There is a relevance to the ‘Toad’s Sadness’ sequence, albeit a small one. Like it’s been mentioned, Hee-Kyung says that she’s gotten a part in a production of what I think is Korea’s version of Cinderella. In the folktale version, there are two main girls, one sweet and good, the other the greedy and lazy stepsister. Yong-su asks if she’s gotten either part, but she chooses to be mysterious and says that she’s “something very helpful and important to [the Cinderella character].”

In the folktale, various animals help Cinderella out when the stepmother demands impossible tasks. When she’s told to fill a big water urn-thingie even when there’s a huge crack on the bottom, the friendly talking toad offers to swim to the bottom and hold the crack closed with its body. There goes Hee-Kyung’s glamorous part in the play.

I liked that they added it, though, personally. It was a good way of bringing something that happened in passing back up, and I admit I laughed. The way they set it up it seemed like a big amazing opportunity or job offer for her, was made even bigger by her mysterious airs, and then fell hilariously short – kind of like Hee-Kyung herself.

Anyway, sorry for the dissertation on Korean folktales, but I thought I’d help out. I very much enjoy your recaps, by the way.

I think I might have figured a very simple explanation for ‘A Toad’s Sadness’ in connection to this episode. Earlier in the episode, Hee Kyung receives a call that will require her acting skills. Yong-su takes guesses at what role she’s taken on, but she wouldn’t tell him. I guess now we know? You might want to go back and watch the scene as she does give him 1-2 hints but doesn’t say more.

Nonetheless, I also think ‘A Toad’s Sadness’ makes many implications about Hee Kyung.

javabeans, this week’s episodes are a must watch! After seeing EP 3-4, I’m completely hooked.

For me, Lee Minki this time seems to be taking on a character that might be more similar to his real personality. I actually first saw him, not through Dal Ja’s (which I did watch after), but through watching X-Man variety shows. At that time I kind of wondered who he was, especially since he seems really awkward, klutzy, and quirky in comparison to all the other guests. And the awkwardness was not a one time newbie thing, since in another episode, he was equally quirky when dancing and showing off his romantic side while doing the couplings. It actually gave me a big shock to see how suave he was in Dal Ja’s and to be able to change his image a total 180. He was really convincing as the confident and oh so perfect Kang Tae Bong and thats when I decided he was definitely a great actor because his real self sure did not seem like Tae Bong in any way. Its true….Lee Min Ki is not Kang Tae Bong. But it never hurts to wish he was!

hmmm cute eppie i hope to hear more from you about this drama. im enjoying it thus far.

Here’s my guess (without having seen the epidose yet): could “A Toad’s Sadness” be a another reference to the oft-adapted frog princess tale? It suggests that beneath Hee-kyung’s unattractive coarse exterior and outward manipulative personalities possibly lies the heart of a true and kind woman (i.e.: her reasoning re: Mr. Jo’s son). It also speaks of her isolation and sadness from being misjudged by others. There could be more depth/complexity to her character than what is shown so far. The soda’s brand (it’s Coca Cola, right?) cleverly hinted that she is indeed “the real thing”?

But hey, on the other hand, i may have overead this whole symbolism thing. He he! Who knows! Thanks for the summary, javabeans. Still unsure whether this series is a hit or miss …