Boys Before Flowers: Episode 10

254 February 3, 2009January 24, 2016

by javabeans

And the ratings break the 30% mark!

TNS and AGB are the two media research companies that collect ratings, and typically their numbers are reasonably close. (I tend to go by TNS as more accurate, but that’s just me.) This time, the difference is rather noticeable: TNS records a 30.5%, while AGB has 26.7%. In any case, Boys Before Flowers is still hangin’ out in first place.

Episode 10 wasn’t perhaps as giddifying as 9, but I quite enjoyed it. Some pretty nice conversations.

SONG OF THE DAY

Outsider – “Perfect Love.” Maybe this song would be better if it didn’t sound like they were rapping about a “purr-pect rub.” I am trying to ignore that so I can enjoy it anyway. (I appreciate how well the rap incorporates a saying I particularly like, that “There’s no such thing in this world as a perfect man and perfect woman, just a perfect love made by an imperfect man and imperfect woman.”) [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

EPISODE 10 RECAP

Yi-jung finishes his saxophone performance to much applause, because I suppose the musical display was supposed to be riveting, or something. (I’m going with “something.”)

Su-pyo notices the pretty girl standing nearby and starts to hit on her, not recognizing Ga-eul at first. When he does, he says with an impressed look that she should’ve done herself up before (read: she’s no longer boring now that she’s hot). He proposes they leave together.

Now knowing him for the douchebag he is, Ga-eul doesn’t appreciate his attention, and is thankfully interrupted by Yi-jung’s arrival. He asks if the guy is bothering her and whether she knows him. Ga-eul takes her cue from Yi-jung’s small head shake, which indicates the role she is to play, and answers, “No, I don’t know him.”

Yi-jung offers his hand, announcing to everyone, “This young lady is the one who stole my heart… Miss Ga-eul, don’t trouble yourself anymore and come to me now.”

You know, delivering crap dialogue well is a skill. I was embarrassed for Kim Bum, but he somehow manages to say such cheesiness with a straight face.

Ga-eul takes his hand and they leave the club. Outside, Yi-jung puts his scarf around her neck, saying, “This may be an act, but we may as well act it out fully.”

Act or no, Ga-eul is touched by Yi-jung’s help. Thus on the day before Valentine’s Day, she busies herself gathering materials to make chocolate (to give to a guy). At Jan-di’s interested questioning, Ga-eul answers that she’ll give hers to someone to whom she feels thankful. Ga-eul asks whether Jan-di plans to make any chocolate for Jun-pyo, and hands her some of her supplies, urging her to. Jan-di considers, then swipes more of Ga-eul’s stash for her use.

(There’s a little detour that’s not explained yet, but I suppose it will figure in future episodes. Basically, an old man enters, grumpily orders jajangmyun — which isn’t on the menu — and insists until the ajusshi makes him a bowl anyway. The man says it sucks, pays with one fish, and leaves saying he’ll want fish stew next time. The girls taste their boss’s jajangmyun, which is surprisingly good. I’m guessing the old man is their boss’s father or teacher or somebody.)

Remembering Ga-eul’s explanation for giving her chocolate to someone she’s thankful to, Jan-di thinks of who she’s thankful to, and STUPID GIRL WHY ARE YOU THINKING OF JI-HOO?

But phew, Jan-di busies herself making her Valentine’s Day offering — and omona, they’re curly-haired Jun-pyo chocolates! Adorable. I like how a bunch of them have disgruntled expressions on their faces.

Jan-di calls Jun-pyo out (to a Shinhwa building) to give him the candies, trying to play off her nervousness when he opens the box. In the moment of speechlessness while he takes in the curly-haired faces, Jan-di mumbles, “I was going to give it to someone else, but these are the ones that got messed up…”

But you can tell he’s touched, and even refuses to let her eat one.

Then, the Valentine’s Day event begins, showing us why Jan-di picked this particular spot to meet Jun-pyo.

It’s a couples event with a cell phone as a prize; the challenge requires one half of the couple to lift the other for as long as possible. Jun-pyo approaches this task unenthusiastically, but Jan-di is eager to win. He grumbles that they can just buy phones, to which she says she’d prefer to win one with her own skill. (He retorts that this is using his skill.)

After AnyPop and JandiCall, they must really, really not want to give AnyCall any free exposure. (Btw, I am assuming her cell was a gift from Jun-pyo and therefore find it endearing that he labeled her phone “JandiCall.”)

But as this is sponsored by Shinhwa Group, Madam CEO happens to pass by, and recognizes one participant.

Wow, she does the death glare really, really well. That woman could curdle milk with one stare.

Spotting the angry Madam Kang, Jan-di shrinks back, letting go and falling from Jun-pyo’s back. Jun-pyo is forcibly ushered out of the building by his mother’s employees and sent home.

Meanwhile, Ga-eul waits outside Yi-jung’s studio with her chocolates. Her girlish anticipation fizzles when he arrives with two older ladies on his arm. Seeing the bag she carries, one of the girls guesses they’re Valentine’s chocolates. They’re all very nice to her, but it’s almost worse that way; she tries, unsuccessfully, to turn down the invitation to step inside for some tea.

Ga-eul feels worse to see the huge mound of Valentine’s gifts on his table. It particularly stings when Yi-jung tells her casually, “Leave yours there, too.”

Upset, she excuses herself and leaves quickly. Yi-jung follows her out.

Reading the situation correctly, he says, gently but firmly, “Acting is just acting. It creates trouble if you misunderstand.” He takes the chocolates from her: “Until you meet the one you’re fated to be with, I’ll keep these. Thanks.” After he leaves, Ga-eul wipes away her tears.

Gloomily, Jan-di walks home carrying her bag of chocolates. She’s hunched in the middle of the sidewalk when Ji-hoo drives up on his motorcycle and announces, “Did you call for a driver?”

No, he’s not psychic — Jun-pyo called him as he was dragged home and asked Ji-hoo to pick Jan-di up. When Ji-hoo drops her off at home, he senses her troubled mood and asks her to call him if something happens, “although I hope you won’t have to.”

Madam Kang looks through a stack of photos showing Jun-pyo with Jan-di, and is apprised of Jan-di’s family situation. She’s displeased that Mr. Jung hadn’t reported this earlier. Perhaps covering up his sympathy for Jun-pyo, Mr. Jung answers that he’d assumed Jun-pyo was just picking on the girl.

Jun-pyo bursts in to face his mother and says, sternly, “Don’t mess with that girl.”

Madam Kang affects a blasé attitude (though she loses her temper at the end) as she says that a busy person in her position can’t be bothered with something so worthless.

Jun-pyo says, “Then we’re fine,” and leaves. Madam Kang instructs Mr. Jang, “Make preparations immediately.”

Jun-pyo drops by Ji-hoo’s house (and spots the chocolates on Ji-hoo’s table, which Jan-di left behind after he’d given her a ride home). Ji-hoo takes one and purposely bites into it, provoking Jun-pyo to grab at the other half and exclaim, “Don’t eat that!”

I like Ji-hoo best when he’s eating Jun-pyo’s things. It’s a pretty specific role to play, but he’s much funnier as the droll sidekick than a main character.

In any case, Jun-pyo has dropped by to talk things over with Ji-hoo. He worries, “Why am I so uneasy? It feels like something’s going to happen to her. What I’m most afraid of is that in the moment she comes into danger, I might not know it.”

Ji-hoo says reassuringly, “Don’t worry. You know Jan-di’s not weak. Don’t be afraid, either. You’ve always got us behind you.”

‘Bout freaking time we saw some genuine bonding scenes between these two. Better late than never?

Madam Kang drops in unexpectedly on the Geum family. In a tone of polite (though cold) civility, she sounds fairly reasonable, and Jan-di’s parents agree wholeheartedly, as she describes herself as a concerned mother who must make her son’s success a priority. Her tone is so mannered that it takes them a moment to register her words when she asks, “Do you know what’s most important in growing grass?”

Blankly, they wonder what she’s driving at, and she continues: “Cutting out the weeds. The most important thing is pulling the weeds, which do more harm than good, out by the roots.”

Mom asks, “Are you saying our Jan-di is a weed?” Madam Kang replies, “I’m glad it seems you understood.”

Although weeds are usually killed, Madam Kang proposes something else — and sets out a briefcase of money: 300 million won (approximately $220,000). She can provide more if they want, as this is all in the service of her son. Mr. Jung lays out a contract, which states that “I declare that I will give up all association with Gu Jun-pyo.”

The family is speechless. An insulted Mom grabs a bowl of salt and dumps it all over Madam Kang’s head. She demands, “Get out immediately!” Madam Kang warns, “You’ve made a huge mistake.”

The family applauds Mom for sticking to her principles, valuing their pride and honor over money. But Mom dashes those gallant images by insisting that no, money is the most important thing in the world — screw pride!

She explains that if Jan-di eventually marries Jun-pyo, all of Shinhwa Group becomes hers too — ergo 300 million won is way too small a number with which to be bought off. Glad to know Mom’s got a high selling point.

At school, Jan-di emerges from another stress-relieving swim, half-expecting to see Ji-hoo waiting for her. She wanders until she comes to an auditorium, where Ji-hoo practices at the piano. He invites her to play along before taking her home.

She smiles at him warmly when he drops her off, prompting him to wonder, “Why are you looking at me like that?” Jan-di responds, “It’s curious. Whenever my heart sounds the emergency alarm, you always appear.” (You mean, whenever your heart seeks him out and then rings its alarm in his general vicinity, right? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think she’s falling for Ji-hoo, but I do think turning to Ji-hoo instead of Jun-pyo is a hairy issue.)

Things take a turn for the worse when Jan-di’s parents receive word that their dry-cleaning business is being evicted. Their landlord’s son — who’s been unemployed for seven years — has been given a job by Shinhwa Group. Clearly Madam Kang is exercising some of her economic muscle. Furthermore, all the realtors have been warned not to rent to them.

Forced out of business, the Geum family rallies, taking to peddling food in the street to passing cars. Each family member sets out with gusto to sell coffee and snacks (Mom a little less so, shrinking back in embarrassment).

Madam Kang is aware of this latest development, and because she is sadistically eeeeevil, she orders her car to drive by. She’s dragged Jun-pyo along with her to make her point clear, then orders Mr. Jung to buy some rice snacks from the vendors.

Unhappily though dutifully, Mr. Jung complies, and Jan-di bounds over to offer the snacks. She takes a moment to recognize who’s inside the car — at which point her smile fades, replaced by an uncomfortable laugh.

Jun-pyo’s eyes widen in shock and he starts to get out of the car, but his mother grabs his hand tightly to hold him back. Jan-di watches the car pull away, trying to tamp down her hurt.

Mom maintains her grip on Jun-pyo’s hand, overriding Jun-pyo’s order for the driver to stop the car.

Does anyone else get creepy Manchurian Candidate vibes from Mama Kang here? I wasn’t expecting a Freudian/Oedipal element to present itself in this drama, but [smallvoice] I kind of like it [/smallvoice]. (Or is it reverse Oedipal, since it’s mother-to-son, instead of the other way around?) It makes her seem even creepier and more vindictive.

But Jun-pyo shakes off his mother’s hand and yells at the driver to stop. Leaving his mother glowering, Jun-pyo storms out of the car and walks straight for Jan-di, thinking, “Geum Jan-di, stay right there. Please just stay.”

Jan-di stands frozen in surprise, in the middle of the road, watching his approach.

(The scene is backlit horribly and the faces are almost impossible to make out (hehe, make out), so I’m using promo shots instead…)

I really like this next scene, so I’m just going to translate all of it.

Jun-pyo: “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Jan-di: “So you could you push money at me again and say, ‘How much do you need?'”
Jun-pyo: “If your dry-cleaning business is in trouble, you can set up another one. Why embarrass—“

He catches himself, but Jan-di knows what he meant.

Jan-di: “Yeah. I — no — my family probably is embarrassing. But I’m not sorry for any of it.”
Jun-pyo: “What I mean…”
Jan-di: “Us dating and my family circumstances are different things. Plus, you can’t do everything for me your way just because you’re my boyfriend.”
Jun-pyo: “Then what should I do? Should I just watch as your whole family sells snacks on the street?”
Jan-di: “Yeah. Just watch.”
Jun-pyo: “What?”
Jan-di: “Don’t do anything and just watch, if you want to be my boyfriend.”
Jun-pyo: “Oi, Dry Cleaner.”
Jan-di: “It’s been a long time since you’ve called me that. But you know, I’m not a dry cleaner’s daughter anymore.”

Jan-di says the last bit with a bit of a smile, but Jun-pyo addresses her solemnly.

Jun-pyo: “Geum Jan-di. I’m not saying this to scare you, and there’s no reason for you to be afraid. Just know this. My witch of a mother is someone who’s capable of doing anything, at any time.”
Jan-di: “It seemed like it.”
Jun-pyo: “Promise me.”
Jan-di: “Promise what?”
Jun-pyo: “If something happens, you’ll tell me right away.”
Jan-di (nodding): “Okay.”
Jun-pyo: “One more thing. No matter what happens, you won’t run away from me.”

At that, Jan-di responds in a joking tone:

Jan-di: “Now that, I can’t promise.”
Jun-pyo: “What?”
Jan-di: “You know, I’ve wanted to run away a few times, but it was because of you, not your mother.”
Jun-pyo: “Hey!”
Jan-di: “I’ll promise. Whatever happens, your mother won’t be a reason for that.”
Jun-pyo: “It’s a good thing you’re Geum Jan-di.”
Jan-di: “Why?”
Jun-pyo: “I’m really glad that the commoner gangster Geum Jan-di is my girlfriend.”

Now his mood lightens: “That promise really puts my mind at ease.”

Jan-di offers Jun-pyo a can of coffee, which he takes. He grabs her hand and they walk off together. Later, at home, Jun-pyo takes out the coffee and stares at it, lost in thought.

(And now, I totally have this image in my mind of some desk drawer or cabinet in Jun-pyo’s room which houses a rotting apple, a half-eaten piece of chocolate, and a can of coffee.)

Jan-di hustles in search of another part-time job, which is the only reason she entertains an idea suggested by a sleazy-looking restaurant customer who asks how old she is. He’s disappointed to hear that she’s only in high school (therefore a minor), because he has a business that often hires (university-age) students, and he really likes her look.

After some hesitation, Jan-di asks how much he pays, and accepts his card.

More trouble awaits the Geum family when a group of thugs arrives at the curb where Jan-di’s parents have set up their makeshift snack stand.

They ask threateningly, “Who said you could operate here?” and proceed to overturn the stand and destroy all their goods.

Like I said, I much prefer Ji-hoo as the dryly amusing sidekick, which is a role he again fills, this time with Yi-jung. He asks to borrow Yi-jung’s phone, then slyly dials a number. When a female voice answers, Ji-hoo hands the phone to a bemused Yi-jung.

Recognizing Ga-eul’s voice, Yi-jung shoots Ji-hoo a dirty look but is forced to answer calmly.

Afterward, Ji-hoo drops by the gas station where Jan-di has taken up another part-time job. She has a cheerful attitude, saying she’s fine and not overworking herself. When her nose starts bleeding, he points out that her body betrays her lie, and dabs at her nose with his handkerchief, saying, “It’s upsetting” (which suggests he’s the one troubled by her situation). He covers that by adding, “If I were Jun-pyo, I would be upset.”

She asks him not to tell Jun-pyo about this, because “I want to take care of my part, so I feel things are fair.” Ji-hoo sighs, “I envy Jun-pyo,” then leaves.

Jan-di feels even more burdened when she learns that her brother, who is teased by schoolmates, has been skipping lunch at school to save money. Jan-di asks why he didn’t tell her, but he feels bad for all the work she’s been doing — she delivers newspapers and milk in the morning, works at the restaurant in the afternoon, and the gas station at night.

That prompts her to take out the business card from the sleazy customer for a business called Enjoy Productions. Finding the company’s “office,” Jan-di takes a look around the questionable setting.

Jan-di steps inside hesitantly, calling out, “Is anybody here?” And then the door slams shut behind her.

COMMENTS

I’ve been waiting for this series to drop its cutesy, overacting antics and go for some real drama — I know, so not the manga spirit!, but that’s what I feel Korean dramas do best. It’s also a way this series can make its mark in an already sprawling universe.

We don’t need a carbon copy of all the other versions, because then what would be the point? The Japanese Hanadan was an excellent live-action interpretation of an exaggerated, sometimes silly manga storyline. What I wanted to see was how this version could adapt the story we all know but make it its own.

I’m not saying it’s there yet, but I think we’re taking a bit of a turn. I hope they don’t go overboard with the dramatics, but I prefer that to slapstick overload. Gu Hye-sun is actually a pretty good dramatic actor, but for some reason they’ve been forcing her to act jokesy, which doesn’t use her to her best advantage. Jan-di, for instance, is growing on me more now that she’s not so exaggerated.

Also, I appreciate what they did with Ga-eul and Yi-jung, even if the budding relationship took a step back (or at least a step sideways), because I think this sets us up nicely for the future. After all, Ga-eul strikes me as a smart cookie, and she learns from her mistakes. The first time she was dazzled by Yi-jung’s appeal, she quickly revised her opinion when he seemed to look down on Jan-di. It wasn’t until he went out of his way to help her that she started to look at him differently and entertain a bit of a crush. Now that she’s seen him for who he really is — not a bad guy, just not the sweet image she’d built up in her head — she’s going to be wary of him in the future. Which means, if (when?) Yi-jung finds himself wanting to win her over for real, boy is he going to have to work for it. Right?

254

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101 bluelime

February 3, 2009 at 10:22 PM

thanks for the recap as always.
ji-hoo (kim hyun joong) is indeed the perfect side-kick. i enjoyed ji-hoo's scenes in this episode. honestly, i'm glad that kim hyun joong's acting is improving.
i'm very surprised (in a negative way) to see that woo-bin did not appear in this episode entirely, hopefully it won't happen again.

i liked the writer(s)/PDs provided a satisfying closure to the yi-jung and ga-eul sequence at the club. furthermore, i am surprised to find myself liking the yi-jung and ga-eul sequence with the valentine chocolates. by placing some tension between yi-jung and ga-eul adds depth to their budding relationship. for one, i think by doing so, it also gives the yi-jung and ga-eul more room to explore their relationship in a good way. moreover, the tension between yi-jung and ga-eul also prevented their relationship as the side-couple from becoming a cliche and more importantly a "foil" to the relationship between jun-pyo and jan-di. in a way, yi-jung and ga-eul's relationship are being differentiated from the relationship between jun-pyo and jan-di. by differentiated, i mean, the writer(s)/PDs are showing that the problems between the two couples are different. for yi-jung and ga-eul, their problems at the moment seem to stem from yi-jung's childhood upbringing in relation to his father's (and mother's) behaviors. for jun-pyo and jan-di, their problems stem from their difference in social classes and family backgrounds---(specially the difference between the rich/upper class and the poorer/working class).

on the other hand, i also agree that ga-eul is a smart girl, and that she learns from her mistakes. thus if and when yi-jung (is given the chance by the writer(s)/PDs to pursue) realizes that he does care and like ga-eul in a boyfriend-girlfriend way then he is going to have to make a serious effort to change her mind and win her heart.
ultimately, i really hope that the witer(s)/PDs will give the yi-jung and ga-eul storyline a good ending.
kim bum and kim so eun are good actors. : )

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102 G

February 3, 2009 at 10:23 PM

Thanks for this review, and for putting it up so quickly!

This made me laugh out loud: "I like Ji-hoo best when he’s eating Jun-pyo’s things." I agree completely!

Hooray for more Yi-jung and Ga-eul! (As long as they do lay off the sax) I'm glad Kim Bum is getting more screen time--it really is impressive what he can do with some of his lines, especially because he's supposed to be so suave and that can go wrong really easily.

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103 Jen

February 3, 2009 at 10:25 PM

I really liked this episode specifically because it brought back that feel of it being a Korean drama. I totally agree that the "real" drama in Korean dramas are what make them so appealing. I almost couldn't watch "Meteor Garden" the first time I saw it because it was just so exaggerated. I had to literally force myself.

And, I really do like Ga-eul's character. She's just so real that I feel like I can identify with her. She's rational, which I love. Plus, out of all the characters, she's the most like a high schooler. If this drama decides to go into college, I also feel that Kim So Eun will be able to effectively act as a slightly more mature version of Ga-eul. I really hope it goes in that direction.

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104 Jessi

February 3, 2009 at 10:26 PM

i'm loving how quickly the subbers over at viikii are finishing the episodes. it's amazing! but i kinda wish you were a subber. the scene between jandi and junpyo at sunset was pretty much uninteligible, the translated english text didn't make any sense at all. i had to read your cap to understand what really happened.

anyway, great recap! just another thing to feed my addiction.

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105 RSzeto

February 3, 2009 at 10:36 PM

I have never read or seen the Jap or Taiwan version of hana yori dango and therefore can't compare or otherwise... I'm not that pleased with the way the writers are portraying Jan-di to keep having thoughts of Ji-hoo esp. as you say when she was making the cookies, she first thought or reminisce about Ji-Hoo before making the curly haired cookies. Since Jan-di has chosen Jun-pyo, shouldn't she have more thoughts of Jun-pyo her beau than Ji-Hoo. That part didn't gel right AND Ji-hoo has been too often 'conveniently' appearing in front of her... or rather he seem to seek his best friend's girlfriend more times than appropriate ???

Javabeans - why do you think the writers are doing it thus? Jun-pyo is obviously so devoted to Jan-di (he even think of sending Ji-hoo to pick her up after being dragged away) but Jan-di is actually no where near his devotion towards him!!! This story is not gonna do an about turn to Jan-di ~ Ji-hoo I hope!!!

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106 thisiswhyi'mbehindonmymastersthesis

February 3, 2009 at 10:42 PM

So there were too many one liners in this recap for me to quote them all but I can't let this one go: "You mean, whenever your heart seeks him out and then rings its alarm in his general vicinity, right? "

Why was that exactly what I was thinking!!! I mean you've never wondered by the auditorium before, Jandi, WTH! I also was disappointed earlier on when she had the nerve to be thinking of him instead of JP, but with some thought and some random name calling, I was persuaded that thankfulness is all there is for him right now. Though this JH situation has great potential to get cloudy, and deliciously full of angst, I was comforted by the "promise" of she and JP's last scene.

And why is it that everytime JH does something relatively nice, I begin to sing, "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match. Find me a find. Catch me a catch."

He definitely works best in this position in F4. Though for the first time, in ep. 9 I felt sad for him (as he watched JD walk away, and in all creepiness, mindlessly rubbed her gloves that he pulled from his pocket ), I think that this best suits him. JH the Matchmaker: Smiling, helpful, silent, guitar strumming, tea sipping, speck wearing friend. This works. I like it. I like it alot.

Thank you for the recap.
And like so many others, who are on crack and low on supply, I will have to pimp myself out for something to else feed my addiction. But oh, (I cry, hand to forehead) why does nothing satisfy!

Until next week!

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107 theedie

February 3, 2009 at 10:48 PM

"(And now, I totally have this image in my mind of some desk drawer or cabinet in Jun-pyo’s room which houses a rotting apple, a half-eaten piece of chocolate, and a can of coffee.)"

I'm sorry, but that made me LOL. And I'm loooooving the Ga-Eul/Yi-Jung storyline so far. Ever since I watched Meteor Garden to the japanese hanadan I desperately wanted the Yuki/Soujirou characters to get together and I've been bitterly disappointed in each variation. I hope to whatever god is out there that the Korean version finally lets them be together. *girly sigh*

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108 anotheranony

February 3, 2009 at 11:00 PM

I LOVE your recaps!!!

Yi jung Ga eul !!!!!!!!!! I'm loving the fact they're getting more screen time this week. As for Ji Hoo, I agree that he's starting to grow on me more now that he's the sidekick. Honestly, the first half of this series is so slanted towards Jun Pyo that Ji Hoo never even had the fighting chance as the love rival, and his wooden expressions didn't help. It could be he's finally growing into his role, but now that he's playing the silent, supportive-i-wish-you-were-mine friend I actually feel a little sad for him. *sigh* Go Ji Hoo, eat more apples and cookies!!! (Wouldn't it be funny if he takes a sip out of Jun Pyo's treasured drink in the next episode?)

Now if Woo bin gets a bit of character development too that'd be cool... (maybe use his gangster relations to ruffle Madam Kang's feathers a little... all for the sake of friendship of course! ^_^)

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109 Bella Sue

February 3, 2009 at 11:05 PM

I laughed.... I cried... I CRIED Hard when he goes to Jihoo and tell him is worries. i just want them to stop playing that Paradise in a not so paradise situation. Well cast for the EVIL MOM! Really scary a Lady she is!

JP & JD grew more and more and this is really one fantastic Manga turn drama thingy I'd love to see!

I LOVE YOUR RECAPS! XOXOXO

KEEP US POSTED OK! WE LOVE U SO!

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110 Imee

February 3, 2009 at 11:10 PM

I'm a little dissapointed with the kissing scene thinking it would be more intense than on episode 9.The promo pics look better as I can't see anything except a dark screen. JanDi reminds me of Goo Hye Sun's role as Gukhwa in Heart of 19 when she was delivering milk in the morning and washing cars during the day to support herself and family in China; The mother is also very against her relationship to her son who also will be inheriting their company.Though JoonPyo's mom looks more scary than the one in Pure 19 and LMH is alot hotter than GHS co-star then.She made me cry there and I am starting to feel for her as JanDi now. Love the cookies with JoonPyo's different facial expressions.

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111 Alvina

February 3, 2009 at 11:10 PM

my goodness you are quick javabeans. Thank you for that ^_^

I agree; this episode was a brilliant mix of giggle worthy moments and dramatic tension. Thus, the perfect episode. As the other readers have said, the actors too seem to be coming together nicely and fitting into their roles...

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112 Alvina

February 3, 2009 at 11:13 PM

@ 106

*****He definitely works best in this position in F4. Though for the first time, in ep. 9 I felt sad for him (as he watched JD walk away, and in all creepiness, mindlessly rubbed her gloves that he pulled from his pocket ), I think that this best suits him. JH the Matchmaker: Smiling, helpful, silent, guitar strumming, tea sipping, speck wearing friend. This works. I like it. I like it alot. ****

I agree! Ji-Hoo just easily fits into this mold better than the cunning, "I'm still reeling from my heartbreak" JiHoo

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113 SL

February 3, 2009 at 11:22 PM

Hi Javabeans, are you sure Ga Eul is going to be more wary of him in the future? Cos as of now, their story has progressed exactly like the Taiwanese version, from the fact that Ga Eul was cheated on by her bf, to Yi Jung bringing her to the bar and even the part where he goes home only to be greeted by her. In fact, I'm pretty sure that it will follow the Taiwanese version where Ga Eul helps him change his attitude about his first love because of their conversation in the boat during the vacation. His character had a lost, regretful look when talking about true love? I'm sure the script writer is priming the scene for the story about Yi Jung's first love, which only means that Ga Eul will be the one taking the initiative to 'change' his playboy ways.

I just noted all these because this pairing has always been my favorite from the manga and all 3 versions :)

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114 lilhkqute

February 3, 2009 at 11:27 PM

hey .... doesn't the hair and the glasses on kim hyung joon make him look like bae young joon!! hahhaha ...

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115 peony

February 3, 2009 at 11:52 PM

Where was Jun-pyo's sister? I was hoping she would come to the rescue to. I hope in the future episodes she will also help out with their relationship and fight their evil mom.

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116 Tangy

February 3, 2009 at 11:54 PM

@78 Renee: My sentiments exactly! I couldn't agree with you more! :D

And thanks Java for the great recap! Almost splurted out my drink at the "...and STUPID GIRL WHY ARE YOU THINKING OF JI-HOO? " line XDD

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117 mina

February 4, 2009 at 12:38 AM

The grandpa who went on Jandi's work is Ji Hoo's grandfather. If you go back to episode one, Jandi's brother was explaining who are the F4's; there you will see a family pics of Ji Hoo with his grandfather and parents...

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118 cartman

February 4, 2009 at 12:39 AM

Man. I really hope that what you're predicting for Yi Jung and Jan Di's bff (sorry, forgot her name)will be true. I would really like to see kim bum beg. Hahaha:)) Lol

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119 Peeps!

February 4, 2009 at 12:47 AM

Huh. Javabeans sunbae (you are obviously older than me...), you left out the line JiHoo says before he (unexpectantly) calls GaEul. The line: 'It still bothers me.' What was that supposed to mean? Does he mean that he is bothered about how Mama Kang is treating JanDi and her family? Or does that mean that he is bothered about YiJung and GaEul (Here, I have absolutely no idea what bothers him. Also, how did he know about the two of them in the first place?). It kind of just struck me then because he did it right before he starts calling GaEul (After Yi jung says 'Then, you should check it out.). What kind of person pulls such a prank!?!

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120 Peeps!

February 4, 2009 at 12:49 AM

By the way, did the fish in this epidode DIE??? JanDi held it for so long.

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121 flooooo

February 4, 2009 at 12:56 AM

thanx for your recaps but again why JH is always around JD? what is he motive? and hey you can t open a stuff that wasn t for you? right!!!??
and sorry to do that but this person made me laugh at te crucial scene and I really want to point his/her psychic ability

quote Q_Park

"My one wish:

PLEASE PLEASE don't play Paradise or any other slightly cheesy song when they kiss.
Wait, who am I kidding, of course they are.

- Kyu " post #9472 at soompi

She/he wrote it on soompi the first february so really two days before episode 10 and when I watched the kiss scene I was lauging so hard...and I still laugh cos really this is sooooooooo well guessed. Bravo!

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122 maria

February 4, 2009 at 1:00 AM

i think you can still call it Oedipal.. :) if if had been daughter, father, it would be Elektra Complex, although she didn't really have e thing with her dad.. oh *sigh* Psych and Greek Mythology. :P LOL all i know is..... i actually WAS drinking milk when i saw madam kang's death stares at jan di and from experience, i can now share with you all, YES, HER DEATH STARE can CURDLE MILK. i drank cheese after that... or butter, at least..

“(And now, I totally have this image in my mind of some desk drawer or cabinet in Jun-pyo’s room which houses a rotting apple, a half-eaten piece of chocolate, and a can of coffee.)”
LOL like a shrine :D so telling about how intense we all think his loneliness is.

and in the loongh tradition of being a total non-sequitter....
I think in this adaptation, yi jung and ga eul will get together.. dunno, it just feels like that's how they're setting things up, am i right or am. i. right. :P

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123 jenn

February 4, 2009 at 1:12 AM

one thing i really like about BBF is that theres hinting that Yijung will fall for Ga-eul, which, I know you hate me to say this, is different from it's counterparts
plus Yijung & Gaeul just look amazing together haha

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124 crzycpl

February 4, 2009 at 1:26 AM

Thanks for the recap.

I have also been counting the gifts and am wondering when/where we will get to see all the gifts again. Hilarious!

What I didn't get was the conversation between YJ and JH before JH called GE. I think YJ and JH were talking about JD and therefore JH called GE to get YJ to ask where JD is working at night. Am I right?

I have been very dissatisfied with the director's cut of scenes ... they just don't flow well.

I'm a little uneasy with all the scenes between JH and JD. Is the director/writer trying to win sympathy for JH's case? Throughout this episode, all I could think of was ... where the hell is GJP? Why isn't he visiting JD at the petrol station?

I think the grumpy old many who ordered jajangmyun is JH's grandpa. I'm pretty sure, actually.

In any case, I am looking forward to the development between YJ and GE. They look so coot together! And did I mention I heart Gu Jun-pyo?!!

Until next week ...

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125 CyNurse

February 4, 2009 at 1:50 AM

Is it just me or Kim Joon/Woo Bin didn't have a single scene in Episode 10?

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126 GA EUL YI JUNG love

February 4, 2009 at 1:58 AM

I have to say that my favourite part of this episod was when Ji Hoo borrowed Yi Jung's phone and dialed Ga Eul's number and forced Yi Jung to answer. His reaction was totally funny! I agree with what you say, Ga Eul is definitely a sensible girl who won't be too worked up with the whole Yi Jung thing. I think she was heartbroken to see his playboy image after he was being so sweet to her...but then again, wasn't he just using his playboy skills? Or was it really his true feelings? We won't know.

Love the last paragraph of your recap. Totally makes a lot of sense. Can't wait to see some scenes where Yi Jung actually has to TRY to earn a girl's heart.

And i hardly realized that Woo Bin wasn't even in this episode! Wow. This really tells us a lot about his impact in the show.

And I have to say, there were way too many Ji Hoo + Jan Di scenes in this one episode. He's there for her waaaay too many times.

Overall, an okay episode, but definitely not as fab. as the previous, more lighthearted one.

The storm is brewing after all, prepare for some real drama action!!!

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127 hmmm

February 4, 2009 at 2:01 AM

"I think the grumpy old many who ordered jajangmyun is JH’s grandpa."
I doubt that though...isn't Ji Hoo's grandpa the former president or something? Possible, but chances are higher that he's related to the 'master' of the porridge shop.

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128 kk

February 4, 2009 at 2:05 AM

Can someone explain something to me? When Yi Jung addresses Ga Eul, he calls her Ga Eul-ee, I've noticed it some other dramas too, what does adding the 'ee' actually mean?

On a side note, is the PD really running out of ideas? That kiss scene was pulled directly out of the hanadan season 1 finale.

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129 ...

February 4, 2009 at 2:05 AM

thanks for the recap! ... have to wait another week for the next two... sob!!!

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130 kayla

February 4, 2009 at 2:19 AM

as i VERY patiently await the english subs to come out, i can relieve myself by reading your recaps. thank you for that. i really do appreciate it, although i probably shouldn't be reading it as it ruins it for me when i actually watch it... but nonetheless i am happy and grateful for your writing. thanks

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131 Annie

February 4, 2009 at 3:11 AM

^ Kayla, You can always relieve yourself by watching it english subbed on viikii.net. They sub rather fast (and by that I mean the day it airs).

To be honest with you, I don't think that Jan Di and Jun Pyo have chemistry. I'm not exactly sure that I'm even convinced that she likes him half as much as he likes her. In fact, she even says that their relationship was never anything serious. I'm really looking forward to more Yi Jung and Ga Eul. Even if they only get a little bit of screen time every episode, its worth watching. It seems as though Yi Jung does harbor some feelings for gaeul. He's just not willing to make a commitment right now. As for the phone scene, I wish they would of shown Yi Jung and Ga Eul's conversation.

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132 ling

February 4, 2009 at 3:35 AM

hey. i just wonder if anyone of you have jandi's handphone ringtone?
or do anyone of you know the name of the ringtone?

thanks:D

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133 Yin

February 4, 2009 at 3:47 AM

seriously, you would think that a modelling company called enjoy would be kinda seedy. the name itself is just bad. =_="

Oh. I'm terrified of JunPyo's mother. __,,,(*_*),,,__
I MISS WOOBIN. i swear i'm like his only fan XD

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134 hxjko

February 4, 2009 at 3:49 AM

i think the ringtone (when yi jung called her) is "moon river"?

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135

February 4, 2009 at 3:56 AM

Thanks always for your recaps. A couple of thoughts...

First, I strongly believe that the drama will change to reflect the graduation of the F4. As you know, the Korean school year is pretty much over until March (aside from about a week or so spent sometime after the winter break and before the new school year). Seeing that the F4 are seniors in high school, they must either graduate, flunk, or the rest of the story must take place in the space of 1 month. I think the second and thirs choices are unlikely. I'll be interested to see what they do with this, even though it is not a significant point.

Secondly, I am a huge fan of the Gauel and Yi-Jung relationship. In fact, more than the second kiss scene in episode 10, I really liked the moment between Yi-Jung and Gauel. He obviously has issues because of his womanizing father. He knows that Gauel is a good girl and as a result, wants nothing to do with her. Yi-Jung seems to be drawn to her purity and innocence, but knows that a guy like him couldn't possibly be good for her. I'm convinced that he believes that he needs to scare her away, which is shown by his totally cavalier attitude when he shows up with the two women and encourages her to place her chocolates with the rest. Hlonestly, he's smooth. If he wanted to have her, he totally could, but the defining thing about his character is that he refuses to allow himself to adulterate her. He could have just let her walk away thinking that he was a jerk, but he followed her to smooth things over and to rationalize the situation. He's totally falling for her and he can't help himself. With possible angst on the way in, I can't wait until it hits full force in the future.

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136 sooyon

February 4, 2009 at 4:05 AM

dangit, woobin is being treated like dirt. he couldn't even play an "extra" and sit around in the background or something?

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137 heejung

February 4, 2009 at 4:24 AM

OMG. the teddy bear was blindfolded... disturbing...

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138

February 4, 2009 at 4:25 AM

all i can say is, i hope the yi-jung/ga-eul shipper actually happens in this drama, I have hope though because they are giving much more screen time than the japanese version and too much importance, im just keeping my fingers crossed.

as for jandi//junpyo i hoped they extended another episode of happy times cuz from now on the wicked witch has appeared and its all drama. I wonder if the guy who dropped her card on her way to enjoy entertainment is the one she will model with.

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139 salt

February 4, 2009 at 4:51 AM

yea!!!!!
finally KHJ is getting some LURVE...

@ #78 Renee, i agree with you. because he looks so detached, his pranks and jokes are so unexpected and that makes it funnier.

Javabeans,
love your recaps, esp the droll witty one-liners... makes me burst out laughing so hard i'm getting weird stares from people around me....

looking forward to your recap next week more than the drama itself.. (heh..heh.. though not by much. still can't wait to see more of JH)

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140 quasar

February 4, 2009 at 4:54 AM

about the grumpy old customer,

i think he is the porridge house owner's master. just as simple as that. haha. my mind cant think any further...

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141 maria

February 4, 2009 at 4:57 AM

everyone,

*desperate*
WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD WHOLE EPIS OF BBF THAT ALREADY HAVE ENG SUBS?? :)

thanks! *bow*

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142 Melvoyance

February 4, 2009 at 5:00 AM

Thanks for the recap Javabean, you've done a great job(again)...

Your site is just like a bible for K-drama just like BOF hahaha...
Beside the fact of the music directors try to kill us with inappropriate 'Paradise' timing for the scene, over-all since episode 1 up to 10, BOF isn't fail me one tiny bits.

"....Also, I appreciate what they did with Ga-eul and Yi-jung, even if the budding relationship took a step back (or at least a step sideways), because I think this sets us up nicely for the future. After all, Ga-eul strikes me as a smart cookie, and she learns from her mistakes. The first time she was dazzled by Yi-jung’s appeal, she quickly revised her opinion when he seemed to look down on Jan-di. It wasn’t until he went out of his way to help her that she started to look at him differently and entertain a bit of a crush. Now that she’s seen him for who he really is — not a bad guy, just not the sweet image she’d built up in her head — she’s going to be wary of him in the future. Which means, if (when?) Yi-jung finds himself wanting to win her over for real, boy is he going to have to work for it. Right? "

I hope they make a side story and your idea is a good one ^ ^

Luv 'ya, keep the good work!!
PS: Sorry for the poor english ^ ^

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143 lina

February 4, 2009 at 5:25 AM

I discovered this site today. And I´m very happy that I did that. Very good work really, hope next episode will be available soon! :)

PS. will you please tell me more detail in next episode, will be very thankful :)

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144 lina

February 4, 2009 at 5:28 AM

i lovelovelove the yijung and gaeul moments!!
but theres too little screening time!!
very cliffy-hanger!

am even luukin forward to their development more than the main characters themselves!!
heehe

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145 km

February 4, 2009 at 5:29 AM

oedipal? nooo, haha you just made me look at the relationship in a completely different light! though it make actually make sense too, because junpyo's mother, unlike his sister, is unable to let him go and give him a chance to grow up. but we'll see. perhaps her reverse oedipal instincts will manifest themselves even more obviously later in the drama!

that aside, i'm pretty much excited about what's going to happen in the next few episodes because oh, jung eui chul is coming into the picture! or at least i think he is. he's such a pretty boy :D

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146 Antigone

February 4, 2009 at 5:35 AM

Thanks for your recap!

And as for the doubtful old man at juk-jib whose real name is Lee Jung-gil,
I think he is Ji-hoo's grandfather. (There were some noticeable discussions about him in many Korean forums)
Ji-hoo's grandfather was introduced that he is an ex-president and now enjoys his life with fishing or something. And we can check his appearance in the picture which was in Ji-hoo's room.(I don't remember what the episode number is.)

I was a little dissapointed to this episode because PD Jeon cut out the wild kiss scene for which I had been waited so long. I think his sense of directing is very stale and old-fashioned.

P.S.

Sorry for my poor English too. hehe..

Have a nice day!

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147 cyn

February 4, 2009 at 6:11 AM

i guess tt's y the fortune teller said tt one man is for marriage and the other is jandi's soulmate.

thx for e recap! i love reading ur comments ^^

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148 sweetcandylove

February 4, 2009 at 6:19 AM

I wonder what Yi Jeung said to Ji Hoo when he grabbed the mobile from Ji Hoo's hands. He muttered something.

I love how he reacted when he heard Ga Eul's voice. Hehehe.

I'm looking forward to their story. I really really wish they end up together. They look so cute together!

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149 Aye

February 4, 2009 at 6:19 AM

I felt the same way when I saw the flashbacks of Ji-hoo helping Jan-di. I asked myself "how could she?!" Then I thought to myself whether or not it was an editing error! haha

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150 Aye

February 4, 2009 at 6:25 AM

Might I add Jun-pho and Jan-di are really going at it in the second promo kissing photo! Glad to see real kissing and not just touching of the lips! :D

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