Boys Before Flowers: Episode 19
by javabeans
We’re back to fun and cute, hurrah.
I don’t actually think the new songs in this second half are any better than the songs in the first half (and they’re just as inappropriately used). It’s more a matter of not having had the songs hammered into our brains relentlessly (yet?), so they feel fresher and more interesting to my ears. (Although, I admit to having a few moments of wondering whether PD Jeon just recently saw Goong and is trying to recapture the ambiance of that score. No, they’re not the same songs, but a couple of them sound familiar.)
SONG OF THE DAY
Boys Before Flowers (Second OST) – “애인만들기” by SS501. The title literally translates to “making a lover” but frankly that makes no sense in English; I think it’s more prettily (if loosely) translated as “Finding a Lover” or “Building a Romance.” [ Download ]
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EPISODE 19 RECAP
After falling onto the bed, Jun-pyo quickly gets up and moves away from Jae-kyung.
Her proposal for a bet turns out to be a video game challenge, which she manages to win, bringing out his surly sore-loser side. She claims her winnings by dragging Jun-pyo around for the day.
Woo-bin tries to talk some sense into Yi-jung, who is hell-bent on drinking himself into oblivion. He’s unresponsive to Woo-bin’s worrying, though a phone call does jar him out of his liquor haze. (Rule of Kdramas: Bad news brings instant sobriety!) His mother has had another “episode” — a tantrum and pills — and has been asking for him at the hospital.
As in the previous episode, Yi-jung’s attitude is mostly detached, with a sprinkling of bitterness, so he answers that he’s busy. As he heads out, he shakes off Woo-bin’s arm and says, “If you don’t want to see me going crazy, leave me alone.”
He’s in a self-destructive mood, so he seeks out Ga-eul and asks if she still wants that date.
Encouraged, Ga-eul accompanies Yi-jung to a club, but her gladness soon dies because Yi-jung gets busy flirting with every woman who passes. He’s not even being subtle about it, and Ga-eul is naive enough to take his behavior at face value, when it’s clear (to us) that he’s doing this make a point.
Ga-eul steps out to the ladies’ room, and hesitates for a long moment over whether to return to the table. She decides to leave, not seeing Yi-jung until he calls out to her, “If this is enough to send you running, you shouldn’t have asked for the date in the first place.”
She’s gotten the message, but Yi-jung still has one “highlight” left.
Or maybe he really means “lowlight.” At dinner, Yi-jung’s father is friendly and open, but the more pleasant he is, the uglier Yi-jung’s mood grows. Yi-jung points out that it’s clear his father likes Ga-eul (insinuating that he like-likes her, if ya know what I mean). Personally, I don’t think his dad means to be skeevy when he calls Ga-eul cute, but Yi-jung turns everything into an innuendo.
He says caustically that father and son are similar — Mom’s lying in the hospital from an overdose and they’re both out. Dad suggests discussing family matters later, while Yi-jung’s smile twists further as he asks, “Then what should we talk about? This girl seems your type — want to borrow her?”
Ga-eul is really uncomfortable by now, but Yi-jung’s on a roll and he continues with the verbal jabs, saying Ga-eul is practically the same age as his father’s girlfriends anyway.
Fed up, Ga-eul throws water in Yi-jung’s face. She excuses herself and leaves, and Dad tells Yi-jung that he went too far. Coming from him, that’s got to be pretty lowering.
Since Jae-kyung won the bet, she drags Jun-pyo out on a grocery shopping run. (Note: She really is like a female Jun-pyo, and even uses some of his more commonly used phrases.)
Afterwards, Jae-kyung heads for a particular neighborhood, which starts looking familiar to Jun-pyo. Jae-kyung explains that they’re dropping by Jan-di’s new apartment — and given that Jae-kyung knows about the Jun/di relationship, feigning innocence while forcing them together makes Jae-kyung rather mean, doesn’t it? Or at least calculating?
But Jan-di’s not home, because she’s still out with Ji-hoo. While they wait, Jae-kyung and Jun-pyo cook some ramen, which they end up fighting over. (Jae-kyung claims most of it for herself.)
Jun-pyo notices that Kang-san hasn’t taken any — having eaten it every day, he’s not all that eager for more. Jun-pyo asks what he’d prefer to eat; Kang-sang answers that he’d die happy to stuff himself with pizza to his heart’s content.
They wonder what’s keeping Jan-di, but Kang-san can’t call her because Jan-di has no phone. Hearing this gives Jun-pyo a start, since he’d previously given her a phone. Kang-san explains that they’d given it to their parents in case of emergency.
This gives Jae-kyung an idea, and she drags Jun-pyo off to the cell phone store. Must be nice to be so rich you can just buy phones for your poor friends whenever the whim strikes.
Following their museum date, Ji-hoo drops Jan-di off at the clinic, where she invites him in for tea. At his hesitation, Jan-di guesses that he doesn’t want to run into his grandfather and assures him that he’s already left for the day.
Looking around, Ji-hoo finds that he’s unexpectedly affected at the sight of old family photos, which unleash a flood of memories of a happier childhood and a formerly loving relationship with his grandfather.
Grandpa Yoon walks in and catches him by surprise. Overwhelmed with emotion, the doctor is glad to see his estranged grandson and struggles to make an apology, knowing he has limited time to appeal to Ji-hoo before the latter storms out.
When Ji-hoo turns to exit, Dr. Grandpa stops him and hurriedly says he’s sorry, that he made a mistake years ago. Ji-hoo cynically says that he’s the one who made the mistake — for staying alive instead of his parents. “You must have hated me.”
Grandpa tells him, “It’s not your fault.”
(To be honest, I did want to put up a more attractive screencap of Kim Hyun-joong here… but this awkward eye-bulging look is more representative of his acting in this scene…)
Ji-hoo says, without turning to face him: “You should have said that fifteen years ago. Do you know how much that child waited for you? You don’t know, do you, how much that boy wanted to cry and be held in his grandfather’s arms!”
He storms out, which is when Jan-di finally comes in and guesses what’s happened. Dr. Grandpa is again seized with chest pains, but he urges Jan-di to go after Ji-hoo instead.
Jan-di runs outside into the rain, knowing that Ji-hoo has taken off on foot because his motorcycle is still parked out front. However, she chooses the wrong direction; Ji-hoo watches her leave, then is assailed by painful memories of his parents’ funeral.
His grandfather had shown up to the burial, but ignored him and driven off alone, leaving a young (and adorable) Ji-hoo sobbing. It’s got to be particularly traumatizing, since not only was he orphaned, he’d been forsaken by the one person he had left, whom he had depended on. Ji-hoo breaks down into tears, and man, he’s lucky it’s raining so he doesn’t have to fake those tears.
I’ve been softening on Kim Hyun-joong because he seems like a nice guy and the more I read about him in the press, the more I like him as a person. I’ve let his vague, dull acting slide in recent episodes because at least his character didn’t have much emoting to do. But when a spot of real emotion is required, it just can’t be ignored: He is not a good actor.
Unable to find Ji-hoo, Jan-di waits for him outside his house. Good thing, too, since she’s there to catch him (literally!) when he staggers home in a daze and collapses on top of her, exhausted both physically and mentally.
And we can never have too much emotionally battered staggering in one episode, because now it’s Yi-jung’s turn.
He arrives at his door inebriated, and fumbles with his keychain. He’s so drunk that he can’t pick out the right key or fit it in the lock, so after a couple tries, he throws down the keys in a fit of frustration.
Lucky for him, Ga-eul arrives to pick up the keys, and helps him inside.
Despite her assistance, Ga-eul isn’t over the harsh way he’d treated her before — as soon as she brings Yi-jung inside, she turns to leave.
But Yi-jung grabs her hand to pull her back. He mumbles, “I was afraid I’d make her cry, like my father, like my mother. I chased her away because I didn’t want her to cry because of me.”
(Does he mean Ga-eul? Eun-jae?)
I guess after all those episodes of damsels in distress saved by F4 swooping in for the rescue, this is the episode for the ladies to do a little swooping in of their own. Now it’s Jan-di’s turn to tend to Ji-hoo; she watches over him and, thinking he’s asleep, raises a hand to his cheek. She’s startled but doesn’t pull away when Ji-hoo reaches up to grasp her hand tightly.
Jan-di stays with Ji-hoo during the night, and prepares some porridge for him before she leaves.
When Ji-hoo wakes up, he finds the breakfast waiting for him, and sits down to eat his porridge of pity.
(Does anyone eat as miserably as Ji-hoo? Well, since food makes him so sad, I suppose it’s no wonder he’s so skinny.)
Meanwhile, Jun-pyo has spent all night anxiously pacing around his apartment, waiting for Jan-di to come home. When she finally does, he’s out on the landing to hound her about where she’s been and why she’s coming home now.
Jan-di’s knee-jerk reaction is to feel guilty, but then she remembers that she didn’t do anything wrong and shouldn’t feel defensive. So when he insists, “Tell me where you were!” she shouts back, “No!”
She declines to enlighten him even when he asks again in a calmer voice (albeit uneasily), “Are you really not going to tell me?” (She’s really not.)
Madam Kang arrives home. She’s happy to hear that Jun-pyo has been spending more time with Jae-kyung, but asks Mr. Jung meaningfully, “Don’t you have anything more to report to me?”
That makes Mr. Jung nervous. Madam Kang shows him photos of Jun-pyo with Jan-di (and how the hell did she get a camera inside Jan-di’s apartment showing them eating ramen together?). Luckily, she accepts Mr. Jung’s apology that he was inattentive, rather than suspecting that he has been purposely hiding things from her. She orders him to get on the ball and find out what’s going on.
Jun-pyo may have had bad luck with Jan-di, but he’s better at playing the big brother to Kang-san. Remembering his pizza wish, Jun-pyo sets up a large food stall outside Kang-san’s school, equipped with a whole buffet of different kinds of pizza. A sign reads, “Kang-san, be strong! Eat up.”
Jun-pyo tells him to dig in, and Kang-san’s classmates eagerly line up behind him.
At home that night, Jan-di notices how quiet it is — and although she routinely complains about Jun-pyo making a fuss, now that he isn’t, she thinks, “It worries me now that it’s so quiet.”
Jun-pyo’s merely having some problems with his rickety stove, and has to resort to eating his ramen dry (which, by the way, I totally used to do as a kid). An unexpected visit from his mother’s flunkies ruins the mood, though — they’ve been ordered to retrieve him, and drag him off. He protests, and runs into Ji-hoo down in the alley.
Ji-hoo has learned Jan-di’s new address from Ga-eul. He trades a long look with Jun-pyo, but the two friends don’t talk as Jun-pyo is pushed into the awaiting car. There’s something really nice about the way Jun-pyo shoots one last look up at Jan-di’s apartment, particularly because (1) he’s leaving her behind, and (2) he knows Ji-hoo is on his way to her.
Ji-hoo doesn’t go up immediately, though, because when he does knock on Jan-di’s door, he’s got Yi-jung and Woo-bin with him. They greet Jan-di cheerfully and announce that they’re here for a housewarming. Looking around, though, F3 are a little dismayed that at how shabby her new place is, although Jan-di assures them that it’s quite livable.
And then, another visitor crashes the party.
Oh, Madam Kang is so scary. It’s amazing how much Lee Hye-young can do with one direct stare.
Everyone comes out to see the latest visitor, stopping short at the sight of Madam Kang’s posse. Jan-di asks cautiously what the reason for the visit is — and while she’s not rude, she doesn’t grovel in the way Madam Kang probably expects from everyone. Madam Kang says in her cold way that the polite thing to do is invite her inside. Even commoners should know that that’s basic manners.
It’s the formality that she wants, not the actual offer, because when Jan-di complies and invites her inside, Madam Kang sniffs that it’s better to stay outside than step foot inside that hovel.
Indicating the guys, Madam Kang insinuates again that Jan-di’s got loose morals — and even they bristle at the implication and speak up for Jan-di. Jan-di says, “I haven’t behaved in such a wrong manner that I deserve those words.”
Madam Kang begs to differ: “You call an engaged man to your house secretly, and you say you haven’t behaved wrongly?”
She asks Jan-di for a “favor,” though it’s really more like an order: “Even if Jun-pyo comes to see you, please don’t meet him. As you said, you and he have nothing to do with each other anymore. I can trust you, can’t I? Miss Jan-di, I’ll have faith in that great sense of pride of yours.”
The words are polite, the tone is civil, and yet there’s a very steely undertone. Madam Kang then addresses F3: “This is why I oppose Jun-pyo meeting you, too. Think of your families, and for the love of god, come to your senses.”
It’s sweet of the guys to come to Jan-di’s defense, even if it’s ineffective against the Witch Mom. After her departure, Woo-bin tells Jan-di not to take her words to heart — she’s like that with everyone.
Next, the friends all pitch in to offer Jan-di a housewarming present — they show up armed with wallpaper, paint, and other cleaning supplies, and get to work redecorating the room.
On the downside, Kang-san has to live in a pink room covered in flowers. On the upside, it does look a lot better once it’s done.
Meanwhile, Witch Mom has punished Jun-pyo by grounding him. On the downside, the lone exception to the rule is Jae-kyung, who is admitted into his room. On the upside, she does offer a way out.
Jun-pyo’s annoyance gives way to interest when Jae-kyung says the magic words (which she knows will win his attention): “I was going to suggest dropping by Jan-di’s place together, but I guess I’ll go alone…”
At that, Jun-pyo tries to pretend he’s not interested, though obviously he’s desperate to go along, and agrees to accompany Jae-kyung.
When the Jun/kyung couple arrive, they find everyone else already there and in a festive mood. Done redecorating, F3 and the girls sit around the table and joke that this feels like an MT (membership training, a typical college ritual). Ga-eul suggests they play the quintessential MT game — the Truth Game — and Jae-kyung bursts in, “Me too!”
The rules are thus: The one who is asked the question must tell the truth. However, if s/he doesn’t want to answer, that person has to give up something to the asker. That “something ” varies based on what they decide — sometimes it’s a drink, or a slap on the arm. Jae-kyung suggests a kiss.
Going with the kiss idea, Yi-jung starts things off with a question for Ji-hoo: “Can you love someone other than Seo-hyun?”
It’s a simple question and the answer’s not difficult, but Ji-hoo wants to have some fun — he plants a kiss on Yi-jung’s cheek. It’s adorable.
Now it’s Ji-hoo’s turn to ask: “Jun-pyo, if the one you love runs into trouble because of you, could you let her go?”
I was hoping for another kiss, but Jun-pyo answers straightaway, “No, I won’t. I can’t. I’d grab on tight, and be sure to make her happy.”
Jun-pyo wastes no time in proceeding with his question: “Geum Jan-di, the promise you made before on the street — does it still stand?”
He’s referring, of course, to the sunset scene in Episode 10 after he kissed her in traffic. Back then, he’d asked her to promise, “No matter what happens, don’t run from me.” She had promised that his mother would never be the reason for breaking them apart.
But now, Jan-di answers, quiet and matter-of-fact: “No. The person who made the promise and the one who asked it are both gone now.”
It’s a sad moment, although she hurries to gloss over the silence by forcing a smile and asking her question. She picks Woo-bin, and says, “If F4 were women, who would you want to marry?” (Ha, like he needs the “if they were women” qualifier!)
But no, Woo-bin answers that he’d rather stay single — heck, he’d rather join a monastery — than have to settle down with one of these fools. He points out their faults — one is stuck-up (Jun-pyo), another is “fourth-dimensional” (oddball Ji-hoo), and the third is a cold-blooded Casanova.
When Jun-pyo drops off Jae-kyung, she asks him to answer one last Truth Game question: “Friendship or love: If you had to choose between them, which would you pick?”
Without hesitating, Jun-pyo replies, “Both. Because there’s no such thing as giving up in my dictionary.”
(After he leaves, Jae-kyung sighs that his answer — which bodes ill for her, since he’s got no intention of giving Jan-di up — appeals to her. What a dilemma.)
It’s funny how Mama Kang chooses her revenge(s), because when she faced Jan-di on the rooftop, she was actually rather civil. Her words were mean and she did insult Jan-di, but her attitude wasn’t one of hatred or fury. (I’d call it more resigned and frustrated.) And yet, when she does choose to act, it’s so calculated. Like with Jun-pyo, the cruelty really does hurt more when it’s so… carefully considered.
Her next step is to take away Jan-di’s home. It’s not enough for her to evict her from her apartment — which she could so easily do — but she actually has the entire building planned for demolition. A construction worker tells Jan-di to vacate immediately.
On the other hand, life is looking (slightly) better for Yi-jung. While packing up his pottery materials in his studio, he finds Ga-eul’s gift and looks at the arm socks fondly.
Ga-eul, meanwhile, is putting in some extra time at her pottery class. Eun-jae wishes her luck and starts to leave, which is when Ga-eul spots the little ceramic puzzle piece hanging from her purse. She takes an immediate liking to it, and asks to borrow it so she can make one for herself. Eun-jae hands it over, but asks her to take care of it, because the item has a lot of meaning for her.
If you’ll remember, Yi-jung had the other pieces in his collection — each jigsaw piece had been formed of clay, and made to fit together like a real puzzle — which I suppose symbolizes that Eun-jae is the one missing piece in Yi-jung’s heart. Or something.
To Ga-eul’s surprise, Yi-jung drops by her classroom, apparently not surprised to find her there.
And finally, Jan-di must say goodbye to the last of her family. With their finances in such dire straits, her brother has offered to move down to join their parents in their fishing village. Kang-san has an upbeat attitude and tries to talk like this is a great thing, that he’s lucky and looking forward to joining their parents.
Jan-di plays along, but it’s much harder for her to pretend this is what they all want. She wonders if she should join the family, too, but Kang-san reminds her she’s got to graduate and go on to medical school.
He boards the train and says his last goodbyes, reminding her to take care and eat well, and also: “I think Jun-pyo hyung still likes you.”
COMMENTS
First of all, I always love seeing F3 in support of Jan-di, just as I loved how uncomfortable and stiff they were around Jae-kyung in a previous episode.
As for Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung: I’m willing to revise my sentiments from the prior episode, although I still think that the actors have more chemistry than the characters ought. And their interactions did muddle up the dynamics to make it seem more romantic than I wanted. Even though I agree with comments that they’re supposed to be friends more than lovers, I wasn’t getting that from the actual acting, which is why I found it confusing.
On the other hand, I think this episode went a long way in defining the lines of the relationships, and yes, now it does look much more obvious that the Jun/kyung relationship is meant to be platonic more than romantic (at least on Jun-pyo’s end) — the video game was a prime example of that, with Jun-pyo treating Jae-kyung like one of the guys.
Previous interactions aside, in this episode Jun-pyo makes it very clear that he has only ever wanted Jan-di, and that he is absolutely not giving up. I appreciated that his answer in the Truth Game came immediately — he doesn’t even have to think about it because the truth is so defined in his mind.
Same thing when Jae-kyung asks her question later. I’d wondered whether she was asking him to choose between friendship and love because she recognized that Jan-di had fully occupied the slot for “love” in Jun-pyo’s heart, relegating Jae-kyung to friendship. It seems like she’s grasping a bit at straws, like she’d settle for friendship if that meant she could still have him, even if that ruled out love. Because Jun-pyo may harbor doubt about whether he can win Jan-di back, but at least there are none about his feelings.
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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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151 Jessie
March 11, 2009 at 8:27 AM
I guess I'm in the minority, and even though I am a Jun Pyo/LMH fangirl, there are a couple of scenes that bothered me, and I blame the PD and scriptwriters. A previous poster mentioned (sorry can't recall the name), how did JP jump from calling Jandi a stain to moving in next door? Thank you! And when is it acceptable for your ex to drop by your apartment with his fiance and just SIT THERE and wait for you to come back? I get how in JP's mind there is no wavering, and he's all about Jandi, but even the most obtuse guy in the world would know that you do not disrespect a girl like that. I don't care about the circumstance. I get how JK sprang the idea on JP of going to Jandi apt. with the groceries, but I didn't see JP doing ANYTHING to get her out of there before Jandi came home. I'm glad Jandi didn't come home! And again, if F3 and Ga-Eul weren't there to throw Jandi a house-warming/pity party (don't even get me started), it would have been just Jandi, Jun-Pyo, and JK in that little room together? I realize that this is a drama but the scriptwriters must be crazy! Why are we lead to believe that this is acceptable behavior?!!
Also, Jun-Pyo moving in next door while he's parading around in public with his fiancee? In the Jdrama version, he moves in next door only after he's decided to formally end things with JK. That version makes sense. The Kdrama scriptwriters changed the details here but it's a BIG detail. Though I hate Madam Kang, I don't blame her, to some degree, for jumping to the wrong conclusion. It's not so ridiculous for a third-party to believe something sordid and tawdry is going on IF they didn't know Jandi. I can't believe the scriptwriters want us, the viewers, to believe that Jandi wouldn't say ANYTHING to Jun-Pyo about how WILDLY INAPPROPRIATE it is for him to have a fiancee and yet move-in next door and act as if nothing has changed. All she does is tell him to take his "wilderness training" elsewhere. Huh? What about confronting him about the fact that, regardless of his intentions, inadvertently, he's making you look like a cheap mistress on the side?
I don't get how viewers can rant about Jandi's response to JP's question about whether the "promise on the expressway" is still in tact? Seriously?! He's been compeletely inconsistent and unreliable and yet viewers are surprised by her response? It's called MAKING THE GUY WORK FOR IT. The viewers know JP is all about Jandi, despite what it looks like from the outside, but how is Jandi supposed to know? There is something kind "Action speaking louder than words" and so far, between episodes 14-19, JP is not looking like a stand-up sort of guy.
Lastly, to underscore how far this script has moved from the original manga, where is Tsukushi/Jandi's weed power? Why is she such a hapless victim? I didn't feel sorry for Tsuskuhi. I didn't feel that she was being flung around by Domyogi's every whim. If anything, she was the boss or "iron woman." In the Kdrama version, Jandi comes off as such a victim of circumstance, such a "poor little innocent baby," who all the males have to protect. It's actually pretty chauvinistic. The PD even makes Jandi dress like a baby, eat like a baby (the scene at the resort with the bread in her mouth), and act like a baby (all of those doe-eyed, surprised, deer-in-headlight looks). Ugh. In the Japanese version, even the voice over narration was done by Makino and it was HER story. Mao-chan nailed Tsukushi. The LEAD is supposed to be about a powerful, determined, spirited, positive, and outgoing young GIRL who literally pulls herself and everyone around her by the boot straps. It's not supposed to be the Domyogi/Jun Pyo show which is what the Kdrama version amounts to! In the Kdrama version, they LITERALLY throw Jandi a pity party!
It's all a shame because LMH is a gifted and handsome actor and I would have loved to see what he would have done with an alternate script where Jun Pyo wasn't portrayed as an indecisive, wavering individual who isn't able to protect the girl he loves. Since this is Hanadan, I'm pretty positive that Jandi and Jun Pyo are going to end up together, but I'm actually pretty ambivalent about it. It would send a much better message if Jandi ended up with Ji Hoo (cannot believe I am being a complete shipper but I blame it all on the scriptwriters), a guy who has earned and deserved her love. Let's see if the writers can turn this around in the six episodes that are left (Though I doubt it. Too many loose story ends to tie up without any sizeable progression in the plot toward resolving any of the open story lines). I'm not hating on the Kdrama version. I actually loved it in the beginning and this is a open letter to the PD and the writers asking them to turn this around and prove me wrong!
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Sakshi3631
May 23, 2023 at 8:41 AM
It's like someone took the words right out of my mouth. You have described the major issues of this show so well! I was looking for a comment like this. Thank you! I found JP's move to JD's neighbourhood inappropriate too. You are absolutely right about JP still stringing JK along. If I were Jd I wouldn't entertain him either because he HAS managed to make her look like a mistress on the side. And still when I found people complaining about JD's cold answer during the game, I was like? This was the first time JD had shown some back bone in ten episodes. What should she have said. 'Yes the promise still stands' to a guy who came to visit her with his fiance in tow?
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152
March 11, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Momo - Oh please! chill out! Don't be a garbage yourself!
I'm not defending KHJ or anybody here, but your words are really hard to take. I feel sorry for whoever have to read you comment. Please don't trask this wonderful forum.
Chill
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153 PILK
March 11, 2009 at 8:32 AM
Another great recap - thanks!
JD's reply to JP makes sense. After the 'stain', JK's 'night' with JP (tho if JD still likes JP she'll believe that nothing happened, just as nothing happened when she spent a (drugged) night out a year ago), a JP 'neighbour', JD's stating a fact. Question is whether JP can win her again.
Comparisons are odious, but I miss Soujirou's cryptic utterances to Makino, which Hanadan used v effectively. Then again, the Soujirou-Yuki arc was under-developed.
Tks again Javabeans!
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154 cat
March 11, 2009 at 8:34 AM
i don't think what momo said was wrong. It wasn't even that strong compared to the ridiculous KHJ defenders. I don't think anyone hates Hyunjoong, it seems like everyone really likes him in real life so there's no need to get so defensive about him because it's obvious his acting sucks. like momo said he was hired to ACT not to be a funny variety show personality and his ACTING is what we're all disappointed about. i thot he was doing better too until this eppie when it was so plain how bad he really is. that crying scene was painful to watch.
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155 confused~
March 11, 2009 at 8:35 AM
is it just me or does JiHoo & Jandi ending up together makes more sense than JunPyo & Jandi??
If I were Jandi, I would personally choose JiHoo...
Sorry JunPyo, I'm still mad at you =P
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156 momo
March 11, 2009 at 8:36 AM
i'm not sure how you're comparing the surgery thing with the acting thing. khj is supposed to do his job and play yjh properly. just because you're a fan of him as a singer does not mean you should ignore the fact that dude can't act. when lettuce couple were still on WGM, they were my favourite because i absolutely loved khj's sarcastic take on everything and no-nonsense attitude towards romance. but that's separate from BBF and i think a lot of people can make that distinction between the two. on the other hand, what lee min ho does with his face is his own business and nothing about the surgery affects how i would think of him as an actor, or even as a certifiable hottie. it's like that speech by jandi/makino in BBF. i may never get surgery myself, but i don't really think there's anything wrong if other people want to get it nor would i have to convince myself that it's "OK" just because i'm a fan of LMH, which i am.
look, i get your point. its human nature to defend what they like. but i would argue that the very idea of an all-encompassing idea of "human nature" and that somehow it covers most, maybe even all people is extremely problematic. mainly because i don't identify with this specific trope. you know how sometimes the more you like something or someone, the harder you are on it because you expect so much? maybe i'm like that. anyay, i'm rambling again......T_T
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157 Shrimp
March 11, 2009 at 8:38 AM
i can't sleep...haha
Hmmm I don't know what to feel whenever JP looks at JK with something in his eyes.
The last scene*epi 18* when JP fell on JK and the way they looked at each other, when they were playing that vid game, when he looked at her when she cooked breakfast for him, when they went to the grocery store together, when she fed him and he liked it and when JP smiled that heart-piercing smile as he looked at JK while she swiped away that golden ramyun bowl....im thinking that he was already smitten by JK.. *im letting this thought out by telling myself that it was because JP's so self-centeredness,or that that he only sees himself in JK, that the girl is his female version...he likey himself and not JK per se* ugh!
if only he would flash that to-die-for-smile and cast that heart-piercing gaze at JD... and JD alone then i might not be in the state of ambivalence right now.
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158 tttttt
March 11, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Can people please stop talking about the acting abilities?
I mean, who cares? since the drama is going downhill anyways...
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159 momo
March 11, 2009 at 8:45 AM
@152. don't mistake passion for trash. people give their opinions. i'm doing the same. at least i didn't call people "fucking lame" for making valid criticisms. i think i said a lot of things that most fans of Hana Yori Dango/Boys Before Flowers would agree with. and i think a lot of them can understand my frustration. is it a little much considering it's just a drama? probably. but we wouldn't all be on here if we didn't care a little too much for the characters.
p.s. is it just me, or is telling people to take a chill pill SO condescending?
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160 -_-
March 11, 2009 at 8:47 AM
^ uhh, what? (im talking to 158) obviously I'm here because I care. even though the drama is going downhill like u said, i still care and after all the hours i spend following this drama i think i can talk about the acting when it's ruining parts of the drama. talking about the acting is fair game. it's better and more constructive than only talking about the hotness of idols or one-liner "who cares" comments.
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161 prince.song
March 11, 2009 at 8:55 AM
#156 momo
i'm not defending or KHJ anything..I'm not even a fan. But I think I understand how the fans feel though.
It's like Lee Yeon Hee from EOE...I think that her acting isnt that great either. But there are fans that beg to differ. It's just how it is.
Isnt that what fans are suppose to do? To support your idols no matter what?
So I think that we shouldnt blame the fans for feeling that way.
Cuz for them, by insulting their idols it's like insulting them which is why they feel hurt and get all defensive..It's the same situation like someone insulting your family...you wouldnt be all that happy would you?
I understand the fans.
But sometimes, I think that they should calm down cuz words are just words. Even if it hurts, they're just words. I think it's best to just ignore.
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162 blah
March 11, 2009 at 9:05 AM
I dont know why...but for these past few eps I'm not really impressed with LMH like I used to...something seems to be missing.
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163 Boys After Flower
March 11, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Is Jandi a retarded or what?
Hell, anybody with sane mind would already left her hurt love behind and head for new one (in this case is not that hard for Jandi to move on!!)
She barely have good memories with JunPyo, they were together for a short period, and she cries more than she laughs because of him.. JunPyo gives her nothing more than pain.. And why she still in love with him? Is it because of his good look, or wealth? I am questioning the real reason for her undying love.. Why... Why Jandii???? Forget him already!!! U can forget your first love easily because he has another woman (JiHoo).. So isnt this the same case too???
At first I really like JP/JD couple.. But now my feelings change and I am hoping for JH/JD.. Seriously JiHoo makes a better partner.. I am really touched by his character.. JiHoo, please steal Jandi right now.. And Jandi, dont be fooled by that lady in your dream!
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164 momo
March 11, 2009 at 9:07 AM
well, i guess we'll just have to disagree on this one. because i don't support any "idols" no matter what. and i've never felt the level of fandom for an idol star equivalent to that of a family member. that is not to say that i've stopped "supporting" khj. if he comes back as lettuce couple or any other interesting variety project, i'd jump on that for sure. but a pop star is only as good as their current project (for the most part) because so much of it is kind of superficial and easily forgotten. maybe i'm just a bad fan. but i guess i'm not very inclined to be deathly loyal to hugely popular idol stars.
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165 prince.song
March 11, 2009 at 9:13 AM
#164 momo
believe me..fans in korea are worser...
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166 Aster
March 11, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Ditto, Lucille - exactly!
Thank you, javabeans, for very accurate recaps and comments. You always manage to express what I feel and observe.
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167 Two Cents
March 11, 2009 at 9:32 AM
@143-
"oguri shun played Rui to a T. dude was sweet without seeming cheesy, lonely without seeming pitiful, helpful without seeming creepy. and he was actually COOL."
I have to agree that Oguri Shun is the best Hanazawa Rui/Jihoo. I actually really wanted Makino to end up with him instead of Domiyouji. I think that's a really good description of Oguri Shun's interpretation of the character. In the Korean version, I think LMH/Junpyo is more compelling.
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168 cecee
March 11, 2009 at 9:42 AM
IS THIS EVEN HYD? IT DOES NOT SEEM LIKE IT. IT IS OFF FROM THE STORY AT ALL ANGLES. PDS ARE MESSING UP THE WHOLE STORY'S DYNAMIC. WHY EVEN GET PERMISSION TO HYD IF YOU CAN NOT PRODUCE THE STORY CORRECTLY. The fiance story needs to end now. JD and JP has not been together since EPISODE 12!!!!! So who are we rooting for again!??!!!!
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169 NINJA
March 11, 2009 at 9:46 AM
I wasn't bother by KHJ's acting in this episode...maybe because I have seem worse from him and from other people XD
seriously, why did they cast him? I thought they pick him because JH is suppose to resemble a bit of KHJ in real life. After watching WGM, I thought so too. Rui is quirky and random, just like KHJ. Jihoo is dark and emo. (sigh...how I miss the Rui from the manga.) They are nothing alike!
Overall, there are two compounding reasons why KHJ can't pull off those key moments: 1) He should've taken more acting lessons before jumping into a big production like this. First few episodes seem like he had no preparation whatsoever and he's only learning how to act as the series progresses. 2) Jihoo's character is too big for him. KHJ doesn't have the subtle nuances to play a guy that only talk with his eyes (yet).
Let's hope for the better in the later episodes.
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170 ^_^
March 11, 2009 at 9:56 AM
scene transitions in this drama are horrible - and there are many moments where i cringe with the acting and/or the scene.
the f4 high school days seems to have been played out in fast-forward whereas the drama seems to drag out now. grr...hope the pace picks up again.
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171
March 11, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Jandi ending up in a rooftop apartment very much like Gukwha's In Pure in Heart (same green flooring outside) where her suitor comes a-calling dumping off essential goods (that he was "...throwing away, anyway...") ala "The Iceman" was a bit of deja vu for me. But then, pretty much every Korean drama is. I guess these similarities are part in parcel to the ongoing addition that has me reflexively coming back for more of the same!
As it was for me with Meteor Garden, I instantly took a liking to "Monkey Girl" for her innocence and immediate warmth for ShanCai (or in this case, Jandi) and find her to be as sweet in her own way as both Jandi and Gaeul are in theirs. My hope is for her to land one of the F4 guys and in the end, the thread of humanity that Jandi has begun weaving for all concerned will be complete.
robbo4
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172 lily
March 11, 2009 at 10:06 AM
@164 Blah
I am not suprised. That's true compared to other BOF actors LMH is good, but his acting skills are pretty average.
In BOF first part his facial expressions were : stiff...........upset..............idiot (when he tried to act psycho, violent, lonely it looked a bit forced)
Then in BOF second part : crying.....................stiff..........................idiot
SO they focused toooooooooo much on these part and with time it's getting random.
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173 tazz
March 11, 2009 at 10:10 AM
oh thanks javabeans, it's the first time I'm commenting but I had to say it.
I love your recaps:)
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174 lily
March 11, 2009 at 10:10 AM
@ people who complain why they hired KHJ, I read in another site (I don't quite remember" the PD said in as article before the drama released "we focused more on F4 look than the acting skill". Maybe the article is faulse but I read that No kidding !
He wasn't wrong it worked (people dare to say Kim Bum is a better actor than Matsuda Shota)
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175 lily
March 11, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Oups sorry for the faults
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176 IcanhazGJPyo
March 11, 2009 at 10:12 AM
@151 Jessie,
Great post. The Korean HYD is most definitely chauvinistic and a wholly inappropriate version. Jandi's character is just offensive at this point--she is depressed (get on some Prozac, girl) and unanimated. I know we are all bashing KHJ, but I am amazed that no one is pointing out how terrible an actor Jandi is. She has two emotions--blank face depressed or overreacting crazy. There is no subtlety at all.
But back to the point--the most offensive part of this version is how GJP is playing two girls. How dare he move into the apartment WHILE HE HAS A FIANCEE? Is this like the PDs wet dream? Having two girls to mess with? It's ridiculous. What right does he have to ask about where Jandi spent the night? HE HAS A FIANCEE because he doesn't have the balls to confront his mother.
And the GE and YJ story is just as offensive. Here is an obnoxious, womanizing immature brat, and GE is there to hold him and pine for him? WTH? What kind of message is that to young girls? If a man is a jerk, it is only because he is hurting inside so ignore his jerky behavior and take care of him???
Really, don't mess with a classic if you can't do it justice.
And is the editor of the show on crack? Even novice directors on YouTube have videos with better continuity. Maybe Kevjumba or Nigahiga needs to take over this spiraling piece of trash.
What a waste of LMH's talent.
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Sakshi3631
May 23, 2023 at 8:52 AM
True
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177 skelly
March 11, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Javabeans, I want to express my sincere thanks to you, for all of your detailed, insightful, and hilarious comments. Your recaps are the one thing that keeps BBF interesting!
I had to turn the sound off and just read the subtitles for BBF after Episode 4. I thought that if I had to hear "Almost Paradise" one more time I would become a danger to myself and a menace to society.
After Episode 6, I stopped watching altogether; turning the sound off can't cure bad writing and directing, unfortunately. You express all of my frustrations with the show perfectly, so now I just read your recaps and read all of the comments and prepare a mental list of the things I think I'll enjoy and the things I'm going to hate about BBF.
Once the whole train wreck is over I will prepare myself with a mental list of Things To Ignore Because They Just Didn't Get It Right, stock suitable liquid refreshment, and watch the whole thing in one self-indulgent schlockfest.
I can't wait to get my hands on some of that pity porridge and those tiny pancakes of sorrow - coming soon to a grocery store near you?
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178 lily
March 11, 2009 at 10:27 AM
About stiffness look at the scene at episode 2 when Jan di try to punch him and the way he act before the action (It looked really fake) or the scene when he see Jan di made up in HCY party (his expression looked fake too), the scene when he grabs jan di by the collar or when he brutalise Ji Hoo (too forced), the date scene with Jan di at episode 8 or 9 (the way he smile looked like Aishwarya rai fake smile), the scene when he tried to kiss Jan di at episode 3 looked exagerated, even the kiss scenes were not well executed (but here I suppose it's PD fault)...
Now it's : crying, childish, crying and a bit shouting
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179 CRAB
March 11, 2009 at 10:27 AM
LmAo------- Me JuST remeMbeReD--THe SoNG PlAyinG wHen JD anD his BrOther WaS DeLiVerIng The NewSPaPer @episode 18, HaHa I WAs SinGinG "RaIndRoPs KeEp FalLing on My HeaD" ListeN to It AgaiN LmAo ----------It kinda MatchEd! zzzzZZZzzz
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180 Monday
March 11, 2009 at 10:41 AM
OH MY. What to say, everyone has such good comments and such good interpretations. I will just continue on to pick at some few favorite moments.
1: Woobin, when Jandi says his name for the game, he's like "Me?" Ah so cute, you are not forgotten my dear!
2: Jihoo's parents funeral: When he was running after his grandfather, and you glimpse a view of the F4 members behind him. Ah, they are such cute boys! But there is a lot of significance in showing how long the boys have been friends. The stuff that are going on should not have that much of a toll on their relationships, because they are more like brothers.
3. Lastly, of course Junpyo. Everything about him. Yes, we've been tired of seeing him so helpless, and even getting mixed signals with him and Jaekyung, but this episode, like Javabeans said, "I think this episode went a long way in defining the lines of the relationships." Bravo! Oh, and the scene where he discovers that uncooked ramen is yummny was adorable! I was hoping he'd add the spicy packet to it, lol!
Thanks for the great recap! I'm once again awaiting Monday (sorta, I have a final, but it'll be great once I get to watch BOF).
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181 fatima
March 11, 2009 at 10:44 AM
really? I saw the love vs friendship question in a total different perspective.
How I saw it was Jaekyang asked Jun pyo on his stand when it comes to picking between Jihoo and Jandi.
But also it relates to her because she is in the same dilemma with her friend Jandi and Jun pyo.
When she said " you fool if you keep saying the things I want , what am I suppose to do?" To me it felt like she doesn't want to give Jun pyo up for Jandi and she was indirectly asking Jun Pyo for a solution. Nw that he said he won't give up love, in a way it is saying she doesn't have to give up hers too.
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Sakshi3631
May 23, 2023 at 8:55 AM
How can JK 'give up' something she never had in the first place? JP is not a trophy. No one can force a person to like them. It is not upto JK but JP to decide whom he wants to be with. And he has. But JK is very obsessed
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182 (o.O)''
March 11, 2009 at 10:56 AM
@25 Susie
what junpyo and jandi had was first love and it was memorable and beautiful but from what the drama has told me thus far… they can find happiness in others. maybe not the same thing but still they would survive… which is odd.
Now i wonder what message this drama trying to send. We learnt from Jihoo/Seohyun, Jandi/Jihoo, (& possibly Yijung/Eunjae) that one could move on from their first love and meet someone else more suitable in the future. But the way things are going, they're(then again) trying to show how powerful first love is that Junpyo can't let go of Jandi, Jandi slowly starting to show affections towards Jihoo(she mouthed 'oppa' in the library while he was asleep, she let him hold her shivering hand, she streaked her finger over his face, the pleased look on her face when JH put blankets on KS, shooting glances at JH at the first Q in the Truth Game, etc.), Jaekyung hesitating between her first love or friendship(she clearly knows she doesn't stand a chance but continues to store-up good memories w. JP even though her heart is breaking).
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@58 Rebeca
**also, i always kind of understood that its not only Joon Pyo that can’t date who he wants, i thought that basically all the F4 boys were expected to marry girls picked by their parents. If that is so, then it would make no sense for Ee to end up with Ga cuz their relationship would go through almost the same thing that JanDi and Joon Pyo went through (just not to the same degree of harrassment cuz no one is as bad as mama kang)…and that will just get old**
well, as we can see, Yijung's father doesn't really give a damn about what his son is up to. His mother is also at the hospital, so his family doesn't really focus on such matters, as to who he dates & stuff. This gives him a chance to be with GaEul--the innocent, naive girl who can bring his family back to life(as in to prove his father's theory on love wrong).
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@60 Dalila
You can see that Jandi is developing affection for Ji hoo in this ep. Did you notice her impressive look on Jihoo, when he tuck her brother in? And the way she touch his cheek?….. It looks like this drama will end with Jandi-Jihoo as a couple. I really don’t mind though. That would be interesting. Since the first two versions have the same ending, why would the Korean do the same? Boorringg..!
I realized that, too. There are just too many hints. Unless the viewers are supposed to put this in a light manner(as to think of it as only friendship). Just like JP/JK--they're only supposed to be viewed as friends and nothing more. But in the case of Jandi & Jihoo-- the scriptwriters are adding plenty of sweet and romantic scenes which totally throws us off. If the twist is that they end up together then the BBF story would never be the same as before(although i find it quite interesting).
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@72 Two Cents
What the hell was the point of (1) Junpyo eating raw ramen scene and (2) sausage man saying the JaePyo couple is a nice couple??? POINT????
(1) i guess it's only showing how funny that some Bad Ass Multimillionaire is willing to go that far as to eat uncooked ramen just to stoop down to Jandi's level?. (btw, it's supposed to be a cute scene because it's usually children that do those types of things--i read many of comments that folks has done that before and so have i, when i was little) Now that I think about it, maybe they're trying to depict Junpyo as a curious child who is still new to things.
(2) i think they're just trying to show how compatible JP and JK is from the surface(as if their perfect for each other & stuff..just by the looks).
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@81 lala
I see that some of you are impressed with Junpyo saying that he wont let go of his love no matter what. But for me, I’m pretty disappointed. If he really meant it then why isnt he doing anything? You see, that’s why Junpyo and Jihoo are so different. For Jihoo, his actions speaks louder than words but for Junpyo, it’s only words but no actions. No offense to those Junpyo maniacs.
I'm pretty disappointed, too. I don't think JP understands what the hell he's saying. If he says that can't let go of the girl he's hurting, then what is he gonna do now? I understand that he went as far as living in that apartment but HELLO?!, Jaekyung is still by his side and has done nothing whatsoever to make Jandi happy! Everything he says and does contradicts. We see him ignoring her, talking to her, dissing her, stalking her--what the heck--i thought he's already made up his mind! I just can't wait when finally goes after her all the way. And to feel the pain he inflicted upon Jandi. sigh.
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@90 engl
i don’t get yi jung… how does he randomly always know where ga eul is????? i was seriously wondering if he has like a gps or some tracker to locater her with…
ha! i recognized that, too. rich people tends to be creepy stalkers =P he always happens to drive by when she's walking around or crying. then pops in when she's doing some pottery. (then to think back, this also counts for Jihoo, Junpyo & his sister, Mama Kang--all except Woobin, i guess?) LOL.
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@163 Boys After Flower
She barely have good memories with JunPyo, they were together for a short period, and she cries more than she laughs because of him.. JunPyo gives her nothing more than pain.. And why she still in love with him? Is it because of his good look, or wealth? I am questioning the real reason for her undying love.. Why… Why Jandii???? Forget him already!!! U can forget your first love easily because he has another woman (JiHoo).. So isnt this the same case too???
yes, it's only reasonable now for her to stay with Jihoo. And if she does dare to go back JP, she will only bring more pain upon herself(concerning evil mom). I sorta understand why she loves (he's so adorable and funny, but wait-- she always seems to be irritated by his stupidity) idk..never mind. All that i remember from 6 episodes ago is that she fell for him because she learned the meaning of trust, but now that they've both ignored and broken their promises--there should be no reason why she'd like him, right? i wonder what'll happen next..
___
there were also plenty of explanations and assumptions about the 'love & friendship' issue. All i know is that Jaekyung will definitely gain more if she chooses friendship because she'd get to keep both JP & JD, but if she greedily chooses love--then she'd lose her first real friend and get no emotions back from JP. And in Junpyo's case---it doesn't really make a big effect on friendship because JP & JH have this deep understanding between them(and they both know that they've given up alot for each other, so their friendship is strong enough to last even w. Jandi interfering). But if he chooses love--he will have to give up his pride to win back the girl's heart with the possibilty of getting disowned(and lose all that money), and hence economic melt-down...
THANK YOU JAVABEANS [for the recap & hilarious commentary]
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183 Javabeans
March 11, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Just to clarify, Jan-di actually mouthed "sunbae" in the library, not "oppa."
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184 Monday
March 11, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Oh, I like the banner. Though I've never been a big fan of Jihoo's look, I'd say that I do prefer his old hair style! =(
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185 diane
March 11, 2009 at 11:05 AM
what is the difference between meaning of “sunbae” and not “oppa.”
i know that oppa is kind like a big brother right?
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186 maria
March 11, 2009 at 11:16 AM
@184 diane
"sunbae" is more like, "senior", similar to "senpai" in japanese
"oppa" is what younger sisters call their older brothers. culturally, it's also what korean ladies call their boyfriends :)
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187
March 11, 2009 at 11:19 AM
@176 IcanhazGJPyo & 168 cecee
I agree with both of you. They've butchered JP's character, hence destroying the whole essence of HYD story.
For me, I've been loving JP's character since the beginning, more so than the other 2 versions coz he wasn't as stupid or unnecessarily violent (well I understand they toned the violence down coz this is a teen kdrama). But what makes Domyoji character most endearing to me is he NEVER EVER had eyes for another girl other than Makino. Hence I've been so forgiving towards JP even with his 'A stain I want to erase' remark.
HOWEVER the moment I saw an inkling of interest in JP's eyes towards JK in today's episode (especially the grocery shopping scene and ramyun scene) I totally went to hating him. I felt like slapping him hard every time he acts like Jandi is still his (rooftop scene and Truth Game scene). I seriously don't buy his feelings for her anymore. Yeah, you can cry all you want when you beg JD later JP see if I care!
I know it's the PD/writer's fault for messing with JP's character like this. But another problem I have is, as much as I admit LMH is a good actor for portraying JP almost perfectly until now, I'm totally not buying his annoyance for JK at all. I dunno, maybe LMH and LMJ have a thing for each other in real life, hence the chemistry?
But then again, I imagine LMH would have the same kind of chemistry with GHS if she were to play JK (I know GHS can pull it off and she's actually a gorgeous girl).
So would that be bad acting or writing/directing?
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188
March 11, 2009 at 11:33 AM
man you guys are ripping Hyun Joong a new one. lol
His emotional scene could definitely be better but there are some moments of good acting too. When he was wandering around the clinic looking at all the "thank you" cards that his grandfather received from kids, there was so much resentment in his expression, like "why couldn't I be the one receiving the love and care from him".
Really, it is not as atrocious as you guys said it. Could improve, could be better, could be more powerful, could be a lot of things. The guy is still learning.
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189 (o.O)''
March 11, 2009 at 11:35 AM
@ javabeans
thanks.. i just watched that scene over & over again right now.
maybe it's just me or perhaps the stitches she got from that incident... that made it seem weird. it really did seem like she mouthed 'oppa' but it could also be 'sunbae'--now that i think of it. anyway, thanks again for the clarification.
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190 Lila H
March 11, 2009 at 12:01 PM
@143 - TOTALLY agree with everything you said. KHJ is a TERRIBLE actor.
I don't care if you love him, if you think he's like a family member, if he's the best singer in the world, if he's the hottest idol, if nay-sayers are being jealous and hateful and spiteful and cruel - it still doesn't negate the fact that KHJ...IS...A...BAD...ACTOR.
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191 Jessie
March 11, 2009 at 12:09 PM
@176 IcanhazGJPyo
"And the GE and YJ story is just as offensive. Here is an obnoxious, womanizing immature brat, and GE is there to hold him and pine for him? WTH? What kind of message is that to young girls? If a man is a jerk, it is only because he is hurting inside so ignore his jerky behavior and take care of him???...Really, don’t mess with a classic if you can’t do it justice."
Exactly! It's scary that I sound like some crazy feminist, because I am sooo not, but this Kdrama script of episode 19 is OFFENSIVE; yet, we have otherwise intelligent girls making excuses for these characters because they are so HAWT. No, the fact that Yi Jung's is upset (about his mom overdosing), and lashing out as his father, is NOT AN EXCUSE to objectify a girl, and use her as a pawn in some ongoing twisted little verbal spat you have with your father, and ask, "Would you like me to lend her to you?" Ummm….NO! Don't even insert this line, which doesn't exist anywhere, and make this show into some weird patriachrial dynastic feud of the new guard overthrowing the old (JP and mom, YJ and dad).
There are some things, once said out loud, that cannot be retracted. It says something about the person's character. And the fact that it was premeditated is only worse. GE should have walked out of that restaurant and never looked back. I understand that YJ is scarred by his father's philandering but this is analogous to a person being abused as a child then becoming an abuser as an adult. There are plenty of guys who have philandering fathers who grow up and CHOOSE to be good boyfriends, husbands, and fathers. There is something called freewill; people do not walk down a predetermined path. You CHOOSE your path. And where is Yi Jung's APOLOGY at the very least? Just that EMO mumbo jumbo about how he didn't want to hurt his first love so he ran away? NOT AN APOLOGY.
I finally get why some people oppose seeing cigarette smoking featured on TV. With a third of ROK watching this drama weekly, and everyone copying JP's hair and the boy's cell-phones, the underlying message in this drama kinda scares me. In the end, everything is forgivable because these guys are rich, cute, and abandoned (in one way or another) and simply need a good girl who'll put up with all their crap because they really didn't mean it? NO! This is the 21st Century. Get with the program! Don't throw this great show back into the middle ages!
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192 vivi
March 11, 2009 at 12:16 PM
OMG!!!!
I just saw the ep 20 preview in youtube.
It says that Ga Eul tries to reconciliate Yi jung with his first love. OMG OMG OMG NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
i want to see those two together :(
This is the first time i care more about the supporting characters than the main character love story LOL
So Ji Yung & Ga Eul 4ever <3
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193 yoonah
March 11, 2009 at 12:41 PM
OMG, they *are* totally ripping off the Goong score! I liked the music in Goong, it was way better than how BBF has been scored so far esp in "season 1", but COME ON.
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194 vv
March 11, 2009 at 12:41 PM
hi vivi, can you give me the link?
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195
March 11, 2009 at 1:08 PM
LoL at all the fangirls defending KHJ. Momo you go tell 'em what's up!
I hate these pathetic excuses to defend KHJ's poor acting. I'm a fan of him in WGM but that doesn't make me delusional into thinking that he's acting is OK or he makes the best Rui just because he's good looking and LOOKS the part. What the heck does that even make sense? At first I didn't understand why people were rooting for JH/JD - but now I get it, they're both so pitiful they deserve each other. This is seriously the bastardized version of Hana Yori Dango.
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196 Arivle
March 11, 2009 at 1:51 PM
Thank you so much for your recaps as always superb job.....however ep. 18 and 19 left me feeling cheated somehow...I was expecting that by this time JD and JP would have make up and the story line kept on moving along....I felt that the story is not moving along fast enough.....WE HAVE 5 or 6 episodes to go....and JD AND JP are still not together that means that THERE IS SOMETHING REALLY BAD going with the PD and writers....this episode was 8 for me...just like ep. 18...WHY? LACK of JD AND JP moments....I love the way they bicker to each other and that what this couple is all about understading each other differeces and outlooks on life.....I NEED MORE JUNDI MOMENTS.....the story is 100% dragging......I hope ep. 20 is much better that this....I DON'T want to see JD and JH scenes anymore is getting to be too much....FIANCE NEEDS TO GO......
What I like about this episodes
1. The truth and dare game very cute and made me laughed, specially the kiss and woobin answered....it shows that he knows his friends....however I lOVED GJD answered why? cause she feels there is not point keeping a promised when the other person told her to her face that she is a stain he wants to erase and also have a fiance....GJD got self-respect and pride and she is not about to beg for GJP love...NOT LIKE SOMEBODY WE ALL KNOW....I did felt bad for GJP because he felt that he is losing her to JH....
2. F3 to trying to cheer up GJD by redicorating her apt. it shows that they truly care about GJD.....
3. GJP finally openly showing that he cares about GJD to JK....when he realize that GJD doesn't have the phone he gave her, his reaction surprise Jk and during the game his answered was picture clear to JK that she needs to let him go
4. Finally, JH scene with grandpa was very touching.....he needs someone who LOVES HIM COMPLETELY and GJD is not that girl my friend.....I have a feeling his FIRST LOVE is going to come back for him...just guessing.
MORE JUNDI MOMENTS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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197 mcjayjay
March 11, 2009 at 2:12 PM
i swear this is one of the best episodes yet!
it doesnt contain the romance we're looking for but its just soo sweet!
and happy (At some points) and it just shows what friendship really is. Its a good thing they're including more of woobin, really he's an awesome actor, and his character is hella funny
as for the yijung/gaeul, im really liking that its progressing, even though its weird on the yijung's side.. does he like her? or does he still love the other girl? and i was confused too, when he was drunk talking when he held gaeul's hand..
and omg so true!! about the soundtrack sounding like goong's. im like WAIT is that a song from goong?? oh no, but it sounds so much like it!!
as long as you remove PARADISE! im all happy...
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198
March 11, 2009 at 2:20 PM
I just got my OST (#1) in the mail and it comes with a photobook, etc. I LOVE IT. haha. I know I can download it but for some reason, I just wanted it for the "Collector's Item" sake...
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199 asdf.
March 11, 2009 at 2:38 PM
@151:
in the japanese version domyouji moved in BEFORE shigeru called it quits.
he even bought the entire building .
by the way, your analysis seems quite interesting =]
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200 chasen8888
March 11, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Watching episode 19 which was not bad, they returned some fiery JD which I'm happy about and backbone GE.
JP and JK - A lot of persons are saying that JP and JK seems to be an ideal couple. But looking at it realistically thats not the case. Reason - why would JP want a copy of himself, should he stayed with her he would never become a decent adult. The one who started the change in him was and should continue to be JD. JP once said in a previous episode that JD had potential in a way its same way around JP prior JD was one with limited potential a shallow individual, after JD he showed potential as a human being by being considerate of JK even when he did not necessarily have to be. He see's some of his past personality in JK which explains why he can relate to her as a friend and empathise with her. If he met JK prior JD, what you would have is the old JP one who is a stunted human being.
YJ &GE. You go girl for throwing the glass of water in his face, he deserved it and more. I believe that he reason why GE was at his place was for two reasons (1) she pities him - especially listening to his family issues story at the dinner table and with the hand damage (2) still somewhat angry at him for his sorry behaviour. The preview states that GE will try to reunite YJ with his first love, but my question is - is she his first love or is it a situation similar to JH. To me the case is similar to JH. I think its necesary for him to meet her and have closure on this relationship in order for him to make a decision on the future of his life. Is he going to copy his father and be a somewhat eternal asshole or will he make something better by starting something new with GE or without her. Either choice will greatly affect his future.
JD and Madam Kang . From watching the episodes you realise Madam Kang is a pot calling kettle black. How dare she talk about class and commoners behaviour when hers leave way much to be desired. In every situation that JD has had to face with the woman , her behaviour more than outclasses Madam Kang, it is so obvious and JD is suppose to rush and bow down to DAT. No thank you. Though it is not mentioned, Its another reason why JP loves JD , she has class she does not behave like she was brought up from nowhere, she never lowers herself in her conduct. Class cannot be bought, its part of you and JD despite her challenges has always acted with some form of class. Madam Kang's behaviour out of supposedly love for her asset (oh sorry, I meant son) shows absolutely NO CLASS WHATSOEVER. So in the Class category the grading is as follows Madam Kang - F, JD - A+, GE - A+.
JH weight - have you looked at Meteor Garden and HYD Rui. HYD Rui - he is skinner than all of them, to me he looked anorexic, Meteor Garden's Rui was lanky. JH is slim, but he at least had some form of body. Those two, frankly didn't .
Note - I find it strange that for people especially F3 who has never done very little/none cleaning or decorating in their lives manage to do such a great job without messing their white clothes at all. It could have been more fun, if they were messing up and looking messy. This PDs I find very very unbelievable. Its the same with Madam Kang's photo of JD, KS and JP in her room. PDs - think, think, when you do things like this we are wondering if you have any sense at all.
I love Woobin's answer on marriage to F3 its soo soo true. Plus I enjoyed seeing him in this episode. "More Woobin please"!!.
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