as the sky/whatever it's called and saw that you posted on the first page of the thread. Did u end up watching it?

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Awwwww, only two episodes??? Sad, cause it sounds like it could make a nice, full-on drama. Thank you for summarizing this!! I hope someone subs it ^-^

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Ha. This sounds so much fun. Thank you, javabeans. KBS’s DGCH was so dear to me. Would love to see another K-drama parodied version of this folklore. Can you kindly point me toward a d/l’able source (even if it is a raw version-your summary is really detailed)? Choi Si Won gave off similar lovable facial expressions as Jae Hee when I first saw the screencaps. Ya think now we can find out whatever happened to Weol Mae at the end?

Love the ironic take on Hyang Dan and Chun Hyang’s characters, reversed when compared to DGCH. Nice job of injecting their own recipe of Pixar humor. Glad to see that Mong Ryong is now on horseback instead of on foot. Still laugh aloud when I see that though. There are shades of DGCH, Shrek and other Western shows sprinkled throughout. Two-episode is a good length, akin to a 2-hour movie. Short enough so that the humour is not worn out. Good way to end the summer and make room for those big budget historical (yawn) and IQ-challenged dramas. Thanks again for the recaps and those folktale side bit references. It’s amusing to see how different yet alike many cultures are in regard to fables and legends.

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If you're willing to watch it without subtitles, yes, it's a ton of fun!! There were seriously some great laugh-out-loud moments, as well as a few WTF? (in a good way) jokes that cracked me up to no end. And some of the jokes are best enjoyed visually, for sure. You can get the files from With S2's clubbox.

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looks good
thanks as always ^^

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i read about this drama over at shenyue. i really wanted to see it because the premise sounded so hilarious. i was just about to DL from clubbox, but i'm waiting on news of fansubs. and then, i see javabeans's new post. *shrieks* haha. very very many thanks.

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Yay there's a new drama (thought only 2 episodes) that Dramabeans likes! Ooooh, and turns out someone already subbed it (Chinese subs that is). Double yay! Runs off to download the torrent. :-) For others who can read Chinese, the Chinese title for Hyang Dan Jeon is "香丹传". I love "a-dor-a-ble" as well, very excited to have something to watch while weaning myself from the addiction of Coffee Prince. :-)

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thank you for summarizing this short drama. i watched it before reading, and i'm surprised that just by watching their actions, i almost understood everything that was happening. loved the pairing between Choi Si-Won and Seo Ji-Hye...they're adorable together. oh and thanks for the songs...the music was the one thing that i loved about this drama. loved the mix between traditional korean music with a little upbeat pop. thank you once again. it's always a pleasure reading your summaries. oh and my absolute favorite scene in here was when Hyang Dan jumped in the pond and the music from Fantasy Couple came on...hilarious!!!
oh and i'm guessing the little reference to Super Junior was to be sarcastic and subtly humorous right?

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It sounds really funny and interesting, and I find your explanation on Shim Chung really funny - so many 'maybe' :)

Lucky this is just a 2 episode drama, for i don't think it'll be any funnier if the story is dragged to 16 episodes. Anyway, will try to look out for this.

by the way, are two-episode dramas common in Korea? The only one i've watch is Bride from Hanoi...

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whoops, i forgot. the hong sisters are doing hong gil dong? i'm excited for that one. i miss the hong sisters.

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I haven't even taken a look at this drama (i'm thinking about watching the raws, it sounds so good and i love the premise), but i listened to the music and was like WOW. i've already downloaded the songs you gave of I.S and have added them to my ipod. they're so sweet sounding..and i love the instrumentation. its really enjoyable music.

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kotatsulove, you can grab one more I.S. song here on this old Goong S post, in case you missed it. They've got a very interesting, fresh sound.

gail, Kang Ji Hwan Hong sisters = LOVE. But Sung Yuri... erm. I know people love her and all, and it's totally my unfair, unfounded personal bias... but --__--

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mmm...sounds perfect for a long bad day. Thanks javabeans, you made me smile for the first time today with this summary :)
Love I.S., btw, its definitely a very interesting kind of music. Thanks for the samples!

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The 1st & 2nd episodes looks interesting....but I somehow started to wonder how are they going to further develop the story??? I mean, what happen after the male lead successfully saved hyang dan from the planned marriage?? Run away together?? This would be quite "predictable" or boring. Arggh....sorry for the negative thinking...I really look forward to good Kdrama to "cling" on after my fav CP....

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Chrystalle, there are only two episodes, so you don't have to worry about the story dragging or becoming predictable.

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Thank you Javabeans for the summary of your latest discovery. I love romantic comedy with happy ending be it historical, war or moden era. Hope I'm able to find the drama. Yeah!!!

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ohhh i liked it lots. i was able to catch it on the new channel on our cable. yes, i love si won for the life of me. he's too adorable cute and handsome it just melts you. sorry for the fangirlism. on to the show, i love the pairing of Jihye and Siwon. lol. so cute. i love how they twisted up this series. so funny and it has its cute touches here and there. the difference in the usual Chun Hyang and Mong Ryong stories make it even more appealing. where in CH isnt that perfect girl. i enjoyed this drama as short as it is. i love the Hong Sis and the PD's previous stuff (except YooHee), i cant wait for Hong Gil Dong!! ^^

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hmmm...interesting. one way of familliarizing myself with korean folklores. I'm not a fan of sageuk dramas but this sounds light and fun. and good thing it's only two episodes. I'll look up on this Hyang Dan Jeon. thanks Javabeans!

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interesting... it sounds good.. too bad no eng subs... lookign forward to the next ep summary... thanks javabeans... as always u do a fantastic job

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I have hit an all time low...after CP ended. Call me crazy but I'm watching CP episodes again..and again. I think I have reached an obsessive stage...partly I have Dramabeans to blame (in a good way). I don't think I have felt this way since Samsoon, not this feverish state :p I need to get a grip...Save me Dramabeans...:)

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thanks for the summary! it indeed does look cute, and i have a massive crush on choi shi won, and all of suju for that matter. by the way, will with s2 be subbing this? *crosses fingers*

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Thanks Javabeans! Err...but how come your summary does not have "ending"?

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Thank you Javabean, I like this drama.

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It sounds hilarious!!!
I have to see it.
I've read some versions of the legend as well as the CLAMPs manga version of the story.

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Regarding subtitling: I was going to translate this series for With S2, but after we announced our intention, apparently another subbing group wanted it (they just hadn't officially claimed it). We didn't want to fight, so the other group will be translating it. I'm sure they'll do a good job, although I admit I'm a little disappointed because we were getting all excited over how prettily we were going to do this series, with fancy hardsubs (bending our no-hardsub rule just once) to add some historical facts and identify some of the harder-to-get jokes. As you may tell, this is a series that's best enjoyed with as much of the background info as possible!

Chrystalle, I'm not sure I understand your question...? The summary is complete for episode 1. I'll have episode 2 up when it's ready. :)

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JAVABEAN,
THE LAST MUSIC THAT YOU POST ,IS THIS A KOREAN FOLK SONG? I LIKE THE RYTHM........
THANK YOU.

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DEAR JAVABEANS
This is for you and all korean drama addicts:
***KOREAN DRAMA FESTIVAL 2007 (Jinju Province)***
http://www.kdfo.org/2007/index_en.asp
*(if you are not Kr or Eng, press your language at the of that page)*
enjoy it... :)

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*Jinju in South Kyongsang province*
OK

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"...I admit I’m a little disappointed because we were getting all excited over how prettily we were going to do this series, with fancy hardsubs (bending our no-hardsub rule just once) to add some historical facts and identify some of the harder-to-get jokes."
Aww shucks! I hope the other group does a good job too. I was just thinking that subbing this series would be best with hard-subs - little drop down menu effects (I think I've seen those for anime like Yakitate!! Japan where they have to explain stuff) to give background to the cultural / legend references. Thank you for your summary!

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Hi Javabeans!! I was wondering if you were going to do a post on k-dramas everyone's watching right now to fill the CP void. I'm watching Soulmate right now....I remember you had said it was really good and I'm LOVIN" IT! :) It's so hard to find a good one to watch now that the bar has been set by Coffee Prince. Once you get a taste of something amazing...it's hard to go back to mediocre. ke ke

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Oops....sorry Javabeans, I have mislooked the episode number & posted the silly question...
Have a nice day & enjoy your weekend.

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Thanks for the clubbox pointer. Actually, thank you in advance WITH S2. Just glanced at their F/W projects and it's insane! Wow, both The Lobbyist and Hong Gil Dong? Hope you will recap either one (or even better, both - he he, shameless am i?) - so looking forward to the fall now! What Coffee Prince withdrawal? Once again, hope that i'm not setting myself up for disappointments (hello, Witch Amusement?)**muah**

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Thanks for introducing us to IS! Their music is very unique and fresh. Is this (http://youtube.com/watch?v=UQwbvqkSTfc) them in concert? They play the instruments AND sing? Very talented!

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thank you for doing a rcap on this mini - series.

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thanx a lot for this summary. I just wonder is there any subfan group decide to translate sub for this minidrama? This drama has only 2 eps. ^^ if yes it would be great!!

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omggg. i cant wait to download this. choi siwon is so cute. especially since he's in super junior. thankyou so much for telling us about this! if it werent for you, i'd probably be clueless about what's good these days. thankyou!

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Wow..I just had a crash course on Korean folklore. After effects? Cross-eyed, head-spinning and mouth wide-open....
Verdict? Nah....I will pass this despite cute Si Won.

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hey there javabeans!your post about this drama got me SO excited i couldnt talk properly when i called my friend to tell her about it.both of us absolutely loved dcgh and i personally cant wait for the subs for this drama to be released.in fact that's how our days are going to be like now.we'll keep talking and talking about it until its released.at first i was disappointed to find out with s2 wont be subbing this(ive become accustomed to the quality and the speed of the subs produced by you guys.i was especially more excited to hear of the hardsub plan,sounds brilliant!) but i guess the fact that there are people willing to do it makes me grateful too.=)

i am loving the colours of all the hanbok,especially those that choi si won is wearing!the purples and blues are so brilliant and pleasing to the eyes.the colour combination of the ladies' handbok is no less eye catching.plus the songs by I.S!i loved their performance in goong s (especially what they were wearing) but didnt really pay attention to their music.now when you've posted them here,let me just say ive reached a new level of appreciation!heh.

thanks for the update,if not for ya i wouldnt have had the chance to make my week in school livelier by anticipating this drama!=)

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I loved this drama. Thanks for the summary, javabeans, especially for the info about Korean folktales.
Here's a question about music. At about th 58 minute mark of episode 2 (the boat scene) a song comes on that is sung by a lady. It's set in 3/4 rhythm. Does anyone know who the singer is and what the name of the song is?

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Uh... sorry ignore my first post in the other thread. Didn't realize you already explained them here. Thanks for the summaries and songs!

On a side note: I didn't get tale of two sisters...... *sweatdrops* It was just reallly creepy.

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Oh my goodness! I totally want to see this! Hahahahahaha.

Anyways, I hope this series is uploaded soon (whether subbed or not subbed). I've been looking for it/googling around but can't seem to find it yet. Hopefully it'll be up soon!

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if only i'd know better about Korean folk tale i would've laugh out loud last night ... Thanks so much dramabeans for the summary ! now I know the folktales behind the story

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This is airing at the moment on Arirang TV, 8pm KST... really funny at the start.

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Can someone explain what "GanggangSullae" means? It's interesting because... there's a Korean restaurant near my house which has that name. (huh what's so interesting about that?) - but that phrase is the only one not translated in that 'mask dancing' procession.

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love the twist! choi shi won is so cute especially with his dimples. kinda remind me of vic zhou.

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Wow... I loved The story of Hyang Dan!
This "mini-drama" is really sweet and funny!
I like Seo Ji Hye so much. She's a good actress!

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