Boys Before Flowers: Episode 10
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 ]
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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?
RELATED POSTS
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 9
- News bites: January 28, 2009 (Boys Before Flowers edition)
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 8
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 7
- A closer look at Boys Before Flowers scripts
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 6
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 5
- Behind the scenes with Kim Bum in New Caledonia
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 4
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 3
- Cast members featured on Boys Before Flowers OST
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 2
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 1
Tags: Boys Before Flowers, Gu Hye-sun, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon, Lee Min-ho
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201 aki
February 5, 2009 at 3:37 PM
I'm excited about the Yi Jung - Ga Eul development too, glad they decided to explore this relationship. Ga Eul is very appealing to me, and JanDi is just lucky to have a wing girl like her, although it sometimes seems like JanDi IS the wing girl. I'm enjoying the gradual development at this point. JiHoo has been reduced to a sidekick for laughs, aww.
Dude, please don't start comparing versions again, it's apples and oranges. This version is fine as is, a little bit of both Kdrama antics and the storyline of Hanadan. I doubt this is going to be the perfect balance of both. They've added enough melodrama to make it its own, made subtle changes to the characters and cultural references that it stands well on its own. I believe that most comedy dramas tend to use overacting as a mean to deliver comedy, so it's a characteristic that's not going to go away because it's the very essence of this genre. It's been so well done in Japan that it's hard to say it's a fault in fact, unless when it's half-assed and unintentional of course. Maybe what you meant is that if they're going to copy it, at least do it properly, or not at all. If they don't do it at all, then don't call this a remake of Hanadan which is essentially a romcom based on this particular comedic device. Whew, sorry about the rant, but this story isn't hard to 'get' yknow, analyzing the crap out of it isn't enjoying the moment of watching this which is what this is like you said, crack that's probably bad for ya.
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202 lily
February 5, 2009 at 5:33 PM
OMG the Kiss soooooooooooooooooooo cliche!! I couldn't stope LMAO. Slowly! take some kissing classes!! WTH??? ruined again....
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203 meesook
February 5, 2009 at 8:27 PM
I'm worried for Jandi. I feel like she's going to get assaulted or something weird...
And I love the Gaeul/Yijung parts. I wouldn't even mind watching a mini side drama of the two. They're both very appealing.
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204 abby920
February 5, 2009 at 9:31 PM
I also love the Ga-eul/Yi-Jung couple :) . I'm so excited to see the next episode. I'm so hooked :)
Thanks for the recap.
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205 vrosemarie
February 5, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Thank you for the recap! It's always so pleasant to read your recaps.... I thought the ending of this episode was so ominous and I hope nothing too terrible will happen next week. And I'm still keeping my eye on the Yi Jung and Ga Eul romance! I loved the phone part, Kim Hyun Jung is a lot bearable to watch now.... :)
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206 jacq
February 5, 2009 at 10:50 PM
I agree with post 198 that the guy who bumped into Jandi should be mentioned as he will be a major character in the upcoming events. He is the same actor who played the guy who was on the verge of committing suicide in the first episode. He's playing double-role in the drama. I'm glad we get to see more of him.
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207 Javabeans
February 5, 2009 at 10:54 PM
#198 and #207: For those of us who prefer to remain unspoiled (and to refrain from comparing to prior versions), we don't know who he is or if he's going to be important. So far he's a random guy who brushed by, that's all.
It's cool if you want to know what's coming up, but I'm just making it my habit to talk about what has happened rather than what will.
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208 Annie
February 5, 2009 at 11:41 PM
okay, guys, i think all the readers are over analyzing. i, myself am too. HAHA
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209 melibu
February 6, 2009 at 1:12 AM
thank you so much for the recaps....i look forward to it every Mon and Tue. Can't wait for those two days in the week. thank goodness it's two days and not like the Taiwanese series which only comes once a week... killer!
anyway, i also agree and want Yi-Jung to work very very very hard to win Ga-Eul. I like this pairing but of cos, the main pairing is cute too.
honestly... so far i am liking this version so much more than the Taiwanese version. these guys played it better - JunPyo (tough but goofy), Ji Hoo (cool but yet funny), Kim Bum (charismatic yet kind) and Yi Jung (always the voice of reason).
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210 Mindi
February 6, 2009 at 1:12 AM
Is it a bad thing that I am looking forward to the Ga Eul/Yi Jung scenes more than the Jan Di/Joon Pyo scenes? I just find GE and YJ so much more adorable and appealing, plus, their story isn't as predicable as JD and JP's is.
But anyways, major kudos to the actors in this episode, their acting skills are starting to show and it's making the drama that much better!!!
Can't wait for the nect episode!!!
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211 Ladyhu9zz
February 6, 2009 at 2:47 AM
-about grumpy old man
He is definitely Ji-Hoo's Grandfather, but it seems there is also a connection between the Juk Jip master and Ji Hoo also.. or is it just me... (By the way HE IS the X-man in Kim Sam Soon) In the first episode when Jan Di was describing to Ga Eul about how not all the F4 members seem abnoxious and cruel and that there is one that seems different, it cuts to scene of the Juk Jip master knowingly smiling for some reason... That would be interesting if there is a connection~
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212 birdscout
February 6, 2009 at 8:27 AM
"I like Ji-hoo best when he's eating Jun-pyo's things. It's a pretty specific role to play..."
Javabeans, you are too, too funny! I've read your episode 10 recap three times now, and your line makes me howl out loud every time.
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213 lily
February 6, 2009 at 11:10 AM
LMAO I like in every polls you have :
"Look wise korean version is the best !!!"(even though I prefer a charming and good actor Matsuda Shota to a baby so called playvboy kim bum).
Talk about the rest...
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214 bender
February 6, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Yijung and Gaeul are my favorite part too! I don't really think he looks good with the older women but he and Gaeul are so cute together and they really seem their ages. Can't wait to see them more!
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215 Macarena
February 6, 2009 at 1:53 PM
This site rawks!!! After I watch the episodes I love to come over here to read the recaps, they're great! Exactly what I feel as I watch the show, like in the middle of something you just want to scream, you old hag stop pestering with Jandi and Jun Pyo!!! or what are you doing Jandi thinking about Jihoo, hello!!! your boyfriend is Jun Pyo!!! I love it that when I come over here there are my exact thoughts making it more interactive and fun knowing that most viewers feel the same as you. This show is going somewhere peeps! Better than the other two versions or at leaste getting there. And you know what, the music is starting to get to me... I get really excited when I hear ALMOST PAAAARADISE! xD!
My favorite line was "Jan Di, don't move! Please, stay where you are" awwww that was awesome, his determination and confident stride, and her face was priceless. It's great knowing that she's still not that into him. Can't wait until she truly falls deeply in love with him.
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216 dinara
February 6, 2009 at 2:03 PM
i dont feel that jan di in love with jun pyo .. i dont know why((((((((((((((((((((((
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217 Yoon
February 6, 2009 at 2:35 PM
You'd think that JanDi would get an idea of what kind of place Enjoy Production is at the sight of the blindfolded teddy bear in the middle of a bed but no, she doesn't. Even the name of the company is a little freaky.
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218 dinara
February 6, 2009 at 6:03 PM
because she is young and NAIVE )))))))))))))))))))))
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219 alexthegirl
February 7, 2009 at 12:57 AM
I just wanted to say several things.
First of all, I agree with what you're saying about the series. I personally loved HYD but I'm also immensely relieved that this version is not a carbon copy of that series. You're right, Kdramas do better when they really take on their own personality and I'm glad to see that they're not only switching up the storyline but also trying to put their own twist on this to keep the audience (which is most likely made up of a lot of longtime Hanadan fans) interested and guessing.
Second of all, I really appreciate your insightful and language-appropriate comments. It's nice to see someone writing recaps that use words like "disgruntled" and "bemused" to describe the emotions on the screen rather than.."OmG, hE wAs SoOoOoOo KuTe!!". All the more reason to trust and respect your opinions.
And lastly, this was a gem: "(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.)" HAHA. I can only hope that you are vindicated if it ever turns out that they will have that scene in this series.
Thank you Dramabeans!
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220 Mei Lee
February 7, 2009 at 2:55 AM
i initially stumbled upon your site when i wanted to learn more about the korean rendition of Hana Yori Dango. I agree with everyone else that your recaps are a great supplement to the actual drama.
i'm surprised that many posts did not support Jan Di and Ji Hoo's many encounters, which is understandable if viewers are to assume that they are "only friends." so far, i haven't felt suspicious of their relationship in the korean version because that is how Makino and Rui are portrayed in the manga (more or less). and we have to remember that Ji Hoo/Rui's character has been closer to Jan Di/Makino from the beginning of the story, as opposed to Makino's relationship with Doumyouji which grows slower but more passionate as the story develops.
i've always felt sorry for Jan Di's character because she and Joon Pyo both are supposed to have little experience in the dating scene. she's put in situations she's never been in and doesn't know how to respond, so i think it's natural that her character is hesitant to spend a lot of time with Joon Pyo. on the other hand, i think it's important to show that she's comfortable with Ji Hoo. but like most korean dramas, they show how romantic relationships take time, and it's fun to see how they develop as the story progresses.
post #78 asked something about the apple similarity with Hana Yori Dango. there was a translation that i saw that said "apple" and "sorry" (or some kind of apology related word) sounds similar in korean. i don't speak korean but reading that made the scene make sense i guess.
and i agree that the music is disappointing. you would think that they would use better music for a popular drama. lol
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221 Meix2
February 7, 2009 at 11:10 AM
It has been a while since I've been so hooked on a KDrama... I think it's been way back when Coffee Prince was on!! For me, I wouldn't say that BBF is exceptional (for my taste, anyway) and we all pretty much know what the general story will be like (since its been done twice before) but still, I'm totally and completely addicted to this. Can't wait till Tuesday mornings (UK time) to read your recaps. Thanks so much for keeping us informed and entertained... Korean Drama wouldn't make alot of sense to us otherwise.
I seem to have the same opinion as many that has already posted. Although Jan-Di and Jun-Pyo are the lead, I'm actually more interested in the Yi-Jung and Ga-Eul Relationship. I hope they do it better than the other versions.
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222 ash
February 8, 2009 at 12:24 AM
"curdles milk"... too funny! ive never heard of that kind of stare but it fits her character so well! thanks for the recap! u rock!
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223 jae
February 8, 2009 at 1:37 AM
I am loving this series more and more! ^^ I agree that the humor of the manga was best adapted by the Japanese version, but this version is starting to make a unique interpretation of its own.
And yeah, hopefully they don't go overboard. Geum Jan Di sort of settles on the borderline sometimes.... and she should just stick to that.
Anyway, that was the most breathtaking cliffhanger so far! I wonder what's next?
I need some more Ga Eul - Yi Jung love! Although I do agree that their situation right now is where it should really be -- not overly cheesy but not that distant either.
Thanks for the recap! This is actually a great site for me since I tend to skip over some scenes which I think don't have much bearing on the story. LOL.
Keep 'em coming!
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224 jae
February 8, 2009 at 1:39 AM
Oh, and just to state the obvious: I think Madam Kang is the most sinister mother among all versions so far. ^^
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225 GaRa
February 8, 2009 at 11:19 AM
You like pervy things don't you? When I saw that hand-grabbing I didn't get any creepy vibes. Kind of... makes you seem sadistic.
Anyways, Gu Hye Sun's character is seriously pissing me off. Not only does she think/seek out Ji Hoo in times of need, she breaks her promise to Jun Pyo within five minutes of making it (ref. - 'don't tell GJP')
She's got more pride and arrogance than rich people do.
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226 mariouma
February 10, 2009 at 4:57 AM
i like this serie , because Jun-pyo , he is very coool , but i must say that the caractere of " hanazarai rui " in jaban drama is more better than ji hoo , i don't know why he is act like this , i dont like him , he make me nerves , and jan di in love in ji hoo or in jun pyo , after all that jun pyo did for her and she is still think in ji hoo ?
and thank you for " STUPID GIRL WHY ARE YOU THINKING OF JI-HOO?" you are really know how you criticize , good work.
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227 HelloLily
February 10, 2009 at 5:44 AM
It's sad that Ji Hoo couldn't hold his own in this version. Him being a sidekick is not how it's suppose to be. I'm not saying it's the actor but maybe a combination of things.
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228 bethany
February 10, 2009 at 11:25 PM
im loving kimbum and kim so eun~ i think they have chemistry together... and they play their parts well.
thank you for updates!
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229 berry
February 11, 2009 at 7:41 AM
that phone look like iphone. i wonder is there any phone look like jandi phone
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230 Tay
February 12, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Do you know where i can get the instrumental version of almost paradise?
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231 Tricia
February 28, 2009 at 9:14 AM
throughout the episodes everyone's been using the same cell phone (AnyPOP) with a different design at the back.
a want a cellphone like that!!! hahaha...
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232
March 3, 2009 at 10:30 PM
OMG poor Jan Di jun pyo is frikin sucking her lips ? LMAO KIM BUM IS SO CUTEEE and SoEul rox
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233 didi
April 7, 2009 at 9:31 PM
I really like your recaps.
by the way, what was the title of the song played by Yi Jung?
really liked its tune.
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234 Andromytta
April 18, 2009 at 12:21 AM
I just got into this show very recently (thanks to a friend hooked on kdramas, and dramafever) and I love it. It's totally addicting. It's a fun show, and the boys are just lovely to look at! (Especially Kim Bum...stay away, he's mine! *lol*)
My friend recommended that I read your recaps after I watch each episode, and I'm glad I do, because they are great! Most of the time the things you say are the very things I yell at the screen. (Which the characters never seem to pay attention too...can't they hear me?)
Anyway, I especially liked the description you gave of how the relationship between Jun Pyo and his mother appears as a "reverse Oedipal complex". That seemed to me to hit the nail on the head! I did just want to let you know, for future reference, that this complex is referred to as the Jocasta (don't know if that's spelled right) complex. According to the CSI episode "Committed" (season 6) the syndrome is very rare and deeply pathological. Makes Mama Kang even more creepy, like you said! (And yes, I realize how weird it is to get psychological information from a TV show...but I can't help it, I love TV!)
Anyway, thanks for the recaps. I love this show!
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235 paintedface
May 17, 2009 at 3:42 AM
"...come to me now"? What?!? haha! The lines get quite hilarious. Still, I'm loving this series (I've actually only watched episodes 1 and 2, dubbed, of course. And I'm very grateful you're doing recaps of the whole thing.)
I just have to say, this site has become my major stress reliever nowadays.
Also, I'm loving the songs you're posting too, though I can't understand any of it. haha! I just like how the songs (not ALL korean songs, mind you) sound. Haven't found anything that can interest me more than John Hoon's "Parrot", but listening to new Korean songs is still mighty fun. Who knows, I might just find another fave Korean song as I go through your pages.
Great job, by the way. =)
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236 MJ
May 17, 2009 at 1:03 PM
yup. that kiss was pulled right from hana yori dango ending of season 1. wow
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237 Joebs
May 20, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Haha! "That woman could curdle milk with one stare" --- that got me cracking up :))
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238 shinta
June 30, 2009 at 1:57 AM
it's so interesting tale .
i wait the next ...
yi jung and ga eul it's cute couple .
i like it .
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239 Lita
August 7, 2009 at 2:35 AM
wow. cool
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240 candy
August 16, 2009 at 4:51 AM
the poorly filmed kissing scene was intentional right? i mean.. the kiss was sooo passionate that they decided to change the lighting so as not to show the tooo passionate kiss, right? 'coz i guess they're not allowed to show it?
i was wondering before why in one interview KHS and LMH both said something about THE kiss that made things awkward for them for a while... and then i saw/read somewhere that this particular kissing scene in ep 10 was the one. hihi. i wonder if they'd ever release it.. haha.
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241 Camille Anne
November 6, 2010 at 10:51 AM
I was giggling when I read the part that Ji Hoo borrows the phone of Yi Jung then slyly dialled a number . I very much like that part ! :">
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242 Y
July 19, 2011 at 9:18 AM
Anyone know what the song is, the one that's played when Jun Pyo gets out of the car and kisses Jan Di? I'm dying to find out. It's a violin piece if i'm not mistaken :(
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243 Tee Cee
February 20, 2012 at 11:12 PM
I am new to Korean television (so I'm just catching up on some of the staple shows); thus, the reason why I am just now watching Boys Before Flowers.
I am just in love with the series thus far. I previously watched Playful Kiss and enjoy the contrast of a strong female lead in BBF (as opposed to Oh Ha Ni in PK, whom I liked but just got annoying after a while).
Lee Min Ho is a phee-nom-en-ul (yes, say it just like that) actor. He emits true purpose in his delivery of Gu Jun Pyo and he knows how to use his face to convey more than can be given through words. Brilliant. His skill in projecting vulnerability without resorting to theatrics is just stellar. Just great.
Kim Hyun Joong's acting ability is not up there with LMH's, but I think that does him a service rather than a disservice. The character of Yoon Ji Ho is supposed to be mysterious and not wear his emotions on his sleeve, so good on him for knowing when to hold 'em, when to fold 'em, when to walk away, and when to run. Plus--isn't he just darned purty to look at (tee-hee)?
My only complaint with the show thus far (and it was almost a dealbreaker)? JD's father's voice! Ugh! Every time he is onscreen I have to adjust the volume on the TV until it's almost mute, and then I can still HEAR him. I appreciate him throwing himself wholeheartedly into his craft (because I am an actress too), but sometimes he comes off like a clown--a loud clown! You can be intense without screaming, holmes; take it down a thousand.
Just a great, great show. Here in the states we are not used to so many shows in one season, but at least I am being thoroughly entertained on my way to the end.
Cheers to all :)!
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244 BBN
May 2, 2012 at 9:22 PM
Javabeans.. I SO agree with you.. I felt embarrassed for Kim Bum for his scene too... the script-writers could've done a better job with that line so it could sound LESS cheesy. It was sweet, but sounds kind of cheesy. Although, in the end, Kim Bum managed to deliver a cheesy line well. Nice job for him! :D I also agree with you when you commented on the frankly ridiculous point of taking Ga Eul out for a makeover when she's so pretty to start off with.
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245 BBN
May 2, 2012 at 9:24 PM
I wonder what the writers are thinking of.. taking the already pretty Ga Eul out for a makeover? Well, I guess even pretty girls do makeovers to look even prettier.. so it actuallly makes some sense.
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246 Tulipsaki
December 4, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Ha, Yi-Jung is Chuck Bass!
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247 Mandy
May 2, 2013 at 7:56 PM
uummmhh...i felt sorry for Jan Di and her family...however, i liked this man..Jun Pyo,, he always there when Jan Di needs help...lolz....i can say that....A SWEET RELATIONSHIP act like that......lovelove....
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248 Jay Nava
September 14, 2013 at 10:49 PM
Whats the snack Jandi and her family are selling?
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249 Kanuko Aki-Na
March 1, 2014 at 7:47 PM
First, I watched the episode and -clears throat- I have completely been creeped out by that woman's death glare/stare ._. I mean, I do it to all the boys at school (ALL OF THEM) but this woman is a pro O.O I got the heebie-gibbies from just looking at my desktop screen O.O
Secondly, I laughed like nuts when there was that awkward moment when Joon-Pyo opened Jan-Di's gift XD He's like ripping it apart like it's the first present he's ever gotten xD such a little boy LOL!!! Another one was when he had to like answer that guy's question. He didn't even want to do it and sounded super annoyed! OMG THIS WAS TOO FUNNY :P
Thirdly (and no this won't be a good part), I like freaked when the witch showed up ._. Creepy thing, my mom is like that O~O That woman is just... freaky.
Last comment: GOOD JOB JAN-DI'S MOM!!! Even if it was for money things ^_^; On the bright side, she's not entirely wrong. I mean seriously 10 episodes and Joon-Pyo is DEFOS in love with Jan-DI :P Only obstacle now, THE WITCH (dun dun dun!!!)
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250 a
March 8, 2014 at 5:43 PM
I loved this episode but just one thing - (it's really picky)
Why does Jan Di need a phone when she had one in previous episodes? In the original cable car scene in Episode 4 she doesn't have a phone. But in episodes 8 and 9 she does have a phone. She calls Jun Pyo in episode 9, and in episode 8 she gets texts from Jun Pyo (and a phone call from her parents also interrupts the kiss Jun Pyo and she are about to have). Somebody please help explain this!
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