Boys Before Flowers: Episode 16
by javabeans
Thasswhatimtalkinbout. Good episode! The cute is back.
No, it wasn’t the best episode we’ve had, and there were still a few hard-to-buy logic points, but I think there’s a key difference from the frustrating inconsistencies of Episode 15. Episode 16 had points that stretched believability, but at least they worked in context.
See, I’m not against the idea of “check your brain at the door” fun — but even that has fundamental requirements. Like basic logic, continuity, flow.
SONG OF THE DAY
Casker – “아무도 모른다” (No One Knows). How thrilled am I that Casker is out with a new album (and that it rocks)? [ Download ]
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EPISODE 16 RECAP
Jun-pyo arrives at Ji-hoo’s, making an excuse rather than admit he just wanted/needed the company. He says he only dropped by because Ji-hoo’s house is closest, plus he had fought with Yi-jung in Macau and Woo-bin always has girls hanging around. Ji-hoo points out that Jun-pyo punched him too, so Jun-pyo tells Ji-hoo to hit him and they’ll call it even.
That’s a tacit apology, and Ji-hoo smiles. Jun-pyo asks roundabout-ly how “everyone” is doing. Ji-hoo replies, “If you’re wondering about Jan-di, she’s fine.”
Jun-pyo tries to pretend he didn’t want to know that, changing the topic to demand a birthday present. Ji-hoo hands over the bag Jan-di left behind, inside which Jun-pyo finds a doll with curly hair. It comes with a note from Jan-di: “Gu Jun-pyo, happy birthday. I’ll pray that your birthday isn’t lonely, and full of only happy things.”
(Ji-hoo’s act of friendly loyalty means he has again stepped back to help Jun-pyo and Jan-di. This is what makes him a good friend, but won’t get him the girl in the end, which is something he knows. Thus he broods as he eats his pancakes of sadness.)
At school, Jae-kyung recognizes Jan-di and greets her enthusiastically. She’s going to be enrolling at Shinhwa University and suggests that they be good friends (as “unni-dongsaeng,” or a big-sis-little-sis relationship).
Since she’s Jun-pyo’s fiancée, Jan-di’s less enthused but tries to be polite. When Jae-kyung says she’s here to see somebody, Jan-di guesses that’s Jun-pyo. Speaking of the devil, Jae-kyung spots him walking by with F3 and bounds over to him. Unfazed by his brusque demeanor, she grabs him in a headlock and calls him fiancé.
Jun-pyo breaks free, calling her a crazy monkey (again). Jae-kyung has accepted this engagement thing and intends to see it through, and declares: “I’m going to tame you.”
Jan-di watches quietly from the sidelines. Seeing her expression, Woo-bin approaches to explain that Jun-pyo’s starting at the university with the others. (I really love him for this; he’s a nice guy, and as we’ve seen, he’s always the biggest advocate for friendly harmony.)
Ga-eul hears about the encounter as they work, playing the supportive friend who’s indignant at “that other girl.” But Jan-di has to be honest, saying Jae-kyung is actually a cool person — which is when she shows up.
Jae-kyung cheerfully introduces herself to Ga-eul, looking around and saying their job looks like fun; she’s always wanted to try something like this. She then “borrows” the girls, leaving her bodyguard behind with Master.
Girl-bonding time. This is another thing Jae-kyung has always wanted to try — a day chatting and hanging out with the girls. Asked whether she doesn’t have friends for that, Jae-kyung says brightly, “I have no friends.” She’s moved around so much that she never had the opportunity.
Jae-kyung knows Jan-di is acquainted with Jun-pyo, but not the extent of their relationship, so she asks Jan-di for advice on the type of girls Jun-pyo likes. It’s an awkward question, and Jan-di answers a bit ruefully, “He’s so busy thinking about his own style that I’d bet he wouldn’t even remember what the girl wears.”
Jae-kyung decides, “I like him more and more,” and prods for more details.
Jan-di thinks, then answers that Jun-pyo is super arrogant and acts like he knows everything. Growing wistful, Jan-di starts to get lost in the memory: “If he likes something, he ignores everything else and goes for it all the way, like a bulldozer. He’s really scary when he’s angry, but when he treats you well, he’s tender.”
Jan-di snaps out of it, coming back to the present, and finishes by saying he’s childish and hot-tempered. Pleased with the detailed description, Jae-kyung says, “You know him well. Good, let me ask an official favor. I really want to get along well with him. Be my dating coach.”
Jan-di’s face shows just how much she doesn’t want to agree. Ga-eul, who has been standing by uncomfortably, shoots an upset look Jae-kyung’s way (though the latter doesn’t notice).
At the end of the night, Jae-kyung hands two shopping bags to Ga-eul and Jan-di, announcing that they’re her best friends now — she jokes that those are “bribes.” Ga-eul thinks Jae-kyung’s a little strange, but has to admit somewhat reluctantly, “She’s someone you can’t hate.”
Yi-jung and Woo-bin tease Jun-pyo about Jae-kyung and wonder when he got so chummy with his fiancée, after hearing about her biting his ear (which they point out is Jun-pyo’s “sensitive point”).
However, their initial joshing turns into worry — what if the engagement turns serious? Then Jun-pyo and Jan-di will be over for good. Ji-hoo tells them they can do something about it — are they Casanovas or what?
Jan-di’s family hear about Jun-pyo’s engagement and ask her dejectedly if it’s true. Jan-di confirms it, so they to find out as much as they can about this mystery fiancée who stole Jan-di’s spot as Jun-pyo’s future wife.
Jae-kyung makes an unannounced visit, introducing herself as Jan-di’s new friend. Not knowing that this is Jun-pyo’s fiancée, Jan-di’s parents welcome her to drop by at any time.
When Jae-kyung requests to spend the night, borrowing a tracksuit much like the one Jun-pyo once wore, the family pauses to wonder, “This situation feels familiar.”
Ever eager to try out new things, Jae-kyung enthuses over their impromptu pajama party. She says, “It feels like predestination, meeting you and Gu Jun-pyo in Macau.” She confesses, “I must have liked him from the first time I met him.” She would’ve normally been completely against the engagement, but “the moment I saw his face, my chest tingled. Do you know that feeling? Is there someone you like? A first love?”
At Jan-di’s expression, Jae-kyung guesses there is someone. Jan-di says there’s one person who had an effect on her: “When I looked at him, my mind would go blank.” (By this, she means that everything else goes dull and fades.)
Jae-kyung describes Jun-pyo as wine — the more you drink, it circulates through the blood and brings a tingling, electric feeling all over your body. It occurs to her that Jun-pyo may like somebody, but she figures, “It doesn’t matter. I’ll just have to make him like me now.”
Jun-pyo waits around campus for Jan-di, who’s she’s not happy to see him. She snaps at him when he starts to follow her; he asks why she doesn’t swim anymore. She merely replies, “I quit.”
Jun-pyo feels the need to clarify that the engagement wasn’t his idea; he has nothing to do with it. Jan-di retorts that it has nothing to do with her either, adding sarcastically, “You’ve gotten a lot kinder, to bother explaining that to the stain you want to erase.”
In the distance, Jae-kyung spots them and starts heading over. Jan-di takes advantage of Jun-pyo’s momentary distraction to hurry away, catching Ji-hoo as he’s about to leave. She asks for a ride.
Ji-hoo sees Jun-pyo following behind, assesses the situation, and hands her a helmet just as the other two arrive.
When Ji-hoo is introduced, Jae-kyung says knowingly to Jan-di, “This is him, right? The one you like?” Not registering the tension, Jae-kyung thinks this is great, and suggests that they all go out together. The other three respond immediately, “No.”
Jan-di excuses herself, tells Jae-kyung to have fun with Jun-pyo, and asks Ji-hoo to leave quickly.
Ji-hoo drops Jan-di off at the clinic, where Jan-di has taken on an assistant position. Nothing medical — mostly running errands and cleaning. Ji-hoo offers to help and accompanies her inside — but the instant he sees the doctor, his eyes bulge open in shock. Doctor-Grandpa recognizes Ji-hoo, shouting after him as Ji-hoo rushes out.
Yes, the doctor is Ji-hoo’s grandfather. Also the ex-president. At the restaurant, Master says that it wasn’t that the grandfather wouldn’t see Ji-hoo all these years, but that he couldn’t, and asks Jan-di to help.
Before he can elaborate, visitors stagger inside the restaurant: an exhausted Yi-jung and Woo-bin.
Taking Ji-hoo’s hint to do something about The Pesky Fiancée, they’d both sought to woo her away from Jun-pyo. Yi-jung tried impressing her with his art collection, while Woo-bin “rescued” her from gangsters. But their plan backfires — Jae-kyung is utterly exhausting, which they realize after following her around, eating, drinking, karaoke-ing together.
The plan failed, so they are down to their last resort: to forget about Jae-kyung and focus on getting the Idiot Duo together. (Not my words! Woo-bin calls them that.) For this plan, they require Ga-eul’s help.
First, Ga-eul calls Jan-di to tell her she has a date with Yi-jung. Dreamily mooning over Yi-jung has the intended effect — Jan-di freaks out about Ga-eul’s welfare, because a player like Yi-jung would completely use and abandon her friend.
She resolves to prevent this and calls Ji-hoo, but gets no response. I’m not sure why she doesn’t try Woo-bin next, but she finds him anyway when she bursts into Jun-pyo’s room to plead for his help.
Since this is a part of The Plan, Woo-bin tells her Jun-pyo’s in the next room, but doesn’t bother explaining that Jun-pyo’s getting out of a shower. And it’s a good thing for fans, too, since this leads us to our fanservicey moment of the day: bare-chested Lee Min-ho.
There’s a hilarious moment when Jan-di, all frazzled with worry (and from half-nekkid Jun-pyo), blurts out her concerns. Her words are jumbled up so it comes out like, “Need your help,” “I can’t do it alone,” and “You might have to get physical.”
By the last bit, she means he’d have to fight or use force with Yi-jung, but as she doesn’t explain that, Jun-pyo perks up in interest. Jan-di frets some more: “What if we have to go to a hotel?”
After that misunderstanding is clarified, Woo-bin intentionally plays on Jan-di’s fears about Yi-jung’s ladykiller tendencies, demonstrating Yi-jung’s Five Steps to Seduction on Jan-di in front of a jealous Jun-pyo. (I love jealous Jun-pyo.)
Jun-pyo scoffs because Ga-eul isn’t anything like Yi-jung’s type. However, Woo-bin fans the flames, countering, “No, he said he found her cute.” He wonders how long it’ll take to win over Ga-eul — it might only take one day.
That means Jan-di must stop them from having a successful date at all costs. She busily works out a plan and shares it with Jun-pyo. Woo-bin watches in satisfaction.
Together, Jan-di and Jun-pyo set out to save Ga-eul. Or rather, Jan-di drags along an indifferent Jun-pyo while she spies.
Aware of their audience, Yi-jung and Ga-eul commence their act. (It’s a good thing that Yi-jung and Ga-eul are faking and know that Jan-di’s there, because she is the worst undercover spy ever.) All day, Yi-jung plays the attentive, flirtatious boyfriend. Jan-di grows increasingly worried at the seemingly successful date.
After his unexpected encounter with his grandfather, Ji-hoo visits his parents’ graves, where he says with resignation, “Grandfather must still hate me. Everyone I’ve cared for has left my side. I decided to try living thinking I didn’t need anyone, but I keep wanting more.”
Unbeknownst to Ji-hoo, President Yoon had actually said in a separate scene that the accident had been his fault (not Ji-hoo’s). He says sorrowfully, “I killed them. It’s my fault he was made into an orphan.”
It’s clear that they’ve been kept apart by mutual misunderstanding and grief — and I hope there’s a better reason than both sides simply assuming the worst of themselves.
My first reaction was confusion at seeing Yi-jung leading Ga-eul onto the ice rink in regular shoes, but perhaps this is a result of Kim Bum’s recent accident and foot injury, so this awkwardness gets a pass.
At one point, Jan-di turns away to avoid being seen and stumbles against Jun-pyo. After the initial surprise, Jun-pyo holds her closer to him, until she moves away.
Watching Yi-jung shrug out of his jacket to give to Ga-eul, Jan-di mutters that he’s a total player. Jun-pyo counters, “Then would you prefer Ga-eul freeze to death?”
Noting that Jan-di’s freezing too, Jun-pyo tells her she should worry about herself too, and steps behind her to spread his jacket around her. Which reminds them of the last time he’d done a similar thing, back at the ski lodge.
From the ice, Yi-jung and Ga-eul notice that their plan is working, so Yi-jung brings on the big finish: Fireworks.
Jun-pyo and Jan-di watch the fireworks go off, with his arms still wrapped around her. Jun-pyo gives Yi-jung credit for the impressive display, and asks, “Was it this cool when I did it too?”
Maybe things are getting too personal, because Jan-di pushes Jun-pyo off and steps aside, asking what will come next in Yi-jung’s plan. To her dismay, Jun-pyo indicates a nearby hotel.
Thus they take a room next door to Yi-jung and Ga-eul. Jan-di imagines the worst, not knowing that they’re actually just standing around in the room and waiting to wrap up their plan. She’s a nervous wreck. In contrast, Jun-pyo sits back, impressed with Yi-jung’s romantic prowess.
Jan-di can’t hear anything through the thick walls, so she peers out into the hallway, and gasps. She motions Jun-pyo over to see a room-service cart (loaded with candles, dessert, the works) making its way to Yi-jung’s room.
Determined to put a crimp in their plans, Jan-di instructs Jun-pyo to steal the cart. She pushes him out into the hallway, where he intercepts the employee and pays for the cart. All the while, Yi-jung peers out of the peephole and watches as Jan-di directs the cart into her room instead.
That’s as much as the So-eul couple can do, so they call it a successful night and head out.
Next door, Jan-di and Jun-pyo sit in awkward silence for a few beats, until they both speak at the same time: She says, “Happy birthday” just as he says, “Thanks.”
Jun-pyo thanks Jan-di for the birthday present — it’s the shabbiest present he’s ever received, but he’ll let that slide because it’s the thought that counts. The statement is typical Jun-pyo (a light insult to cover the softer undertone), and Jan-di smiles a bit.
She wishes him happy birthday, and then, “Congratulations on the engagement.” Jun-pyo retorts, “I told you not to bother thinking about that.”
In a faltering tone, Jan-di says that Jae-kyung is a good person. She starts to tear up as she adds, “She really likes you a lot.”
Jun-pyo sighs, “Meddling as usual. Right, you’re not Geum Jan-di unless you’re throwing my insides into turmoil.” He asks, does that mean she’d be fine if he married right away, then?
Jan-di can’t answer that; uncomfortable, she needs some space and changes the subject back to Ga-eul, and steps into the hall to check on the other room.
It’s here that she is found by Madam Kang, who was downstairs in the lobby when an employee informed her that Jun-pyo had taken out a room. Mama Witch confronts Jan-di angrily and heaps abuse on her and her family.
At this point, Jun-pyo comes out looking for Jan-di, and stops short at the sight of his mother.
Madam Kang loses her temper — implying that Jan-di is a desperate slut, she accuses Jan-di of throwing herself at Jun-pyo even though he’s engaged, then raises an arm to strike. She says scathingly, “You ill-bred, audacious girl…!”
Jun-pyo blocks his mother’s arm and yells at her to stop. He repeats in a quieter voice, “Please, stop.”
So she slaps him instead.
Madam Kang orders her men to take Jun-pyo away, and stalks off. In stunned silence, Jun-pyo is escorted down the hall, while Jan-di sinks to the ground, in shock herself.
Down in the lobby, Jun-pyo shoves the men away and reaches for his phone. He hesitates as he starts to write a message to Ji-hoo — to rescue Jan-di, as usual — as though unwilling to step back and let his friend in his place. But he hits send… and then hurls his phone into the ground angrily. It breaks into pieces.
I LOVE THIS POINT. In the past, Jun-pyo had called Ji-hoo to help, to take his place as a friend, and Ji-hoo faithfully came through — not for himself, but for them. Now that Jun-pyo knows Ji-hoo has feelings for Jan-di, and that he himself can’t have her, it kills him to knowingly push the two together. But the alternative is worse — to leave Jan-di without anyone to lean on — so he does it, no matter how much he hates it. LOVE.
But Jan-di leaves before Ji-hoo arrives at the hotel, and when he calls to check up on her, she tells him that she’s fine and at home.
She’s lying, because she’s actually at the empty clinic, which she starts to clean. Ji-hoo, however, knows to find her here and says, “So this has become home to you.”
I really like this scene, which is nearly wordless and has all the more impact for it. Ji-hoo watches Jan-di mopping the floor, with a troubled expression his face (is that an actual flicker of emotion I see?), and steps in front of her to force her to stop. She mops around him, so he steps in front again to make her stop. She turns away, he follows.
It’s not Ji-hoo’s nature to push, so it’s like he’s waiting for her to come to her own breaking point. He grabs the mop and puts it away, and with nothing else to distract her, Jan-di lets her tears fall. He holds her as she cries.
Every time Jun-pyo gets near to his own breaking point (or breaking-free point), he’s rather forcibly reined in by Mommie Dearest, so the next time he crosses paths with Jan-di on campus, he’s back to being cold and distant. F4 walks past Jan-di, and he doesn’t spare her a glance.
Jan-di’s hurt, but doesn’t have time to dwell — her mother calls with dire news. Jan-di can’t understand what the problem is, and asks her mother to explain. Hearing the worry in her voice, Ji-hoo turns back and sees Jan-di rushing away.
When she gets home, the entire place is covered in red stickers, which denote items to be repossessed. Her mother is lying down from the shock as Jan-di’s father tends to her, trying to keep an optimistic face. Their financial woes were bad enough already — they can barely manage to pay off the interest on their loans — but now they have another problem, because a friend used Dad’s name to borrow money (with consent, made before their current troubles).
With both parents sunk in worry, they’ve failed to show up at their janitorial jobs. Jan-di tries to smooth it over with their boss, offering to take their place temporarily until her parents are able to return to work. Thus begins yet another job to add to her list.
COMMENTS
Granted, a few moments in this episode required a (sizable) suspension of disbelief. But the reason I was able to enjoy this episode — a lot, actually — is because once I made the leap in accepting the premise, the rest of the episode generally flowed, logically and emotionally.
For instance: I didn’t really buy how frantic Jan-di was to save Ga-eul from Yi-jung. Sure, he’s a notorious playboy, but she also knows him enough to know he’s not evil; he’s not the awful Su-pyo from an earlier episode. I could see her worry, but it wasn’t enough to explain her pushing aside all her issues with Jun-pyo to beg for his help. But once I decided to just accept that as the basis for this storyline, the rest of the events that followed made sense. I’d rather not have to make any logical leaps in the first place, but at least in this case it worked out. (This was not the case in Episode 15, which is why it made me so cranky.)
I like Jae-kyung, although it took me until this episode to decide — I’d been on the fence (despite liking the actress from Day 1). It probably helps that I don’t find her voice annoying, as many of you do. Normally, a girl who wants to fit herself to be a guy’s ideal type indicates a weakness of character, but with Jae-kyung, it doesn’t seem that way. Probably because it’s not so much that she wants to change herself to suit Jun-pyo, but that she strikes me as a blank canvas, which I find really interesting. I don’t mean she’s blank as a person because she obviously has a very strong personality, but it’s more that she’s a newly born animal who’s eager to try anything and everything. She’s willing to try something new — to BE something new — to discover whether it suits her. So she likes Jun-pyo and is trying to see if she can make it work with him; can’t fault her for that.
All the Jun-pyo and Jan-di scenes were a lot of fun. Like I mentioned, I find it a little unbelievable that they work together so soon after all the Angst and Drama, but once you accept that they do, the scenes are really cute to watch. And although it seems like Jun-pyo is still caught in his mother’s snare, I think we start to see that it’s a losing battle for him to be without Jan-di. He does okay when she’s out of sight (thus out of mind), but when he’s within reach of her, it’s all just a matter of time before his real feelings are pushed to the surface. Thank god for meddling friends who keep them within reach of each other, right?
As for the last scene between Ji-hoo and Jan-di, now THAT is something I want to see more of — a complex dynamic expressed in a simple way. Ji-hoo stepping in front of Jan-di to stop her from skirting around her problem. Taking away her (literal) crutch and leaving her standing alone in an empty room, with no facades left to hide behind. Not pushing her too quickly, but waiting for her to confront the truth, forcing for her to face her emotions.
I mean, how freaking beautiful is that? And we did it in one short scene, two actors in an empty room with one prop.
There is no need to get all convoluted and nonsensical with plot twists — i.e., all that wallet ridiculousness from 15, or random characters who do nothing — when such a little exchange can have so much more impact.
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Tags: Boys Before Flowers, Gu Hye-sun, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon, Lee Min-ho, Lee Min-jung
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51 coollady
February 24, 2009 at 9:39 PM
i loved this episode because for once, the illogical aspect of this drama was carried out in an interesting way. yes, it's weird that Jandi suddenly asked Jun-pyo for help and yes, her spying was over the top, but i loved it because it was light, funny, and made as much sense as Boys Over Flowers can possibly ever be. in terms of trying to find anything deep about this drama, i've given up...sorry, i just can't find anything other than ridiculousness and fluffy fun out of this drama. Oh, and someone give Lee Min Ho some baggier jeans, please!!!
i also loved this ep. cause EVERYONE was involved in the plot for once aside from Ji Hoo, Jandi, and Jun Pyo. one of this drama's quirks is that the supporting cast is fantastic, so anytime that they have a substantial role in an episode, i am all for it. as for Jae-Kyung, I absolutely love her! she's so annoyingly cute, but she has spunk (spunk that i think Jandi is slowly losing and replacing with dependency and stupidity (sorry, was that a little too harsh? i still like her though)). Jae Kyung is exactly like Jun Pyo, which is probably why she won't match well with him, but it makes her interesting and strong! she's cool in my book. loved the scenes with her, Woo Bin, and Yi Jung...funny and cute!
Loved the scenes between Ga-Eul and Yi Jung. I know you were confused with Yi-Jung non-skating, but i found it adorable how he was leading her around in the rink. (though i kept thinking: what if during the shoot, Kim So Eun accidentally skated over Kim Bum's foot? ouch. haha).
one more thing: I don't know if this is asking too much, but Miss Dramabeans, how do you get updates as to when groups like Casker, My Aunt Mary, Loveholic, etc. release new albums? probably through korean sites huh?
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:24 AM
I don't think JK is like JP. He was never this thoughtless or loud
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:25 AM
Or dense or selfish for that matter
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52 queen_of_the_game
February 24, 2009 at 9:40 PM
well this episode didn't really leave me anything to go gaga about...i actually think that there were more good moments in yesterday's epeisode than today...i am with you w/ how jandi was being overly (or should i say stupidly) worried about gaeul and yi jungs date...i really think that wasnt necessary..i really hope they've thought of a different think to get JP and JD together...like maybe a pretend emergency out of town where they both have to go or whatever...and whats w/ the binoculars?? oh well i guess they had to put it as if it was really obvious that she was spying on them...anyway...i give this ep a 6 1/2 points....i still love this drama...but im hoping that even though they are trying to make this drama into a painfully funny one (maybe to make it a little diff. frm the other versions)...hope jandi and jun pyo will have more serious talks about what they want to do with their relationship...because if this is the way this goes i would rather have jandi marry ji hoo than jun pyo...heheh *peace*
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53 Ichiru
February 24, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Thanks for the recap!
Love to see the fun back!
Wobin looks so good in this episode maybe because they give him more lines and some funny scenes! He looks alot younger than everyone else when he smiles!
This is the first time I've actually liked Jihoo's character, I think he's getting better at acting too...
And the music is getting better..
Jae Kyung is acting, I think she knows about JD and JP, she's just waiting for them to admit it...=) and enjoying the fun while it lasts..
*And to those people who read on javabeans blog: don't leave a comment if you haven't read or follow any of her posts...because it's definitely and obviously only for those people who LOVES and follows her writing. And if your not one and just eager to know what's happening on a BOF episode....then feel free to leave your comments on other websites.*
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54 hopesofgreen
February 24, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Thanks for the recap!
Ahh, so you made the decision just to accept the set up. I couldn't. Jandi was so hurt by Jun Pyo, I can't reason why she would go to him for help. Why couldn't she just ask WooBin or do it herself? Too much of a logic jump for me. I also wished she stood up to Jun Pyo's mom in the scene. Bleh.
As for JK, I think I like her. She's a lot more spunky than Jandi is right now, and I think that most people do not like her because she's a threat to JunPyo and Jandi, and not becuase she's unlikeable. If JunPyo hadn't met Jandi first, I think he can totally fall for JK.
@ orange, most recaps include the blogger's commentaries; this is very common. These are what a lot of people come for as they like to discuss ideas and thoughts.
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:28 AM
I agree with what you said in the first para but not in second. If JK and JP had met first, JP would have completely ignored her as he ignored other girls. It is only because of his relationship with JD that he has grown into a person who isn't mean anymore. JD was fierce when she made him realise the error of his ways. JK is just loud and thoughtless
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55 Kira
February 24, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Thanks javabeans,... I work all day long I cant find a time to see the episodes (last one was 10) but thanks to your recaps makes feel that I already saw the full episodes....
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56 Lucille 2 (Nanci)
February 24, 2009 at 9:41 PM
I've been watching Arrested Development, so forgive the name.
I also greatly enjoyed this episode, the cute moments, no matter how illogical it seems that Jan Di and Jun Pyo would just work together after all that so easily. I was hoping for something that would lighten up the angst, of course we'll obviously have to suffer a bit more : / But I agree with the strangeness of Jan Di going crazy on the the whole SoEul date (easier/quicker to say).
I'm not the hugest fan Jae-kyung, but only for the fact that she is something keeping out OTP from being together. I do like how she is turning out, very frank and enthusiastic, as she should be.
And I can't help but love Lee Min Ho as Gu Jun Pyo, every time him and his mother face off, I love it. It shows a weakness that I didn't really see in the Japanese version. I think he is just doing great, I really enjoy his acting and maybe it's just me, but I see a bit more chemistry in this one between the two main actors (not much more, mind you, but maybe I'm just being delusional). The fact that there was fan service from him obviously has nothing to do with this, lol.
Fun to read this recap, usually I don't notice a lot, my mind tends to go blank when I watch this show, so I forgive a lot that I usually wouldn't forgive in other dramas.
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:30 AM
You didn't see a weakness in the Japanese version because there isn't supposed to be any. Domyouji is supposed to be a very strong character who is never afraid of calling out his mother when she does something wrong or taking a stand against her for Makino.
JP is just a wimp
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57 Vivianna
February 24, 2009 at 9:41 PM
Actually I have watched the episode with subs about 7 hours before dramabean's recap. But I kept refreshing the blog looking for her write up. Mainly because I want to read her insight more than the story.
Yes, #4, if you find it a spoiler, don't read it and I am sure you can find the translation elsewhere easily.
I do the opposite; I skim through the recap details and look for your review of the show.
Feel sorry for JiHoo. If the story follows closely to the original manga, he would not get his girl. I think he deserves something better. Ever since episode 13, I've started to fall for him. Now, I search all over youtube looking for his videos and SS501.
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58 dramafreak19
February 24, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Okay, I didn't think it was possible, but Lee Min Ho's acting (which was really good to start with) seems to be IMPROVING!! That's the mark of a GREAT ACTOR!!! Kim Hyun Joong, are you listening?!?!
The slap from Mama Witch made me gasp, it was SO unexpected and the look on Jun Pyo's face as his mother's bodyguards took him away YET AGAIN was HEARTBREAKING....
I also felt a smidge of chemistry between Ji Hoo and Jan Di in their last scene, I thought he was going to kiss her, but he just gave her an awkward hug instead...
Yi Jung, WHY are you torturing Ga Eul like this?!?! We MUST have you guys together!
P.S. love Jan Di's glasses, Woo Bin's dancing (he's finally coming to life!), karaoke with Jae Kyung and SHIRTLESS JUN PYO!!!
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59 shu
February 24, 2009 at 9:44 PM
jun pyo hugging mans.. haven they realised that they are at the supposed to break up stage. and jandi you are supposed to mind a lot that he said you were a stain. mans. and you let me hug you. seriously. if its me, i die also dun want to find him. it'l be so awkward. now i kind of wish for more jihoo and jandi scene cause jun pyoand jan di scenes are like labelled heartbreak... no mtter how happy they r, i think of them and their bleak future i feel so sad for them.
the slap was so... ='[[
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:31 AM
Very well said. I wouldn't have gone back to a man who called me a stain, even if he were the last man on Earth
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60 Javabeans
February 24, 2009 at 9:47 PM
in response to questions:
#7 Debbie, uh, let's just say that I dropped a few hundred words. Given more time, I'd like to have edited some more.
#14 IcanhazJoonPyo?, If you've lost interest in the drama overall, I think it makes sense that you're finding the individual episodes disappointing, regardless of how they stand alone.
#26 DBSK, Jan-di's in her last year of HS. The guys are in university. The Shinhwa campus runs from kindergarten through university.
#30 Airajuliafor, for me that's Starlight Tears hands down. But I know some people love it... Paradise is awfully used but I can stand it on its own; I can never stand Starlight Tears.
#34 deeta, it looks like tempura-style fried squid. There are actually two fillings, but I could only make out the squid one. Yum.
#35 butterfly, the blog time is in PST.
#42 K4IceThu, I have heard of the casting, but to be honest all these "casting notices" are getting out of hand. With big roles I see the point, but for tiny guest spots, I don't think I'll care until I see them onscreen.
And everyone else, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT! The comments are very much appreciated. You don't have to agree with me but as long as you're civil and thoughtful, mad respect all around!
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61 japanese drama
February 24, 2009 at 9:47 PM
hehehe..i loved this recap...so far.....hehehe
JAVABEANS...keep up a good work..i'm your fan since your recap for COFFEE PRINCE!!!
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62 annieee
February 24, 2009 at 9:47 PM
thanks so much for the wonderful recaps, dramabeans! even though i shouldnt be perusing the internets right now because i have a paper to write, and it's close to 1am in new york. xp. but as always my kdrama addiction got the best of me. i loved all the jun pyo-jan di interactions, despite the logic holes. because seriously, they need to get back together. and who doesnt love it when the gang is also trying their best to get the two back together as well?
i pointed out to a friend of mine also watching bbf that theres a consistent pattern of bad odd-numbered eps and better even-numbered eps but she didnt believe me and wanted me to prove my point. sadly, i dont have the eloquence or the witty sense of humor of dramabeans, so i couldn't explain much to her. but i think im gonna refer her to this blog for her to see herself.
and regarding some of the nasty comments above, this is an open-to-the-public blog and it was your choice to read it. if u dont like it, then just dont read. it's dramabeans' choice to write what she wants.
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63
February 24, 2009 at 9:48 PM
I LOVE THE SEOUL COUPLE
best part of this episode!!
SEOUL SEOUL SEOUL!
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64 anna
February 24, 2009 at 9:51 PM
How long will it take before they start selling that doll with the curly hair?? Her family made like hundred of them, they can't just throw them away! Lol
I WANT ONE!
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65 youchakuih
February 24, 2009 at 9:53 PM
haha....this ep is so funny in some levels....can't hold my laugh when i saw the part Woo Bin n Yi Jung trying to deal with Jae Kyung....both of them are so cute....n i love their new haircut.....though i'm starting to like n getting used to Ji-Hoo's haircut in this ep....gave me a pretty big shock when he got his new look....
i personally like Woo Bin's character....he's cool but in some way, he got his own sense of humor...i like the part where he's explaining/doing Yi Jung's 5 killer moves to Jandi....i love the the step 4...somehow he looks n sounds sexy....in my opinion....
n like Javabean've said, i like the part where Ji-Hoo waiting in silence for Jandi to lean to him....n the part where he went to his parent's grave....Hyung Joong's acting is starting to glow in every ep....
Joon Pyo's portrayal is still fabulous throughout this ep....can't wait to see his sis coming out again with their mom scene....i feel like wanting to slap the mother for good...she only thinks about herself n still thinking about all she has done is for her own children's good....
can't wait till next week ep again....
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66 rtan
February 24, 2009 at 9:53 PM
you are correct! this episode is way much better. i think it's because there's more jun pyo moments. we've been a little deprived of him for the last few episodes...
is it just me getting really bothered by the chopped head closed up shots?!? please... i hope cameraman or cinematographer or whoever it is would improve his shots... it's driving me crazy!
i also hope that other people here would respect one's blog.... love your comments and reactions, javabeans! keep it up and we really appreaciate what you're doing. thank you!
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67 Amyable
February 24, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Hey Sarah,
I'm addicted to this drama in a sick way. Sick because I don't think it's well made nor has logical storylines. However, I MUST torture myself and watch every episode and FINISH. I read your recap because I like your opinions/comments. Sadly, I disagree with you on today's episode. I thought it was no better than yesterday's at all! It had the same silly illogical inconsistencies! I think this could drama could have been so much better because they have a good cast with fair to excellent acting and a good angst-driven korean drama plot. However, directing, editing, and music are all crappy. Cinematography, however, is good!
Anyway, thank you for your unbelievable dedication to your recapping!
Amy
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:33 AM
Same here. Same here. These words exactly
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68 Javabeans
February 24, 2009 at 9:55 PM
yikes, these comments move fast! i thought i was all done with questions and BAM! more.
#51 coollady, sometimes band releases make the mainstream (korean) news, if they're big enough like Loveholic. smaller bands, you have to keep your eyes peeled. but yes, mostly korean sites.
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69 mashimaro
February 24, 2009 at 9:56 PM
I just want to say that I come to Dramabeans just to read the boys over flowers recaps. It is your opinions and take on it that make this so enjoyable. Comment #4 is way off and should just watch the drama instead. BTW, pancakes of sadness is brilliant.
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70 juju
February 24, 2009 at 9:58 PM
I think Jae-kyung is my favorite of all the Shigeru-fiance incarnations (although I haven't seen Meteor Garden). She's really spunky and not demure, and I find myself loving her more than Jan Di, especially with all the bizarre Jan Di character inconsistencies.
One thing I absolutely LOVE about this rendition of HYD is the involvement of the Rui character as someone still in love with her. After the whole competition scene (it was basketball in the manga) he sort of falls off the face of the earth save the reentry of the Shizuka character. Ji Hoo's involvement from a distance just breaks my heart. I almost want them to end up together!
Good job with the recaps, Dramabeans! I totally was stalking your Twitter waiting for it, haha (so if you get any weird at-replies from an @jujukoo, you'll know it was me waiting for the k-drama IV!). I've been a casual K-drama watcher, and now I see why my sister's been obsessed with the culture behind it, even though the first live action drama I brought home to her was the J-dorama version of HYD.
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71 Jooni
February 24, 2009 at 9:59 PM
thank you for the analysis of clinic scene between jandi/jihoo and the hotel/phone scene with junpyo!
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72 Hannieoon
February 24, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Have you noticed long it took for Jan Di and Ji Hoo to the hospital? It was broad daylight and then it turned to like... eight at night. LoL.
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73 deeta
February 24, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Ohhh, squid tempura sounds pretty heavenly! Thanks, the next time I'm in the vicinity of some korean restaurant I'll know what to try.
Like you, I loved this episode much more than ep 15, which was so sucky, I almost thought it was going down the Witch Yoo Hee road. Thank god this episode was great. I'm still hoping that next monday would at least be a scrap better than ep 15 or 11 because I want to enjoy mondaye eps too.
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74 BOFfan
February 24, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Oh, and another favorite scene is when WooBin demonstrates Yijung's 5 second killer move on Jandi and Junpyo is obviously jealous and gets in between them. He clearly wants no one else touching his woman. And who else loved his wet, straight hair!
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75 Empress
February 24, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Kim Hyun Joong has irked me in the last 15 episodes but alas in episode 16 he has finally turned me into a fan. The last scene with Jan-di in the clinic was as you said "beautiful". His stoic/troubled expressions actually worked in this scene (toned down a bit and he didn't look like he was constipated) or it could have been that he looked so much cuter with his new hair cut. Either way I liked the tone of this episode and hope to see more of it.
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76 lidge_fan
February 24, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Before watching this and just based on the promo posters and trailers, my ranking was Kim Bum > KHJ> didn't really know LMH or KJ.
After seeing eps. 1-16 (too many times for my own good ^^), my ranking is GJP > WB > JH > YJ
In some straaaange way, Woo Bin has really, really grown on me, from his bad gansta' talk in the early episodes to the "prince Song" fighting moves to the way he tries to be the peacemaker within F4 and between JP and JD. *awwww* Seriously, he makes me giggle too much and I'm too old to be doing that....lol
BTW: thanks javabeans for taking the time to do the recaps! The only thing I disagree with you on is I really love GHS as GJD :)..... Yeah, JD is an inconsistent character but I blame it on the crazy script. Despite the inconsistencies, I really love GHS as GJD. Felt neutral about GHS before watching this, but now I can say that I really like her as JD. I always read your BOF reviews before I go to sleep on Mondays & Tuesdays ^^ yeah...I do the refresh thing, too....lol....Keep up the good work, javabeans!
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77 doublen
February 24, 2009 at 10:05 PM
This show is really getting crappy:P Who's fault is it: director or writer? I think that Lee Min Ho's plays makes it interesting and still catch attention.
I couldn't decide if I liked this episode or not, but after reading this recap have decided that it was better than episode 15:) Thank you, javabeans!
Don't really enjoying anymore, but still waiting for next episode~
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78 orangeslave
February 24, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Thank you for the recap. It's always nice reading your recaps even after watching the episodes. I appreciate all the efforts you put in. (:
I too find this episode very entertaining. It's like a little break from all the angst we had the past few episodes.
I totally loved the 'golden threesome' (Yi Jung, Ga Eul and Woo Bin) scenes.
I totally agree with what #22 (eray) said.
Woo Bin is the most adorable thing ever. Him dancing to Paradise was probably one of the highlights of the day. I'm glad he is given more stuff to do now. He was seriously under-loved before.
ZOMG! I thought I was the only one that thought if Ga Eul is not together with Yi Jung, then it HAS to be Ga Eul and Woo Bin!!! Glad to see someone else thinking the same thing.
I also loved the last scene between Jandi and JiHoo. I think the whole scene just worked! Loved it.
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79 Debbie
February 24, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Thanks for answering my question! I have been following your blog for a while now and have always been curious about your writing process. How does it go from you watching the episode to posting the episode summary on your site? Just really curious 'cause I bet it's a lot of work. THANKS! :)
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80 3dfan
February 24, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Thanks again for your excellent recaps!!!!
I just found out that if you go to veoh.com and type GBN you will get to see all english subtitle from eps 1 to 16. The screen is crystal clear! The english sub is so good. And the the best thing is the newest ep available the next day after it was aired on TV!
Oh, and I live in VN where the internet connection is suck, but I was able to stream and watch the video live with no problem!!
Love all the works done by JavaBeen, Fansubber and Veoh!!!!!
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81 bear
February 24, 2009 at 10:13 PM
thanks for the wonderful recaps as usual!! :)
although, am i the only one who thinks that JP's fiancee isn't THAT gorgeous/beautiful? yeah she's good looking i can admit to that, but somehow JD is the more gorgeous one. i think she gets prettier and prettier in every ep in my opinion.
oh and one comment above said this: What makes me wonder is… does Jae-kyung really not see what’s goig on between Jan-di and Jun-pyo. You can see it in both of their faces ALL THE TIME. Is she just more ignorant than how I thought?
i think maybe it's not a question of ignorance, but rather whether she chooses to or not to see the obvious love/tension between JD and JP. Have you watched Hana Yori Dango/Meteor Garden? The fiancee in each respective series were the same - both knew that the JP and JD in each version loved each other greatly. Yet they stubbornly insist on making their moves on Domyouji/Daomingsi in hopes that the men will eventually fall in love with them & were determined to ignore seeing any romance between Domyouji-Makino/Daomingsi-Shancai.
I remember one common thing HYD & MG had was that both the fiancess bared their naked bodies to Domyouji/Daomingsi!!! Do you think BOF will do the same? lol i really hope not..
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:37 AM
I think she is being ignorant on purpose. What other reason does she have for going out of the way to befriend Jan di? She knows it is the only way to find out more about JP. Her whole being sisters with JD is very contrived. How is it that in her long twenty years she didn't find someone else to be friends with? Why exactly did she choose Jan di, show up at her workplace and drag her around?
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82 EUNWHUI
February 24, 2009 at 10:18 PM
whoot! i absolutely loved this episode.
it seemed very cutesy.
some cute/memorale scenes:
- junpyo&jandi hugging[?] scene. that was adorable.
- junpyo taking that slap for jandi. </3
- jandi & jihoo at the end.
this episode definetly stepped up to its plate for me.
next week should be a thriller! whoot.
thanks java!
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83 melibu
February 24, 2009 at 10:22 PM
harro!!! thank you for the caps and don't bother about what other people say about your additional comments. i think its quite interesting to read about what you think whether i agree or not... afterall opinions are subjective to every individual.
again thank you so much for the recap. i watched the subbed episode on viikii but there are certain things i did not really grasp so definitely after that i will faithfully wait for your recaps to get a better picture of the whole episode.
look forward to the next episode...
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84 shannen
February 24, 2009 at 10:22 PM
I always look forward on your recaps of BBF! thanks for taking the time!
anyway, i really liked this episode...Ga Eul and Yi Jung are cute together, and i was expecting to hate the new girl JaeKyung, but turns out i like her...hehe
I always love GJP!...
I am also beginning to like Woo Bin here,good thing he has more scenes now..i especially liked the 5 steps to seduction..the way he demonstrated it to Jandi...;)
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85 sitknee
February 24, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Yay
i have been waiting all day to hear your recap...and it didnt disappoint :]
Jandi's "spy" glasses were so cute! but she seriously needs to know how to sneak around...when she was jumping in front of the door at the hotel...i seriously couldnt stop laughing! :]
I want to hate Jakyeong but i cant...ok she is just an oblivious fool, but she is so cute and innocent...she didnt even know that woobin and yijung were hitting on her???...sigh....
what is up with rich people experimenting what real life is about by going to jandi's house???....REALLY???!!!....her family doesn't even care...like what the....OK
finally, jihoo's life is so sad... when he said that everyone he cares about left him...i was heart broken...and literally screamed im here for you...(yes i am crazy) anywho, poor baby he wont even get jandi... :[
wait one more thing sorry...OMG....YIJUNG AND GAEUL ARE NOT GETTING TOGETHER :[....what is this???....they are even bringing a new girl to be his FIRST LOVE... in the words of maria "Wut.In.The.Mother.of.Fanservice.was.that?"
THANKS AGAIN :]
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86
February 24, 2009 at 10:25 PM
thanks for recap.
hehe i don't agree. that fiancee girl is 진짜 뻔뻔해. i can see she doesn't mean any harm but when you're making new friends isn't it at least a little necessary to observe them and their feeling rather than just pushing all your own? she's really selfish. i agree with the newborn comment so i guess she's just ignorant about people but it drives me crazy. man-jandi and gaeul are amazing to put up with her. if someone makes me that uncomfortable i'd just back out. being the amazing girl that she is-she's traveled all around the world and should have met many famous people being in her position. she should be a person that's very careful with her words and she should also be able to read people better than that. aish! 정말!
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87 junpyo
February 24, 2009 at 10:26 PM
i honestly did not like this episode and thought that episode 15 was better. . . yes, there are always inconsistencies in this drama but there were some in this episode that just irked me too much.
for example, there was so much emphasis put on the separation period between jandi and junpyo, yet the whole thing when she went to go ask him to help her was just not..fitting. i mean, okay she was worried about gaeuj..but hello! woobin was rigggggghtt THERE and he could've helped her too...so junpyo helping her was not essential for her to spy on gaeul...which was completely pointless by the way.....
and then the next day, junpyo just completely ignores her....and it is just too much. makes no sense. i think they should've had him just ignore her as long as possible and then notice her later.
i think the character of jandi is what turns me off for now...her character is so pitiful...as in sad and most of all, stupid. i feel absolutely NO symphathy for her! i mean, how can she be interested in the med field? this girl has no common sense to deal with life-threatening situations....and there is no way in heck she could become a doctor...i have never seen her ONCE studying from ep1 to ep16 and she's always saying,,,"oh i need to study."
ugh and the "romantic" scenes btw her and junpyo reallllly turn me off too...gu hye sun is not a great actress...
*roll eyes*
but of course, lee min ho is doing wonderful as usual...but again, there was the inconsistency of him treating jandi so comfortably when she came to his house to ask for help to spy and then ignoring the next day.
otherwise, i still love this drama....it's just that this episode bothered me a lot.
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88 Abby920
February 24, 2009 at 10:30 PM
It's so nice to come to read here Sarah after watching the episode, it confirms some of my likes and dislikes of the whole show. And I love reading the comments of other people too that come here except of course for person#4 (just go somewhere else, you don' t belong here! we don't need irritating pest around).
Well moving on, I did like some of the scenes in this episode but not everything specially Jan di spying on Yi Jung and Ga Eul but love the pairing ... whow! MORE Yi Jung and Ga Eul scenes PLEASE - and complete the KISS!!! :) It's so fun to watch JP control his emotions about JD but give into it anyway :)
Woo Bin - love this guy! I hope they give him more air time.
You can't really hate Jae Kyung, she's so much fun. I like her
JH and JD scene at the clinic - that was really touching.
Madam Kang - well what can I say about her --- LIKE HER :)
although BBF have bad episodes, I'm still coming back for more... till next week folks.
Sarah! your BLOG ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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89 Annie
February 24, 2009 at 10:32 PM
I love BOF.... Can't get enuff of it as well as your Recap.
After watching this drama early in the morning. I already had 2 serving of pancakes. not the painfull sorrowsadness filling pancakes. Mine is Ji Hoo pancake style. Ais....I feel like I'm going to have pancake for my supper again?!
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90 IcanhazJoonPyo?
February 24, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Thanks for your response, javabeans. To clarify--I haven't lost interest in the drama; I am just tired of Jan Di. I don't get what the boys love about her because she has been a static character since ep.3, rather bland, mopey, and has done nothing to deserve the love she is engendering.
Ji Hoo, especially, is turning out to be (after a horrifyingly awful start) to be an amazing Rui, but I don't get why he adores Jan Di so much. Maybe after 16 episodes I am tired of seeing Jan Di mooching off others. I mean, I see how she is poor, etc., but if I am poor, I would not let some stranger--AND MY ex-BF'S Fiance--treat me to a manicure. I mean, girl, have some fu--king pride. She is such a wet noodle, and a wet noodle that seems to no trouble letting others pay for her all the time.
I am just disappointed in how the actress has failed to make Jan Di into a more dynamic character. Even her facial expressions are pretty much the same--morose or highly exaggerated, with no nuance in between. Even (uber gorgeous but terrible actor) HJ is out acting her, and that is freaking depressing.
But I love the show, and will stick with her. I found today's episode unbearable (except for the lovely mop scene), and mostly because I was in too much shock over Jan Di agreeing to get manicures with the fiance. That was just too much for me. (I was also annoyed during episode 15 when she got those egg tarts and NEVER EVEN REACHED FOR A WALLET and instead just waited for JH to reach for his, and only when he didn't have money did she offer to pay for the egg tarts. bah. I am too mad over all this.)
I will stick it out--for the boys :-)
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:40 AM
Agreed. I started watching because Jan di was supposed to be a strong character but when you cannot say no to being your ex-boyfriend's new fiance's dating coach, you belong on the floor in front of the door.
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91 elise
February 24, 2009 at 10:35 PM
thanks for the recaps.
ahhhh woo bin! too cute with the 'idiot duo'. lol.
i really didn't mind jandi illogically asking junpyo for help. whatever keeps them together works fine with me! lol.
can't wait for moday! (proceeds to calendar to cross out dates) ;)
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92 JP
February 24, 2009 at 10:37 PM
What a great continuation...
I felt that this is another good acceptable episode. For some who say otherwise, this just to show us how hard it is for a person to let go and to forget the person that you STILL love.
The struggle in JP for not being able to show his true affection towards JD has been really acted well by LMH. As well as GHS, for being JD, who is at the edge of accepting the hard reality that both of them can never be together. It's a hard choice for both of them to forget but that's the only way that they know how to survive another day. I think this has achieved well by both. GOOD JOB!
I still anticipate more on how will they twist from the original storyline. Hopefully some good surprises ^^
Thanks for your wonderful recap.
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93 shrimp
February 24, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Hey Javabeans,
I've been reading your blog for sometime but this is the 1st time I've posted (i tink) and I just wanna say thanks for the recaps! I always make it a point to read it even after watching the eps on YT because of your commentaries. I might not always agree to them but it provides an alternate perspective which I appreciate a lot. :)
To #4, if you do not like the commentaries, then why not just watch the subbed eps because that wld be the closest to the most accurate recap?
Few reasons why I like ep 16 (not in sequence):
1) Yi Jung and Ga Eul's "date"!
I've been rooting for the Ximen and Xiao You couple ever since TW's Meteor Garden so it's no surprise that I'm rooting for Yi Jung and Ga Eul in BBF. I like how the Korean version depicts a stronger, feistier and independant from the original manga and previous versions. I love their interaction and how Yi Jung always have that thrown off guard face then smiling because he finds her interesting. In the date, we could see that Yi Jung knows of Ga Eul's feelings and tries to bring her back to reality always by reminding her of their actual purpose lest she gets her hopes high again. But you can't help but notice how much Yi Jung is enjoying himself, esp at the perfume store (or whatever you call it). I'm sure the meaningful smile he always have after Ga Eul has walked away or looked away means something.
2) Jun Pyo asking Jan Di why she isn't swimming anymore.
I like it because it ties with the Macau scene where Yi Jung told him abt Jan Di not being able to swim anymore and the flicker of surprise we saw on Jun Pyo's face. It shows that Jun Pyo never forgot about it and even though he knows what could have caused it, he wanted to hear it from her, perhap, to comfort her when she breaks down?
3) Ji Hoo visiting his parents' graves.
It isn't so much of the acting that I'm impresses with but the lines. Why he initially could not be bothered with many things to why he is now jumping at every chance he could to be Jan Di's shining knight in armour. Hyun Joong may not be the best actor but he's improving and at least he did not totally kill off this scene.
4) Jun Pyo's mother insulting Jan Di.
Man, I love her acting! The scene at the hotel where she insults Jan Di was so well done I shiver to come across someone like her. I particularly like the part where Jun Pyo stepped in to protect Jan Di, the brief look of shock and disbelief and the small step backwards. I like how she potrayed the all powerful mum who nobody dared to cross with an obsession to control her son with the warped up methods she thinks is love for her son. The only regret was Jan Di's reactions to her insults was a little too weak.
5) Jun Pyo throwing the phone.
I totally agree with Javabeans on this. On why he seems so pained and frustrated when previously he had no qualms on calling Ji Hoo for help. Unlike Jan Di, he could sense that Ji Hoo is for real. And he has no choice but to entrust Jan Di in his hands because he himself is helpless.
6) The clinic scene.
I could not understand why initially Ji Hoo had to step in her way when she was cleaning instead of just grabbing the mop away from her hands. When you mentioned that it was not his nature to push, then only did I understand his actions. It was nicely done, to show Jan Di's pain, and Ji Hoo's understanding of her and comforting her.
Sheez, pretty long eh.. :)
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94 byul1232
February 24, 2009 at 10:42 PM
i always look forward to ur bof blog posts on mondays and tuesdays.
it makes me feel better after watching a horrendous episode of bof and have a good time reading about how i wasn't the only one who thought so.
I respect u a lil more because uve somehow stepped over to the "other side" and are choosing to look past all the inconsistencies and whatnot.
i just cant bring myself to it.
i loved HYD so much that watching the korean version just makes me a bit ashamed.
Of all the scriptwriters, directors, editors, etc, I wonder why KBS chose this certain team...because i just dont see them getting better. They started out wobbly, got a little sturdy towards the middle, and now theyre swaying again.
im appalled by the fact that they continue to surprise me every week when i keep telling myself, this week's episodes are going to be better!
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Sakshi3631
August 6, 2023 at 1:45 AM
Very well written. The korean version really butchered the original concept. They are remaking the arcs without understanding the characters, their dynamic and proper development
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95 sadie
February 24, 2009 at 10:42 PM
hi javabeans !
normally, i wouldnt comment but after seeing Orange's comment and others who were saying stuff about your recap and the drama, i just wanted to say THANKS so much for your recaps.
i honestly enjoy reading your recaps and i always look forward to reading them after i watch the drama as it gives a witty and detailed look at the drama.
thanks for putting your time into making these !
btw.
loved the junpyo[&jandi] moments.
but i found it really entertaining to see yijung and woobin trying to woo jaekyung.
especially the whole pet-lion-bowl thing with yijung and jaekyung.
gotta love the look on his face when she said lion. LOL.
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96 maria
February 24, 2009 at 10:42 PM
no worries, sarahbeans... whoa, whoa, you know we got yo back, YO. :P
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97 stone1
February 24, 2009 at 10:43 PM
To: ORANGE.
Wow. Seriously? You come onto someone's personal blog and tell them what they should or shouldn't write?
Lucky for you, there's a never-ending cyberspace to explore. See ya'.
And, to Javabeans: Thank you for the time you spend writing the synopsis and for giving us your take on the episodes. I first found you when Coffee Prince was on and I keep coming back to read what you think.
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98 Sue Noona
February 24, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Being 28, and watching such drama, it doesn't kill me one bit!
It makes me jealous of my younger sibling that is about the age of LMH and Kim Bum! i just love the cast.... the storyline. I dun wanna compare meteor garden or Hanadan..... or even the Manga! The Koreans are making awesome job despite some plot not necessary to be there....
I just dun care coz i already had sleepless nite just watching the whole 1-16 religiously.
Love Woobin in this series... That guy look good!
Love Yijung smile! It brightens up my day
Love Jiho as he's always so cool. My Hanazawa Rui!
Love Junpyo most of all......... He's swallowing the pain.
Love Jandi..... Strong Weed!
I even love Mama Kang! She such a method actor!
I got nothing else to say but I love your recapsssss......
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99 sadie
February 24, 2009 at 10:46 PM
p.s.
wanted to say the 'song of the day' is awesome. ;D
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100 ichigopan
February 24, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Go get her Ji Hoo/Rui...err...what was his name in the Taiwanese version of this? Oh yeah, Lei. Hahaha. As always, thanks for the recap. Dramas are so much more fun with opinions and perspectives. I enjoy your intellectual disections. =D
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