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Boys Before Flowers: Episode 15

Monday episodes no longer even faze me. Yeah, the first half sucked, and while the second half was better, I’ve accepted that Mondays are just here to advance enough story to get us to the (hopefully) better Tuesdays. If I tried to make too much sense of it, I’d just wind up nursing a big(ger) fat(ter) headache.

SONG OF THE DAY

Panic – “기다리다” (Wait). This is the song Kim Hyun-joong sings in an early scene; Panic is the former group of songwriter-rocker Lee Juck. [ Download ] [ Alternate link ]

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EPISODE 15 RECAP

While sightseeing, Jan-di and Ji-hoo stop for snacks. Unfortunately, Ji-hoo can’t find his wallet, so Jan-di offers to pay, and when she accepts a pastry from the merchant, she leaves her wallet behind on the counter in plain sight. Folks, Idiot Jan-di is back! (Drinking-game followers, take a drink.)

As for Ji-hoo’s wallet, well, Ming took it. Because stranding someone without money in a foreign country is what all good friends do. Ming sneaks a photo of himself with Ji-hoo into Ji-hoo’s wallet, to be discovered later.

Jan-di discovers the loss of her wallet a bit later when she tries to buy a paper fortune at a shrine. Ji-hoo tells her to wait, and dashes off to save the day. But instead of searching for her wallet, which may contain important things other than cash, he… plays streetside minstrel? (Logic fail = take another drink.)

Ji-hoo borrows a guitar from a street performer, then starts to sing “기다리다” (Wait) (posted above). After a few bars of Kim Hyun-joong’s performance (it appears he’s singing live), we fade in with a new, acoustic version of SS501’s “Because I’m Dumb” — and I am SO annoyed that they intruded upon a perfectly good performance. You have an idol singer in your cast, finally give him the chance to show his skills, and then cover it up with a recorded track?

Mr. PD, maybe you’re proud to have gotten a new song to insert into the limited rotation, but as always, WORST TIMING EVER. (Drinkers: Cheers! I’m not sure which rule this violates, except my level of irritation tells me there are at least a half-dozen at work here.)

Money pours in from the sizable crowd and people applaud. Jan-di, who has wandered by, looks on in admiration. Ji-hoo smiles: “This should be enough, don’t you think?”

On the way back to Ming’s house (but what about the wallet?), Jan-di has trouble walking properly again (drink up) and her ankle rolls over as her heel snaps. She tries to stumble along in the broken heel, then decides to take the shoes off. Ji-hoo kneels in front of her and offers to carry her.

As she climbs on his back, Jan-di thanks Ji-hoo, at the same moment that he thanks her, too — this is the first time he’s ever earned money on his own: “There are a lot of things I’m doing for the first time because of you. So thanks.”

They enter the gate, not noticing the big black car lurking right in front. Maybe they’ve gotten so used to their dates being followed that they’re inured to the sight by now?

Inside the car, Mr. Jung asks Jun-pyo whether he should start driving; Jun-pyo answers, “Stay a little longer,” which turns into three hours. It’s only when the lights inside finally go dark that Jun-pyo allows Mr. Jung to head back.

This next morning scene severely tried my patience, and was only mitigated (marginally) by how gleefully Ming snickers at Jan-di. Still groggy, Jan-di stumbles into the bathroom and sits down on the toilet. Ji-hoo walks in — the door was unlocked — and covers his surprise, then walks out. When the reality of the situation sinks in, Jan-di shrieks, then locks herself in the bedroom to sob in humiliation.

I get that it’s embarrassing… but shouldn’t she have more grit than that? An initial freakout is understandable, but wallowing in bed all morning makes her into a silly, dramatic brat and I want to shoot her. (Character inconsistency — take a sip?) Gu Hye-sun’s acting does the scene no favors, either.

Seeing that Jan-di won’t come out, Ji-hoo leaves her alone while he steps out. When she comes down to breakfast, she finds a note that reads, “Memory erased.”

Ji-hoo browses the shopping center for some shoes, and buys the pair that Jan-di had eyed. (If there was more than one pair, why the hell were Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung fighting over the shoes? Ahh, my head hurts. Also: chug!)

Then, they’re at the airport. Jan-di sees that Ji-hoo has booked first-class tickets and, fearing the expense, offers to downgrade to economy. With a deadpan expression, Ji-hoo replies that his legs are too long to suffer economy, putting an end to that argument.

Jun-pyo sits through a business meeting when Mr. Jung brings him a document with a note stuck to it reading, “6 pm departure to Seoul.” Jun-pyo signs the note and hands the papers back to Mr. Jung, pretending this was mere business procedure. This is actually one of the few moments I really liked in this episode — the little detail to show how Jun-pyo is covering his actions to escape Madam Kang’s eagle eye.

With two hours left before Jan-di’s flight, next he’s stuck in a meeting with the heads of JK Group, although he’s so preoccupied with the passing time that he’s completely checked out of the conversation. Mr. Jung interrupts with an “urgent” overseas business call, which gives Jun-pyo an excuse to rise early.

He arrives at the airport just in time to see Ji-hoo kneeling before Jan-di to replace her broken heels with the new shoes he bought her, telling her, “I wanted to buy you something with the first money I earned on my own.”

(If Jan-di could barely walk in those shoes the other night, why is she still wearing them? Does she only travel with one pair of heels? DRINK.)

Jun-pyo sees this and seethes. At Ji-hoo’s question, “Why are you here?,” Jun-pyo retorts, “What about you, what are you doing?”

Ji-hoo: “Do you think you have the right to ask that?”
Jun-pyo: “Yoon Ji-hoo!
Ji-hoo:”I stepped back as a friend — I gave up because she was my friend’s girlfriend. I gave you a chance up till the end. I’m not going to hold back anymore.”

Jun-pyo punches Ji-hoo.

As always, Jan-di waits for someone to get punched before bursting out, “Stop!” She asks Jun-pyo, “Why did you come? Do you have something to say?”

Jun-pyo can’t respond (anything he says won’t make sense unless he backtracks on his Big Decision), and can only stare in frustration. Jan-di ignores the tears falling from her eyes and says firmly, “All right. I’m going.”

She and Ji-hoo walk off together, and Jun-pyo sinks to the ground.

Mr. Jung rushes in carrying Jun-pyo’s own gift (the shoes), and finds Jun-pyo on the ground. He helps Jun-pyo up, and the two walk off together. It’s fatherly, but also kind of weird. I blame the editing.

They leave the shoes behind on the chair… where Jae-kyung just HAPPENS to come by. WUT THE HELL. (Empty the rest of the bottle.)

Curious, Jae-kyung opens the box, recognizing the very shoes she’d wanted for herself.

On one hand, it’s like Jun-pyo is giving Jae-kyung a present indirectly, but on the other hand, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing — don’t Jun-pyo and Ji-hoo know you’re not supposed to give a girlfriend shoes? It’s bad luck! (The adage goes, if you give a lover shoes, they’ll run away from you. Maybe we should be glad Jan-di never got Jun-pyo’s shoes.)

And now, we’re out of Macau. Thankfully, this is the point where the episode starts to get better.

Back at home, Jan-di’s listlessness causes her to make constant mistakes. She’s so distracted that Ga-eul offers to take over when Master sends Jan-di on a delivery, but he insists that Jan-di go.

The delivery takes her to Cranky Grandpa’s busy clinic, which is crowded with (seemingly middle-to-lower-class) patients. Grandpa gruffly directs her to help out, so she goes around fetching drinks and babysitting. After everyone leaves, she gives Gramps the food, then hesitantly asks how he knows Master and what exactly he does for a living. He IS a real doctor, right?

Just then, a really bad actress stumbles in clutching her pregnant belly and crying in pain.

Jan-di assists Doctor-President-Fisherman-Grandpa as the woman gives birth. The experience introduces a new possibility to her life, and Jan-di returns to school filled with newfound direction and optimism.

Ji-hoo, fresh from a new haircut, drops by to see Jan-di, immediately clocking her good mood. She recounts helping with the pregnant woman, explaining that the experience made her feel something she had never felt before — “It’s the first time I didn’t think of Jun-pyo, or swimming” — and now she’s determined to be a doctor.

A bit sheepishly, Jan-di figures that people will sneer that a dummy like her wants to be a doctor.

Ji-hoo: “Do you know how hard it is to find something that you’d want to do despite being called crazy for it? What does it matter what people think? When have you cared about things like that? If you want to, just do it.”

Jan-di’s mood plummets when sees Jun-pyo on television talking to reporters about Shinhwa Group. Jun-hee happens to look out her car window and she passes, and spots Jan-di on the sidewalk. She greets her with a friendly smile and takes her back to her house for a chat.

Jun-hee has a general idea of what happened between Jan-di and Jun-pyo, and asks about Macau. Jan-di puts on a bright face, saying that she’s glad she went, so she could make a clean break with Jun-pyo.

Jun-hee’s disappointed: “I hoped you could stay with Jun-pyo. It’s too bad.”

Jan-di’s false bravado collapses when she walks past the doors to Jun-pyo’s bedroom, which are ajar. Stepping inside, she looks around and remembers the times she’d spent with Jun-pyo here.

The telescope brings to mind the star-moon necklace, given to her with Jun-pyo’s promise to never let her go. This sets off her tears.

Jun-hee passes by and comforts her, telling her to let it all out. Jan-di sobs that she’d lied earlier: “I’m not okay. I went to see Jun-pyo because I missed him, but I can’t believe he changed so completely.”

Jun-hee thanks Jan-di for being honest — at least knowing that Jan-di still cares means there’s hope. Jun-hee advises, “Jun-pyo will come back, so don’t give up on him. Trust me, and give him one more chance. Can you do that?”

Jan-di confides that she was hurt most not because of Jun-pyo’s cold treatment of her — but rather, because “I never got to tell him I was thankful to him, or that I like him, and I can’t tell him that now.”

Jun-hee’s not the only one who believes Jun-pyo isn’t over Jan-di; Yi-jung seeks out Ga-eul to give her an invitation to Jun-pyo’s birthday party, asking her to bring Jan-di along. He wants to confirm a hunch.

Ga-eul isn’t keen on the idea, because if something goes wrong, Jan-di will be the one hurt. Yi-jung reasons, “If Jun-pyo dumping Jan-di is all an act, that’s good.” On the other hand, even if it’s not an act, Jan-di needs to face it — it’s better she forget him cleanly rather than letting him linger in her thoughts.

Yi-jung presents Ga-eul with a stack of gifts: “If you’re going out to battle, you need weapons.”

In addition to Ga-eul, Mr. Jung also comes by to ask Jan-di to attend the party. He bears an invitation, not from Jun-pyo but from Madam Kang herself.

At the party, Jan-di explains to Ji-hoo that she only came because she didn’t want to run away, but now she wonders if she shouldn’t have come after all. The guys urge her to stay a while

It must be noted that Ji-hoo’s not the only F4 guy with a new hairstyle: Woo-bin and Yi-jung have also changed their looks and now sport upswept styles. But while Ji-hoo’s takes a little getting used to, at least the change works for Woo-bin and Yi-jung.

Party time, in name if not in spirit. Jun-pyo sits stoically while his mother presides, beaming in pride. Madam Kang welcomes everyone to the party, and brings Jun-pyo onstage for the presentation of the cake.

It’s at this point, when he blows out the candles, that he finally looks over and sees Jan-di sitting at the F4 table. They lock eyes for a prolonged beat, and then he turns away.

Ji-hoo clocks her hurt reaction, and asks if she’s okay. She isn’t, and uneasily starts to excuse herself, saying that it was a mistake to come. Before she can leave, the whole table looks up in surprise at Madam Kang’s approach. In a suspiciously cheerful tone, she thanks Jan-di for coming, then requests a piano performance of her: “In the spirit of things, could I ask you for a favor in congratulating Jun-pyo on his birthday?” I do not follow this logic — drink for me — and neither do Woo-bin nor Yi-jung, who wonder worriedly whether Jan-di can play the piano.

Ji-hoo steps in to take her home, but Jan-di stands and faces Madam Kang: “Yes, I will. You invited me, so I should at least sing for my supper.” (She literally says, “earn my dinner.”)

At Madam Kang’s introduction of Jan-di, Jun-pyo looks at her in surprise. Jan-di starts to play. She’s not good, but she’s not bad either.

In Episode 13, I posted two versions of “사랑밖에 난 몰라” (“I Only Know Love”), which Jan-di played on the piano with Ji-hoo. Here’s a third version by Horan (of Clazziquai) and Dave Koz. [ Download ]

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(In case you didn’t know, Gu Hye-sun is actually a strong singer — she almost debuted as a singer instead of actress. In this scene, she sings in a wavering voice because, for one, Jan-di isn’t supposed to be a great singer, and two, emotion threatens to choke her up at several key points in the lyrics.)

Here’s what she sings (the ellipses mark her long breaks):

The moment you come to my side,
I love that look in your eye.
Yesterday I cried, but because of you today,
I’ll be happy tomorrow.

It’s not your face…… or style
but your soft love that I needed
to forget the past.
Without you, I can’t do anything anymore……
I only know love.

After she finishes, Jan-di gets an enthusiastic response — and a standing ovation from Woo-bin — and again locks eyes with Jun-pyo. Oh yeah, and Ji-hoo throws long (blank) stares in Jan-di’s direction. (Drinky!)

On the other hand, Madam Kang is perhaps disappointed Jan-di didn’t outright suck, and says in her bitchy-pleasant manner that she’d asked too much of the student. She apologizes on behalf of Jan-di, who ruined the mood and should have known her limits.

And now, she makes the Big Announcement of the evening — the introduction of Jun-pyo’s fiancée. Everyone is completely shocked (including the couple themselves), while Jae-kyung is literally carried into the room, kicking and shouting.

Not only is the announcement a shock, so is Jae-kyung and Jun-pyo’s realization that they’ve met before.

Jan-di’s group convenes outside in the hall, which is where Madam Kang finds them to gloat. She addresses Jan-di triumphantly: “Do you understand now? The wife to the next head of Shinhwa Group has to be at least at that level.”

Jun-pyo joins them, demanding first to know what his mother is doing, then asking Jan-di why she bothered to come. Hurt and angry, Jan-di retorts that she has nothing to say to him.

And then, Jae-kyung joins the group — what, is nobody left inside? — to ask Jun-pyo’s mother if she’s truly serious about the engagement. Madam Kang replies that the parents have already discussed the matter; both sides are pleased with the match.

Jun-pyo cuts in to address Jan-di: “I have something to say to you, so don’t argue and follow.” He grabs her by the wrist and drags her away, grumbling all the while about how she should have suspected his witchy mother was up to something when she invited him… not realizing that he grabbed the wrong wrist.

Meanwhile, Jan-di (and the others) watch in puzzlement as Jun-pyo grabs Jae-kyung’s wrist by accident and pulls her away. Madam Kang may be our villain here, but I just love the wonderfully bitchy shrug she tosses at Jan-di, as if to say, See? You’re toast.

Witch-Mom tells her, “You must have realized by now that you should give up your empty hopes and fantasies.”

For what it’s worth, it actually is kinda funny when Jun-pyo yanks Jae-kyung along, muttering the whole time that he’s dragging the wrong girl behind him, addressing her as though she’s Jan-di.

Finally, Jae-kyung shouts at him, and he realizes his mistake. And then promptly blames it on her for letting herself be dragged along.

Jun-pyo tells Jae-kyung to stop following him and starts to walk off. Incredulous, Jae-kyung chases after him and jumps on his back, insisting he apologize to her. (He calls her a crazy monkey, lol.)

She bites his ear — unorthodox but effective, just like her — then falls to the ground. This is probably supposed to Mean Something because Jae-kyung teases him for blushing, suggesting that he’s attracted to her.

She asks for money to take a taxi home. He doesn’t have any, so she demands to use his cell phone, and gropes around his pockets to find it.

As Jun-pyo tries to shove her aside, her team of bodyguards swoops in to her “rescue.” Not realizing that they’re her people (or not caring), Jun-pyo reacts as he always does by fighting. They restrain him quickly, much to Jae-kyung’s amusement.

Ji-hoo takes Jan-di home in solemn quiet. Ji-hoo asks if she was very shocked, and she answers (not at all convincingly) that she doesn’t care if Jun-pyo gets engaged.

Ji-hoo defends Jun-pyo by guessing that he probably didn’t know about the engagement. Despite their rift, it seems Ji-hoo has faith that Jun-pyo would have told them if it were true. But Jan-di doesn’t believe it — she saw Jae-kyung in Macau, which means they probably did know each other.

Referring to the airport scene when Ji-hoo had hinted that he would have pursued Jan-di, Ji-hoo now says, “About what I said to Jun-pyo in Macau…” Jan-di reassures him, “I know. You only said that because you were angry at him.”

That’s not what he means at all, and he takes a long pause to think, then responds, “You’re right.” He leaves her with wise words: “Sometimes what you see isn’t real. You need faith to see some things.”

After she gets out of the car, he sighs to himself, “Yoon Ji-hoo, what the heck are you doing?”

At home, Ji-hoo looks at the bag Jan-di left behind in his car (bottoms up!), and dials Jun-pyo on his phone. Just at that moment, his phone starts to ring, and he peers outside to see Jun-pyo standing there, phone to his ear.

 
COMMENTS

The first part of this episode had me seriously scratching my head. So many irrelevant moments, weird plot jumps (they HAVE to lose both wallets to get Ji-hoo to perform?), that even the small shining moments — Jun-pyo’s contained pain, for instance — were suffocated by the rest. For instance, Lee Min-ho’s quiet portrayal while watching from his car was a GREAT beat and conveyed with nice nuance… only, sadly, I couldn’t care that much because of all the other chaff that surrounded it. His breakdown at the airport was also acted well — but then I cringed through his exchange with Mr. Jung, which should have been a lovely moment but instead made me uncomfortable. Mr. Jeon PD, you should take the words of advice of your own characters and let the good stuff in your drama thrive — by CUTTING OUT THE WEEDS.

Normally, I would argue that ratings and quality are linked only tenuously together; you can’t say they don’t reflect on each other at all, but it’s too simple to say that they’re directly correlative.

But in this case, I’m tempted to say that the high ratings have actually adversely affected the quality of the drama, if only because it can be seen as positive reinforcement of bad behavior. As in, the drama director can point to high ratings and defend his work saying he’s doing something right, when I think perhaps the drama is a success mostly in spite of his instincts which threaten to derail it on every level.

I mean, honestly. He’s going to drive us all to drink.

 
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LOL you just drove my monday blues away with that....

either i'm already immune to the logic fail moments in the drama...or i've learnt to leave my logic at the door before i start watching... but i do want to say...

GOOD RIDDANCE to Jihoo's creepy Macau friend... let's drink to that...

*chugs a whole bottle*

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docmitasha, the answer, i believe is

BEER.
WEAK BEER. :P

coz, you know... i still like my liver and i don't want to die from alcohol poisoning? :P

oh screw it, SOJU WITH YAKULT ON THE ROCKS! :P seriously, everyone, try it!

and iiii, will see you on the other side of tomorrow's epi!! :P

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Javabeans. i have to totally agree with you on Jan-Di.. I was like.. she got too excited over getting free food and leaves her wallet, then Ji-Hoo's wallet's missing and then they put an accidental walk in the bathroom in the morning scene too?

Then I had the same reaction when JunPyo's assistant left the box of shoes at the airport only to see WHAT??? the fiancee girl to pick it up?? SO freakin ironic? planned? I mean i thought the whole time that like Wow, ok. Jan-Di is clumsy to breaks her heels, then she still walk sin them to the airport the next day?? Then we got EVERYONE running to buy those same shoes for her.. I mean i'm sure the shoe seller/designer got a kick out of that, since the same shoes were touched by 4 people and 2 of them who bought it were F4 boys.. and 2 girls got those shoes.

Although.. I feel all giddy and excited to see Ji Hoo.. I know not a lot of people may not be fans of him and the first few scenes of him in this episode I agree, but I can't help to stand that he's so charming, cute and dashing, and if I was on that date,, I probably would be touched too to have a guy sing to me and have all sorts of fun.. (although, I would not go as far as to lose my wallet and forget everything) and he was also so handsome in that white tux and new haircut! I would definately want him as a boyfriend or prince charming, whatever you call it. I'm sure there aren't guys like him in reality , but its nice just to think about it.

Thanks for the hard work every week to recap the episodes.. i'm also hoping that Ep 16 is going to be better too.

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I thought I was the only one who noticed the dramatic weight loss of the F4's especially Ji Hoo and Yi Jung. It looks like Jan Di is the only one maintaining her weight or even gaining some maybe because of her numerous eating scenes.I was also creeped out of the scene between JunPyo and the manager in the airport. I hope Goo hye Sun will have more singing in this drama.Heard she will be singing with a Big Bang member in a variety show.Also Kim Hyun Joong (Ji Hoo) beat our Lee Min Ho as the most popular drama actor in the coming Baeksang Awards.Just can't believe the fan voting results!!! Get yourself more Soju before watching Episode 16!!!

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I actually got more excited in that Ga Eul-Yi Jung scene. Haha. LOL. This episode was literally not good, but of course, nothing beats episode 11.

Anyway. Is Ji Hoo's hairstyle a trend? I mean, Rain and Jae Joong have sort of the same one, ne?

Thanks for the recaps javabeans! ^^

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Thanks for the recap!

I haven't watched the episode yet but I would just like to comment on something I read...about JD ending up with Jihoo.

You know, I've always thought that JD felt two emotions for Jihoo in the initial episodes: pity and gratefulness. This is why I do not believe that they are a good match (and this is not because we know who will end up with who in the manga). Good friends, yes. But as lovers? Hmm...somehow I do not see Jihoo ignite so much sparks on JD.

When JD is with JP, I have seen her feel happiness, pity, gratefulness, anxiety, worry, fear, exaspiration, anxiety, feeling of regret, and last but not the least, anger. (Love it when they fight! hahaha)

Jihoo is a good friend to JD and I believe that she loves him but not in a romantic way though. :)

Got something to tease your brian with:

If it was JP who opened the bathroom door, how would she have reacted?

For me:
Probably screamed 'ya~h' (?) at the top of her lungs and hurled JP with anything that she could reach. Would she have been embarrased still? Maybe. But then again, it would be not 'shame'. But she would have stormed out of the bathroom and fought with JP for walking in on her. Hahahah

As for the bad stuff about the drama. It's really not perfect. So chill people. Even if we say bad stuff about it, am sure we all will tune in next week to find out what happened next. HAHAHAHA

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Personally, as far as Monday episodes fare, I didn't find this one to be too bad. Perhaps, like others, I've become immune to the plot/character inconsistencies and the over/mis-use of T-Max's Paradise. The thing is, I love this drama and can't get enough of it.

I'll be the first to admit that I am a huge fan of the Japanese Handan, and I was skeptical as to whether I could watch this drama objectively wihtout constantly comparing the two. Surprisingly, I find myself rarely doing so. Similar to the Bond franchise, where I can accept both Pierce Brosnan's and Daniel's Craig's differing portrayal of Bond, I've come to love both MatsuJun's and Lee Min Ho's differing portrayal of Domyouji/Jun-Pyo.

For me, the biggest difference between the Kdrama and Jdrama version is the lead actor. In the Jdrama version, no matter how much I loved the silly Domyouji, the viewer always got the sense that the narrative was driven by the Makino/Jandi character. The voice-over narration was always done by Makino and it was distinctly HER story. In the Kdrama version, perhaps it's because of Lee Min Ho's break-out performance, but I distinctly feel as if I'm watching a drama that could easily be renamed with that other Kdrama-- "A Millionaire's First Love." In short, the drama is driven by the male character. Because of Lee Min Ho's brilliant, multi-layered, nuanced performance, I find the scenes where he's absent barely passable.

For some reason, if I had to choose, despite all of its flaws, I love the Kdrama version more. As others have commented, the Kdrama version seems more "real." I think the difference stems from the fact that the Japanese version was more comical, light-hearted, and manga-esque while the Korean version is more drama-esque. Yet, with the Kdrama, I can't help but be disappointed by two facts.

One, I wish the Jandi character was more likeable. It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that she started out as this spirited, strong-willed, modern, ever-girl and how she's been reduced to this simpering-- and dare I say, yes, weak-- damsel-in-distress. In the Japanese version, no matter what obstacle Makino had to oversome, there was nothing ridiculous or weak about her. There was a inner strength, even though at times she needed "rescuing" from F4. I felt like Makino deserved Domyouji and I understood WHY Domyouji was drawn to Makino. In this version, I find myself oftentimes scratching my head. I can't really understand WHY Jun Pyo likes her other than the fact that she isn't as horrible or as superficial as the trio of Mean Girls (but that's hardly a basis for love, right?)

Second, I really don't think there is much chemistry between Lee Min Ho and Gu Hye Sun; not in the same way as Inoue Mao and MatsuJun. I only BELIEVE JD and JP are in love because of their respective monologues (Jandi with the video message and Lee Min Ho and the boardroom/projector scene). Actually, the two actors seems to excel in the scenes when they're apart and pining for the other (Jandi with JP's sister and JP screaming at his mom). During the entire bridge scene in Macau, one thought was racing through my head, "I'm watching Lee Min Ho portray JP and his character is in love with GHS's Jandi character." No matter how nuanced and multi-layered LMH's performance, I feel like his scenes with GHS always fall short because of her; as an actress, I feel as if she's created this wall where there is always a distance between the two. I can't help but feel that she was miscast and they should have found some other actress with whom LMH had better chemistry with. In fact, based on even the few scenes we've seen with the fiance, I feel as if as ACTORS, LMH has more chemistry with the fiance actress and I'm interested in seeing how that pans out.

This turned out to be a long RANT though I didn't mean for it to be one! I love this drama and only want it to become better! Before the end of the series, I want them to make a believer out of me!

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i always read your recaps before watching your episodes. have you ever given thought to recapping taiwanese shows too? but maybe that'll be too much.

anyways, expensive shoes like louboutins, snapping can only happen if they're knock offs. poor girl jandi can no way afford the actual thing & being the cheap, i mean money saver that she is, she'd rather spend a few dollars on a pair of louboutins that looks just like the real thing than blow huge wads of money on the actual brand.

now what i don't get is, jae kyung's parents. didn't they tell mama kanga last episode that chances of meeting their daugther is slim to none cuz she likes to do things her own way and how they don't bother in doing something about her/her personality anymore? so why would they agree to marry her off to jun pyo? if they know their daughter so well, why the arranged marriage? In the manga shigeru protested about getting married but atleast she admitted she always knew she would marry a man her parents chose. just lucky the guy is tsukasa.
But w/ how jae kyung was presented, even though its part of the manga storyline, its a bit unexpected, regardless if arranged marriages are expected for the F4. There should've been more resistance from the jk group parents, since they know their daughter so well and mama kang could've then show her prowess as queen of shinwa group, in making them change their minds and agree to it.(maybe show how they've already met and them fighting over the shoes will show how JP is the perfect guy for her- she does keep watch over him) then introduce her as his future fiancee (since it wouldn't be decided yet) and once jae kyung falls for him (as part of the manga storyline), then announce it all over the media, making it impossible for jandi and F3 to miss, that they're definitely getting married, with a wedding date, a place where the wedding venue will take place, if the bride will wear vera wang, who the groomsmen and bridemaids are (F3 will be shocked to know they're groomsmen even though they didn't know a damn thing about the wedding) who the caterers are and where the honeymoon will take place. And to add insult to injury, the honeymoon is at New Caledonia where JP's heart is. We'd get to see the viciousness of mama kang and how she covers all her bases. It'll be seriuosly hard for JP to back out (which will be left up to for JK to do to help bring back together JP&JD) now that everyone knows about the upcoming wedding and shows Jandi it's hopeless for you.
Now wouldn't that be better?

last but not least. GIVE ME MORE WOOBING PLEASE!!! And hurry up with the Gaeul and Yi Jung pairing. Give us some conflict like a guy coming in and trying to woo Gael, so that Yi Jung can stop stalling and go for her. Maybe JK will be the one to introduce the guy to Gaeul? When will they get together already. only 7 episodes left

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I'm torn between taking a drink for every "omg what were they think" and eating the munchies "so sad I'm crying" moments. This ep had its ups and downs and the I don't really know what's happening. Looked like the writer wrote down the scenes she wanted, took one loooong swig at the whiskey bottle and pieced together the whole episode, then the director and editor joined the party.

mama kang is creepy

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Hehehe, very colorful recap this time XD Thanx! The first part seems to be real awful ^^;;;;;;

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oh , what's that , this episode it is very boring except the scene of the aeroport , but i fell that may be it will changed from the next episode; i hope , and jan di must changed her behavior . and i must say that it is the first time that i watch Korean drama and the clothes i don't liked , all the drama that i watch them before , the actress know how wear and their clothes are amazing , except this drama i don't like their clothes.

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my bad they're 9 episodes left, unless they're definitely adding more episodes.

also, after reading your recap of episode 15 this morning dramabean, I couldn't help but think over and over again, make it your own make it your own make it your own! Don't use too much of the Japanese HYD scenarios, make it your own!

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JP+JD ALL THE WAY ^.^

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Yes, there were too many irrelevant moments in this episode. I think Jan Di's wasn't getting better from beginning until now and she always acted like a foolish girl again and again. Why does the director not concern about Jan Di figure?
Or maybe because the ratings of this drama are very high?

I'm still looking forward to see better plot and Jan Di characters in the next episode.

Thanks dramabeans to sharing this. Bravo :D

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Thanks so much for your recap!
Ah, still got to wait for it to be subbed -.-

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OMG the cries scenes... Is he constipated ? Not only Lee Min Ho portrayal makes Jun Pyo likable since he acts a completly different character (Domyoji would kick his ass any day. So laughably weak!!), but his acting : when he acts upset and violent (the when I am upset I-grab-Jan di- by the collar acting to show I am a violent person), childish and funny with the random "tongue thing" (not funny at all), and at last the GAY acting at the airport scene... He looks so forced!

What is striking with this guy is Like I said I see he "acts" (look at the Shizuka party scene, his reaction when he see made up Jan-di looks so overacted and fake! How people fell for that?)

Jun/Domyoji might be stupid (what is right since in yoko Kamio manga Domyoji is like that, it adds some funny elements to the story and nobody can't contradict me) but Jun Pyo is illogically stupid (not funny at all!). I mean look at the scene in episode 6 when Jan-di drowned in "four feet water", he did not go to save his passionated lover but because of jealousy he followed Ji Hoo in a deeper water in a small boat. WTH? And people still fell for that...The BOF's PD is right he did a great job.

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AND PLEASE PEOPLE STOP WITH THAT!! If thereare words which can't be used to describe BOF it's the words "REAL" or "LOGICAL". Please somebody tell me one thing "real" or not "out of character" about this drama.

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And I was about to forget : LOL at KHJ hairstyle.

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um nope, they're not louboutins.. they're dongdaemun knockoffs easily available on gmarket :/

i don't get why jan-di dressed so well in macau (layered, preppy etc) and yi-jung steps in to 'help' by basically resurrecting the feathered monstrosity we saw jan-di wear in episode 2.. where's the wow vibe we're supposed to be getting when jan-di dresses up?!?!

ahh.. but what are these minor styling gripes compared to the plot? i clung on for dear life through the busking, the Really Coincidental meetings between characters (how big is korea?! two streets?), but the fact that jan-di ACTUALLY KNEW how to play the freakin piano and sing at the same time pretty much killed me. and why. why did mama kang even ask her to play the piano in the first place? is it a measure of how well-learned one is? given how the episode was going, i wouldn't have raised an eyebrow even if she'd asked jan-di to simultaneously juggle 5 balls and recite the value of pi to it's hundredth decimal place or something. given how the bloody episode was going, jan-di would've been able to do that, i'm sure.

tis beyond random. it's like the scriptwriter's deciding on his next plot turn by rolling a die.

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@ maria : haha yes, weak alcohol would be healthy but not half as much fun ;-) downing kamakazes will kill us. soju doesn't sound half bad. HA! this show is turning us into alcoholics. ;)

whoa latest lee min ho banner is amazing. nice work, Luv unnie!

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lee min hoo is hottest ever! his acts very well :) i love how jan di and ji hoo are when they are together. can´t wait to see the next episode! it must be good..

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This is my first time writing a comment here. First of all, I wanted to say how much I enjoy your recaps, at times more than watching the actual shows!

I noticed several comments about Ji-Hoon's blank stares being annoying but I have to say that I think they are in-line with his character. Rui is supposed to have Asperger's Syndrome, which to over-simply, is a mild form of autism.

I'm in no way defending his bland/bad acting (esp. in the earlier part of the series) but one of the possible characteristics of this condition is to be socially awkward, sometimes withdrawn and have trouble recognizing facial expressions. Could the blank expressions be the actor's (somewhat lame) interpretation of his character's condition of not knowing how to appropriately emote?

or maybe I'm over analyzing, which I am prone to do ^_^

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I was laughing so hard about JiHoo's haircut because I remembered the BOF parody on Infinite Challenge. The guy who played JiHoo's part didn't want to wear the wig anymore so he made a HUGE deal about making his character get a haircut and everybody pointing it out. Since JiHoo... er... Kim Hyun Joong knows the Infinite Challenge people, which people should recognize if they watch We Got Married, then somewhere in Korea, the whole lot of them are probably ribbing each other for their little bit of irony that they were able to wedge in the show (whether it was intentional or not, depending on when each was filmed).

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I love your writing...It makes me laugh so hard
"really bad actress stumbles in clutching her pregnant belly"
i was def thinking that exact thing

also there are like a symbolism to shoes throughout the whole drama starting with jihoo's first love giving it to jandi...

anyways i am so excited for 16
yijung and gauel are supposedly going on a date !!!
FINALLY

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Here is the site:
http://boysbeforeflowers.com/
Pictures, and related news of the drama, and actors/actress

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first of all, THANK YOU for the recaps!
______________

the fact that Jandi just lost her wallet and didn't bother finding it, shows how useless Jaekyung's rescue was in the previous episodes where she caught
a thief attempting to steal her wallet... So are they trying to show that Jaekyung's help was pointless, and that Jandi isn't really indebted to her since she lost
the wallet anyway?

the reason why Jandi's beautiful high-heeled shoes broke is because
it's probably bootleg. she couldn't afford such nice shoes anyway.

another crushing thing is that JiHoo was once again FiRST to give Jandi those shoes. The airport scene was really heartbraking and i don't understand why some people would say that LMH overacted.
He is only giving justice to his role.

and speaking of the airport scene, i already had a feeling that Jaekyung would
happen to come by and find those shoes. Earlier scenes hint that Jaekyung's parent's are talking about how their daughter was already at the airport and apologizes to Madam Kang on how they never got her in touch with JP. so it
was NOT exactly coincidential.

now to the birthday party. the part when Junpyo blew those candles after casting
a meaningful, pained glance with Jandi---it sort of gave me the feeling that he
made a wish for her.. or for himself.. or for the both of them..

i should also say that the song Jandi peformed for Junpyo is whatchacolit?----bittersweet?
it was a really sweet way to confess your love for someone while playing the
piano in front of everybody. it was a heartwarming performance. it wasn't the
greatest, but we could surely capture the emotions of the characters.
it was really depressing how the lyrics really matched and how it gave
meaning to how painful the break-up is, while JP listens closely in anguish.

anyway, JiHoo or should i say Hyun-Joong looks like a mixture of
Jaejoong & Yamapi [with his hair and stuff]. Fangirls must be going crazy xD

btw, Jandi's gifts to Junpyo are really awesome!
-Junpyo cookies~
-Junpyo rice~
-Junpyo doll~
-hahah.. what's next? (>.<)
i love how she elaborates the infamous curly hair--it makes my day!

* i try hard not to look at the flaws of this drama, for i end up getting irritated
at myself. but i still can't help it! i keep seeing the flaws! so i'd rather not get
into it since Hana Yori Dango or Boys Before Flowers is the most UNBELIEVABLE story anyway. whatever happens--happens.

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LoLing @ lily!

"AND PLEASE PEOPLE STOP WITH THAT!! " <---HUH?

This isn't your blog to begin with. Even our dear Javabean doesn't tell you to STOP writing, commenting, ranting. WHY? because you have your own piece to say and i believe Javabean is the kind of person tolerant enough and empathic enough not to delete all your comments or even ban you in her site and she just lets you bash around and BOSS around, you shouldnt abuse this freedom!... by the way do you even know the word RESPECT? *gulps*

Why not go, make your own blog and rant all you want. Invite people who will listen to you, who'll side on you, who will say "YES I AGREE WITH YOU LILY! "BOF sucks and i can't agree with you more"... I think it gives you so much joy when people say things you want to hear/read, so go ahead create your own world and be happy!.*incase you don't know, THEY SAY IT FOR THEIR SAKE NOT YOURS BTW*

Because here in, this blog, you don't have the right to force Javabean's visitors to STOP raving over the things they enjoy...we enjoy... I LOVE BBF IMMENSELY and I super loath HANADAN...but i never ever, tell people that they should not watch Hanadan or that it's pointless, unrealistic because I respect other people's preference. get my point?

Enough of the teenage rant. Sorry for this Javabeans *kampay-gulp-gulp-gulp*

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I agree with you javabeans and most of what you said 158 Jellybean about this show. However we have to defer in preferences of Japan and Korean versions, I personally prefer the Japanese version, why? - "Makino " with the consistency of her character/ personality both would match JP and Domouyji, except she can't kiss, got to give JD props for that she looks like she is kissing her man & liking it as well.

THE PDS AND SCRIPTWRITERS HAVE TOTALLY TOTALLY MESSED UP THIS JD. I am not enjoying this show as much because of this major factor, they have her going downhill from episode 11 and it seems they have no intention of stopping. How can she be a 'DOCTOR"? Patients, teachers/professors for this "future medical student/doctor" - RUN RUN FAR AWAY FROM HER!!. Professors your licenses will be taken away if you teach this student. Dumbing JDs character to me is the worst thing that they have done to the show. Its now a guilty pleasure, where I look forward to reading javabeans and the fans commentaries. By now based on the amount of cyber drinks I have had from watching episodes on characters inconsistencies, stupid logistics and abuse of personalities, I am now approaching alcoholic stage. See what the PDs are doing to me? Its either a cyber drink, destroying the monitor or pulling my hair - whats left of it as is.

As for the 1st love story for YJ, to me its unnecessary, the family/father angst would have worked fine. This is one of the very few parts of the show that I'm liking so far. PS. Woobin needs a story, I'm liking him, he's cool.

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THIS IS SO ENTERTAINING.......HATS OFF TO YOU DRAMABEANS, ONCE AGAIN...YOU ROCK!!!.....THE FANS AND NON FANS, WOW, NOBODY CAN BEAT THIS SITE!!!! DRAMABEANS, FIGHTING!!!! WHERE CAN ALL YOUR FANS MEET SO WE CAN DOWN AS MUCH WINE, BEER , ETC.........JUST TALKING ABOUT BBF AND EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!

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LMH's acting in the airport scene is so reminiscent of Jo In Sung in What Happened in Bali...made me tear....

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I loved her singing...

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First of all, great recap as always Javabeans!!! Love it.

Second, I was just wondering if you knew of any site similar to yours (although I believe that you are the master of k-drama recaps)... that recaps Japanese dramas???
It would be awsome if you do :D

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I just finished Tuesday's episode, looking forward to your comments. I actually really liked this episode--it had lots of poignant and genuinely funny (and not in a WTF or "how ridiculous and preposterous!" way) moments.

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What really bothered me was the part when Junpyo grabbed the wrong girl!
And I cringed at the Mr. Jung comforting Junpyo scene. It was awkward x__x

And I personally love KHJ's new hairstyle. As well as Kim Bum and Kim Joon's.

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woo-hoo!!! Ji-hoo's old haircut = frumpy WTF helmet hair. Ji-hoo's new haircut = clean cut & hot!!! but now in yr screenshots, isn't he looking very androgynous and effeminate? I'm not complaining! and I can't wait to watch for real!

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The heels broke, not because they were cheap, but because the heels ALWAYS break at least once per KDrama. I think it's a rule... which makes me very worried for Ji Hoo because I thought the required response was for the man to bang the other shoe on the sidewalk until that sole breaks, thus creating a pair of surprisingly cute and comfortable flats for our grateful heroine. I hope Ji Hoo doesn't get hauled off by the KDrama police for breaking canon. Good thing he's my least favorite F4er... if it were Woo Bin I'd be really scared.

Oh, and a last note on the bathroom scene. I thought the crying in her room all morning was lame and not funny but I laughed out loud at Ji Hoo's initial (non)reaction where he just stares for a minute, with no look of surprise or regret on his face and then drawls "the door wasn't locked." Good times...

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u r sooooo right when u said that the positive ratings are just adding excuses to make bad episodes. *sigh* the PD needs to wake up!!! what happens to aiming for perfection just for urself rather than just for the ratings???!!

p.s. can i join ur drinking group? :P when i said on youtube that the drama doesnt make sense, i got killed off by the hardcore fans.....those ppl.....

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hhmmm, at one point, i was starting to not like the episode cuz, every thing is all moody! but the end where jun pyo grabbed jae kyuing's wrist instead of jan di's made me lmao! "so JUN PYO like" was all i was thinking, like seriously, there was nothing else that could damper my mood after that scene. and i am ABSOLUTELY interested in ji hoo and his grandfather's situation. cant wait to see how thats gunna turn out...
thx for RECAPS.
helps my fishlike mind...

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I'm f-ing drunk now.
LMAO! Your summaries are hilarious but they're so damn detailed! I feel like I watched the episode already.
I remember my BOF-crazed days, now it's like, 'Dammit I started this drama, now I have to finish it,' kind of thing. Lets be real here, we all watch it cause Lee Min Ho. =)

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@123 serendipity - You are soooo right!! It's inexplicable!

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Mm, she sings that song so beautifully. :3

I wish i had a copy.

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I dig Ji Hoo's new hair. I like it =]

man....now I just read your summaries instead of watching. I guess I do get tired after watching two seasons of it and read the manga...

I know the story too well -_-

I might watch from episode 6 in spring break....

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I think I'm drunk. But maybe I just swigged the bottle a litttleeee too far back every time we had an idiotic moment there.

Whhoooooooowheeeeeee.

The comment section is getting to be as fun as your recaps. But nothing will ever replace them Javabeans dearest.

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I agree with #158. I think Lee Min Ho has more chemistry with his fiance. Likewise for Jandi and Ji-hoo! Switch it up!

Plus Woo BIn is getting hotter and hotter as the drama progresses! I love him!

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"Just then, a really bad actress stumbles in clutching her pregnant belly and crying in pain."

I must agree. At first I didn't take her seriously because she sounded so fake. O<

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hahaha i can't stop thinking about the toilet scene... i don' know why.

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i completely agree with #158 as well, and you too javabeans. the story sometimes becomes so ridiculous that i'm losing emotion for them. jan di is so different than how she started, (although a bit annoying, but still likable) now she's just a drama queen! i love domyoji and makino in hanadan but now, i feel like jan di should be paired with ji hoo (super cute new haircut btw). i seriously didn't cry at all in this episode, call me insensitive, but i didn't feel it. i'm excited for the refreshing new financee because she'll definitely give dramatic storyline a much need break.

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I love to read your recaps on each episode and you do a great job, but I must disagree with you today. This episode was really good I like the beginning, middle and end. Come on no kdrama or any drama for tha matter is perfect..but you gotta give props to all the actors on BOF....I know I'm defeding them but it sounded to me that you don't like Gu Hye Sun as JanDi....and I lOVE the way she has portray this characters so far...........keep in mind that I have watch the other two versions of BOF and I love this version.......In meteor garden Barbie Xu looked to plain and the ears and hair bother me.....her acting wasn't bad but she went back and forth major all the time.........the Japanese version the actress couldnt cry for her life and her acting felt force to me.
Moving on....LOVE GJP crying at the airport it showed that he loves JanDi and that he is losing her to Ji Hoo......and he can't do anything. Mr. Jung KEEP up covering for GJP he needs all the help....
The fiancee NEEDS to go she is way to much for me....I know that she is supposed to be a free spirited person..but come on she screams way too much....
Now the EVIL mom his getting on my nerves and GJP needs to finally stand up for him and JanDi.....DOES this woman ever love someone in her life or is just money and power she loves....I understand if she is trying to protect her son from GOLD DIGGERS but JanDi who is the most prideful person ever...come on....she could have ask GJP for money and didn't.....how dare she humilate JanDi in front of everyone.....Jandi she needs a SLAP from you.......
LOVE THE PIANO MOMENT THE BEST JANDI U ROCK GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!
can someone let me know the song so I could download it........
JI Hoo you are a good no excellent friend but you really need to wake up and realize that JanDi Loves GJP with all her heart and you and her will only be friends.................
PLEASE MORE GJP AND GJD MOMENTS I CANNOT STAND THE CRYING AND SUFFERING ANYMORE>>>>>PLEASE I NEED THEM BACK TOGETHER SOON>>>

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hahahaha at the scene with the baby, yeah if someone like her was trying to make me stop crying i'd just cry harder
she is so out of character sometimes, jan di is SUPPOSE to be someone spunky, fearless, and wouldn't cry and wouldn't leave a room just because someone saw her sitting on the toilet, and it's not even the person she likes, well she does like ji hoo but im just saying it's not even jun pyo! what's she complaining about

ah im starting to be able to see jan di's wrinkles, they should've picked someone younger, better at acting, better chemistry with jun pyo and most of all LESS ANNOYING. sorry im hating so much but i can't stand her, yet i can't stop watching

ji hoo looks so good now, i always root for this "rui" character to win!

(im typing as im pausing as im watching hahaha)

the doctor didn't cut the umbilical cord...

how do they do that? how do they just stop at the side of the road and the person they are looking for is there? im referring to ga eul and yi jung, there's a lot of stopping on the side of the road and that person's there scenes in kdramas..

the piano scene was done better in the tw version, jan di in the tw version smashed the piano keys and then played a graceful piece and talked about how grace and elegance isn't for the rich only, i wish she was more spunky in this scene..
after jan di played the piano , very lovely tender look jun pyo gave her, AWWWW

KANG MAMA IS THE BEST, i love that smirk look she gets, and when jan di gets angry she does that thing where she shifts her lower jaw a lot when she talks, god that makes me wanna drink a lot of vodka..=_=

i love jae kyung? did i spell it right, and why does her body guard still speak chinese...i guess her body guards are chinese hahah.

okay the episode's over
jan di stopped pissing me off about half way through
lol
but yay ji hoo's new hair

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Hey Dramabeans,

not sure whether anyone has mentioned but i've heard all 3 versions of “사랑밖에 난 몰라” that you've listed and kinda like Jandi's rendition best. :) btw, how do you find time to upkeep this blog? you're amazing!

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