Boys Before Flowers: Episode 21

March 17th, 2009 // by javabeans

Three good episodes in a row! What is going on here?

Okay, okay. Perhaps if I were to take a coldly analytical look at this, I might concede that all three episodes in question (and then some) were mightily flawed and riddled with enough logic holes to make you think a Plot-Eating Moth had invaded the production’s Closet of Storylines. And maybe I’ve gotten tired of making excuses for (or criticizing the lifeblood out of) this drama and just wanna sit back and relax and admire the too-lovely-to-be-real bone structures of Lee Min-ho and Kim Hyun-joong. (My drama-analysis mode never fully turns off, but that dial can be turned down.)

But what it boils down to is this: If cold logic rules yer brain over pure entertainment and/or emotional reaction, what are you doing watching this drama anyway, right?

SONG OF THE DAY

Jisun – “어떡하죠” (What Do I Do?) from the Boys Before Flowers OST 2. [ Download ]

EPISODE 21 RECAP

Jae-kyung walks in on the Jun-di embrace, her reaction speechless surprise. Jan-di fumbles to explain, but can’t find the appropriate words…

But that’s a moot issue, because OH CRAP now it’s Mama Kang who walks in. (Given her destructive potential, you’d think they’d have her business schedule more closely monitored, wouldn’t you?)

Talk about buzzkill. Jun-pyo can only close his eyes in chagrin as Madam Kang (who had entered the room cheerfully addressing Jae-kyung) takes in the sight of Jan-di in the maid uniform. (I guess we should just be glad Mummy didn’t see Jan-di lying on top of Jun-pyo?) Sputtering in rage, she demands to know who dared bring her into this house.

Granny Housekeeper calls out, “I did.” Lady Kang demands that she be kicked out immediately. However, while I wouldn’t say Madam Kang is intimidated by Granny, she does find her difficult to browbeat into submission, stemming from the fact that Granny’s position in this household pre-dates even her.

Granny is a crusty old broad, and says firmly that hiring and firing maids falls under her purview, not Madam Kang’s. It’s not time to let Jan-di go yet.

When Mother protests, Granny reminds her that she served the Gu CEOs even before Madam Kang married into the family, and asserts that her loyalty is to the Gu household. She will preserve its honor.

Jan-di follows Granny out and thanks her for stepping in. However, Granny tells her that she didn’t hire her because Jun-hee had asked her to — no, her motivation was related to Jun-pyo. After Granny left the household, she’d worried about Jun-pyo, knowing how he has a soft heart underneath his cold exterior. However, seeing him now, she’s noticed a change, and attributes the positive upswing to Jan-di’s influence. Granny owes this family, and feels it’s her last duty to serve him.

Also, her ability to size up people has served her well in the past, so she has to trust that instinct now. (Meaning that her gut is telling her that Jan-di is the key to Jun-pyo’s future happiness.)

Jae-kyung comes to talk with Jan-di, with a (surprisingly?) understanding attitude, even a little wistful. Maybe that’s why Jan-di feels even worse for not having told Jae-kyung about her history with Jun-pyo, but Monkey Girl doesn’t blame her. Instead, she’s able to see from Jan-di’s perspective why she couldn’t speak up.

However, she asks, “Wasn’t I your friend even before I became Jun-pyo’s fiancée?” As a friend, she wishes Jan-di could have told her; Jan-di apologizes, feeling guilty. Despite their friendship, however, Jae-kyung wants to make one thing clear: “I won’t give up on Jun-pyo. From now on, I’m going to try harder. I’m going to do my best so that I have no regrets. I just wanted to tell you that.”

Madam Kang encourages Jae-kyung along, promising to fire Jan-di. Jae-kyung tells her not to, although she does have a different favor to ask.

At pottery class, Ga-eul talks to Eun-jae after class to ask how her relationship with Yi-jung had ended. We don’t get an answer, but we do see that Yi-jung is waiting outside for Eun-jae, happy to see her until he overhears her phone conversation. From her words, it sounds like a call to a boyfriend.

After a moment, he decides to follow her, and arrives outside a café… where she walks in and enthusiastically greets…. Yi-jung’s brother! Omo omo! (I actually gasped; I wasn’t expecting this.)

This is a huge betrayal, and Yi-jung’s face crumples as he watches his brother’s cozy interactions with Eun-jae. Yi-jung calls him, and watches as his brother steps outside to take the call (though he doesn’t see Yi-jung sitting in his bright orange sports car right in front).

His brother sounds glad to hear from him, and suggests that Yi-jung call more often and drop by sometime. There’s somebody he wants to show him — someone he ought to be very glad to see. Yi-jung tries to keep the tears out of his voice as he asks, “You’re happy, aren’t you?” His brother answers that yes, he’s so happy that he almost feels guilty for it.

Two things: (1) Yi-jung obviously loves his brother, despite their rift. His questions make it seem he’d be willing — albeit with a lot of pain — to relinquish Eun-jae if that meant his brother would be happy.

(2) This revelation was set up to make it seem like a big brotherly romantic rivalry, but there’s a possibility Big Bro isn’t actually dating Eun-jae. True, it’s mighty suspicious given how affectionate they are together, but I don’t know that Yi-jung’s brother would be so eager to announce that he’s found Eun-jae if he was dating her now. We’ll have to wait and see.

More surprises at Gu Manor. Jae-kyung pops in again (well, that’s not a surprise, since she always does that), but this time with luggage. Maybe feeling Jan-di’s presence to be a threat, Madam Kang is pleased to announce that Jae-kyung is moving in too. The parents have agreed to move up the wedding since they’re both adults, the union is going to happen sooner or later, and an earlier wedding is better for business. Jae-kyung’s parents have even already ordered the wedding invitations.

Jun-pyo refuses to cooperate, but his protests are ignored. Furthermore, he and Jae-kyung are set to shoot a CF for the new Shinhwa cell phone, since the media had picked up on their relationship at the launch party and public response was overwhelmingly positive.

Jae-kyung texts Jan-di to drop by her room, where she is excitedly trying on Madam Kang’s own wedding dress. In Jae-kyung’s defense, at least she has been completely up-front with Jan-di about her intentions, and has treated her with affection and understanding. On the other hand, it’s in rather poor taste to flaunt her happiness.

Jae-kyung asks for Jan-di’s opinion on the dress and shows her the jewelry Mama Kang had given her. To make this even more uncomfortable, she has a favor to ask — she wants Jan-di to be a bridesmaid. (WHAT? If showing off the dress was inconsiderate, this is straight-up MEAN.)

Now, this fishing bit is a scene I liked for its thematic purpose (if not for the acting). We start at home, when Dr. Grandpa comes out of his room and watches Ji-hoo packing his fishing gear. Eager for something to talk about, he offers advice about the equipment, then retrieves his own fishing rod and gives it to Ji-hoo, all with a childlike kind of hopeful anticipation.

Ji-hoo remains unresponsive, but asks at the last moment, “Do you want to come? I’m leaving in ten minutes.” Grandpa’s face breaks out into an excited smile, and as much as I don’t care about this story, this is so cute. And touching.

A lot of people have asked about this song; it’s finally out on the second OST: “낯선 해” (Strange sun). And yes, it was also used in latter episodes of Goong S. [ Download ]

Grandpa Yoon reminisces about Ji-hoo’s mother’s cooking, then gives Ji-hoo a box, telling him that today is his parents’ wedding anniversary. Ji-hoo opens it to find a ring — his mother’s. Ji-hoo starts to break down as Dr. Yoon continues, “I’m sorry. I stole that mother from you, because of my karma.” (I assume this mention of karma is a general “I blame myself” sentiment that Dr. Grandpa harbors.)

F4 headquarters. Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung’s recently shot CF (during which Jun-pyo had remained cold, to Jae-kyung’s unease) is out, and Jun-pyo is pissed about it.

The other guys ask what he’s going to do, but he doesn’t know what he can do. Ji-hoo tells him, “You’re the only one who can find that answer.” Probably not as helpful as Jun-pyo would like. In frustration, he rips up the wedding invitation and storms out.

Jan-di has also seen the commercial on television, and it sinks her spirits further. Ga-eul reminds her (as if she could forget!) that Jun-pyo is facing marriage — this is for real. Since this is stating the obvious, I see this as Ga-eul pushing Jan-di to put up a last fight for Jun-pyo, before he ends up married and truly out of hope’s range.

Jan-di glumly indicates the fancy CF, saying, “That’s their future, and that’s where Gu Jun-pyo belongs.”

She also gets a call from her mother, and assures her that she’s doing fine. Upset at news that Mom is feeling under the weather, Jan-di urges the family to take better care of themselves.

She also gets a call from Dr. Grandpa, who calls her out — only to find Ji-hoo waiting instead. Both are surprised to see each other, and realize that Gramps is up to some matchmaking of his own.

Laughing it off, they walk through the park together, coming upon a crowd that has gathered for some kind of event. Jan-di learns from a bystander that a “couple wedding photography contest” is being held, where all couples are invited to dress up in wedding clothes and take pictures. Winner (by fan vote) gets a prize — and at the mention of that, Jan-di perks up. As we know, Jan-di likes free prizes, and particularly homes in on second prize: health food, which makes her think of her sick family.

I like that Ji-hoo notices Jan-di’s interest, but he knows better than to wait for her to suggest it. Instead, he announces that he’s bored and this looks like fun, and drags her along to participate.

While they shoot photos, a crowd of admiring bystanders recognizes Ji-hoo, and they quickly become the favorite couple. At first, their poses are stiff and un-couple-like, so the photographer (and the crowd) urges them to be more affectionate. Ji-hoo starts to lean in, hesitating as though he wants to kiss Jan-di — but she beats him to the punch, getting into the spirit of the moment by pecking him on the cheek first.

They’re so popular that they easily win first prize, which is a trip to Jeju island. Of course, Jan-di actually wanted second prize, and Ji-hoo clocks her disappointment, and trades with the runners-up. (Touched at his gesture, Jan-di grabs him in an appreciative hug.)

At home, Ji-hoo looks over the photos and takes out the ring, contemplating them together.

And then, everyone’s off to Jeju Island for Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung’s wedding.

(How did they all ship their cars over, and just for the weekend? I know they’re all rich, but that just seems silly.)

Also, poor lonely Woo-bin, who must drive all alone! At least he looks hot?

Upon their arrival, F3 joins Jun-pyo on the terrace, where he’s brooding. Ji-hoo informs Jun-pyo that Jan-di came along.

Jun-pyo isn’t happy about that: “Do you think that makes any kind of sense? Both that the Monkey asked her to be a bridesmaid, or that she accepted?”

Ji-hoo turns to Jun-pyo and asks, levelly, “Who do you think is having it toughest right now?”

This is a lovely scene, even if the contents are a little frustrating (plot-wise). But I appreciate that the talk is open and frank, and both ladies address the issue head-on, instead of circling around the point, as so often happens in these conversations.

Jae-kyung thanks Jan-di for coming, as though she’d been unsure if she would. She says, “I know that Jun-pyo and you really liked each other. Even now, you may still care for each other. I’m sorry for pretending not to know. I’m not usually like that, but I was a little cowardly with you.”

Jan-di feels some responsibility too, and says, “No, it was because I couldn’t say so honestly.”

Jae-kyung: “It wasn’t that you didn’t tell me, but that you couldn’t. Even if you’d told me, nothing would have changed. I wouldn’t have been able to give Jun-pyo up.”

For what it’s worth, Jae-kyung honestly seems to feel bad. I think her balance between friendship and selfishness still tilts exceedingly in favor of selfish, but at least she IS aware. (Cold comfort, I know.) She takes Jan-di’s hand and says, growing more tearful:

Jae-kyung: “I really like you. If I had to choose the two people I valued most in the world, it would be you and Gu Jun-pyo. So I’m truly sorry. I’ll make it up to you for hurting you. Forgive me.”

More F4 sports! It’s soccer this time, which starts out fun and playful, but soon gets overshadowed by Jun-pyo’s aggression. He gets a little too into the body-checking, pushing his friends aside, until in the end he’s the only one still on the field.

The others call him in, saying he’ll wear himself out — but Yi-jung says perceptively that that might be what he’s aiming for.

Ga-eul thinks back to her conversation with Eun-jae, which we now get to see in its entirety. Eun-jae had told her that she did confess her feelings to Yi-jung — it was on Valentine’s Day, and she’d mustered all her courage to put everything on the line.

In the end, though, it wasn’t enough to get through to him, and afterward, Eun-jae had felt her feelings “empty out.” She’d thought to herself, “This is where it ends.” However, because she’d decided to face him honestly and live without regrets, it didn’t actually hurt. So Eun-jae had encouraged Ga-eul to go for it, so that she doesn’t live regretting it.

Yi-jung finds her in the field, at first approaching her with his usual light manner. Ga-eul can’t get her head around the idea of arranged marriage at such a young age, but the concept isn’t that shocking for Yi-jung — in F4’s position of privilege, it’s a concept they’re familiar with.

Ga-eul wonders if his future holds the same fate, and he responds that whatever happens, it’s all the same to him. (This recalls his father’s line about how once you’ve lost That One Woman in your life, all the others are pretty much the same.)

This does not go over well with Ga-eul, who bursts out, “How can you be so irresponsible with your life? That’s why nobody can stay by your side.” At this, Yi-jung’s expression darkens; he thinks she’s playing with his weakness. She shocks him by asking why he never went to meet Eun-jae on that Valentine’s Day three years ago.

(They’re really taking advantage of the Jeju Island scenery, aren’t they?)

After walking outside with Jan-di, Ji-hoo ushers her indoors, and broaches the topic of the wedding tomorrow. By the way, I’m really, really digging how the characters are talking so honestly and frankly in this episode — I only wish they’d done this sooner.

Ji-hoo says that she’s running out of time — today may be the last day to get Jun-pyo back.

Ji-hoo: “After meeting you, there’s only been one thing I wish for — for you to be happy, and not cry anymore. I’m afraid that after tomorrow, you won’t be able to smile again.”

Jan-di responds, “Don’t worry. I will be able to smile,” but the lie is immediately apparent since she starts to tear up. Ji-hoo pulls a handkerchief out to wipe at her tears — but she rejects it. (I’d thought for a split second that he was taking out the ring, and maybe that was the intention. Perhaps he’d been considering giving it to her, but the way she reflexively pushes him away is a blatant reminder that she still loves Jun-pyo.)

Speaking of whom, later that night, Jun-pyo reluctantly sits through a family dinner, remaining silent as everyone chatters about the upcoming wedding.

Jan-di, taking the elevator down to the lobby, spots him sitting with Jae-kyung, and very briefly meets eyes with Jun-pyo. Thus he’s in a mopey mood when Jun-hee arrives that night, asking the somewhat cryptic question, “How much are you prepared to go through?”

Jun-pyo asks, “How much will it take?” Jun-hee answers, “Everything. Family, Shinhwa Group, and maybe even your name as Gu Jun-pyo.”

Jun-hee understands his dilemma and says, “I couldn’t do it. I wondered, what would I become if I abandoned everything? I didn’t have the courage to live as a nobody, as just one man’s woman… I suffered for that one moment of cowardice. I thought I could forget, but I couldn’t.”

I doubt Jun-pyo has ever talked this openly with his sister about this, and he wonders if this means she still feels sorry to the boyfriend she’d left.

Jun-hee answers, “No, not to him. I feel sorry to the twenty-year-old Gu Jun-hee, who I’d thought would always be forthright and pure.”

But she’s not here to tell him what to do; she’s here to offer moral support: “Whatever you decide, I’ll understand. And no matter what you do or where you are, the fact won’t change that you’re the little brother I love.”

I love this scene, because it shows that there’s actually one person in the world who knows exactly what Jun-pyo’s going through. Until now, we’ve seen their similarities in their circumstances, but now we can actually see that they share emotional parallels as well.

Jun-pyo meets Ji-hoo by the outdoor pool and tells him solemnly: “Ji-hoo. You’re a brother to me. You were in the past, and you will be in the future. I’ve thought from time to time how you could live on fine without me, but what would I do without you?”

Ji-hoo wonders what he’s getting at — he’s not asking for help in escaping the wedding, is he? Jun-pyo turns to Ji-hoo and instructs him: “Hit me once.”

At Ji-hoo’s surprise, Jun-pyo continues, “I’m not joking. I have to get hit by you.”

Ji-hoo starts to protest, but stops; after a moment, he punches Jun-pyo in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Maybe this is an exercise in masochism, or maybe Jun-pyo feels he deserves punishment for his next words (because no matter what he decides, he’ll be hurting somebody). He says, “I can’t let go of Jan-di.”

Jae-kyung talks with Jan-di, trying to pick the right wedding dress to wear for the ceremony, again displaying either a lack of tact or a sugarcoated mean streak.

(Honestly, I’m inclined to go with supreme lack of tact, because on one hand, I don’t think she’s being purposely cruel — even though I do admit that on the other hand, it’s uncool of her to enlist Jan-di’s cooperation since she’s acknowledged that she knows how Jan-di and Jun-pyo feel about each other. But on the other hand — yes, I have three hands in this argument — her reasoning in the following scene does actually make sense. But we’ll get to that shortly.)

Jun-pyo texts Jae-kyung a message: “I have something to say.” From Jae-kyung’s expression, she already senses that this may not be happy news.

But she’s the queen of feigning ignorance, and when she meets Jun-pyo at the wedding chapel, she takes a light tone. Jokingly, she recites her vows, answering with her “I do” at the end, then asks him for his vow to take this woman to be his bride, etc.

Jun-pyo, stoic and grim, tells her, “I can’t.”

This isn’t how she wants this conversation to go, so she tries to laugh it off, saying that she was just joking around.

Jun-pyo: “It’s not a joke, Monkey. No, I mean Ha Jae-kyung. You can’t marry me.”
Jae-kyung: “Jun.”
Jun-pyo: “I’m sorry.”
Jae-kyung: “Is it enough to say sorry? Then why are there laws and police in this world?”
Jun-pyo: “There’s already someone I love*. She’s the first in my life, and for the rest of my life she’ll be the only one. You still want to marry me?”

Jae-kyung nods.

(* The word he uses is not sarang [사랑] but “like” [좋아]. However, in this context it really indicates love, not simply liking.)

Jun-pyo wonders if she’s crazy, and she replies:

Jae-kyung: “I know that woman is Geum Jan-di, but I want to keep going with you. It’s funny, but I like that you’re so devoted, and I like even more that you know what real love is. I can bear knowing that the person is Jan-di. She won’t be easily forgotten, but if I wait — if I keep waiting, I’ll have the next chance. You’ll love me like that too.”

He tries to reason with her, but she says, “That’s enough for me. It’s worth it for me to invest in that.”

And then Jun-pyo kneels, to beg her: “Forgive me.”

Jae-kyung says in a harder tone: “No. Listen to me. Tomorrow we will stand here and become spouses. Whatever the past, we’re going to promise to love each other until we die. So there’s no reason for you to beg for my forgiveness, or for me to forgive you.”

She walks off, fighting her own tears.

And then it’s wedding day.

The pews fill with guests, Jae-kyung nervously sits in the prep room in her dress, and F3 wait for Jun-pyo to emerge.

When he finally does, he’s wearing his tux and a dire expression. He asks Woo-bin for a favor: “Break my arm.”

HA! The guys gape in surprise, but he means it, and Woo-bin seems to get that he’s serious about the arm. Jun-pyo presses him, “There’s no time. With your abilities, you can do this in one blow.”

I find Yi-jung’s facepalm expression particularly hysterical as Jun-pyo sets his arm on the table and Woo-bin takes it, readying to deliver a blow…

I was actually hoping we’d get to see Jun-pyo chicken out, but instead, Jan-di appears in the doorway, upset at this display. She looks disappointed and irritated at Jun-pyo for sinking to such an avoidant tactic, and charges, “That’s all you could think of? If this is the only way you could stop this, then I’d rather you just went ahead with it.”

It’s not necessarily his intent that bothers her, but the methods. Jan-di faces him accusingly: “You’re a coward. You aren’t being forthright with anybody. You’re not facing things, you’re running away. If you run away like this now, it’ll happen again someday.”

So Jun-pyo approaches her, grabs her by the shoulders, and tells her intently, “Then tell me not to do it. Tell me not to go.”

COMMENTS

Okay, this was:
(1) a FANTASTIC ending to go out on, and
(2) I HATE THIS ENDING!! (as a viewer)
(3) But also, I LOVE this ending! (as an appreciator of dramatic structure).

Okay, let’s talk Jae-kyung. Madam Kang’s enthusiastic reception of Monkey Girl makes me wonder whether she likes Jae-kyung genuinely or is mostly afraid of losing a merger. I think it can’t all be business-related; there must be elements of the former in there — perhaps she likes her because she’s so eager to play along, and thus seems like she’d be easier to manipulate.

I don’t hate Jae-kyung as many people seem to, but I did find her logic twisty and puzzling in this episode. For instance, the whole bridesmaid issue. If we give Jae-kyung the benefit of the doubt, I can understand (kinda) that as a friend she’d want her big day to be supported by her supposed best friend, and if they were truly good friends, the other party would be able to rise above her feelings out of love for the friend. In theory. However, the one glaring flaw in that logic is that Jan-di has never invited Jae-kyung to be her friend — she probably does like her, but she never agreed to this level of companionship so she shouldn’t be held to those standards.

Also, Jae-kyung may (selfishly) expect Jan-di to able to compartmentalize her heartbreak in service of friendship — but people can’t compartmentalize emotions like that, and we don’t play our roles out of our neat little boxes, and I think Jae-kyung is missing this, probably because she does actually compartmentalize as a sort of survival tactic. It’s how she’s able to remain so chipper in the face of a rather lonely and bleak childhood and adolescence.

As for Jan-di… I know she’s swept up by Jae-kyung’s strong gravitational pull and not really acting out of her own volition, so she has a hard time protesting. But really, what would it take for Jan-di to go Jerry Springer on her ass, just for a little while??

And finally, I have to say that I freaking LOVE that Jun-pyo actually kneels down in front of Jae-kyung. Omo! That’s something we could never have expected of him a mere few episodes ago, but it also shows how much he wants out of this relationship. And before we complain that he can still back out without Jae-kyung’s consent, I think that’s beside the point — the point is that this new-and-improved Jun-pyo wants, and needs, Jae-kyung’s consent. He has to do the right thing by both women, rather than taking what he wants and letting the other person suffer alone. It’s the price he pays for tapping into his humanity — he’s subject to its pains just as much its benefits.

Filed under: Drama Recaps |

276 Comments

1 Yukuri - Mar 17, 2009 at 9:57 pm

thank you..
2 DBSK - Mar 17, 2009 at 9:57 pm

refreshing the page every two seconds i was! thanks tons for the recaps! you rock!!!
3 AnGeL - Mar 17, 2009 at 9:58 pm

Thanks much! ^__^
4 annie - Mar 17, 2009 at 9:58 pm

yay thank u!!
5 Linda - Mar 17, 2009 at 9:59 pm

Thanks for your dedication to the recaps, Javabeans!

Kim Hyun Joong… You know I love you… I’ve been SS501’s fan since 2006….
That is why, (I’d like to think..) me knowing you pretty well…
I can’t help but giggle seeing you trying to cry…
Last time, there was rain. Smart PD..
But this time, I seriously think it sounds like someone else’s crying sounds were added on..?

I’m teasing because..
You’re such a manly-guy, doesn’t like to be serious, and loves to joke around…
So I bet you were trying not to laugh. :p

I know you’re trying, and you’ve improved greatly.
I keep replaying little scenes where your eyes or the corners of your mouth expressed your emotions.. Ahh, I felt so proud.

I hope DSP gives you some kind of break after the drama finishes shooting..
And please gain some of your weight back. T_T
6 Leslee - Mar 17, 2009 at 9:59 pm

I loved this episode! and because I have no life and have been refreshing for an hour, might make the top 10!!
7 maki - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:00 pm

totally great!!!! i loved it!!!
8 lulu - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:01 pm

YESS!!
im the top few!!!thnks so much javabeans!!
jaekyung knows that she gonna hafta give up on gjp..and she knows that gjp loves jandi…
and the great gjp and kneeled to her..she should’ve accpeted!!
and of course..jandi should say that she doesnt want gjp to go…
as for the soulmates..i wish them a happy ending…
yijung should realized that hte only one that was actually “standing by him” was gaeul “reminds me of stand by me OST”
its gonna end soon sadly..but its gonna be a happy ending!!!
<3<3<3<3 minho and kimbum!
9 yay - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:01 pm

I”M SO NERVOUS FOR THE UPCOMING EPISODES!

they’re good at choosing when to end an episode.
10 nov0607 - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:01 pm

thanks as always!
11 JJ - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:03 pm

thank you so much! been waiting & looking forward to your recap!
I actually liked this episode…even tho I knew what was gonna happen cuz I read the leaked script. I am so looking forward to next week!
I love the new OST in the last 2 episodes. Thank you for the dl links to some of them =)
12 Alice - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:03 pm

I felt sorry for JK then after the church scene I snapped right back into JK=wench mode! For some reason I never cry in any of the JP/JD scenes but only the JiHoo/Grandpa scenes. Like the one at the funeral where little JH is crying, falls, while Grandpa drives away and the fishing scene with the ring. I feel like these scenes are the most touching… I can’t wait until the next episode!!!!
13 meikisis - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:05 pm

OOOHHH…

I was hoping that that will be your main picture in this episode! Yay!
So nice to have them side by side like that..

Thanks!
14 jo_ajero - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:07 pm

I also love the part of ji hoo and grand father.

The grandfather recounts how he gave such a simple ring to ji hoos mother and she was overjoyed with it. He asked her “how can you be happy with such a simple ring” and she replies, “I am happy because there is only one ring like this in this world and its mine”.

Grandfather tells ji hoo ” im sorry for taking such a (kind) mother from you . . .”

This scene is beautiful for me.
15 estelle - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:07 pm

Thanks loads Javabeans~
16 vivi - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:08 pm

yeah, it’s truly sad that jun pyo and jan di have to go thru all these
i thought jan di have changed her heart to ji hoo, but man, when she rejected his hand, i realized she only has heart for jun pyo…
Jae kyung on the other hand, i cant stand her…but I love Lee Min Jung acting skill, she delivers this spoiled ignorant brat really really perfect! I just wish they could do a happy ending for her too since she will be the savior for Jan Di and Jun Pyo
17 ohgeeze. - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:08 pm

“(How did they all ship their cars over, and just for the weekend? I know they’re all rich, but that just seems silly.)

Also, poor lonely Woo-bin, who must drive all alone! At least he looks hot.”

THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS SAYING TO MY FRIEND AS WE WERE WATCHING TODAY. Like wtf. They sent their cars over to Jeju Island?

And wow, Woobin did look hot. It’s the new hair.
Kimbum seemed to go back to his old hair style in the earlier episodes.

But eee, it’s getting real intense.
When’s the last one… episode 25 or 26?

Thanks!
18 shannon - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:10 pm

omg, thanks for the synopsis~
i was refreshing the pagee like 70 times per minute. hahaha
thank you soooo much~
and i liked this episode too <3

i hope 22 will be just as good if not more.

there’s only 25 episodes right?
19 ibako777 - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:10 pm

THANKS A BUNCH!!! Cant wait for next week!!!
20 Japanese Drama - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:12 pm

Thank you Javabeans for your good job….

KIM HYUN JOONG looks like YON-SAMA..hehehehe…

I don’t know for the first-third episode..i like to see JUn Pyo..but now why it shifted to you…

plus..your hair cut makes you more adoreable!!!!
21 Amanda - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:12 pm

hey babe thanks for the summary..
but i think yijung’s car was orange instead. and the 2nd prize jandi wanted was the meat right?
22 findthisfacs - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:12 pm

I always come back to check up on the recaps and I get a kick out of reading it after watching it because my Korean is not that perfect and I get lost in translation.
Thanks so much!
23 widhi - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:12 pm

I really like your recap. I’ve been following this since the very beginning. Keep up the good work.^^v
24 meikisis - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:12 pm

One more thing..
i thought of you when they showed them playing soccer…

we can now check off soccer from our list… lolz
You`re hilarious! I got a chuckle out of that..
25 jassarah - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:13 pm

Great recaps and comments as always. Your how-the-heck-did-they-get-their-fancy-schmancy-sports-cars-to-Jejudo was *exactly* my thought during that scene

All I could think of during the Jandi-Ji Hoo wedding contest was oh my goodness, KHJ looks so much better and happier with Hwangbo haha. Yep, I know this is just a drama and that WGM is just a TV show, but can’t help being a fan of the Ssangchu couple.
26 jongmin - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:14 pm

you stated that it was wierd that people would bring out their cars to an island for the weekend.. but there are ferries that take the cars to jeju island from the mainland. just thought i’d point that out. ^_^
27 Shuurei - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:14 pm

I just have to say a HUGE thank you, for all these updates; sharing the thoughts and emotioned triggered by the story. Really gives a lot of us a different perspective how each character or episode unfolds.
28 Lena - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:17 pm

thanks for the recap =)
JK just confuses me. Maybe it’s because she never had friends before, but how she expects JD to remain her friend after she gets married to the guy JD loves.. is beyond me. When she was showing off her jewelry and and dress to JD.. I just wanted JD to punch her lol but of course .. JD’s too “nice” for that -___-
JP annoyed me this episode. He’s trying to get others to bail him out. Asking his friends to break his arm, asking JD to hold him back, begging JK to let him go. Why can’t he just stop being such a coward and do it himself? Why is he trying to push the responsibility onto someone else. I’m sorry, but JP is going to need to redeem himself heavily in the next episode because I’m completely on the JH ship now. (I’m a bit sad that JD rejected his hankerchief.. lol)
29 Debbie - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:17 pm

I think the second prize was beef… When the camera panned to the prize table, Jan Di’s line of vision was directed at the beef.

What did Jan Di not say anything when Jun Pyo asked her to ask him to not go through with the wedding? Jan Di just remained silent!!

BTW, I LOVED your comment, especially this:
“Okay, this was:
(1) a FANTASTIC ending to go out on, and
(2) I HATE THIS ENDING!! (as a viewer)
(3) But also, I LOVE this ending! (as an appreciator of dramatic structure).”

Anyhow, I think Jae Kyung is just mean, stubborn AND selfish… up to this point (I have this disclaimer because I know the storyline and know what’s going to happen next).
30 Alvina - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:18 pm

so beautifully laid out and planned. This episode flowed well.

Thank you for your review javabeans! You’re the best.
31 myjkaddict - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:19 pm

Hi,

I’ve been your silent reader for quite a while now and I think I should say my THANK YOU today cos I’ve realized how reading your recap really makes my day

Keep up the good work!!!
32 Lara - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:19 pm

Have we finally solved the mystery of Jan Di’s dream in New Caledonia?

The fortune teller said she was with two different men, her husband and her soulmate. Does “husband” refer to the mock wedding scene with Ji Hoo?

That scene has been bothering me for months, if you can’t tell!
33 funniebones - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:19 pm

WOW I am so impressed that BBF is picking up again! For a while, I felt that everything was so lackadaisical, and that my mundane life was more preferable than this, which was meant to be an escape from reality…the giddy-fying moments had gone and all it had come to be was a HABIT.

But now Jun-pyo’s decided to grow some instead of just fighting lamely and ending up throwing fits of frustration in isolation…Jan-di is getting out of that dependent, hopeless abyss, and when Ga-eul tell’s Yi-young what’s up, I’m find myself blurting out THAT’S RIGHT instead of having those “anime sweatdrop” moments…

I really, really do hope that this remains consistent with these last few episodes! I find that with dramas I’m addicted to the ending leaves so much to be desired in comparison with the rest of the series … however BBF has been so illogically flawed more so in the middle that any ending close to the consistency of what’s going on now won’t look so bad in comparison… *crosses fingers*

THANKS DRAMABEANS! You rock the kazba.
34 mems - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:20 pm

Great recaps as usual. Now I can go sleep (Finally!)…oh wait, I have midterm tomorrow
35 Rebeca - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:23 pm

This drama is draaaaggggging. IDK if they are actually following from a pre-set script of if they decided to prolong the Jae Kyung plot cuz she got good feedback from the viewers, but, reallly. Its TOO MUCH.

Now, about the character continuity:
Its just like Javabeans said about plot holes. There are so many character holes that i feel like i’m watching a completely different drama than when it first started….Joon Pyo’s change from crazy guy to responsible adult is pretty deep and has to do with his deceased dad and promises made that he would take care of Shinhwa….but JANDI??!? C’mon.

We all know that she is in love with Joon Pyo. and in love girls act stupid and without common sense. But. NO. Jan Di is supposed to have P.R.I.D.E. can we please, please, please get some pride up in here? It’s like without Joon Pyo she has turned into some sort of soulless zombie. She just walks around depressed the whole time except when she is dealing with Ji Hoon/Grandpa…..that is not Jan Di. Please, writers. Can we see Jan Di doing someting more than moping all the time?! Please? PLEASE?!?! I’ll even overlook the fact that Joon Pyo’s hair isn’t even curly anymore…or Yi Jung’s bugged out eyes…….just give us Jan Di BACK…

oh…and get rid of Jae Kyung. Cute girl. Good Actress. Draggy plot. Joon Pyo has got to tell off psycho-momma and fight to be with Jan Di.
36 yay! - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:23 pm

thank you so much! you are always right on about every recap! i know this is totally unrelated but i’m wondering why gu jun pyo’s hair is becoming less and less curly with every passing episode.. has anyone noticed that? i actually appreciated the curly hair
37 Sweetll30 - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:25 pm

I can’t wait for the next episode – damn have to wait 1 week!! but yes finally more JP/JD scenes! More directness is involves whereas before it was more looks, subtle talk!

Thanks for the recap as usual! and CAN’T WAIT!!!!
38 IcanhazGJPyo - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:25 pm

I didn’t care for episodes 13-20. At all. The lighter moments were incongruous with the main narrative, and the overall pacing, tone, and angst were terrible.

This episode was finally what I had been looking–with character development, and of the kind that matters. The dialogue was heavy, important, and most refreshingly heartfelt. There was so much said by everyone–lol–it’s like the flood gates were opened after 7 episodes of silent moping.

I am still not fond of how all the best lines in the drama have bypassed Jandi. She still has only filler dialogue (for the life of me i cannot figure out why the PDs did this to our leading lady–they even dress her in the frumpiest clothes ever.)

I am amazed at how beautiful the men are. I kind of watch the high def episodes to pause on KHJ’s perfect, perfect face! Unreal bone structure. And that tiny scar under his eye adds to his beauty. (I loved-loved-love the fishing scene. I don’t like overtly sentimental plot lines but the fact that JiHoo just sobs without saying a word says so much about his pain)

All in all, this was a great episode–after what seems like forever.

Knowing the PDs, they will make a mess of the next episode–even though they have a perfect set up for a perfect episode. I am like the abused kid in a relationship with this drama: just when I think things couldn’t be better, I am horribly, horribly shown otherwise.

Thanks for your recaps!
39 shan - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:26 pm

Really like your interpretation on Jun Pyo and why he doesn’t want to hurt both JK and JD:

“He has to do the right thing by both women, rather than taking what he wants and letting the other person suffer alone. It’s the price he pays for tapping into his humanity — he’s subject to its pains just as much its benefits.”

Have been silently reading your recap for the past 20 eps, can’t help it but to leave a comment today! Thanks for your recaps!!! <3

Also, I keep refreshing the page even after finishing the recaps just so that I can read what others have to say. I have to admit that some comments give really great insight into the drama as well, so to these comment-leavers, thanks as well! =)
40 finally! - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:27 pm

lol thankfully i was one of the few lucky ones who couldnt stand this drama from the start and stopped watching after the first episode. i didnt want my remaining brain cells to be killed.
41 omo - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:27 pm

*swoons*
42 Meeeee - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:28 pm

the second prize was a box of beef… Jan Di was on the phone with her mom or dad and said that they should also buy and eat meat. it seemed that she had her heart set on the box of beef…. maybe to send to her family.
43 SHIN - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:28 pm

does anyone know what song is playing on the last part of the episode..
i keep hearing han madiman.. one word..
im just not sure who sang it.
and i downloaded the OST2
at some good site who shared it,
but i dont think the song im talkin about isnt there..
help me out?
44 sunox18 - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:29 pm

Thanks for the hard work you do….this was a very touching/heart crushing episode…well…any way Jandi may end up with either Jong Pyo or Ji Hoo…if the rumors come true that the Korean version is going for a different ending than that of Hana Yori/Meteor Garden???? As always, thanks Javabeans
45 bspanda - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:29 pm

Gee is it really only 4 more eps to the end? Seems like the PD is cramming all the ‘good’ stuff for the end! Maybe that break allowed the PD thinking time LOL

Shame that Woo-bin still hasn’t got his ‘own’ storyline. Oh well can’t cram too much into last 4 eps.

Thanks (again) for the recap – honestly this blog is like a drug! Clicking refresh like mad for latest recaps.
46 stars - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:29 pm

thanks for posting the song by jisun – it is so pretty!
hi-five to all 3 of your hands.
47 Aye - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:29 pm

I say better late than never, Jun-pyo. Yes, I admit it was frustrating watching him be an indecisive jerk. But I can understand why it took him so long to take a stand. We’ve seen instances where every time he wavered back to Jan-di, something stopped him from doing what his heart wants. He was forced to refocus and do what was “right.” He thought he was strong enough to leave Jan-di. He probably had to feed his mind constantly about what would happen to Shinhwa, his family, etc., if he followed his heart. It was a wall he built to close himself in and he had to take a long time to do that. Then, just when he was about to put the last brick in to complete the wall, he realized he simply couldn’t go all the way. It would mean never seeing Jan-di again. It was at that moment that he realized there was no way he could let her go and not regret it. It must have been enlightening and terrifying at the same time for him.

I understand what you mean by Jun-pyo needing Jae-kyung consent, Javabeans. I didn’t like that Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung “got along” decently just because I’m a supporter of Jun-Di. But Jun-pyo being lenient and decent to Jae-kyung is because of Jan-di’s influences. Like what the Grandma said, Jan-di brought a change in him. He has learned to be more considerate towards others’ feelings. And his relationship with Jae-kyung is proof of that.

Thanks for the recap!
48 Sue Noona - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:30 pm

My heart pounds super fast…. Please let this week pass by and we can see the upcoming progress! It’s been tough! It’ll get tougher!

Jiho & Jandi looks good together in a wedding suit!
Woobin…. he’s something eh!
Soccer scene… Just showing of their skill…. They are sports addict eh! We’ve seen skiing, Ice hockey, Rugby, Shooting, now soccer!

I love this recaps!
49 Two Cents - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:31 pm

Javabeans-

I always appreciate your recaps and your viewpoints, but I will have to disagree on your take on several matters in this episode.

First, I think this episode goes far into showing that Jae Kyung is really not a likeable character at all. If you want to give her the benefit of the doubt, at best she is a selfish, clueless, egotiscal brat with no consideration at all for other peoples feelings or emotions. She compartmentalises friendship to only focus on her selfish wants. If she truly considered Jandi a friend, she would never in her wildest dreams has told Jandi to be her bridesmaid. However, I think what we have seen so far of Jae Kyung goes to show that she is actually the worst kind of manipulator- the kind who never seems to show her true face and acts like she is your best friend to manipulate Jandi and guilt her into giving up on Junpyo. What could be more humiliating for Jandi than being a bridesmaid at Junpyo and Annoying Monkey Girls wedding? That’s really rubbing it in her face. I think, given the fact that she knows about the relationship and never even mentioned it or showed her jealousy in front of JunDi, the latter is the more likely possibility and also why she gets along so well with Mommy Dearest.

Second, I HATE that Junpyo kneels in front of Monkey. I’ve said this before and I will say this again- Junpyo, GET A BACKBONE. He is a coward. If he professes to love Jandi so much, then he should stand up and fight for her instead of cowaring behing Monkey’s skirts and expecting her to walk away from the wedding so that he doens’t have to face Mommy Dearest. I know we’re not supposed to be comparing HYD, but just to illustrate the point about the glaring lack of backbone, Tsukasa actually faces monkey and when she threatens him saying that she has a back-up plan, he says with confidence: “I’ll take you on.” And Tsukasa was actually going to face both sets of parents and tell them face to face that there would be no wedding rather than coming up with childish ways to get away from the wedding or expecting Monkey to be the one to walk away. I think Jandi was absolutely right in telling him off and that he is a coward and he is not doing right by anyone with his jellyfish tactics.

Someone in the comments to the prior episode commented that Junpyo breaks promises all time. I would have to agree. He is all talk and no action and a huge disappointment. In that respect he is very much like monkey girl- selfish. He wants to keep Jandi around (like when he said during the truth or dare game, that he couldn’t let her go). Well, he wants to keep her and yet he is too much of a coward to do right by her and admit to the world that Jandi is the person he loves, including to Monkey. In the process, the only person who gets hurt is Jandi. That, in my view, is extremely selfish. And this is exactly the point I was trying to make in my comment about Junpyo just letting Jandi stay hidden in the closet while sitting there presumably for hours watching a movie with “the other woman.” A real man in my book would have stood up for his woman instead of hidding her in the closet.

And those are my two cents.
50 Asmaa - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:31 pm

I *love* the wedding contest pictures of Ji-hoo and Jan-di.. Is that just how far they will go!!?

*Javabeans* you didn’t mention how you felt about these two *now*
51 Ren - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:32 pm

GREAT episode!

I especially loved when Goo Jun Pyo got on his knees. That was huge for me.

Actually, I can really understand Jae Kyung’s feelings. She’s just as in love with Jun Pyo as he is with Jan Di. She knows the situation she’s in, she understands that she’s standing ‘in the way’ so to speak, but she just can’t let him go – it’s harder than people might realize. Sure she’s being desperate. She’s fooling herself into believing that one day he might love her. But despite that she still can’t let go. In some ways you can say she’s just as stubborn as Jyun Pyo.

And there may even be some realism to her hopes, because who knows – people change, one day Jun Pyo might ACTUALLY fall in love with someone other than Jan Di. That’s how it happens in real life anyway, so from her point of view, it’s entirely possible, though from our point of view – the point of view of people knowing that this is a drama where certain conventions must be met and the leads always end up together – we know she probably won’t get what she wants.

To tell you the truth, sometimes I find Jae Kyung a more compelling heroine than Jan Di.

Also I love Ji Hoo more and more (though that crying scene was a bit painful to watch because OUCH the actor cannot cry gracefully at ALL). Still, I love his role as just sort of watching and waiting. He’s not forceably trying to snatch Jan Di away from Jun Pyo. He also seems the type that will accept it if they do get together, but he will be there to catch her if she should fall. But I do like when Jan Di decided to get a hold of herself when she was crying and wipe away her OWN tears. After all, she doesn’t necessarily NEED a human net all the time – if she falls on her ass, she can pick HERSELF up, right?

Anyway, good episode. A few silly, random convenient plot devices again but all in all, more entertaining than last ep.

Also wow but how awesome was the fashion this ep?
52 Jennifer - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:32 pm

thanks so so much for the recap!
53 andygal86 - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:33 pm

OMG! This episode was heartwretching for me to watch! Once again, thanks for your wonderful recaps, Javabeans! I was having heart palpitations during the entire episode, trying to figure out how the Jun Pyo-Jae Kyung relationship is going to end, only to let the cliffhanger kill everything! I’m super-excited for the next four episodes, but sad at the same time, since it’ll be the end! BTW, I don’t know if I was the only one who kept calling Jae Kyung an uber b*tch for treating Jan Di like that, but honestly, she must know how much it hurts Jan Di to be put in these situations…..Looking forward to your next recaps!

P.S. I wanted to sit next to Woo Bin during the car ride! Poor guy had to sit by his lonesome!
54 MK - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:34 pm

Aarrrrggggghhh!!!
I’m getting so hyper about BOF!
Thank you sooo much Javabeans ALWAYS for the recaps. You’re a serious lifesaver.
BUT I NEED MORE YIJUNG AND GAEUL!!!!!!!!
Gaaaah.

Haha thank you and I cannot WAIT unti next monday!
55 eray3 - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:34 pm

LOVELOVE for the recaps!

I was actually really confused by the interaction between GaEul and YiJung. She accused him of not going and from his shock it implies that she’s right but didn’t EunJae say that they had met and she did confess on Valentines Day? Let me know if I missed Something.

Last Episode I really tore into JanDi for being weak and dependent. I’ve been thinking about it though and I think she is still kind of weak but in a sad involuntary way. To me she seems like she is selfless in the worst way. She can fight for anyone’s happiness but her own. She can stand up for other’s and give everything to make others happy but it’s like she doesn’t know how to fight for what she herself wants. IN this ep I see her fighting really hard to keep her own feelings in the background so that JK could have her happiness. It feels like she has no sense of self-worth in her emotiional life.

Alas! Poor WooBin, all alone…agreed BTW about the cars…are they REALLY that rich? …OOOOOHHHHH and what the hell! Isn’t JiHoo AFRAID of cars and driving in them? Where did the white mini come from!!!

And I know that I am probably going to be blasted for this but I like him better than the TW and JP versions of Rui right now. If for no other reason than he makes me believe that JiHoo has actually come to truly LOVE JanDi. IN HanaDan. I never really felt that Rui had moved past Shizuka. HIs supposed love for Makino never registered to me as more than a very deep sense of friendship and kinship that could ALMOST rival the same feeling he had for Tsukasa. LIke a kid torn between two best friends in a fight. Meteor Garden felt like he loved her but not so much that he would even contemplate openly challenging DaoMingSi for SanCai’s affection, let alone actually do so. JiHoo makes me believe that he is a threat to the Jun-Di couple and he means to be. Watching them together makes me actually root for him for the first time in any version. It feels like he loves her and giving her up is the very last thing he wants to do or will do.
56 Cissi - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:35 pm

Re: cars. Maybe the F4 have several copies of each of their cars at various places in Korea, just in case they need it.

I love the scene when Ji Hoo and Jan Di figured out that Granpa played a matchmaking trick on them. Ji Hoo actually looks a bit like the adorable Kim Hyun Joong then!

I read a spoiler on KPCulture which said that there is a specific reason why Jun Pyo HAD to through with the ceremony. I think the PD was trying to make us dislike Jae Kyung as much as possible, and then, on her last screen appearance, exclaim, “She’s awesome!” Although I cannot figure out for the life of me why she had to put Jan Di in such awkward positions! Maybe she has a reason why Jan Di should be at the wedding, but bridemaid? And help her choose a wedding dress?
57 purple :-) - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:35 pm

First off I want to thank you for your recaps…even when the episodes were blah reading your recaps was always amusing haha so thanks

umm..im new to this whole obsessing over dramas thing haha ..i blame it on my “abc” friend who exposed me to taiwanese dramas evrytime i visted her house lol

being mexican Im used to mexican telenovelas and such…but i have to give props to this drama..although a bit far fetched….illogical…and umm etc etc….im totally hooked. The boys are really good eye candy and even if not all of the actors..example Ji-Hoo character…are that good of actors im pleased with lee Min Ho..i mean i memorised his name….and i dont mean to offend or anything but since im not used to the Korean language i just dont remeber their names..but oh Lee Min Ho….too bad hes Korean lol and I have never looked forward to Monday’s as much as I do now haha////…..these last few episodes are soo good….too bad it started getting good when the drama is going to be over soon.. man the ending was very well done….I soo cant wait to see Gaul and Yi-jung bocome a couple ::fingers crossed:: those two were honestly the only reason i would watch the show sometimes and of course the guy who plays Yi-Jung …im ashamed to admit..makes me feel all bubbly inside lol
58 K4Ice4Thu - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:36 pm

YAY recap!!

Quick question before I go off to read..
The song that plays during episode 20 when Jun Pyo is watching Jan Di asleep in the chair after he eats ramen..I know you mentioned that its not released yet..but I wasn’t sure if you knew the song name or who its sung by..
59 IcanhazGJPyo - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:36 pm

@35 Rebeca -
I hear you and I agree with everything you said.

I decided today while heading home after a long day at work that I was just going to accept the fact that fiance is going to be around for god knows how long. She absolutely should not have been in this show for longer than 4 episodes tops, and yet the PDs will have kept her in for 9-10 episodes. I have also noticed how many times JK gets a closeup shot. I dont mean to be nasty or imply things, but there seems to be some kind of serious “PD crushing on JK’s perfectly beautiful face” scenes. Jandi gets nowhere the kind of special treatment that JK gets. I don’t know–maybe this is way to get JK more visible for an upcoming project? I am not sure. All I know that JK has been given as a character so many subtleties. Jandi on the other hand? Bland as a dry piece of day old toast.
60 deeta - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Regarding Junpyo, I agree that on one hand he does not want to hurt either woman, but personally I also think that deep down, he’s just scared of what would be taken away from him if he goes ahead and break off the wedding by himself. He needs Jaekyung’s assent so that his mom wouldn’t disown him and throw him to the street. Until Junpyo is ready to sacrifice all his gold, he would still be his mom’s pawn.

On Jaekyung’s duration in the show, I dunno, I’m actually liking her a lot. She has more effect to the drama and her presence churns out some good episodes. I’m glad Lee Minjung is on for this long.
61 Ren - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:36 pm

OMG THE SONG! *glomps Javabeans and promptly puts song on ipod*
62 Ren - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:37 pm

oops i mean dramabeans
63 WTH - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:38 pm

the jihoo and grandfather scene is really touching. i even cried..lol
I think it’s much more interesting than the JanDi and JunPyo issue. I’m getting bored of the main couple. JunPyo should be a man. For now, I feel like he’s being a coward. Him begging JaeKyung just seems so desperate. He’s like expecting JaeKyung to be the one to cancel the entire wedding why cant he do it himself? Is he a man, really? If JaeKyung were to be the one to cancel, that makes her even braver than JunPyo. I’m so disappointed.
& what the fish is up with asking Woobin to break his arm? That shows even more that he is a coward…It’s equivalent to making up excuses.
64 marbleloaf - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Lara i like where you’re going with this…believe what you will because i dont think the storywriters plan on bringing the issue full circle!

more importantly, that wedding pictures between JD and JH will somehow make its way into madam kang or junpyo’s hands dontcha think??
65 BOFfan - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:39 pm

I am so happy to see Ji Hoo and grandpa reconciling, but seriously, when Ji Hoo was crying, at first I thought, why is the guy laughing? I know it is supposed to be a serious moment but his acting kind of made the scene a little corny. Don’t get me wrong… I love Hyun Joong, and i honestly hope that his acting skills continue to improve… don’t give up! And Jaekyung is definitely the female version of GuJunPyo. Even the line she says about why have laws and police when Jun Pyo says sorry was what Jun Pyo had said early on in the series when Jandi’s psycho friend dropped the ice cream cone on his shoe. All in all, I thought this episode was well done, and the scenery of Jeju was beautiful. The guys all looked marvelous in that opening shot that javabeans has, and Woo Bin looked great driving that car… to bad he was driving alone. I wish he could have had a love interest, but i guess the story would have been too busy.
66 Carrie - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:39 pm

I have a love/hate relationship with this episode. For every single thing you stated in your recap. JK and her crazy logic, Mama Kang… or as I have taken to calling her… Darth Kang. She isn’t just on the dark side. She IS the freaking dark side. There was just a lot in this episode that made my Jun Pyo/Jan Di lovin’ heart so sad.

But I have to say your summation of Jun Pyo on his knees was spot on and brilliant. I freaked out when he did that because you’re right. He NEVER would have done that… even three episodes ago. I love how his character has matured. I really, really, really can’t wait for episode 22. Because my stomach is churning at the thought of being left out in the BOF stratosphere without any resolution.

PS Yes… Woo Bin looked hot driving his car. I felt sad that he was by himself. And maybe they had rentals that looked exactly the same as their cars at home???? Or maybe they came from the same place Jan Di did. The Land of Magical Gadgets and Vehicles. I also loved Woo Bin’s face when he’s testing Jun Pyo’s arm before he breaks it… and Kim Bum’s face is HYSTERICAL when Jun Pyo asks for his arm to be broken. You get the feeling that they’re very happy he’s matured and then he falls back into his stupidity when he is backed into a corner. Great episode even though I am on pins and needles.
67 IrvineBBFAddict - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:39 pm

Thank you so much!! I am so addicted to your BBF recaps and have to read them right after I saw the episodes!! Much appreciate your translation of key conversations which really elevates my understanding of the drama (sometimes the eng sub just doesn’t make that much sense)~~ Can’t wait for the next few episodes and see how it will wrap up!! THANK YOU!
68 kriza09 - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:40 pm

I just wanted to comment on Jihoo’s crying scene… I thought his expression looks weird and at first I blamed it on his acting skill… but then I remember how Hyunjoong cried when SS501 got their first Best Newcomer award in 2005 MKMF. And yes, that’s actually his real crying expression… so I guess it’s not that it was bad acting, but he was just being natural??? LOL

This is the vid : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KJF5i_T7s8
69 ju liu - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:41 pm

WHY AM I ALWAYS LATE IN CHECKING THE BLOG?!

ANYWAY, IT’S GETTING MORE AND MORE EXCITING! I CANT SLEEP!!!!!

LOVE THE SONG OF THE DAY JAVA-B! THANKS!!!!
70 PILK - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:45 pm

Thanks Javabeans! 100% agree with yr comments on Woo Bin in car, hankie, soccer n JP-noona scenes! But JK was channeling her dark side in this episode. She’s not a female JP, rather, she’s like Death Star Kang Jr! JP found his heart/conscience, but JK just exposed the lack of hers. Gosh, really hope Eps 22-Finale hold up as well. JP-JD forever!
71 rescel - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:46 pm

Thanks for your recaps!
For me, it’s the best episode so far…the meaningful exchange of words and actions…very touching! I was deeply touched when the proud and mighty GJP humbled himself (kneel down), asking for forgiveness!
72 me - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:49 pm

i giggled at KHJ’s awkward crying in this episode because if you watch videos of him crying after his debut and while receiving their first award with the SS501 boys, he cries EXACTLY THE SAME ….lol!

i can just imagine him trying really hard not to laugh in the bloopers because he HATES cheesiness …ROFL

I LOVED this episode. At this point i really dont care if JD ends up with either JH or JP…

and i still feel bad for Woobin…in ep 20 he was only in ONE scene, and it seemed like a pity scene…like they didnt really need him there but they just MADE him be there because it was the only scene they could fit him in that ep (breakfast with JP when JK tried to feed him). But i guess it’s too late to make a plot for him. They should have at least shown his house. We still dont even know where he lives -_-

4 more ep to go…or is it 5?
73 Anonymous - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:51 pm

These are my favourite scenes in this episode:
* JunPyu and Jihoo at the pool. They are such close friends
*Jandi and Jihoo at the restaurant where he tried to tell her to get JunPyo back. The pain in his eyes is so powerful.
* JaKyung & Jandi head on with their issue
* The fishing scene of Jihoo & grandpa – heartbreaking
* Jihoo & Jandi wedding pix – How sweet of Jihoo
74 Juls - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:52 pm

Thanks for the recaps! I think JP’s hair is getting less and less curly because the crew is also tired from getting the same 2 to 3 hrs of sleep.
75 Anythingcute - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:52 pm

I said it then and again, I can’t hate Jae Kyung yes she’s abit twisted but still not as crazy as the other version. I like her alot. and Yes because of all the triangle or squaregle whatever, I kind of accepting that this should be a happy ending for double JJ.. jandi and Ji hoo and jun pyo and jae kyung.

Ji hoo feeling towards Jandi is just awesome, I want him to be happy too. and the couple last episode they bonded more then Jandi and Jun pyo. so I guess it’s ok too in my end if it ended like that.

while the whole yi jung and that girl, Honestly I lost interest and kind of fast foward it untill the part where the brother pop up. Anyway, come on yijung and gauel must have to end up together.

and bout the music, I thought I’m the only one that think it sound like Goong. I’m a real fan of real Goong, not the whatever S ( refused to watch it ) have no idea that the music is the same one. I thought it sound similar with Goong (without S ).

What do you think about khj break down acting?
76 Joonni - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:53 pm

I felt the same way about this episode as you. People were finally talking and things were made clear. God, we needed this.

I also can’t hate JK after this episode because I can see what she is trying to do, although her actions can seem mean. But she is not doing things just to be mean, her own sense of logic leads her to do mean things.

What I think is even funnier than thinking that F3 shipped their cars is that the production team actually went through lengths to get those cars to Jeju. It would have made more logical sense and economic sense to just rent cars at Jeju or something. LOL.
77 selenoliber - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:54 pm

Best episode so far, imo.

In regards to Jae Kyung, I know a lot of people hate her and it’s hard to see why as a friend, she would place Jan Di in such a position but I think thematically, Jae Kyung has been made out to be a female version of Jun Pyo. An old version of Gu Pun Jyo made softer. She’s selfish, lonely, and incredibly stubborn, just like him.

I keep thinking back to the episode where she asked him which he would choose, love or friendship and he said “both”. To Jae Kyung, this answer was probably the most appealing and what she is currently striving for. To take the best of both worlds and keep both her lover and her friend.

She might feel sorry and be wracked with guilt for mistreating Jan Di as a friend, but ultimately, Jae Kyung seems to be a character who would rather live in her dream, living in illusion and ignorance, rather than face the reality of her own loneliness. She pushes herself into a friendship with Jan Di, she keeps Jun Pyo by her side despite knowing he does not love her. All of this is done forcefully. Jae Kyung takes both friendship and love by force and aggression.

Who does this remind us of? Old Gu Jun Pyo.

Old Jun Pyo once bribed Jan Di with money and tried to force his feelings onto her, refusing to acknowledge her disinterest in him or her feelings for his friend. He chases relentlessly for the things he wants, just as Jae Kyung is doing, and refuses to give up. When Ji Hoo asks him: “if the one you love is hurting, would you let them go?” Jun Pyo answers “No.”

Isn’t this exactly what Jae Kyung is doing? She absolutely refuses to give up and is forcing her feelings onto others.There is one vital difference though. Even though Jun Pyo answers “No” to Ji Hoo’s question, he frames his reply with “I would make her happy and not give up until I succeed.” Jun Pyo’s unconditional aggression in chasing after love stems from a premise of making the one he loves happy. This is the drastic change that has occured between Old Gu Jun Pyo and the new one. Jun Pyo is not longer lonely because his world and his view no longer center only on himself. It’s a lesson that Jae Kyung must still learn. Marrying Jun Pyo will not make her happy or save her from loneliness because she is still fundamentally selfish and as long as she only cares for her own feelings, her world will always be limited to one person: herself.

Now, on a thematic level, I have to say that I LOVE this comparison because it shows that Jun Pyo’s true ‘enemy’ is himself, the old self, in this case. This is exactly the kind of hurt that his old self inflicted upon others, so it’s almost karma to have it finally happen to himself. It’s the last step in his rehabilitation and a final show of his rejection to his previous way of life.

Anyway, Jae Kyung comes off completely unlikeable in this episode, but I hope I’ve provided some logic to her actions.
78 ... - Mar 17, 2009 at 10:59 pm

I feel like people tend to be very forgiving of JunPyo.
I, myself, am/was like that.
But this episode makes me feel so angry. Why is JunPyo being a coward?
Why is he using other people to bail him out? Why cant he just do it himself?
Why?
Because seriously if you think about it, JunPyo and JaeKyung are involved in a political marriage. It just so happens that JaeKyung likes him. Imagine if JaeKyung doesnt like him at all. They would still be forced to marry anyway because it’s a political marriage. If Jaekyung were to be the once the cancel the wedding, that makes her 1000000000x braver than JunPyo. She’s in the same situation as JunPyo…she’s also being forced to marry too(though she began to like him somehow), and she’s able to cancel the wedding infront of all the people(especially infront of her parents, that’s one brave move)..so why cant JunPyo?
JunPyo is seriously not a reliable person…he’s not someone that you can depend on. I can just imagine how it would be for JanDi if she were to marry to JunPyo. It must be hell.
79 Lena - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:00 pm

after rewatching this episode, I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t feel sorry for Jaekyung at all. I would be completely fine with it if she chose JP and ended her friendship with JD or the other way around but she wants both and that imo is just selfish and inconsiderate of her.
80 Anonymous - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:01 pm

I love this episode. This drama gets me so addictive…

Here is the link for JiHoo’s fans. It’s KHJ’s guerilla date interview. He’s absolutely adorable. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlxzp901_oA
81 The Reader - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:01 pm

i think jaekyung is selfish, PERIOD! What is the point in asking jandi for forgiveness if jaekyung’s going to marry the guy anyway? i think one of the things i’ll take from watching these dramas is this: you canNOT, ever, ever! force someone to love you. it’s just…you CAN’T! when the right guy finds you, he’s not gonna want to let you go. Jaekyung needs to read He’s Just Not that into You. It’ll shed some light on a few things for her….I’m just sayin…

i still like her though ONLY because she’s not COMPLETELY evil (unlike like some biznatchy characters who make me want to high kick their asses)…well, what she’s doing IS kinda evil…anway! that wedding dress was pretty. =/
82 jes - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:06 pm

yay! thanks for the recap javabeans! i can’t wait for next week! things are getting good! i wonder if they are going to go with similar endings to the other versions of hana yori dango or they will do their own? so far i’m liking the korean version best!
83 Hui - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:08 pm

I think JK was very sincere in the scene where she apologize to JD in jeju. And I even cried.

I felt sad for woobin so much when he was along in the car. It’s like JD is with JH, then GaEul with yijung, then suddenly woobin alone! pretty sad for him. I guess ep 22 will be exciting as JD and JP reaffirm their relationship!

Can’t wait for mon.
84 stranger - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:12 pm

Very insightful and provocative analysis…we watch the same scenes but you seem to extract so much more meaning and depth. Thanks for the recap!

By the way, I love Ji Sun’s song….I think it’s the best one in either of the OSTs and her most recent album is amazing!
85 crabapple - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:15 pm

thanks for the recap ! I honestly thought it was weird when ji hoo was actually driving the car with jandi in it !… i donno, he did drive while racing goo jun pyo but that made him uncomfortable… and now in this episode it looks as if he doesn’t mind it at all.
86 queen_of_the_game - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:16 pm

I feel for Jae kyung but at the same time i want to slap her…because jandi as a friend to her didn’t say anything because she was afraid to hurt her..but why can’t JK think or feel that she’s actually hurting jandi by doing/showing these things to her…(some friend you are)…isn’t it enough that jandi is giving up junpyo for her must she really torment her??…Gulay!!! what kind of person is she??

well i must admit that in the past episodes i almost wanted jandi to marry ji hoo already to end her sufferings but after the last 2 episodes im back to being a GJP & GJD go go go go all the way fanatic….i realized now how GJP must have suffered on his own while Jandi had Ji hoo to cheer & catch her…poor GJP.. but im proud of him for being honest to JK and I love him for swallowing his pride and kneeling in front of JK just to prove that he loves Jandi and there will never be a chance for them (junpyo & jaekyung)…

On GJP’s defense..i think what the sister said about being scared to be a nobody and giving up everything just for one person goes for GJP too…it’s not like he can’t give up everything for jandi but i think he’s also thinking that if he gives up everything and choose Jandi will they be really happy…i guess he wants to work everything out..like mama kang to like jandi and him to continue being shinwa heir for the sake of its people…he’s being a very resposible guy now…and i’m loving it!!!! see yah next week…thanks again javabeans…
87 Jenn - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:18 pm

#49, I disagree with you. If her intention was to manipulate Jan Di then she never would have been honest with her at all. She’s torn between friendship and love and decided that against all odds, she is going to somehow keep both. Which explains why she wants to marry JP and have JD standing by her side.
She’s never had any friends or intimate relationships and it shows. Her belief that she can just “make it up” to JD later on and that will erase all the pain she put her through shows just how truly ignorant she is.

Jan Di could and should have said no. But I think the main reason she went along was in the hopes that JP would man up and put a stop to it.

Java, i’m not quite sure I fully agree with your comment about JP needing JK’s consent. I lean more towards him still looking for the easy way out, which would be her calling off the wedding.
88 Werdah - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:20 pm

Thanks so much for your re-caps.
I love reading your in dept analysis.

I can’t help but not root for GJD & GJP.
It’s like the wind.
It came and it went.
Get over it and move on.
89 Priel - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:21 pm

This is great. I got 20th eps by early morning ‘n got the 21st by afternoon!
Superb! thank you very much. also to he/she who’s given the website for live videos in english sub. can’t wait to watch the ending …
90 Kimche - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:23 pm

It’s weird, Javabeans, but for once I feel opposite of you. This series actually got worse for me these past few episodes. It’s been a gradual process, but as of episode 21, I think the writer has successfully killed my affinity for every single character, including Jun Pyo (why writers? why?!), which I didn’t think was possible.

I’m finding myself annoyed at how every character seems to be wallowing in self pity at this point. I think I’m supposed to feel sorry for them (Woobin and his inferiority complex, Yi Jung and his self-imposed loveless life, Ji Hoo and his family crisis, Jun Pyo’s impending marriage of convenience, Ga Eul’s unrequited advances at YJ…etc), but I think my sympathy quota was used up by Jandi. Now, I just want to tell every character to suck it up. *sigh* It’s sad, because I started out enjoying this series and its characters.

It’s great that so many people are enjoying this series though. That alone makes the show a success. I guess it just ended up being not my type of show.

Thanks for so diligently recapping and commenting on every episode! Unlike with the series, my enjoyment of your recaps never waned
91 greenpea133 - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:27 pm

THANK YOU for such a early recap with the latest BOF episode. I’ve read all ur recaps and i’m always waiting for ur blog with the newest episode cuz it just makes my day.

This is a major improvement from the past episodes …just wat took them so long to let them have conversation like this…..

thanks for the recaps, pictures, music and ur opinion..KEEP IT UP =]
92 ozchick - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:29 pm

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou! You have made my crap day infinitely better! Can’t wait to watch this on the weekend
93 iris - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:30 pm

d0es anyone know song at the end of episode?

anyway,thanks for your wonderful comments and recap!!!!
94 Pully - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:30 pm

“admire the too-lovely-to-be-real bone structures of Lee Min-ho and Kim Hyun-joong”

Oh thanks god, dramabeans, I thought you were like Jandi who is immune to 2 hotties she got, and for me, JiHoo and JunPyon are perfect substitutes, now I have forgotten why JP and JD became a couple in first place, I don’t really care if the writer twisted the ending 180 degree from the original.
95 carrey_chan - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:36 pm

LOL watching without caps, i thought he wanted woo bin to slit his wrist. THANKS !!!
96 ala - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:43 pm

“But what it boils down to is this: If cold logic rules yer brain over pure entertainment and/or emotional reaction, what are you doing watching this drama anyway, right?”

But you know, it’s kind of difficult to accept the emotional reactions of the characters if there’s no logic with the drama. It doesn’t have to be as real as reality could be, but real enough to make the eventual emotions of characters believable.

The same way that there are some well-known facts in this world and though we accept that, it’s easier to accept and more comfortable with the knowledge if we know there’s a reasoning behind, you know.

For example, everyone knows who the lead characters are in a drama and that these two characters will end up together. But it is more entertaining if as we go along the whole drama, we can see based on the acting that they are actually meant to be together.

It’s different if I just know they are supposed to be together but I don’t see that in the scenes. It’s like I’m shortchanged and I don’t know what to believe — one side says they are in love, while the other side can’t see that.

Like with Ji Hoo’s issues with his grandfather. The whole personality of former-president-now-doctor-unrecognized-by-the-people aside (see, I can let go some of the logic), it’s kind of difficult to understand that this grandfather left A CHILD ALONE just because he feels guilty that he is the cause of the child’s parents’ demise. A CHILD ALONE, who took care of him? How was he able to survive?

Now, if the situation is the grandfather entrusted a distant relative to care for the child, that could be more realistic. Or if Ji Hoo knows his grandfather is alive but the grandfather refuses to relate with him/ is aloof with him, that’s more believable than a child being left alone by the grandfather and the child thinking all along as he grew up that his grandfather is dead.
97 ank - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:45 pm

Thanks for the summary! I love this episode!! LMH is amazing, he is such a good actor. I love Hyunjoong, he is improving by the day, but I agree with some of the comments that he’s not very good at crying scenes. I’m sure he’ll learn a lot from this drama and will work very hard to improve himself.

Jandi-Jihoo wedding scene – I loveeeee it so much. HJ is soo perfect – my eyes were glued to the TV without blinking hahahaha…
98 popcorn - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:45 pm

First, thanks for the recaps. I glanced through and understood the story even though I already know it… lol

Wow, can’t believe I stopped watching after episode 6. -_- Kind of sad because I started out really enjoying this show. It’s already spring break and I show no sign of wanting to watch it. That’s kind of disappointing since I was anticipating for this from the start. I wonder what went wrong to cause the lost in interest.

Anyway, there is only a few more episodes right? Even though I know the ending, I still kind of wonder how it goes.
99 lanigonzalo - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:47 pm

Love your recaps as always. You are my absolute source for an excellent Kdrama analysis. I also read all the other comments. It’s so nice to belong to the BOF fandom even if my friends and relatives think I’m nuts to be a kdrama addict. We all get high on the same drug.

Heard that BOF is the only production receiving a lot of freebies despite the economic crunch due to its popularity. For all you know, the ferry company and the Jeju Island tourism council sponsored the cost for transporting the cars just to be mentioned in the credits.
100 D - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:48 pm

As always, Bravo, for a great recap and your commentary, love the way you put things into perspective…here’s hoping that JP will be a man and give it all up, for his one and only……….as for GaEul and Yi Jung, that one is still vague to me…..Minho seems to be the arbitrator for the problems of the F4…even tho he’s always without a main squeeze that dude is COOL!!!!!!!!!
101 blue_rose - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:48 pm

Wow, I sooo agree with your last paragraph…………..

“He has to do the right thing by both women, rather than taking what he wants and letting the other person suffer alone. It’s the price he pays for tapping into his humanity — he’s subject to its pains just as much its benefits”

For some reason I can not think of a better explanation why his act is sooooo very noble. Finally JP has grown up.

Thanks for the recap Sarah, I always enjoys it tremendously.
102 Mai - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:50 pm

OKAY.. .So this episode wasn’t bad.. I liked how they went deeper into Yi Jung and Jihoo’s stories. =)

Jihoo with his grandpa was cute! =D Haha, Jihoo is acting hard.. Trying to act cool, but he really wants to give his grandpa a chance. =) AND yah… His grandpa set them up, huh? Haha, I thought that was cute, like SUPER cute. =D Haha, I guess he sees their relationship but doesn’t realize there’s someone else, which is Goo Junpyo. =/ But back to Jihoo and Jandi, they were so cute in the pictures. [And oh my gosh is it just me or did Hyun Joong look SUPER HOTT!! Haha, I mean I never really thought Hyun Joong was really appealing to my taste. I liked the Yunho type.. Haha..] Anyways, Jandi was very touchy in this scene though, which is unusual but I guess it gives you a point that they’re alot closer than we think.

Okay, Yi Jung… He is what Gaeul say he is.. He’s a coward and he’s selfish. I love our Yi Jung but I think our Gaeul has a point. She’s the only one who can tell him off and get away with it.. Which gives us SoEulMaters something to be happy about. =D Poor Yi Jung, has to see his first love with his OLDER BROTHER? How dramatic can it get but then again, we all have to remember this IS a Korean drama. =/

Goo Junpyo… You ARE really stupid… But with Jae Kyung, it really show just how much you love Jandi.. Jae Kyung, I really hope your intentions in the end are good… REMEMBER you’re SUPPOSED to let Junpyo go… =/ But I believe Jae Kyung gets it… She’ll let them both go for their happiness. Her best friend and her first love… But then again.. Junpyo is her first love and we all know what first loves are like… We give our all, and even if they don’t want us we still push them until we get the bitter truth and reality check. Jandi seems to be stuck, she knows she loves Junpyo and she obviously doesn’t want to lose him. BUT then again Jae Kyung, who she cares for as a friend is the one Junpyo has to marry and this makes it hard. Just the same for Jae Kyung too, except Jae Kyung is benefiting Junpyo financially with the company and Jandi is benefiting him personally. Let’s thank Grandma and Junhee for stepping in and being on the Jundi boat! =D

Madam Kang looked beautiful! Don’t you think so? I don’t know in the other episodes her hair looked so weird but in this episode her hair looked perfect and she looked great. =D

OKAY, so now all there’s to do is to wait for the next episode. =D Love your reviews! =D Haha, I know I mention it like almost every single time but… Still you’re awesome. =D
103 Kimby - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:50 pm

with regards to the cars, the show must be receiving some serious marketing funds from the automakers….=)

I too find that Junpyo is being a coward and not doing anything proactive to get out of the situation. His sister already gave him the hint of what he might have to do……I’m hoping that he redeems himself in the next episode. I assume the JK will stop the wedding but I really hope we see that JP was never going to go through it anyway…..just like in the Japanese version, where Tsukasa was going to speak up…the fiancee just decided to do it for him. I can see JK deciding to do this because she’ll probably realize that by JP asking for her forgiveness, that it’s a hopeless situation for her.

I hope that somehow, JH finds his happiness too. Based on his encouragement to JP to find a way of his engagement, it seems to indicate that he was never really trying to take away JD from JP. He really does just want her to be happy…..and I really love him for it!

Anyway, seriously looking forward to the next episode….although I am not looking forward to the amnesia part and umi showing up!
104 foxymama123 - Mar 17, 2009 at 11:55 pm

I don’t like JK but i can relate. We can’t say that she isn’t in love with JP because she obviously is, probably not to the extent of JD and JP but she has tried everything. She knows that JD and JP love each other but she holds onto that hope/thought that EVENTUALLY the feelings will die and then she can have both friend and lover at her side. it is a selfish thought but it is not so selfish to the point where she is purposefully hurting JD or JP. I think she is just headstrong to the point where she denies all the signs and facts that this will not turn out for her. She will have to settle for JP as a friend.
I hope it never gets to the point where JH gives the ring to JD because then that would mean JD and JP are getting anywhere near to being together.
I really like how JD’s character is developing. I know some people say that she has totally and completely changed from the strong and fighting JD but people change. Especially when they go through that much. JD has already done her part in the relationship. She went to Macau to look for JP and although on her part it is easier to be with JP and than it is for JP to be with her, she is ready and willing.
JP, on the other hand, knows that he will not and can not let go of JD but has not made any steps into doing that. He just hopes that things will solve themselves. He needs to take action.
I think that is why JD is just sitting on the sidelines, waiting. because that is all she can do.
It is all up to JP. I am excited to see him crash the wedding by announcing that he will not marry JK. Can you imagine the look on Madame Kang’s face?
*that was something I imagined happening. Not at all factual*

Thanks for the recap! I am often busy so I don’t have time to watch the episodes when they come out but your recaps are great when I need my weekly dose of BBF. It summarizes everything up perfectly! Love it!
Keep up the good work!
105 Fritz - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:00 am

I have a wild hunch about what will happen next. Maybe… JP will not go on with the marriage vow at the last minute, but JK will beat him to it. She’ll announce to the whole crowd that she cannot go on with the marriage, thus saving JP and JD all the hassle and the merger’s falling off will not be blamed on JP but on JK. But the witch will still blame JD for it….. Gosh… I am so addicted to this.
106 aeriefaerie - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:06 am

I’ve been a big fan of yours and been sadly a silent reader of your blog for quite a while. I especially love your episode recaps because you truly recap the story and whereas I don’t have even watch the episode if I don’t have time. And you offer great insight of what’s going on in the dramas.

In this particular episode I love the points you brought up about Yi Jung and his brother. Also your point of view on Jae Kyung. Who I can’t help but like but also loathe at the same time. Love her for her personality and sweetness , loathe of the selfishness.

I just wanted to thank you for being such a great blogger and sharing your insight on K-Dramas. I really appreciate it.
107 glitzyglam - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:10 am

I hate how I’m so in love with Jihoo AND Joonpyo.
I can’t make up my mind about them, and don’t know who I really want Jandi with!
I LOVE the Jandi//Joonpyo couple.. but it makes me depressed to think Jihoo can’t have her…
Monday seems so far!! D:
108 dke - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:13 am

When I saw the preview, I was really afraid to watch this episode! When Jun Pyo said “break my arm”, I thought are we returning to senseless stupidity againn! No!!! But it didn’t and now I’m happy.

as for Jae-kyung, I’m a bit confused on that score, but still hands down that was not cool what she did. Usually I like this character and feel bad for her, but in this she is really really annoying and pathetic. No matter what happened to her, she should not be doing this and she knows it. Even though she does get credit for at least realizing, I think that makes her actions even worse because she knows she is hurting Jan-di intentionally but still doing it AFTER she asks for forgiveness! I’m sorry but in my book that is just WRONG!
109 51803 - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:15 am

LOVE the 5 min hug of JP with JD. though it was interrupted.
LOVE YJ & GE’s interactions here. at least GE is back to her feisty self. and that she shows strength of character because although it hurts her to see YJ in love with someone else, it does not deter her from speaking her mind.
FRUSTRATED that both JP & JD are playing “come get me” by saying “That’s all you could think of? If this is the only way you could stop this, then I’d rather you just went ahead with it.” / “Then tell me not to do it. Tell me not to go”.
they both want the same thing – for the wedding not to take place. to be back in each others’ arms. yet they won’t/can’t say it. ugghhh!!!!!
but yes, i do UNDERSTAND that this is a kdrama. so there are “requisite” plots.
and yes! isn’t it funny that they shipped the cars to Jeju? i found it hilarious that we see them on the plane, then on the next frame they’re on their cars.
i mean, they are rich so they must have tons of vehicles. and if there’s a place where they do not own a property where there would naturally be a car or two lying around, it is so much easier to rent. OR they could’ve flown to Jeju via the F4 jet.
all the same, I LOVE IT! he he! not only because they are the best looking F4. (though i do not particularly like Kim Hyun Joong).
btw, Yi Jung’s big brother looks like Joe Cheng of It Started With A Kiss!
110 engl - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:23 am

i agree with you.. i did love the ending, but i was waiting for more and then it just ended ….. absolutely loved the junpyo and jaekyung scene at the church.. very good acting for both of them, the kneeling was an omg moment for me..did not expect that at all

also in this ep, the jandi and jihoo moments were just way too sweet, i sometimes wish for her sake that she ends up with jihoo, which is funny because i think that junpyo should be with jandi for his sake lol.

the honesty was greatly appreciated in this episode…i was getting tired of all of them going around in circles when everyone basically knew everything that others all thought they didn’t (seriously reminds me of the Friends episode where everyone found out about monica and chandler’s relationship). i hope that the wedding issue will be wrapped up in the next episode, but then i wonder, whats going to happen in the next three episodes…..
111 ella - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:31 am

When I watched the preview yesterday about JK asking JD to be her bridesmaid, I thought, “Wow, this girl really seems hell-bent to hurt JD.” But I also didn’t believe she was as evil as people like to think. She’s sweet, but she’ll do anything to get what she wants.

I’m kind of meh on how the writers wrote JK’s character, to be honest. Because in the Japanese HYD (okay, I don’t want to compare but I can’t help it), I actually liked the character of the “other girl”. She was quirky, and she wasn’t as selfish as JK is in this drama. I even cried when she left and she said goodbye to Makino and Domyouji at the airport. With JK, I can’t see myself crying or getting sad when she leaves. She has a very twisted, very complicated personality. It is very easy to hate her just because she likes JP, but if you look beyond that you can see how she really thinks JD is her best friend. And she’s really sincere when she’s being nice to her. But, argh, she’s such a difficult character.
112 Alina - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:32 am

“admire the too-lovely-to-be-real bone structures of Lee Min-ho and Kim Hyun-joong”
LOL… i was like same… yeah khj’s acting isnt that awesome, but i dun really care about his acting.. hes so cute.. oh wait.. maybe cause im a khj fan from wgm. hes improving and trying. tthe show has been good for the past few episodes, i was like when is the out-of-place episodes coming up. hope the shows gonna get better and better but its coming to an end.
113 Elle - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:34 am

I love and I hated this episode at the same time and I have to say I really like your analysis of Jun Pyo.
114 momo - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:36 am

“Last Episode I really tore into JanDi for being weak and dependent. I’ve been thinking about it though and I think she is still kind of weak but in a sad involuntary way. To me she seems like she is selfless in the worst way. She can fight for anyone’s happiness but her own. She can stand up for other’s and give everything to make others happy but it’s like she doesn’t know how to fight for what she herself wants. IN this ep I see her fighting really hard to keep her own feelings in the background so that JK could have her happiness. It feels like she has no sense of self-worth in her emotiional life.”

agreed 100%! this is the kind of female heroine that i hate, and it shocks me how this is actually a staple of k-dramas. i’ve lost count on how many times i’ve been SO frustrated at a k-drama because the lead female characters have no fight in them at all and we’re supposed to find that somehow admirable. ugh.

also, TwoCents. bravo. seriously, well fucking said. i know we’re all sick and tired of hearing comparisons but i remember in the past few episodes, many of us talked about how Joonpyo hasn’t really proven himself to be worth JD’s love, unlike Domyouji. now i’m not sure if the writers think they’re *improving* on the original by making these changes and maybe it’ll become more apparent when the show is over, but I’m sick and tired of watching JP sit by and do nothing to fight for JD except when asking others to take responsibility for him. he’s gonna have to do something seriously drastic by next week’s episode to redeem himself. if JK walks away from the wedding somehow and that’s how JP and JD get together, i’ll never forgive the writers.

i’m trying to make sense of the bowing scene. at the time of the episode, i thought it was really unexpected and almost touching but now i’m not sure. in HYD, Domyouji bowed to Rui and begged him to let her go. considering how much he constantly reminded his friends that he’s the best one out of all of them, especially how competitive he felt around Rui, the fact that he bowed down to him for Makino is HUGE. JP bows to JK to ask for her forgiveness for hurting her. while this makes him appear a changed man who understands the weight of his actions, this consideration of JK’s feelings on JP’s part makes me feel like once again that this character is unlike the original Domyouji who only ever thought about Makino. at this point, it just comes down to a matter of personal preference. and myself for whatever reason, i like Domyouji’s almost childlike and clueless love of Makino (almost like tunnel vision), because it made him man up and handle the situation in a courageous and responsible manner. but JP, although some might think it’s a good thing that Jandi’s influence on him has made him consider other people’s feelings, in this case JK, conversely it has turned him into an indecisive childish man who wants to have his cake and eat it too, without taking responsibility for any of it. now this characterizaion might be more realistic but we’re watching a manga adaptation, i want that black and white sense of justice and love conquers all bs. even though i love LMH and this episode, i find myself getting very upset at JP these days. he better step up and man up! pronto!

anyway, lovedlovedLOVED the scene with his sister. never cried during this show but i admit to tearing up during that scene. and loved your recap! you always clear up a lot of stuff i couldn’t catch in the subs so i’m super grateful for this place every tuesday and wednesday!
115 Akiddo - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:39 am

I haven’t watched the entire episode but do think this episode is jam packed with emotions. Agree with foxymama 123’s analysis as well.

Best scenes:

1. JK and JD’s conversation – that was heart felt and i teared while watching. Can’t hate JK. She is too much like GJP – giving up is not in their blood. Plus they are used to getting everything they want so this feeling of not being able to grasp the ultimate prize is hard to fathom. On the other hand, JD is used to giving up for others – from day 1 when she entered Shinhwa – it was for her family. What is another time since her heart has been broken over and over and over again. She is completely exhausted, heartbroken and lost. Why would she – ms dignity – grovel and beg GJP or JK not to marry each other? I think JD was spot on in this epi. I am just amazed she lasted THIS LONG.

2. Wedding photography competition/Jihoo starring at wedding pix

They look TOTALLY ADORABLE. Jihoo’s expression was priceless when she stepped out – a look of adoration, wonder and happiness – as though she was his bride. I loved it.

I don’t believe they weaved a ji-hoo family heirloom/ring into the story without a reason. totally unnecessary if he doesn’t use it to propose. IMHO.

3. GJP/JK wedding rehearsal

The highlight here is JK not GJP. She is firm and knows exactly what she wants and I admire her for that. No woman can share a man’s heart with another but she is willing to wait and be patient. At least she is honest! GJP is reduced to a whimp. Trying to find an easy way out? Clueless till this stage? The solution is just get married and be mama’s boy as he is of no good for JD. Selfish man who wants to have his cake and eat it too. This is not the Domiojyi/Dao Ming Si character at all!!!

Jihoo Fighting!
116 Tangy - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:40 am

And the double-standard rears its ugly head:

I find it funny how people jump all over Jae-kyung because of the way she treats Jan-di. Yeah, she’s being pretty damn selfish. But guess what? So is our adorable Jun-pyo. Jun-pyo (unless he’s in extreme denial) has and still realizes that Ji-hoo still harbors feelings for Jan-di, but that doesn’t stop him from pursuing Jan-di. He further selfishly desires Ji-hoo’s friendship regardless, even if that means Ji-hoo gets hurt along the way – its a little hypocritical and selfish to insist Ji-hoo give up on his love for the sake of friendship when even he won’t do so. Jun-pyo himself said when Jae-kyung asked him whether he’d choose friendship or love – Jun-pyo replied both. In that scenario, he gets Jan-di and Ji-hoo is pretty much screwed. I would count that as downright selfish behavior.

Now, before I get death threats from the JP fans out there, I seriously love Jun-pyo (who in their right wind wouldn’t?), it’s just that the man has faults like anyone else and its irks me when I see post after post railing against Jae-kyung when she exhibits the exact same behavior Jun-pyo does. It’s just so hypocritical – there’s no reason why there should be a double-standard here.

How is it all right that Jun-pyo (more or less) chooses love over friendship and (in the end) will ultimately hurt Ji-hoo because of his desires, but its not ok that Jae-kyung does the same? She’s entitled to her feelings just as much as anyone else, and if Jan-di or Jun-pyo are given the chance to fight for that, why can’t she?

I think that there’s just such a strong desire to blame someone for the struggles between Jun-pyo and Jan-di that Jae-kyung honestly makes an easy target for all the hate. But really, the JP & JD couple just have some damn troublesome relationship issues … like communication ….

Ah, now I’m ranting. Anyway, I don’t like some of the things Jae-kyung does, but I don’t think her mistakes make her a bad person. I think they simply make her human. We’re all a little selfish. And hell, if it was me and my best friend with Lee Min-ho as the prize, I’d go zero to bitch faster than you could blink XD
117 Took'tis - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:42 am

Thanks for your recap…. I love its

Beautiful wording that you had tranlated to Eng.
118 Auntie Mame - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:48 am

“For instance, the whole bridesmaid issue. If we give Jae-kyung the benefit of the doubt, I can understand (kinda) that as a friend she’d want her big day to be supported by her supposed best friend, and if they were truly good friends, the other party would be able to rise above her feelings out of love for the friend. In theory.”

My perspective is that JK having JD as a bridesmaid is a brilliant tactical move. JD standing at the altar is tacitly giving up JP and supporting the union between JK and JP. JK knows that JD is not a double-dealer or two-faced and also has an immense sense of justice and fair play. So, JK is building the foundation of guilt, to ensure that it will not be easy, in the future, for JD to accept JP’s love again, if that comes to past.

JK has all the attributes to be the head of a corporation or conglomerate. And, perhaps, this is another reason why Madam Kang likes her. JK can probably outdo Madam Kang in any business or personal competition because JK’s “style” is much friendlier, even though the bite may be just as deadly. JK’s handling of any situation is much more sophisticated than Madam Kang’s.

I love the Jun Hee scene in today’s episode. Such wonderful advice for JP and clear insight about herself. And, it fits the recurring theme of giving one’s all so there are no regrets.

As always, thank you for a wonderful recap and totally insightful commentaries.
119 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:55 am

the “friendship” JK is always talking about basically is one sided. as is her “relationship” with JP. so, she has no right whatsoever to use it against either JD or JP. and i don’t understand how JK’s parents are so oblivious to JP’s indifference. he cannot even force himself to smile whenever he’s around them.
120 grace - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:00 am

Pretty much every moment Jihoo put his hands in his pockets or in his jacket I was cringing and yelling “NO DON’T PROPOSE YOU IDIOT.” I’m oddly disappointed that he didn’t.

Thanks for the recaps. I like the cut of your jib.
121 KTV - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:07 am

@Tangy and Akkido: I totally agree with you guys. Ji Hoo and Jan Di are both screwed by Jun Pyo’s selfishness. I don’t think the character is actually getting any bit of maturity. He is just still the same Gu Jun Pyo in Season 1. It’s just now that he has more tools to use to appeal to other’s human emotion. It does feel like Jun Pyo taking other’s help for granted. I did frustrate me to see both Jan Di and Ji Hoo getting hurt.
Another problem with the main couple is communication. I don’t understand why are they afraid of speakiing up for themselves while they can do for other people (e.g., Jan Di). If you have the courage to speak up for others, you should have the courage to speak up for yourself. If you don’t, I hate to say this but you are just as much hypocritical as others are.
On a happier note, I actually enjoy the wedding pix. It’s so adorable. It’s just make me feel more for Ji- Jan couple. ji Hoo is such a perfect soulmate for Jan Di. However, as we usually say that opposite attracts, that is why Jun Pyo and Jan Di are supposedly being destined for each other.
122 goldlilys - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:16 am

Keep reading your recaps after watching each episode. Always nice to see what other people think about the events of the show. I also love your sarcastic, but well understood comments. Keep up the awesome critiquing of BOF.

OH YAH, Jae Kyung has just become A TOTAL $#&$&*$* in this episode for being blatantly obvious and rubbing cold ice with spikes all over Jan Di’s face. It wasn’t enough to show her wearing a wedding gown and a necklace given by the devil incarnation herself, Madam Kang, (which would not happen with Jan Di at all), but that she even wanted her to be her Maid of Honor!! I gasped and totally wanted to punch, backwards kick Jae Kyung for that.

Also, was it just me, but I was totally surprised when Madam Kang came along with Jae Kyung as well. I mean I thought, “Yay, Jae Kyung’s finally gonna get a taste of her own medicine … but then I heard another voice … OMG it’s the DEVIL” Almost gave me a heart attack.
123 unnyb - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:17 am

hey, anyone knows what is the ending song for ep 21?

and. good work on the recaps ! i absolutely enjoyed it.
124 tofu - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:20 am

Your recaps can be a bit harsh sometimes but I can tell that you’re addicted to this drama like the rest of us.

The only thing that annoyed me about this episode is that Junpyo’s hair is not curly anymore. His hair is supposed to be curly!!
125 gailT - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:20 am

thank you for the song! i love your reaction to the ending… fantastic, hate, love, kinda how i feel about BOF overall. as for jae kyung, i don’t hate her as well. in fact i like here character. in this adaptation, she’s a huge factor in the evolution of jandi and jun pyo and jandi-junpyo relationship. and for asking jandi to be bridesmaid… who else do we see around jandi? whom else can she ask? her lady bodyguard?
126 Ginny - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:38 am

I wouldn’t count on Woobin having a storyline anymore.

The writer had pretty much dedicated 3/4 of the entire series to profess her undying infatuation with Jihoo that she failed to develop each of the F4’s side stories equally. Which is quite a waste seeing as it had so much potential in the beginning.

I only watch for the eye candy these days (Woobin <3), I really don’t mind the writing anymore because writer Yoon Ji Ryun is bound to screw up it again.
127 amktsy - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:45 am

i agree that jae kyung is not as irritating as others say.
128 lovely life - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:51 am

when jandi “pulled” herself form jp hug in part one,I wish tandi jandi look more happier .You give such good comment and recap .I thank you for that…
can’t wait for episode22 23 ,I didn’t watched it slowly,most of time I skipped unwanted scene so the recap part from you is helping a lot.

AZA aza Fighting drama beans,4 thumbs up
129 sujufans - Mar 18, 2009 at 2:20 am

Jae-kyung: “I really like you. If I had to choose the two people I valued most in the world, it would be you and Gu Jun-pyo. So I’m truly sorry. I’ll make it up to you for hurting you. Forgive me.”….i watch a subbed episode of this…it’s written “I’ll make it up to you forever” instead of “I’ll make it up to you for hurting you..” which one is correct??
the line was very touching….it’s not that i want to be Miss perfect or something…but i really like this line…so…which one is correct???please tell me…
130 flooooo - Mar 18, 2009 at 2:22 am

what else to say..your recaps told everything.
they should have come to these 3 last episodes sooner instead of dragging around and leave some episodes for our poor woobin. it seems that they change all the pds (sound pd with his pschittt at any moment they make some gesture, photo pds with his beautiful scenery of jeju island (i wanna go to jeju island!) and the scriptwriter change too or did all the crew slept over 6 episodes and came back refreshing and 100%better or is it me getting used to the “drama itself”?!
131 kt - Mar 18, 2009 at 2:24 am

hi javabeans,

i really get amazed by good writers. you are a GREAT writer in my opinion. and i dont mean like books or anything. i mean like.. stuff like this. or people who write blogs with really funny anecdotes and a good style. i wish i could write like you people.

the following are my rants, i’ll title them:

Jun Pyo’s Not a Coward:
A lot of people in the comments are saying that Jun Pyo is a coward. I think too many people are simplying the situation. Being considerate of Jae Kyung and his responsibilities to the Shinhwa enterprise (that his grandpa & father built from blood or wahtever) rather than rashly following his heart shows his strength cuz he’s dealing with the responsibilities he has been dealt with in life. He completely surrendered his pride when he knelt for Jae Kyung, which takes courage for someone as prideful as Jun Pyo. It’s not cowardly cuz he’s trying to break off the marriage in a way that causes the least amount of pain to others.

Jae Kyung’s the Most Inconsiderate Person Ever
And jae kyung doesnt deserve any of the defense she is getting. I mean i see the point in some of the defense, but overall i dont think anyone can be that inconsiderate. I could understand her fighting for Jun Pyo and telling Jan di about it, but she doesnt have to throw it all in jan di’s face when she knows how much pain it puts her through. what kind of friend does that? This is why we have principles. As a qualifier, i guess jae kyung’s actions are a showcase for her story of not having any friends before this, cuz she sure acts like she doesnt know how to be one.

Random:
I like how it seems like theyre always feeding woo bin extra lines during all the scenes he’s in to give him more of a presence.
HAHAH i laffed out loud when i read the cars at jeju comment. when i was watching it, i was so busy and focused on the hawtness & coolness of them in the cars that it didnt even occur to me.

i wish i had controlled myself from reading spoilers. when i watched it, nothing was too surprsing for me. i had read previously somewhere that yi jung’s brother was with eun jae and about the wedding contest. i think the experience would have been so much better had i waited.
132 kt - Mar 18, 2009 at 2:33 am

@116

There are double standards cuz its a double situation

Jun Pyo claimed rights to Jan Di first. Ji Hoo only came to have feelings for her after. And it’s not like Ji Hoo held back on Jun Pyo’s account–that kiss in Caledonia?
And unlike Jae Kyung, Jun Pyo doesn’t/didnt rub things in Ji hoo’s face.

There are rules of engagement, people. It’s OK to fight for your friend’s significant other but its not OK to RUB IT IN THEIR FACES as if you dont kno any better.
133 galadriel - Mar 18, 2009 at 2:36 am

i dont know why but whenever i watch BOF now -or read your recap- i find myself questioning, “is Jandi deserving?” i dont know if it’s GHS’s potrayal but I just couldn’t bring myself to like this character. which is really bad cause she was okay for me in the first few eps. it’s just painful for a viewer like me. i mean, i’m just not convinced enough that Jandi deserves the attention she’s getting.

BOF frustrates me cause the writing is quite average, albeit the last two eps were better than the previous. but i dont think this is a drama i’ll re-watch… but the prospect of seeing LMH’s acting is tempting. i guess one can say that i’m only here for the JunPyo-scenes.

to javabeans: not trying to be a kiss-ass, but lately I actually enjoy reading your recaps more than watching the episodes. :p
134 trueblue - Mar 18, 2009 at 2:48 am

Yess, this is what I’ve been waiting for…

I get the fact that JP is struggling to let go… either to have his easy life that he knows all along or his new found love… If it was me.. I also don’t know what to do. And yes of coz I’d try to have them both… but that just me ^^ Aren’t we all selfish?

I guess in here, they incorporated two important plots from the Manga, one is the fiance thing and one where they both have come to terms that they are not meant to be together. Domyouji even said that perhaps Rui can make Makino happier than he was, which lead Makino to scold him and said that he should be the one who does. Same case in here, JP needs JD to scold him off.

As for JK, I find that her character in here is a combined Shigeru in manga; before and long after she broke off the engagement. What I mean by before is the typical ignorant fiance; and long after is the one who creates the situation where Domyouji and Makino had to actually face their true feelings. I know may be I’m the only one who felt this way, but that’s what I get. I don’t see JK being mean, at least she is being honest with herself and actually she wanted JD to do the same. But as we expected, from manga and in here JD did not.

Anyway, I felt that this series has been fun. From the cast, production, cinematography, sad, annoying. illogical, happy, funny, cute, romantic and unforgettable moments, this has been a great basketful of fun. I cant wait to buy it!
135 sleeplessinwgtn - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:02 am

I agree with two cents

JK might have had a childhood where she never learned to consider other people’s emotion… but… other people’s emotion aside… she does not have pride. Even if I truly love a guy, if he kneels in front of me begging to not push thru with the wedding, I think I will back out. Marriage is difficult enough even with 2 people really in love, what more if the other person is not in love with you and loves someone else.

The leading female character in the Korean version, JD, is a bit submissive. I like the feisty Shan Cai of the Taiwan version. Having said that, I like how JD berated JP in the last scene. Time to face the enemy, enough running away.

I’m looking forward to how JP will do that.

Thanks for the recap, so insightful.
136 Beng - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:28 am

Yes, shan cai is more feisty than JD. But the KOrean version is more heavy drama than Meteor Garden. I wonder how the book 2 will be tackled.

Seems now i know that reason why JD chose to attend the wedding. Up until the end, she’s expecting that JP will still do something to stop it. She’s not a masochist, but an optimist.

Only JK can end this without putting JP and JD in bad light in the eyes of Mrs. Kang. I think she will do something that will surprise everyone. Can’t wait to see the next episode.

Gosh, i realized there are only a few left. I hope the last episode will be a happy, happy, happy one =)
137 Mo108 - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:34 am

Ah, bless your heart, Javabeans, for these recaps!

My friends recently got HYD on DVD but i am desparately resisting watching any episodes (well, I’d probably go straight to the final few to find out what happens) because I just want to ride this drama out first I kinda went into this whole thing blindly, with no expectations or any points of reference whatsoever, and here I am 21 episodes later a sick junkie.

Finding out about how the Korean writers/producers have not exactly shyed away from taking some liberties with the original story–in fact taken some pretty out-there risks, for better or worse–there may as well be some kind of double-wedding type of deal next episode: JP/JK and JH/JD–all the J’s–and then allow for a “20 years later” update, where the same tensions, the same feelings and emotions and frustrations are still at play between the two couples, with the triangles becoming a middle-aged square… I mean, why even give JH a ring?

Yes, I’m being totally ridiculous, of course. But this upturn in the drama and quality of the series lately, with all recent episodes, and certain scenes (e.g. The last scene of ep. 16) here-and-there being pretty damn awesome, something might just snap and give way and we’ll be back to plot-holes, lame moments, absentmindedness, irrationality and what-the-**** moments.

Okay, I still kind of harbour some hope for JD and JH, slim as it might be… I think the idea of people like them being together is probably what it’s always been about for me, more than the actual reality of it.

This resignation or acceptance has a lot to do with the fact that JP has totally grown on me this series–probably because he’s grown up, and not just being forced to “grow up” by all this Shinwa business and responsibility, but emotionally. The grand (and expensive) romantic gestures of the past just don’t seem to do or mean anything anymore, so he’s forced to rely on himself–that is, the person he really is and can be, not who and what he is.

Maybe even Mama Kang has a diamond hidden somewhere in that black, black heart of hers… Ah, there you go: Grandpa Yoon saves Mama Kang from a life of cold, dead, loneliness… who knows…

p.s. Javabeans–every time you talk about JH’s eating habits, it’s so hilarious! I love it… porridge of loneliness and pancakes of misery, hehehe… Genius!
138 Boys Before Flowers - Episode 20 & 21 « SeoulFire - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:45 am

[...] 21 Recap:Here Thanks [...]
139 CyNurse - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:46 am

Thank you, Javabeans! Can’t wait for Monday. Dang, this is sooo gooood!
140 joicy - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:51 am

For some reason, I think JK is trying to test JP and JD, to know how much they REALLY love each other, and whether she should give up. She’s very persistent and selfish (like GJP before) so she needs time to convince herself to give up. This is her first friendship so she needs to learn how to give up for a friend and how to accept failure in such a complex situation.
Another thought on bridemaid thing: Is this the only way to invite JD to Jejudo? If not, how she can come? With JH and F3? I doubt that she would go. In the other hand, this is the wedding and Mme. Kang may want to invite JD for her to see it, but who knows if she does not want JD to ruin the most important moment and decides to leave JD out. So, with JD coming as JK’s best friend and bridemaid, every thing would be fine.
I believe that JK has her own decision when she said “I will pay you back because I hurt you”. She just wants to keep everything for herself to the last minute. I hope that JK is a good girl in the end.
Maybe I am the only one who defends for JK. I myself did not like her at all in last episodes but I am trying to understand her and look to the bright side.
141 MoMo - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:52 am

I believe there is not much defence for JK anymore. Tried as I might to like her, there is no other way to see her but a selfish, mean and insensitive person. Even if she does create a scene, causing the impending wedding to a stop, it would hardly cover for all those mean things she said and did to JP and JD.

JP kneeling down was jaw-dropping for me. Who would have guessed the mighty JP would actually “beg” someone? Some may see as giving in, but I only saw how much he loves JD.

Apart from the ending, my other favorite part is when JD declined JH’s offer to wipe her tears. I believe it is very clear that her feelings for JH is nothing more than that of a good friend and that JP is the only one for her.

Also, great recaps – but then, you may already have known that!
142 cosmopolite - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:52 am

OH NO! WE HAVE TO WAIT A DAMN WEEK….NOOOOOOOOO.

Ahem, anyhow. I hope we didn’t jinx BOF with it’s recently appealing episodes. The next one should be good!
143 ames - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:56 am

[But what it boils down to is this: If cold logic rules yer brain over pure entertainment and/or emotional reaction, what are you doing watching this drama anyway, right? ]

About time you realized that. hahaha
144 malvis - Mar 18, 2009 at 4:12 am

i thought the part where Jun Pyo kneeled and plead with Jae Kyung was touching. Can’t wait to see ep 22 how he ‘escaped’ the wedding.
145 lily - Mar 18, 2009 at 4:34 am

I agree with 133 galadriel on Jan di
The more I read your reviews the more I like Jae Kyung !
146 lily - Mar 18, 2009 at 4:42 am

And wouah momo 114 this is the first time I agree with most of things you said !
147 Imee - Mar 18, 2009 at 4:56 am

You hit it right on the nail #49 Two Cents. I agree with your viewpoint 100%. Crazy Monkey is a great manipulator playing on Jan Di’s emotions and making our JD feel guilty.Jun Pyo is no Tsukasa nor Daoming Si.He has no backbone at all and all talk. Jan Di said it right that JP is a COWARD.I hate the fact that he humiliating knelt before Monkey. He should have knelt before Jan Di to ask her forgiveness for all the pain he put her thru .Kneeling before Monkey means he can not abandon his luxurious life and would want monkey to do the job for him.How I wish Jan Di would see the difference between Ji Hoo and Jun Pyo and remembers that Ji Hoo was her FIRST LOVE. I am not liking Jun Pyo’s character lately compared to the same characters in Hana Yori Dango and Meteor Garden. Hopefully, the writers would give Jun Pyo a little spine before ending this series.On another note, it was very difficult to look at Ji Hoo’s crying scene ( I feel guilty of laughing instead of being teary eyed). I think next week will be Monkey’s last episode and good riddance. I can’t believe she has more screen time with JP than JD altogether.Now let’s brace ourselves for the amnesia story and prepare for Monkey #2 before hopefully see a happy ending.
Thanks again for a great recap of BBF. Hopefully will find another drama like this one that would arouse our common interest . For those who wants something to watch similar to this and have not seen PURE 19 with Goo Hye Sun.Watch it as it is one of the best I have seen and GHS is just like Jan Di (poor as a rat) but with a great fighting spirit and a great survivor!!!
148 elisa - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:06 am

hi javabeans…thanks so much for the recaps.

honestly, i like Jae Kyung (OUCH!), i believe her character remained consistent throughtout the episodes…she is selfish, bratty however cunning and decisive. i don’t think she is mean but i think everything she did was to drive a point so that anyone involved should understand it clearly. she wants JanDi to accept the reality of the whole situation…that:

(1)JunPyo needs JaeKyung to ensure that the 700,000 families that Mama Kang has been waving around JP to arouse his guilt feelings will not suffer because Shinwa is in trouble;

(2) Jae Kyung is true to herself…she wants JP and no one even a friend could and should separate them because they are so alike (unlike most bloggers, i don’t believe in opposites attract—people just think they are different, but usually people who get or end up together are so similar in most ways).

(3)i guess i felt she had her dose of “The Godfather” hence “keep her friends close and her enemies closer” attitude. asking JanDi to be part of her wedding party, ensures that JP would remain in Jeju island. although it would give JP and JD an opportunity to ran away together…the talk in the bench seals the deal that would make JanDi guilty if she does run away with him…JK apologized but told her firmly that she won’t give up JP. Showing off her clothes and jewelries…tells you how smart she is and how firm she can get with her decision that she will get married to the man she loves even if he doesn’t return the feeling. Honestly what she told JP in the chapel is true, eventually since both JP and JK are so alike, i will not be surprised if it does happen in their future…but of course, I know how this drama ends….hmmmm do we really? will be surprised? hehehehe….

Sorry, but i am so disappointed with JunPyo. Initially, i thought he knelt because he was asking to be “let go” (i was freaking out …serves me right for watching without the subs….”come on, PLEASE…such a loser), so i was glad when i read that he was actually apologizing. however, it is out of character. i would think that after kneeling down and asking for JK’s forgiveness…and getting her rebuff, he would and should have had the last say of things. his character dictates that he would have “apologized again then then ran off with JanDi. it was cowardly to have to ask to have his arm broken and ask JanDi to tell him not to go to his wedding,

he told everybody, Jihoo and JaeKyung…how valuable JanDi is to him…then why can’t he tell the girl outright! HE IS SCARED!!! that he would have to live his life penniless…wait, doesn’t he have a degree, he could get a job somewhere away from his mom’s scrutiny…he has friends and his sister to back him up. JanDi is so used to a “commoners’ lifestyle…JunPyo cannot give up a lot of things for love. yes, he did mature in controlling his temper but in this episode showed us that he wants his “cake and the extra icing….”

korean version, has made me root for the Jihoo-JanDi tandem (Okay so I am such a Jihoo fan) but the way the script was developed, Jihoo so deserves her. He is patient, but once he is resolved to act…he grabs her, comforts her and shelters her from the in-coming struggles. When Jihoo punched JunPyo by the poolside, you could feel all his frustration on why this JP is so stupid for making JD cry. i can’t help but think that korean version would have a different ending….(okay wishful thinking again) but PLEASE don’t you feel that JunPyo doesn’t deserve JanDi right now? someone asked if JanDi deserves JunPyo? i still believe she does, especially the end part of this episode… she doesn’t fight back as much because i believe she is “weary” of the whole situation and doesn’t even get any reassurance from the guy she loves. yes, there were a lot of instances, they almost hugged each other or kissed and the spin the bottle game…but as women we still prefer to hear the words…”I LOVE YOU…and you are precious to me” or something like that.

since i am not Korean, someone told me that Korean’s are not as expressive so I guess I can forgive Jun Pyo if that is the case then…

anyway, thanks javabeans and more power!!! off to watch the whole thing with complete subs….
149 MK - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:09 am

@ 77. I absolutely agree with your logic and reasoning!

Thanks Javabeans for the recap!! Excellent as always.
150 musicgoer - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:16 am

love your recap. I think jaekyung was pushing jandi’s buttons with her bridesmaid request and all but perhaps also with a longer plan in mind. If jaekyung is even or has already started contemplating relinquishing junpyo in the last minute then i can fully understand why she wants this supposed marriage to be the perfect marriage she dreams for right until the last step. Sure, she’s hurting jandi bits to bits but her own reasoning may be that she will eventually break the wedding and give up junpyo who meant equally as much to her as to jandi. This is how i’d like to interpret it thus the words she told jandi as she hugged her and said she’ll make it up to jandi. I think the fact that jandi is willing to show up at jeju in her bridesmaid dress was jaekyung putting her to the test. Were jandi not to show up at all, JK may not have decided to step aside in the very end. All in all, i think it’s a very well-written script. And i think JK meant it with all her heart that goo junpyo and jandi were the two most important person to her. as JK cried while hugging jandi, that may be the exact moment when she decided to let junpyo go though she is still fighting herself and unwilling to show it when junpyo kneeled down and begged her to let him go.
i’m so looking forward to further Jundi moments in the next epi. … sweet ones hopefully. and i’m totally in love with the song “Love You” by Howl in OST2. I hope they use it for jundi…
Goo hyesun totally nailed the scene where she was asked to be bridesmaid and when she told junpyo off for his cowardice at the end of the epi. The sadness in her face was so palpable in the former and i like that spunk back in jandi at the end. JP should know that she never admitted that she doesn’t like him anymore. Instead she was always avoiding the question whenever he asks her. But I can totally see it from JP’s pov. As he grabbed jd by the shoulders and asks her to tell him not to go and not to do it, it is as if he wanted full confirmation. She has never outright told him she loves him, and before he has to do the drastic and give up all (as junhee told him), he needed some confirmation from jandi. Love all the progression so far….
151 asdf - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:23 am

I hate JK, such a shameless girl. Say she is honest or something but she does not mind stepping on others and saying sorry later. haha
152 oi - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:26 am

love reading your recaps and the comments
this blog is a must when watching k-drama’s
thank you

you are so good in putting your thoughts on paper..and funny

I watch as well, but would never be able to come up with what you see
153 Peeps!`` - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:41 am

OH. MY. GOD. WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THAT THING GOO HYE SUN WAS WEARING IN HER ‘FAKE MARRIAGE’ PHOTO??? Fashion police, please!!
It makes her look FAT. AND ajumma-ish! In that photo, it looked like an ajumma marrying a teenager (well, maybe not a teenager but certainly someone who is much younger) … That’s my only peeve.
Other than that, I’m pretty happy about this episode overall.
154 Drae - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:55 am

i usually don’t post anything but this time i cant help myself.

i really enjoy your recaps! it really makes my day. i watch the drama then wait patiently ( well not really…) for your recaps and comments. i love the way you analyse it for us cause sometimes i really don’t understand the significance of certain scenes, maybe cause of the subs… it’ll probably make more sense if i understood korean.

anyway, i read through a lot of the comments and i just wanted to protest to something… i dont think that JP is a coward!!!

doing something as great as falling to his knees and asking JK to give him up took a lot of courage especially since he’s usually too proud to do something like this. he can’t just state what he wants and take JD away! he’s become more responsible than this!! he has to think of not only the repercussions of such actions not only on the company (the loss of the merger) and also what his mother could and WOULD do to JD and her family!

as much as we (or at least i) wish he could just whisk JD off to some island where they could live happily ever after, i don’t think he could live with that kind of guilt.

okay my rant is done. haha. i can’t wait for the last 4 episodes cause FINALLY JK is going away and i get to see more scenes with JP and JD… i’ve been going back and rewatching my favourite scenes of JP and JD and now i have this perpetual smile plastered on my face. ^^

well till next monday then! and once again thanks for the wonderfully detailed recaps and comments!
155 lily - Mar 18, 2009 at 6:03 am

@ 148 “(2) Jae Kyung is true to herself…she wants JP and no one even a friend could and should separate them because they are so alike (unlike most bloggers, i don’t believe in opposites attract—people just think they are different, but usually people who get or end up together are so similar in most ways).”

I agree with that if I remember in the manga HYD some character told to makino and Domyoji they somewhat looked alike (strong, stubborn, active, they can fight)
156 Peeps!`` - Mar 18, 2009 at 6:13 am

By the way, I decided to actually WATCH this episode… That’s something that I have not done in a loong loong time. I’ve just been relyinng on your wonderful amazing recaps javabeans!
Yeah!
157 songee - Mar 18, 2009 at 6:15 am

Great analysis as always!

Some comments:

1. I agree that JK’s character development in this episode is twisty and confusing. It’s so hard to dislike her (I don’t) because she is genuinely sorry for hurting JD. She’s just so completely honest about everything in this episode. At the same time, asking JD to be her bridesmaid and then to ask JD what she thinks of her wedding gown, dresses and jewelry seems so downright cruel. But even during those scenes, you can’t really say JK is doing it with malicious intent. She’s just being herself. It’s confusing.

2. I also thought it was silly that F3 they shipped their cars and it was even more sad and pitiful to see WB drive alone. But damn, how hot was he in that scene?

3. OKAY. JD’s hypocrisy makes me absolutely livid. That last scene where JP tells JD “Tell me not to do it, tell me not to go” and then when she DOESN’T do it makes me go biserk. She looks absolutely miserable in this scene (good acting on GHS’s part). This is exactly why I hated her character so much in the HYD manga. It seriously took so much out of me to read about her shenanigans. If he’s changed so much for her and he’s taken down his guard so much in the name of love, how can she call anyone but herself cowardly? Who’s the coward that hides behind her pride? BAH!

Anyways, great episode! Can’t believe it’s going to wrap up soon. T_T
158 chajjye - Mar 18, 2009 at 6:19 am

great great great! junpyo, u are finally transforming! WOOHOOT!
159 Shrimp - Mar 18, 2009 at 6:38 am

WOW! you see i just got home from school I haven’t watched both episodes but reading yer recaps javabeans…woooosh …feels like im in a roller coaster ride!

so…imma watch 20-21first!

nobody can recap’t better than you javabeans =]
160 Tay - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:05 am

why must poor jp kneel at that idiot woman lol…my heart breaks…also sad that jh is crying so sad…i want more episodes…
161 cloudygirl - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:05 am

@72 — when I saw the JiHoo crying scene, I thought of exactly the same thing – so I went back and found the clip on YouTube and it’s hilarious but KHJ really is crying identically in BBF to the way he does in real life!! So, it might look awkward but at least it’s realistic for him! Poor KHJ is just trying SO hard, I feel bad that he can’t seem to make the shift into being totally in-character.

This episode was fantastic. I find myself thinking every now and then that it sometimes feels like this show has been about 3 different shows at different times – there’s the cute, funny show – then the stupid, idiotic and frustrating show – and then there’s the one that ROCKS, which is what we’ve gotten for the past 3 eps.

Looking forward to next week! It should be interesting…
162 stargazer377 - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:21 am

i personally hated this episode. i don’t care if feelings are getting out into the open – no one is acting on them, although i understand why. this episode made the situation the characters are in seem somewhat real. i understand why Jandi isn’t fighting for Jun-pyo but ugh. this episode was frustrating to watch, this one and yesterday’s episode.

hopefully (actually i’m pretty sure we all know) Jun-pyo will stop the wedding not because he loves Jandi, but for himself and for Jae-kyung. Jae-kyung because she deserves better than being strapped to a man who loves another woman and himself to declare his independence from Shinhwa. we need to see Jun-pyo declaring his independence from his mom and from his duties because that’s the only way he’ll really grow into a person and into an adult. he needs to assert that he is his own man who takes up the responsibilities of Shinwha group because he wants to and not because he was born into such a privileged life that he has to. (or is this wishful thinking??)

so i guess i did like this episode but only because it sets it up nicely for Jun-pyo to grow into a man (hopefully).

OR Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung can get married and Jandi and Ji-hoo can get married and their kids can marry each other b/c Jun-pyo and Jandi can’t.
163 Jane - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:26 am

I totally agree with you about pretty much everything you said in this episode, and I’ve just given this show license to do what it will, without my complaining of its logic, because it’s just so fun to watch.

I thought that scene with them driving was a bit funny because, as you mentioned, Woo bin was the only one driving alone. Isn’t he supposed to be this great playboy? Lothario? seducer of cougars? I mean we know that Yi-jung is way too tied up (resenting his father, pining for his past love and denying his current feelings for Ga-eul) to be pursuing women, but what’s Woo bin’s excuse? I’m pretty sure we haven’t seen any changes in his life to explain why he would suddenly change, what we were given in the exposition to be, his natural behavior.
164 SHIN - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:32 am

all i was thinking after watching this episode was..
“don’t dare hurt jihoo.”
man, the guy has suffered enough from others selfishness.

junpyo expects that one hit on the face is enough bribe so jihoo would give up jandi and help him out about the wedding. dang junpyo!
jihoo has given up jandi for you, but you just let her get hurt..
now its time for jihoo to take her back.
i believe jandi and jihoo will be more happy.. no evil mama trying to keep them apart. ahuh.

i hope jaekyung will be more selfish than anyone else, so that junpyo will forever be trapped on her. he deserve it for being a coward.

and on the bright bright side.. jihoo will be with jandi.

*sigh.. i want it this way..
165 LDJ - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:34 am

@Tangy – I couldn’t agree more. Mr. Goo is doing the same thing to his “brother” JiHoon. He would always call him whenever JanDi was in a jam that he couldn’t help her with. And we all know thanks to his lovingly wistful stares that he still really loves her. However JiHoon is hoping for JanDi’s happiness whereas JK only looks for JunPyo’s love. I think she is trying as hard as she can to break JanDi’s spirit with all the wedding talk, but its hurting her to do so, I think she is sort of apologizing in advance for the underhanded tactics she is going to use, plus she really wants JanDi to be there as her friend, but she is going to try and prove to JanDi that she is really happy and that she can be happy with JunPyo if she would just back out. Which is why I think the fortuneteller was implying that JiHoon was JanDi’s soulmate, whereas JK is only infactuated with JunPyo, he is probly her JanDi. JanDI was the first person to stand up to JunPyo and JunPyo was that for JK. I can see men bowing down to her requests, she is rich and spoiled, but JunPyo fights her and both of their personalities like that. With all the soulmate talk in the series we can guess that JiHoon will never be truly in love ever again, maybe he will end up like Yi-Jung’s father .

Speaking of Yi-Jung, how much does his brother suck. He talks about YiJung not visiting him, he knows where his precious dongsang lives, at his old freaking house, why isn’t he visiting him. I don’t think that he knows that his brothers first love is his new girlfriend. It doesn’t look like they communicate very effectively. Plus she thinks he doesn’t like her because he never showed up. She was comforted by the brother and then bang they are in love and baby bro missed out. I noticed WonBin alone too, couldn’t they give him some eye candy to ride with atleast. I love matchmaker gramps cute. It’s like everytime JiHoon thinks that he can handle letting JanDi go, something pops up and makes him waver again. Gramps give you rings, then you go take wedding photos. BTW why don’t we have any cute contests like those here in the US. That reminds me JanDi is being selfish to JiHoon as well, she knows that he likes her, but she can’t help but to lean on him, as she said in the tower. She knows that he has feelings and that they could pass in time, but they don’t give anyone time. Why is she with him all the time shouldn’t she be hanging out and talking to her old BFF Ga-Eul, who is in JeJu also. I mean she is being just downright cruel to the poor boy. While he has to play Best friend to the girl he loves and the guy who loves her. I understand JunPyo leaning on him, they have been BFF for some time, but JanDi that’s too much.

Crazy speculation comming…..

I think JK is going to call off the wedding just because I can’t see JunPyo doing it at the state he is in right now. But maybe they will just go through with it and then we will get a HP 5 years later ending where they meet up on the soccer field as the Goo and Hoon children are playing together followed by an eye meet between Mr Goo and Mrs. Hoon followed by the swift departure led by Mrs. Goo. Or better yet they could go Wuthering Heights style and have the children fall into the love that the parents missed out on. With JunPyo longing after the love of JanDi for his whole life, only to return to her at the end, happy with JK but never satisfied, like a male Miss Baby, (I mean Mama Kang) cold-hearted and business driven, but in his will he requests to be buried in the same coffin as JanDi.
166 bumpkin - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:38 am

God! Finally I can go online!

As always, thanks for the recap.

I remember you said in your previous recaps on how the fiancee is like the female jun pyo. Now I guess we see it now in full force.

Jun pyo has this “I won’t give up” streak in him…and with the fiancee as the female alter ego, she has it too. Am not saying it’s a bad trait to have because jun pyo won jandi’s heart by not giving up but in the fiancee’s case, it’s bad.

Kinda like a double edged sword huh?

I agree on what you said about the ‘humanity’ thing that jun pyo now has…I think this is what gives his “not giving up” attitude a whole new meaning. He won’t give up…but he won’t be selfish too.

Guess the fiancee needs to grow up a bit more. Hope she gets her male “jandi” too to teach her about life too.

Will read comments later. Gotta catch up with the episodes first! Hehe
167 sneezee - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:54 am

@ 78: she’s also being forced to marry too(though she began to like him somehow), and she’s able to cancel the wedding infront of all the people(especially infront of her parents, that’s one brave move)..so why cant JunPyo?
JunPyo is seriously not a reliable person…he’s not someone that you can depend on

i completely agree. JP has been passively aggressive. coward. i don’t see why he deserves JD.
168 iamme - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:58 am

Thanks Javabeans!

in this drama, i believe that JP will always be the one who will be vocal about his love (for JD). JD has never been vocal to JP that she likes him except when she thought JP was dying. JD had confessed that she has feelings for JP but only when she was with Ji Hoo (last ep of season 1). JD is the more passive one when it comes to their rel. that is why it looks like JD is giving up on JP.
169 Ariel - Mar 18, 2009 at 8:04 am

This series is so popular we are now on comment no. 157 and we are counting paragraphs here folks. People are really digging this series can’t wait to buy this series.
170 seohwa - Mar 18, 2009 at 8:22 am

jae kyung definitely is a little “meaner” than ppl think ~~ but she herself is so socially awkward she doesnt know that what shes doing is wrong/horrible.

honestly, she sat down and decided to “like” jun pyo and thats just NOT how emotions work. she thinks she loves him but really she just wants to love and be loved by someone – anyone. she doesnt know what love is.

she also doesnt know what friendship is. i agree that jandi never NEVER reciprocated the feelings of “friendship” that jae kyung threw on her. jae kyung is pretty much in her own little world trying to make everything perfect for herself w/o just LOOKING around and seeing what is going on.
171 cheonsa - Mar 18, 2009 at 8:38 am

thanks for the marvellous recap as usual – peppered with your usual witty and insightful comments.

if i may share my take on this ep – first, that i finally feel for Jihoo for the first time and i dread the time he will really hurt after Jandi returns to Junpyo for good. His smile while looking at the wedding photos really melted my heart, considering the pancakes of sadness, porridge of pity tragic episodes. The way he scrunched up the rejected hankie was really heart wrenching. With the introduction of Grandpa Yoon in this korean version, I feel real sad that Jandi doesn’t end up happily ever after with Jihoo and Grandpa.

As for Junpyo, it struck me that this episode really showed that he has grown up. He’s no longer that bored, spoilt, selfish brat who bullied people for fun and did whatever he wanted with nonchalant insolence without consideration for the feelings of those around him. I don’t really see him as a coward. Rather, I thought he was being a gentleman by asking for Jihoo’s punch for not being able to give Jandi up – he knows he’s hurting Jihoo – and also for telling JK he cannot marry her by calling her by name and not monkey and then kneeling down to ask her forgiveness on the realization of what she was willing to put up with just to win his love – again, he knows how much he’s hurting her. He also knows he couldn’t confront Mama coz she’s the all powerful demon with two big chunks of kryptonite – his responsibiltiy for shin hwa (he’s like the man carrying the globe on his shoulders) and the harm she could do to Jandi and her family. Thus his torment when the finality of the whole situation finally hit him – ‘feels like a bomb went off in my head and everything is scrambled up’. His sister verbalized the torment he’s going through, though he’s having it worse because he doesn’t even know if Jandi still loves him. Jandi has never told him or had the chance to tell him how she feels for him. Just seeing his dark unhappy face close up on the shin hwa cf really broke my heart. I actually thought that Jandi was being so insensitive calling him a coward and yet be unwilling to ‘fess up even though his torment, desperation and anguish is so evident. Isn’t she the one who always fights for the happiness of those around her?

No comments on JK since she is supposed to have something up her sleeve..perhaps her confusing actions will be explained in the next epi.
172 Syb - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:06 am

(though he doesn’t see Yi-jung sitting in his bright orange sports car right in front).

jajajajajjajaja thisis SOOOOO true! not only he didn’t noticed the car, but Eu Jae either! the car was parked besides her car! I mean…seriously! you have to be blind!!!!

(How did they all ship their cars over, and just for the weekend? I know they’re all rich, but that just seems silly.)

I made myself the same question! Did they sent the car a day ahead? because it is imposible to have them shipped at the time the board the plane….

And finally….I found this line completely hypocrit from Jan Di (once again I wanted to hit her!)

“You’re a coward. You aren’t being forthright with anybody. You’re not facing things, you’re running away. If you run away like this now, it’ll happen again someday.”

In my country we have a say that states something like this:

“the dunky talking about big ears!”

I mean, isn’t it the same thing she’s doing? she is not fighting for her love!! how come she dared to say this words to JP? God I got so mad at this!

JP LOVES her and no one has a tiny doubt about it and I guess he would work things out (like Hyun Bin’s caracter in My Lovely Sam Soon did) His mother is not going to kill them, that’s still ilegal!!! jajaja
173 Lena - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:12 am

@ 172: why would she? she’s trying to get over him (since he did reject her and all in Macau). I know this is a drama, but no girl should go back to a man that rejects them that harshly.
lol I just feel like everyone is soo biased towards JP
174 emily - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:15 am

The one part that I really don’t get is when JK tells Jandi that she and Jun Pyo are the ones JK cares for the most. How long has JK known them? Does she even have a real friendship with Jandi, let alone be best friends and have Jandi become the bridesmaid? It’s so contrived! I hang out with my *acquaintances* and know more about them than JK does with Jandi. I find it so annoying that the drama is trying to make the girls seem closer than they really are.
175 sugarpunch - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:23 am

I LOVE Madam Kang’s distressed expression. so sadistic, but she is almost devoid of feeling. GO GRANNY!
176 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:40 am

@ 172 and 174: I don’t think that Jandi is backing away because of the way Junpyo rejected her in Macau, or because she really believed Jaekyung when she implied that she and Junpyo slept together. I think that she slowly realized that Macau was an act (altho the rest of F4 figured that out much sooner) but in the end, it doesn’t matter. His situation and his mother are what they are. Also, he truly does have a sense of responsibility as the future head of the family business. So one can view Jandi as having assessed the “big picture” and coming to the rational, grown up decision (albeit a painful one) to let go Junpyo and is doing her best to keep her distance. Meanwhile, perhaps Junpyo is still more child-like in that he can’t stay away or let go of what he wants, even though he knows that Jandi, more often than now, suffers the consequences of his actions. Of course, one can view Junpyo’s actions as “true love” and “fighting for his girl” but I’m more jaded. Part of growing up is learning that we can’t always get what we want and that sometimes, we need to put others ahead of ourselves. Sorry if this is a buzzkill but I just wanted to point out that of all the ridiculous things the Jandi character does (as someone else already noted), her letting Junpyo go makes the most sense. C’mon, can you imagine how much worse it would be if she clung to Junpyo instead?
177 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:46 am

Oh, too funny! I tend to read comments first so went back to read the recap and got to part where javabeans used “buzzkill”!!!! Yeah, me and javabeans connect on a certain level! Just had to mention this. -176
178 Jasmin - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:46 am

This whole series has been like a roller coaster. You have your ups and your downs with the storylines and actiing. I hope that the tone and direction that the series has shown in the last three episodes is a good sign as to how the rest of the episodes will go. I’m really hoping that it will have the same momentum (or better) all the way to the end. Although, I am a bit hesitant as to how they will pan out the whole memory loss for Jun-pyo and throw in another love tri-angle with only 3 episodes to go. Was an extension ever finalized?
179 Maria - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:47 am

Wow this drama is getting hot. I am a great fan of the main couple JP-JD but I dunno why now after watching this episode I am rooting and wishing that Jan Di ends with Ji Hoon and not JP…as I couldn’t help feeling that JH’s love for JD is so pure, noble & most selfless , what is most important to JH is JD’s happiness , . he puts this above his own happiness. I can’t help feeling that JP is selfish in his love, friendship…he demands everything and the same also applies to JK- they’re actually meant to be for each other.
180 joshee - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:57 am

Hi javabeans…its been a long long while since i commented. Have not commented on BOF before, have mostly been a silent reader, but today i can no longer resist the urge to put in my two cents.

The thing about this kdrama version is, I am always on the verge of either loving it or hating it. I’ve loved all the other versions, and in all of them I have always loved Doumyouji Tsukasa/DaoMing Si the best. However in this version I find myself leaning towards Jihoo like never before (loved Rui and HZL but never wanted them to get the girl). I just think that the characterisation of GJP is not consistent with the manga, and that’s what is frustrating all of us. I really agree with momo 114 when she talked of Tsukasa’s almost tunnel vision when it comes to loving Makino. This is really true. Remember when Makino was leaving with Amon (the look alike guy), and Amon told Tsukasa to leave Makino alone so she’ll be happy. He said something like ‘but i want to be happy too’. It was so funny how he made the entire police force look for Makino – hmm but that’s beside the point. And in the manga Doumyouji even decided to leave his family and everything that comes with it, to be with Makino. GJP doesn’t seem to be prepared to do that. Anyway my point is, in the manga, and in MG and the Japanese version, Tsukasa never loses sight of Makino. DaoMing Si starving himself rather than get married seems to me to be more consistent with Tsukasa’s character than this indecisive, weak GJP. It frustrates me so much. I can’t understand how the pd and scriptwriter could allow his character to deteriorate so much.

Similarly with JaeKyung’s character. She IS NOT supposed to be a character we despise. In all other versions her love for Makino/SanChai finally wins out. After lying to Makino at the resort, later she breaks off the engagement and tells Makino the truth. I have always liked Shigeru because she has never been portrayed to be mean or selfish, she has always been portrayed as liking Makino the best (to the chagrin of the evil mom). But this particular version has made her selfish, petulant and manipulative, and I don’t think I can ever bring myself to like her. Not even if she cancels the wedding in the next episode. Doing it at the nth hour, and having JD watch her standing at the altar with JP is too cruel and too uncharacteristic of Shigeru.

Lastly, ala 96 I also agree with you about the inconsistencies. It doesn’t make sense at all to leave an innocent 5 yr old boy grieving for his parents alone without anyone but servants to take care of him. And those 15 years being formative years, it is too amazing that JH turned out to be the sensitive sweet person he is. I think when the story veers too much from the original story line, too many inconsistencies abound. It also happened in the japanese version but not to such a glaring degree. So I still think MG is the best version despite the horrible wardrobe, not as fancy set up and more amateurish acting – which actually was ok by me because I loved the Taiwanese F4 and SanChai. (Sorry about comparing – but its inevitable – although LMH is definitely the best looking Doumyouji!)
181 Biscuit - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:01 am

Yay~ thanks for the recapps!

As for the cars, theres a boat where you can drive your cars onto it.
182 giddygirl108 - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:17 am

Oh humanity! And YES, LOVE the ending!!!
183 StarryNight - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:21 am

Dramabeans/Javabeans, thanks a mil for the recap!

So much energy and emotion packed into one episode I had to hold my breath and at times hold back my tears, even as the story line is “riddled with logic holes”.

My feelings for this episode run along the lines of Tangy, Akkido and KTV’s…Some of your comments are spot on.

JH-JD scenes:
I really enjoyed the wedding photo contest as it brings a little comic relief to what is an emotionally charged episode. That’s so JD to sniff out free gifts. Of course, the couple look just adorable! As always, JH intuitively knows what JD’s thinking (in this case that box of nutritious beef), and he readily walks out of his comfort zone to do things in her world. Another new experience because of JD. He certainly deserves that surprise hug from her.

Then the next scene zooms in on JH scanning the photos. Predictable but poignant because JH allows himself to dream…just a little…in that love quadrangle where he puts JD and JP first.

My take on JD rejecting JH’s hanky. It is not so much because of JD’s love for JP but rather her frustration at not being able to control her tears. JD is a strong girl who isn’t afraid of many things. Yet when it comes to love, JH has witnessed her countless times in that condition because of JP – her shaky hand, her mop moment, JPJK kissing. It comes to a point she doesn’t like that aspect of herself very much, for always needing JH’s shoulder to lean on.

What are JD’s feelings toward JH? I have been trying to figure that out. She is definitely aware JH loves her, at least after he held her hand close when he was sick. She must know how hard it is for him because she has been through the same with JH. But she doesn’t avoid him and in fact remains as chummy with him. It will be interesting to watch when she has to confront JH’s feelings and her own for JH.

As to proposal ring…I like the comment that something so significant cannot be planted there for nothing. ha ha.

JH’s quiet, supportive style most likely won’t get him the girl in the end. But the scriptwriters have given him a character that is really endearing. JH, keep fighting!

Mighty GJP comes across a little lacking at this point. Really not his fault. Script writers may have deliberately made his character flawed that way. Asking WooBin to hurt his hand is….juvenile. He loves JD, but to me, he wants it all. Shinhwa Group and the status and power that come with it. Is that what is stopping him from being decisive? Has he ever contemplated leaving behind all these to be with JD? Of course, one argument is that he is being responsible to his employees and protecting JD’s family from his mom’s wrath. But I really think as the only son and in the absence of another successor, and perhaps he could take the chance and stand up to Madam Kang more.

I read this JP’s line from KPculture for one of the upcoming episodes. “Because money, fame, looks I have them all. There’s nothing else necessary. All you need to do is be Geum Jan Di.” Will he love JD still if money and fame are taken out of the equation?

Jun Hee’s talk with her brother is a good scene. A sober reminder of what JP is up against as an individual. She succumbed to the fear of losing all she had and that makes her supportive for whatever path her brother will take.

I think all the characters in BBF are not bad, even JK. JK may be selfish but she isn’t malicious. She is simply a girl who has fallen head over heels in love with her fiance. Remember, she was manipulated into engagement, she didn’t search out JP.

What ever the outcome of the last episode, it is amazing to read the varied views and comments about BBF. This patchwork of perspectives just shows how popular this (actually rather silly but very cute) series has become. Let’s all enjoy the remaining few episodes.
184 eveningstar201 - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:27 am

As always. your comments are truly priceless! LOL!
185 Hannieoon - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:37 am

I thought the same too!

I thought Ji Hoo was going to give her the ring for a split second. Haha. And Woo-Bin did look sad without a partner while driving around Cheju. LoL.

I was literally screaming when this ep. ended. I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Not till next week! Hahaha
186 Shrimp - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:41 am

Woot! done done done!

When you said “Plot-Eating Moth”, i never really know what it means but for some reasons when I watched episode 21, i kinna get it …*scratching my head–still not sure though*

there are a lot of dramas that kept crossing my mind as i watch this episode. I hope you don’t mind me highlighting my observations out loud:

1.THE HOODED SWEATSHIRT- am i seeing GO EUN CHAN here? *coffee prince*
2.COFFEE ART- another coffee prince alert!
3.JEJU ISLAND- there’s a KIM SAM SOON-y feel in the scenes
4.DID I JUST WATCH GOONG? coz I thought i heared GOONG ST playing but oh twas BOF!
5.SOCCER! – reminded me of Kdrama Which star are you from
6.JK’s VOW/Chapel Scene- thought i saw the same scene from Biscuit Teacher Star Candy

….ok i’ll stop! coz i enjoyed watching the whole episode anyway =]

I think Madam Kang, her Royal EvUHLness, likes JK either becoz she is her son’s alter ego and she likes it coz she’s like a doll version of Jun pyo whom she can manipulate–NO–who likes what she likes and thinks what she thinks *sorta* or maybe, she also sees herself to her, selfish,brat, ambitious, a super empowered woman who aint just a wanna be but a gotta be–she’ll get things her way no matter how many hearts she’ll break how many lives she’ll ruin…
.
..and yeah…i guess i was right when i said that since Javabean’s blog was hailed as the best blog, BOF- people are religiously lurkin’ n this blog. We call JD stupid, clumsy, always in need of a rescue.. JD-amsel-in-distress, I couldn’t help but laugh my butt off when this scene happened: JH was trying to wipe JD’s tears away then she rejected it and said instead “they’re so used to being wiped by you sunbae that’s why they “stupidly” keep acting all “needy” *subbed by arashi*–like oh finally the scriptwriter stopped hitting himself with a hammer and saw things clearly now that the Jhand-needy-rescue-me-heroine is annoying already! the weed is fin’ly getting back *atleast they have an excuse for downgrading Jahndi coz they thought her becoming so dependent with JH or the rest of F4 is cute or romantic” *yawn*

so that’s it…imma ZzzzzZZZ now thanks again for the recaps!
187 llama - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:44 am

Uh, we all know Jaekyung is going to stop the wedding.
188 C_Janeth - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:48 am

Thank You SO MUCH for the recaps.
I love this drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have to say that the evolution in the music has gone way up. They’re paring the scenes with the right music now, as opposed to before. Anybody remember ALMOST PARADISE (o_0)
At times I really get into the whole GaEul-YiJung love thing. I am really rooting for them to end up together. They make such a cute couple.
Well, gotta go.
Thank you and saty save.(^-^)
189 lily - Mar 18, 2009 at 10:59 am

people don’t you think Jae kyung actress is looking TIRED in these pics ?? Or is it me ? Not healthy at all !
190 wondering what - Mar 18, 2009 at 11:21 am

Thank you.

For the first time since the drama began, I finally felt Kim HyunJoong really being JiHoo and not Kim HyunJoong, the boyband member lost in the world of K-Drama. And for what it’s worth, his scene with Grandpa Doctor while fishing was my most appreciated part in this episode, despite it’s less than significant weight in the outcome of the whole drama.

This is my most favorite episode, so far. I hope that the remaining episodes will not falter from the “quality” of these three previous ones.
191 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 11:34 am

Like Lena@28, I too noticed that JP seemed to get others to bail him out instead of doing the dirty deed himself. But then I wondered whether or not the writers were trying to convey that he couldn’t come up with any viable options? At least with JK, I tried to see the positive side and wondered if JP wanted to give JK and her parents the opportunity to save face. After all, much better for everyone if she walked off and left JP standing at the alter?
192 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 11:47 am

Kimche@90: “I’m finding myself annoyed at how every character seems to be wallowing in self pity at this point. I think I’m supposed to feel sorry for them (Woobin and his inferiority complex, Yi Jung and his self-imposed loveless life, Ji Hoo and his family crisis, Jun Pyo’s impending marriage of convenience, Ga Eul’s unrequited advances at YJ…etc),”

ROFLMAO! hehe, this pretty much sums up kdramas
193 (o.O)'' - Mar 18, 2009 at 11:53 am

wow. so many comments!
But what it boils down to is this: If cold logic rules yer brain over pure entertainment and/or emotional reaction, what are you doing watching this drama anyway, right?
^ i totally agree. Perhaps I’ve totally over analyzed everything that i feel so frustrated with the illogical plot. Then again, it’s a light teenage drama that shouldn’t be taken so seriously. Now I’m in a state of denial where I’ll be ignoring all the inconsistensies and plotholes.

I feel that it’s time to defend the characters in this story. I’m trying to see everyone from a different perspective to convince myself that the characters aren’t so very annoying (as people think).

Startting with Junpyo, i really cannot say that he is a COMPLETE coward. He has finally grown up and finally took consideration of other people’s feelings(except for Jandi’s T_T). He eagely wants JK’s consent so as not to feel so guilty over breaking her heart(since he now understands how she feels). He wants approval in a mature manner that he went as far as losing his pride by kneeling before a monkey. He also knows very well that Jihoo has feelings for Jandi so he wanted a punch(now i can’t say that this is immature, cos i guess that’s how men roll & it’s also about time that JIHOO is the one that punches him this time). Hs pride has definitely gone down the drain. He is no longer the Almighty Gu Junpyo after these happenings. But what i really don’t understand is why he’d make up such a silly excuse to break his arm to stall the wedding?! Well, i understand that he’s really confused with all the happenings(he doesn’t even know if it’ll be worth it to run from this wedding for a girl who’s never said she liked/loved him–that woulda been a waste). But seriously — 9 episodes have already passed and that should have been enough time for him to make up his mind! It’s about time he get’s a confirmation from Jandi on whether she still wants him or not. They really need a decent conversation to smooth things out. They still have so much to say to one another(why she can’t swim; his guilt over handling Shinhwa; whether they still wanna be together; and whatever happened to the star-moon necklace!) Come on!!!

Now with the supposed ‘damsel-in-distress’ Jandi– yes, she does seem weak in the surface but she really isn’t. I know that the words “it’s not the appearance, but it’s what’s inside that counts” is very cliche, but we must all agree with it, right? Same goes for Jandi. She has already done her part (with her dying relationship with JP) by going to Macau and confirming the break-up. She had the guts to go to another country just to hear the words that she was merely ‘a stain’ JP wanted to erase. Then she sees monkey kissing JP & hears that they’d already gone to third-base— yet she is brave enough to be a bridesmaid for Monkey. We can’t say that she should be the one to make a move because that would make her even more weak and desperate. I mean, that guy called you ‘a stain’ then you’re gonna beg him to come back to you? I don’t think SO!!!

Now with mun-key Jaekyung, i really don’t have much to say about this girl to defend her. I can’t really say that she has guts because she knew all along about JD & JP, yet she just laid back in denial. This poor girl is just infatuated that she is driven to be wed with someone that is clearly in love with someone else. The only reason i feel for her is because she’s just like anybody else– someone that wants both love and friendship in the long-run.

As for the meanie Yi-Jung who has done nothing else but hurt women(poor GaEul!), i really don’t know what to say. Yes, he’s miserable and all but he also has his own issues. I can’t say that he’s purposely being cruel to GaEul. I honestly think that he’s doing all he can to keep her from getting hurt. He refused to go out with her because he’s a player. Then when he did and said those bitter words in front with his father– i think he was only trying to show GaEul how much trouble she’d have to go through if she where to stand by his side. And also the puzzle piece he tried to hide from GaEul, he doesn’t know that GE knows about his first love so he tried not to get into this topic and hurt her. I have a feeling that these two will actually end up together ^^

ok. enough with defending. i’m actually really hyped up for the next episode. I hope Jandi won’t give in too easily to Junpyo. I really want her to say one of these:

(1) “Go in and be merry, the stain will finally be erased.”
(2) “What if you don’t? Who said I’ll take you back? I never said I loved you!”

Hehehhehe. Is it too cruel? …nahh… >=]
—– i hope JP also sees those pictures of JD & JH from the contest. kkkkk.
_____________________________

anyways, thankyou javabeans for the recaps ^^
194 maria - Mar 18, 2009 at 11:53 am

And before we complain that he can still back out without Jae-kyung’s consent, I think that’s beside the point — the point is that this new-and-improved Jun-pyo wants, and needs, Jae-kyung’s consent. He has to do the right thing by both women, rather than taking what he wants and letting the other person suffer alone. It’s the price he pays for tapping into his humanity — he’s subject to its pains just as much its benefits.

amazing. all-encapsulating in the truth of broadness of the insight, that it’s actually frightening to read. we all, in one form or another, use the jae-kyung way of compartmentalization as a survival tactic, and we carry our pride around everyday as ammunition and shield for that vulnerability.
how frightening to read these last lines and think, “i also have pain. i’m also hurting.”, because it opens a dam of not only emotions, but a sense of DUTY to oneself to do right by a standard you have been compartmentalizing all this time.
how frightening to think, finally, that “i MUST hurt. i SHOULD hurt. …if only because i already do.” and then “i’ll pick up my pieces.i’ll pick up my pieces and with such crippling uncertainty, Go from there…”

you break my heart, sarah…. i didn’t expect to fall and trip right onto my own self when i signed up for Boys Over Flowers. right now i’m hating it.
but given how annoyingly RIGHT it feels–like it’s ABOUT TIME…….. thank you.
195 cullenhale - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:19 pm

oh the intensity, the ending was just too much for me…just because if I was JD, I would be like yes!!!

JP, the look on his face as he is kneeling in front of JK is heartbreaking…I just cannot understand her, he told her he can’t love anyone else but JD..oh dear, it is just so frustrating. However, I felt like what JK was saying to JD was very genuine and it almost made me cry as well..too much heartache, I need my JD/JP back! Also, poor JH! I feel like he has improved so much throughout the course of the series, oh yes, I agree with javabeans, the bone structure on JP and JH is just wow….too much for me to handle.

I feel like this episode really built up the tension between the JP-JD-JH-JK, so very good, the dialogue has improved vastly

Oh yeah, the beginning of the episode with Mama Kang, AH! that woman is so good at what she does.

Unnie Jun Hee, she is freaking awesome. I really wished they would go into her story more…just because I heard a rumor that Song Chang Ui was going to be guest star as her old bf, but it seems too late for that now

Also, Yi-Jung needs to stop with the angst, way too much for me.

-yes, this episode has def. improved, even the music, I love the ending song (by A&T) and Jisun! I love her voice so much.
196 nono - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:32 pm

My rants after this ep:

1)Jandi+Jihoo’s wedding pic scene –> definitely fanservice since they’re not gonna end up together

2)The actress who plays Jaekyung must be having a strong ’somebody’ who managed to pull a lot of strings for her or else she wouldn’t be lasting this friggin long in the drama.

3)Jandi can never seem to look Junpyo in the eye for more than 2 seconds (except the 5min bed scene) He always has this firm gaze when talking/looking at her, but I don’t know why she can’t look straight at him. Their already good chemistry would increase tenfold if they could just maintain a firm, longer eye contact.
197 Jasmine - Mar 18, 2009 at 12:49 pm

I didn’t know what to think of JaeKyung in this episode. She seemed so…desperate, like she had this perfect world in her mind that she wants to stick with. Actually, even though I never liked her to begin with, I didn’t think that she was being knowingly cruel, just very tactless and naive. Naive, in that because she sees JanDi as her best friend and JunPyo as her true love, that anything uncomfortable would be taken care of with time.

Also. Didn’t all the guys seem really tan??? And when F4 were on the balcony at Jeju Island, I was expecting one of them to topple over because of the wind lol.

JunHee! So sad! Love that her hairstyles change with every episode. So NOW I know why she’s so insistent on helping JanDi get JunPyo… I thought it was just sisterly affection that JunHee felt, but her background story makes it all clear…

THANKS DRAMABEANS FOR THE RECAP!!!
198 Nea - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:17 pm

Oh ho, where to begin….
Great recap. Seriously last few eps…I have agreed entirely!

My agreement has mostly been with the entire package not with all specifics especially concerning JK. At first, I was undestanding of her, but now, not so much or at all (in a positive way). Where I come from she is someone that we consider “nice nasty.” She pretends to like and care but in truth everything she does is selfish and harsh. She really doesn’t care about anyone but herself. Though she smiles, she’s malicious, whether she truly knows it or not.

Of course, I have taken into consideration her background, her past etc. but even with all this, her consistent actions prove she truly has no respect for others. She doesn’t care about the emotions of others though she understands their actions. I like that many including you, have used the word “compartmentalize.” This makes me think of her more and more as less than human and detached from reality. More like Kim Catrall in “Mannequin” beautiful, lifelike, cries on cue but deviod of true emotion (without teaching or coaching).

I also would love to say that her rationalization of her future with JP is correct but thisis also moot. I have to concede that she doesn’t know the JP of the past therefore this may have some bearing on her incorrect assumptions but even with that somehow she continues to not only resemble him but his mother. The way in which she repeatedly acts without a thought or idea of his well being is her definitive downfall and would, regardless of how long they are together, eventually grow hatred, resentment and disregard, rather than undying love, respect or loyalty.

If circumstances were different, I could halfheartedly agree with her but this is not the reality. Also, I hate having to constantly use this phrasing in relation her circumstance. The truth is that even if things were different, they wouldn’t be together. She may have liked him, but it would never work, for the old JP would have kicked her in the face long ago. Things would have never gone this far and futhermore, she probably would have hated him because he is her carbon copy. Its because of JD’s influence that she even wants to be with him. I don’t use the word “love” because for what I know of love, expressed and even experienced, her emotions (and actions go without mention) are the furthest thing from it. That is why she wants him and envies him. She sees their similarities and wants what he has.

Have a great week everyone! Be safe.
Thank you JB for all your hard work. I value almost every post!
199 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:32 pm

“The truth is that even if things were different, they wouldn’t be together. She may have liked him, but it would never work, for the old JP would have kicked her in the face long ago. Things would have never gone this far and furthermore, she probably would have hated him because he is her carbon copy. Its because of JD’s influence that she even wants to be with him.”(#198 Nea)

Exactly!
200 Arivle - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Dramabeans as always u are the best…your comments made me realize many things about the characters and the plot. But u are 100% 3 great episodes on a row that is truly awsome, I guess the writers are trying to redeem themselves at the end..ahahha…they better make the last 3 episodes worth watching.

This episode was bittersweet in my opinion…..the characters in this episode truly reach their breaking point, except Woobin ahhahha…poor thing doesn’t even have a girl…..how sad!!!! Moving on….
I really hated JK in this episode…I mean come on how dare she try on the wedding dress in front of JD and then ask her to be her maid of honor….to me that very disrespectful…isn’t she the one proclaiming to be JD friend and all that…that was like stab in the heart for JD…..then the scene at the resort WTH she knew all along about JD and JP and still acted like a moron, and the ask for forgiveness….worst part was the fact that she made mighty GJP kneel at her feet ….can’t she see the suffering she is creating around….THE GJP IS TELLING her in her face that he doesn’t love her and he will forever love JD….and she still want him….does she want a miserable marriage, fill with bitterness and resetment…I know I’m going off here but jeezz JK attitude and behaviour really killed me….She is like a little kid who wants to hold on to a toy that is not her and throws a mighty tantrum when the owner wants it back…..
I LOVE NOONA in this episode she really got to GJP in a real way and made sure he understood what he is give up (love) and losing (power & money)if the wedding happens or doesn’t happen…..
I agree with most of the folks that wrote that JP has emotional mature in a huge way….but also still deep down the little boy who wants to eat the whole pie !!! and it showed in the way he begged JK and ask JH for the punch….but you know what you can’t have everything in life…you win some you lose some…..but then comes JD who straight up told him that he is coward who can’t make important decisions…..and I love that because she had made important decisions regarding their relationship, she let him go, she put up with his evil mother and insults, and crazy fiance..however deep down she probably hope that he will fight for his happiness. I can’t wait for Monday hopefully we get a great episode.
201 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:44 pm

oh please. if the current JP is a result of JD’s reeducation, then I don’t want them to be near each other at all. The JP that we knew and loved were full of conviction in what he likes and doesn’t like. He says he loves JD but spends his time shopping with his fiance. I would’ve chained myself to the bed rather than spending time with my arranged fiance if she was the one that hinders my happiness with my true love.

oh and if he really is “tapping into his humanity”, why not give up on Jandi and let Jihoo love her? He knows his best friend likes her and I am certain that JP thinks of JH as a great guy (”you are an awesome bro, I can’t live without you.”) Similarly, he asks woobin to break his arm? Does he consider woobin’s feelings in doing such an act? And the great humanitarian JP begging JK to call off the wedding…sure thing…have the girl do it and have her and her family bear the bad reputation afterward!

The fierce determination of JP is no longer there. Many of you say that it is an improved quality because now he thinks about other people before he acts. I rather have his former self than this wishy washy person that can’t let go of his first love and yet not strong enough to severe his ties to fiance. (sending pictures of himself snorting coke to JK’s parents would’ve suffice. ) I swear I just want to see him doing everything he humanly can to sabotage the engagement, let alone the wedding. Instead I see him flying to Jeju island and getting all decked out in his tuxedo…sigh.

It’s like the series begins with JP doing everything to win the girl and then when the real obstacles surface, his efforts fizzled out. The writers stripped away the essence of Tsukasa. I am sad.
202 Amy - Mar 18, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Javabeans I really love your recaps, thanks for doing it for every episode, and on the same day too!(= …thanks for taking time to write for us crazy fans! I especially enjoy the comments section you do after every recap and I was wondering if you could write about yijung and gaeul and their story, how you think their relationship will end, etc. I’d be extremely grateful…hahaitd make my day keke (O:
203 adnama - Mar 18, 2009 at 2:53 pm

jae kyung is really digging herself into an endless pit of self denial.
i love this episode its didn’t feel overly sprinkled with cheese.
204 kerri - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:16 pm

kl recap!!

i’d ride with woo-bin any day =P
205 Allie - Mar 18, 2009 at 3:35 pm

The part when Jyn Poo kneeled, I was like WOW! I can’t believe Jae Kyung still wants to go on with the wedding. Where is your pride girl??? He’s BEGGING you to let him go! And Jandi, she’s not even putting up ANY type of fight for Jyn Poo. It’s ridiculous. As I was watching this episode, I thought Jyn Poo should just forget about both girls.

And poor Woo Bin, all alone looking hot in his car with no girl by his side. His character really got jipped.
206 kimchii - Mar 18, 2009 at 4:02 pm

I agree! I absolutely LOVELOVE the ending!
As lame as it was as a viewer, it truly was an amazing way to end it.

I feel this is the most selfish portrayal of the character “Shigeru” out of all three adaptations. It’s what I’ve been thinking since the first episode she was in.. However, it also make this portrayal the most complex and I find it interesting to see how they’ve developed her.

Anyways.. Excited for the next episode (:
Love the recaps javabeans.
207 xiahkixiri - Mar 18, 2009 at 4:29 pm

ARRG, CLIFFHANGER!!! Except… she TOTALLY looked like she was going to say no! The thing is, when it’s just Jun Pyo and Jan Di in their own little world, like in ep20, they’re fine and they spark. But when all these other circumstances come into play, they BOTH aggravate me. Jun Pyo because, even though I can understand how torn he is and how Madam Kang and now Jae Kyung have trapped him, he can’t make up his freaking mind. I can’t let her go, can’t not go… And then it seems like what he needs to give him the courage is Jan Di, but when she gives him that look, like when she walked in at the end, it all fizzles away and she pisses me off because she’s consistently cowardly in the face of Madam Kang and Jae Kyung – when Madam Kang walked in, she should’ve been all it’s your own damn fault for breaking my freaking house! But no, hiding all the time… She REALLY is not much better than him, to be giving him those looks. Yeesh.

It’s tiring because they haven’t had time together, to take strength from each other… and with the goddamn amnesia AND Umi arcs coming and only 4 eps left… URRRRRRRRGGGG. How’d they go from zipping through things in the first ’season’, to this?
208 mracmeister - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:09 pm

I agree with your analysis of Jae Kyung character actions. No matter how illogical or twisted and tactless she is, it’s part of the spoiled, lonely, miserable rich kid syndrome. Maybe her psychological personality disorder being a rich kid characterized by the need for admiration, lack of empathy and her manipulative way of exploiting interpersonal relations makes her the way she is. She was raised without close friends, parents were never around, no siblings and she lived in a big house with a lot of servants. Almost the same like Jun Pyo, although Jun Pyo had friends and had a big sister. This is what probably attracted her to Jun Pyo, he seemed to live like a normal human person despite being rich and the one thing he had was Jan Di. Jun Pyo loves Jan Di and vice versa, Jae Kyung wanted that validation as well. She will not stop until she gets her wish.

In the old days, Jun Pyo appeared arrogant, angst ridden, self-absorbed, sadistic and always relied in simple brute force/power (notice his very curly locks in the beginning) but turned around when he met Jan Di (his hair began to relax and straighten out). I think the people around him like his Mom’s assistant, the valet, the riding teacher, the head of household understood him real well. They knew that beneath that cold exterior lies a heart of gold and someone can ignite that soft heart and turn him around. That person happens to be Jan Di.

Jae Kyung wanted that and so she followed the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. She’ll do anything no matter what. But in the end, she’ll realize that what Jun Pyo and Jan Di has is pure unselfish love, one willing to sacrifice for the other…so she can’t compete with that.
209 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:41 pm

I dont know why Jandi does not has pride at all.
I dont think she should take the maid job. she knew how his mom feels about her.
she knew that she will get in trouble when she bump to his mom’
destroy her family business and now she has no place to live.
stay in her ex boy friend home. sad………………..
210 Anonymous - Mar 18, 2009 at 5:55 pm

I want Jan Di to pick Ji Hoo!!!!!!!!! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, really, is she BLIND????????????????? Ji Hoo should take his own advice and tell JD what he really feels before it’s too late. Ugh! Sooooooo frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JK and JP – I hope JK really has the cajones (spelling) that she portrays as having thus far and makes JP marry her. (so my poor Ji Hoo can be with Jan Di ! ;P)
211 yoonah - Mar 18, 2009 at 6:41 pm

I’m shocked both sets of parents agreed to a small, quiet, hastily-arranged wedding ceremony given the high-profile merger of their companies/children. (yeah yeah, BBF and logic don’t mix^^)

Minor quibble (one of many, but that’s par for the course for BBF): I just wish they’d gotten better-dressed extras for the wedding guests, people who looked like they’d belong at such an ultra-private hoity toity event. Some random kid in a striped T-shirt is actually sitting 2 rows behind Mama Kang, LOL! And the rest don’t seem like rich folks, more like employees in business attire. (It’s like the BBF staff isn’t even trying anymore.)
212 Two Cents - Mar 18, 2009 at 6:50 pm

@211 yoonah-

LOL!!! My thoughts exactly. Your comment cracked me up.
213 sunnysummersuns - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:34 pm

I really really enjoy these updates. I follow every week to compare my own thoughts and see what I possibly lost in translation.

I have to admit- I am for Ji-Hoo all the way.
Near the beginning of the series Ji-Hoo really excited me and I rooted for him and Jan-Di, but at one point I was finally moved to a 50-50 shot between Ji-Hoo and Jun-Pyo, around episode 9. Right now, I am back to Ji-Hoo 100%.

Its not that I don’t like Jun-Pyo, on the contrary, I love his character and I believe that Lee Min-ho does a fabulous job portraying all the real-life emotions Jun-Pyo is feeling. I also love how Jun-Pyo NEEDS Jan-Di. He doesn’t just like her, he really needs her as a human being. What I don’t like is how angsty his and Jan-Di’s relationship is. There is always something going wrong and they always miss-communicate about it which just makes it worse and then they go around in circles for episodes on end, and that makes the viewer increasingly frustrated.

I think Ji-Hoo and Jan-Di just have it better, and both their characters fit together really well. Its not just that they work well together, its that they deserve each other. Ji-Hoo needs Jan-Di just as much as Jun-Pyo, but Ji-Hoo puts in an honest effort to understanding JanDi and what she wants as well. I absolutely loved this episode because of the scenes with the wedding game. This is another example of how well off the two have it for each other. Ji-Hoo is always recognizing Jan-Di’s true feelings and helps her achieve her goals. Jan-Di on the other hand, helps Ji-Hoo become a less introverted person and brings out the best in his already near perfect character (not to mention near perfect looking too!).

I always like to think back to the episode where the psychic tells Jan-Di that she has her soul mate, and the man she will marry, but they are two different men. Ji-Hoo is obviously the soul mate, and she will most likely end up marrying Jun-Pyo. If the series does not end this way, I would be very (pleasantly) surprised.

Either way, I know I will follow this amazing kdrama all the way to the end.
Keep up the good work, everyone!
sunnysummersuns
214 j - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:34 pm

jandi has really made him into a human! i don’t think he would’ve done what he did if it wasn’t for jd. before jd, he did whatever he wanted. now, he’s toned down & doesn’t act out like he used to.
215 Soonie - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:35 pm

I think the reason why Junpyo begged Jaekyung for forgiveness is really him asking her to call it off. B/c that’s the only way that he could get out of the wedding. At least, that’s the only way that I can see his Mother letting go of the merger…..
216 Shrimp - Mar 18, 2009 at 7:38 pm

In addition to my post above *186*:
7. FISHING scene *JH and Granpa*- The ambiance was sooo alike with the scene from Kdra LOVERS.

208 “Jae Kyung wanted that and so she followed the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

When I read yer comment I suddenly remembered a line from Grey’s Anatomy. Since JK and JD arent enemies enemies, imma borrow what Dr. Burk told McDreamy ” Keep your friends close and your COMPETITION closer”. =]

This episode is full of awkward moments which i love and hate with passion! the angst, the assertiveness, the frankness–they all spell TENSION! there are time’s id like to slap Her Royal EvuHLness for making JD’s life so miserable, love to pull JK’s hair *because i love how black and shiny it is and that is the very style i want for myself but can’t pull it off huhu haha*, coz she’s downright insensitive and she’s the epitome of a masochist-sadist-obsessed-lover, she cares less if she go apeshitt’n on her so called BFF *dang the guts*; the moment JD said yes to be JK’s bridesmaid i was like “HU–WHAT?” then “BLANK” *scratching my head*. On the other hand, I wanted to embrace JH at long last he has forgiven grandpa! OH JP how i’d like to invite you to drink soju with me and piggyback-ride you when you get wasted hahaha–you knelt down for nothing *or maybe not*
217 marz - Mar 18, 2009 at 8:27 pm

just wondering something the goong song used in the scene was a piano version different from the one on the ost.. does anyone know if theyll release that version? i seem to like it better.
218 momo - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:08 pm

the thing that bugs me a LOT about the way this story has been adapted this time is precisely because it is a Korean production. i’m not Korean and i don’t profess to be an expert on Korean culture, but i’ve lived in Korea for the past year and i’ve watched a LOT of dramas during my time here and i’ve noticed in a LOT of their dramas, the PDs have a tendency to drag things out and make characters as indecisive and as inexpressive as possible in order to up the drama volume. by giving in to this tactic, the PDs end up possibly creating characters that are extremely inconsistent. this is especially noticeable in BBF because the two main characters: Joonpyo and Jandi were the exact opposite of that at the start. i’ve seen all other versions of this story, including the manga and i’ve never found myself actually *disliking* the Makino and Domyouji characters. because despite all the confusion and the obstacles they encounter, the one thing they were always sure of was the fact that they loved each other. but for some reason in this version, Joonpyo is portrayed as a passive aggressive coward who’s hurt Jandi one too many times, Jandi is a weak little damsel who is afraid to speak up for herself. on top of that, they’ve dragged out the Jaekyung-is-an-evil-psycho slant for the past how many episodes?? i’m sorry but joshee is totally right, we’re not supposed to hate JK/Shigeru. but again the PDs have KDramafied this, as so many of these programs are obsessed with having a manipulative, desperate, almost crazy “other woman” who can’t seem to EVER let go of our male hero. if this was any other Kdrama, i would have just accepted it because the whole hmming and hawing is pretty much a mainstay in a lot of Kdramas in order to build the tension, thus making the conclusion so much more satisfying when they FINALLY do something good and courageous about their feelings. but this story is a Japanese manga and i find a lot of the updated details really take away from the perfect execution of its Japanese counterpart. please, i don’t want a Goong pt. 2. i don’t want repetitive “Now I love him, now I don’t” shit. it’s soooooooooo frustrating while being boring at the same time.
219 N - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:49 pm

I wonder why they’ve gone back to Yi Jung’s highschool hair? Just something I’ve noticed.
220 hi - Mar 18, 2009 at 9:58 pm

omg I can’t wait
i wish JP and Jandi with be together
I also with Gaeul and Yi Jung are together
221 tam - Mar 19, 2009 at 12:22 am

I got to agree this was an awesome episode! I’m so confused by the Jae-kyung character… you want hate her but just can’t get yourself too… Her character really makes you feel like pulling your hair out… I get so frustrated because she’s so on the fence. I want her fall off already so I can either hate her or love her. I don’t know why Kdrama’s make the opposition, in this case Jae-kyung, look so loony. I get the point “Ya not going to get Jun pyo! he doesn’t like you! Give up! ya not going to win as much you try to!”…. don’t drag it on more than it needs to be. I fell off my chair laughing at the beginning of the ep. when madam kang walked in… I thought the both of them was about to crap their pants lol…. but I got to say what a way to start an ep. it really made eager to see what happens next. As for the Gaeul and Yi Jung plot what going on with them??? I’d wish they spend more time on their story I’m getting bored already with jandi and jun pyo…*yawn*
222 makuii - Mar 19, 2009 at 1:32 am

just thinkin bout it …
does anybody feel that this may have all been set up to test JanDi and her love for JunPyo (ie the whole ‘tell me not to do it’ kinda thing)? and for her to publicly declare her love or something?

yea… i know unlikely- im thinkin hanadan final movie kinda plot line….sorry, i dont mean to compare… ^_^
223 chris - Mar 19, 2009 at 1:38 am

hmm i have an idea, may sound ridiculous but given that its a drama, anything can happen right???

Perhaps Jae Kyung is “setting” JD and JP up, like arranging the wedding for them. Cos she knows that mama kang will sure disapprove, and maybe in her heart, she knows JP will never be happy if he is married to her. So maybe she really loves JP that much to let JD be his wife. So she asked JD to be her bridesmaid (so as to get her into the appropriate gear for a wedding), and then BAM! on the wedding day, she will announce its JD and JP’s wedding. (although i think mama kang still got the power to stop it). I think Jae Kyung isn’t such a bad character. In the jap version, i thought she is actually good natured and kind hearted deep down. So i don’t actually think she is THAT mean, perhaps just an act.

I know this is far fetched, but its just a theory right? Oh man, i cant wait for the next episode!!!! There must be some twist somewhere!
224 bbf addict - Mar 19, 2009 at 1:46 am

@ 40 okay no one is forcing you to watch…so what ur point to comment here????
225 bbf addict - Mar 19, 2009 at 1:53 am

@ 123 please click the direct link below. there you can see the ending of episode 21

enjoy!!!!

http://www.mysoju.com/boys-before-flowers/
226 mikki - Mar 19, 2009 at 4:03 am

this is nerve-wrecking..
only 4 more episodes to go.. gosh!
thanks for the recaps!
227 lily - Mar 19, 2009 at 5:37 am

@ 109 “The truth is that even if things were different, they wouldn’t be together. She may have liked him, but it would never work, for the old JP would have kicked her in the face long ago”
I don’t think so ! I really think if JP & Jae Kyung met before he would fall for her Why ?
1) Jun Pyo as never really been violent
2) Jae Kyung has a strong character even stronger than Jan di
228 cheonsa - Mar 19, 2009 at 5:38 am

sigh…i’m now rewatching the first few episodes and i realized that i so dearly miss the old jun pyo and jandi. they are what made me a BOF junkie. they also looked so much fresher then – now they just look so jaded. things just started going downhill from macau.
kinda disappointed that almost half the episodes of these series i would rather forget – did nothing to develop the Jundi relationship or to convince us that they should be together. and also that it’s gonna end soon and as of now, it seems there wouldn’t be much substance to the Jundi relationship to hold on to.
229 Imee - Mar 19, 2009 at 6:27 am

I can’t help but love Ji Hoo’s character than Jun Pyo at this time. In the beginning, I really like JP and JD but after the Macao episodes my feelings for JP went downhill and transferred to Ji Hoo. JH is such a great guy and so deserving of Jan Di. Wish that he and Jan Di end up together so grandpa will be really happy.I was never too sympathetic to Rui and Lee (Japanese and Taiwanese versions) but the PD’s made Ji Hoo more likeable in this Korean version that I have noticed so many converts to Ji Di love team even in other blogs.Hope they soften the blow to JH heart if JD choses JP by bringing back his first love at the end.
230 Peeps!`` - Mar 19, 2009 at 7:15 am

Eh… Isn’t Woo Bin a womanizer? How could a womanizer be driving his car ALONE? Wouldn’t he at least drag his current girlfriend over? Anyone agrees here?
231 Peeps!`` - Mar 19, 2009 at 7:37 am

About my much much earlier comment (no, not the number 230 [woah O.O] one), I kinda was expecting some retort… Hah ha ha ha… Maybe some people agree with me??? No, nevermind..
232 wpajax - Mar 19, 2009 at 8:24 am

jun hee seems to be the only one offering junpyo unconditional love at this time. and i can’t get a handle on jae kyung’s character – on the one hand she’s clearly aware of junpyoXjandi. yet she purposely sets herself up for disappointment time and again…given all the previous signals, did she really think junpyo would reply YES when she was having her little game at the altar? i can’t believe she perseveres over and over despite junpyo’s continual rejection of her.

and the director seems to be showing us the parodies of two weddings in this episode. firstly we have jandi and jihoo taking a series of wedding photos together in the whole garb, not to mention the fact that jihoo conveniently gets a potential proposal ring from his granddad (who is really cute!).
secondly we get a really surreal parody of the actual wedding day for junpyo and jaekyung, with the two of them standing there at the altar and jaekyung reciting the vows by herself. and then junpyo kneeling down in front of her, not to propose, but to beg her forgiveness. i’m guessing the director’s trying to satisfy fans who are rooting for these couples (who aren’t supposed to get together in the end), while at the same time showing the rest of us that these pairings are nothing like the real thing; they won’t work out.
(?)
i’m crazily wondering if jaekyung will have a sudden change of heart and it’ll be her who refuses to take the vows on wedding day. otherwise, i really don’t see how hard it is for junpyo to elope with jandi and get married somewhere. but i guess jandi wouldn’t accept that ? also, javabeans, i read spoilers some time back, and eunjae really is the girlfriend of yijung’s brother. and thanks for clarifying – i actually thought from my subbed source that granny housekeeper REALLY was the grandmother and i was wondering why she was standing like a maid at dinner.

p.s. jihoo ah…if jandi doesn’t want your ring (or hanky)…I’LL gladly take it : D
233 elisa - Mar 19, 2009 at 9:43 am

#232 wpajax…hey there…am so sure you would be fighting to get that hanky and ring because i want it too….hahahahaha….my gosh am so glad my husband doesn’t know about my secret infatuation. he actually saw a part of the drama and commented if these guys were gay because they are so “pretty”. really even though the director and writers made a mess of the characters…we watch this for the eye candies. the korean version has the best looking F4 and they do dress better.

by the way, i said “Yes, they are gay” to avoid suspicion. ahahahahahaha…will just make it up to him tonight……more crazy talk..hahahahahahah

dramabeans….i may have ranted earlier on(#148) but i did enjoy this episode. thanks again…
234 Nuur - Mar 19, 2009 at 11:32 am

thank u so so much for the song What Do I Do. i’ve been searching everywhere.
what a great discussion going on here. i can’t wait to finish the story.
many say the japanese version is better?
235 meg - Mar 19, 2009 at 12:20 pm

:O
just had to say..
JiHoo can drive now?
LOL
236 Anonymous - Mar 19, 2009 at 1:50 pm

“The truth is that even if things were different, they wouldn’t be together. She may have liked him, but it would never work, for the old JP would have kicked her in the face long ago. (#198 Nea)

Agrees 100%! Well maybe he wouldn’t literally kicked her in the face (LOL), but most likely he would just shove the porridge in her face when she tries to feed him (LOL!)

“Things would have never gone this far and furthermore, she probably would have hated him because he is her carbon copy. Its because of JD’s influence that she even wants to be with him.”
Yeah. If you guys remember, JP decided to try and date her because he thought he could give JD up. The JP who has never met JD wouldn’t have given JK a chance AT ALL
237 lily - Mar 19, 2009 at 2:44 pm

@ 230 since WHEN Woo Bin is a womanizer. This Kid can hit on women ? I am not convinced…
238 sunnysummersuns - Mar 19, 2009 at 3:10 pm

This is completely unrelated to the story, but I was wondering how to get the songs downloaded from this site to work on itunes. When I first download them, everything seems fine and they play on the computer with itunes, but after about an hour they all start to say the original file source could not be found. Does anyone know how to solve this problem?
239 salt - Mar 19, 2009 at 5:06 pm

still loving JH…… agree with 171.
JH is heading towards a heartbreak… he really loves JD (compared to Rui in HYD).
i hope he will have his own happy ending at the end of the series… or if not, a spin-off…? in which JH can be a much happier and random guy…..
heh heh heh…. ssorry, i’m just spazzing….

on another note, i read on wiki that said rating for ep 20 and 21 is in the +30% zone and they are still 2nd. who got 1st? i thought surely that now EoE is over surely BOF will breakthrough the 40% or at least get the no 1 spot. which drama got 1st?
anyone? javabeans?
240 javabeans - Mar 19, 2009 at 5:28 pm

@salt (#239), Boys Before Flowers is first in its Monday-Tuesday timeslot. Wife’s Temptation is first in the overall weekly timeslot, which ranks shows regardless of broadcast time. I believe BBF is encroaching on Wife’s lead, although Wife is a daily drama and those tend to draw larger numbers more easily (they air at an earlier time as well).
241 kkstar - Mar 19, 2009 at 7:12 pm

Just a random comment, sort of what at least a couple of people have mentioned in every summary like this- The “Soulmate” vs “Husband” deal. I doubt this show is that thoughtful, but soulmate does not always necessarily have to be romantic. You can have soulmates where you connect on a much deeper level than most of your relationships, but that doesn’t mean it also has to be romantic. But then again, while I agree this show is like crack and quite addicting, it is also not that intelligent.

Thus… I am still rooting for Junpyo and Jandi and less angsty moments, more ass-kicking moments! I want Jandi do drop kick somebody again and Junpyo to give his disgusted looks to those who object.

Does anybody really think they will do two different arcs in the last 4 episodes? I’ll admit, I have not read the manga or watched the other versions, this was the first I had heard of this series being quite new to Asian media. However, AMNESIA AND ANOTHER GIRL in FOUR EPISODES?!?! WTF?
242 kay - Mar 19, 2009 at 7:59 pm

thanks for the song!! i really like it – can someone remember a scene where it’s played?
243 (o.O)'' - Mar 19, 2009 at 8:10 pm

@242 kay

if you’re talking about the song of the day, it was played a couple of times last episode(20). While Jandi was wandering homeless in the streets and during Jaekyung & Junpyo’s CF shoot. =] —> hope that helps!
244 Marres77 - Mar 19, 2009 at 8:10 pm

an aside comment….

Note to self…….if i want to end up with the person i like, do not under any circumstances agree/suggest we dress up in wedding gear for photo’s! just finished watching “Glass Slippers”…same thing! what’s the go…..

BUT…..Thanks Javabeans for another great re-cap. Awesome episode! Can’t wait for next week!….aaaawwwww almost over…..

; )
245 Marres77 - Mar 19, 2009 at 8:13 pm

xoxox
246 joeydragonlady - Mar 19, 2009 at 8:24 pm

Thanks for the recaps.

I miss Prince Song! I wish he had someone ride
with him in Jeju. Seriously, do they have a tanker ship
their car to the island? Can’t they all ride the same
car or something?
I feel for Jandi, she is trying to be brave and calm
about the whole wedding thing. I wonder why she
even agreed to be brides maid to her ex’s wedding?
Maybe the writers just want a reason for her to be there?
JK needs to have a little common sense. Why does she
want the girl the guy she’s marrying be her bride’s maid?
If I were her I’d make it a point to keep them away from
each other. I swear to God, The more Jun-pyo sees Jandi
the more he forgets about Shinwah group.

I love that Jun-pyo got down on his knees. In the Japanese
version Domyoji did this in front of Rui so he’s give up
on Makino, in a way it stayed true to the manga.
247 sbop - Mar 19, 2009 at 8:25 pm

@ 230 Peeps!“

LOL. woo-manizer.

tsk. tsk.

xD
248 vmn2505 - Mar 19, 2009 at 11:07 pm

both the walkie talkie part and the fall-over-and-hug (sorry, i can’t find a shorter way to describe that scene! ><) are from the taiwanese version! but they’re cuter here!
249 AA - Mar 20, 2009 at 1:57 am

I am all for Ji hoo and Jan di – I can even put reasons too. Jo hoo is her fire fighter, its high time that Jandi should realize that who causes that *fire*…obviously JP. Jandi loves JP just because he loves her but see Ji hoo not only loves her, he actually takes care of her in real sense.

BTW, does anyone remember a monk or someone at temple telling Jihoo that JD will make her family, cherish her.? I hope by that drama makers didn’t mean by ONLY grandpa

nd grandpa didn’t forget to carry that ring when Jihoo told him to be ready in just 10 minutes..hehe. He knew what he had to talk about.
250 jj - Mar 20, 2009 at 4:46 am

Hey, no one cries “gracefully” in real life!
So why are there so many complaints about Ji Hoo’s crying?
251 doudi86 - Mar 20, 2009 at 5:02 am

@ 131
I totally agree with you …
1st, about Jun Pyo … He is not a coward … He shows more responsibility than cowardice .. yeah he want to solve the problem by causing the minimum of damage and not hurting the other people around him that’s why he put his pride aside and knelt for Jae Kyung… it shows here a mature Jun Pyo …
In the wedding day Jun Pyo was really really in a bad situation coz he tried his best (in his way) to stop the wedding and he didn’t succeed … maybe at that time he needed someone to push him and stand with so he can regain confidence in himself that’s why he told Jan Di “Then tell me not to do it. Tell me not to go.” … after all the ONLY reason why he is doing all this is for HER, No!

2nd, about Jae Kyung … she is very selfish and a brat daughter of rich … she was very harsh when she asked Jan Di to be her bridesmaid (knowing that Jan Di and Jun Pyo are lovers) … even if she never had friends before … even a person who don’t know anything about relationship, don’t do such a thing … it’s a very awful act … I can’t stand her behavior …

3d, about Ji Hoo … I loved the scene with his grandfather … it was very heartwarming to see those two get along after several years of rupture … I also feel sorry for him coz he is very nice to Jan Di, but he will not have a place for him in her heart …

4th, about Yi Jung … we can see that he began to care about Ga Eul … coz when he went to the school where she learn poetry, it was actually to see Ga Eul … But he ended meeting his first love … at first I wasn’t happy that he met her .. but after that, I realized that this is when Yi Jung will let her go (when he found out that she is dating his brother and that his brother is happy) … so maybe there will be a place for Ga Eul in his heart …

about the car comment … maybe they will use them for some other important scene … coz I don’t think that they had to bring the cars all the way to jeju island only to show the cast driving …
252 Leslee - Mar 20, 2009 at 11:35 pm

About the cars. Don’t they have ferries to Jeju Island? It really would be that hard for one of their servants to drive a car to a port and put it on a boat. But I haven’t been there, so I don’t know if there are ferries or not.

I hate Jae=Kyung, but I think the length of her arc has been true to form. Season 2 is supposed to be almost entirely about the fiancee, with only a few episodes left to do another thing or two. They may decide to follow Meteor Garden, and have JP go on a hunger strike, as opposed to the amnesia storyline. At least I hope so. I am tired of seeing JP with other women!!
253 Shir - Mar 21, 2009 at 5:15 am

Thought I’d say something about Jun Pyo kneeling before Jae Kyung.

I saw this scene and immediately 2 other scenes came to mind:

1. I remember when Jun Pyo first visited Jandi’s house, he sat on a chair while the members of her family sat on the floor opposite him – the implicatuion being that he was the high and mighty “Young Master”.

2. Just a few episodes ago, Jun Pyo shared ramen with Jandi and her brother sitting on the floor at the same level as them.

And then this scene happened. I think these 3 scenes together play out Jun Pyo’s evolution story very effectively – we see the transition from high-and-mighty-Young-Master Goo Jun Pyo to in-touch-with-humanity-mere-mortal Goo Jun Pyo in less then 10 minutes.

Loving it!!!! I’m not sure if the PD meant for these scenes to work out this way, but either way, they all work out rather nicely don’t they? It kinda ties the 2 seasons together and we are reminded of just how far his character has come.

By the way, good work dramabeans. Love your blog. Keep it up!!!
254 Shir - Mar 21, 2009 at 5:20 am

Lovin’ it!!
255 Shir - Mar 21, 2009 at 5:29 am

thought i’d leave my 2 cents worth about JP kneeling before jae kyung…

when i first saw this scene, 2 other scenes immediatey came to mind:

1. I remembered when JP first visited Jandi’s house, we was sitting on a chair while the members of her family were sitting on the floor opposite him – the implication being that he was still the high-and-might Gu Jun Pyo

2. Just a few epis ago, JP shared ramen with Jandi and her brother while sitting on the floor – he’s levelling himself with them and in doing so, coming closer to humanity.

then this scene happened and i thought: gu jun pyo has come full circle. playing back these scenes in my mind was like watching the evolution of gu jun pyo in less than 10 mins.

i don’t know if the PD meant for the scenes to play out the way i have read them, but they do work out pretty nicely in telling JP’s story don’t they? they serve as a nice tie up for both the seasons and remind us of just how far his character has come.
256 purty.sunshine - Mar 22, 2009 at 12:45 am

Hello! I just recently started following your re-caps for Boys Before Flowers… because I am getting so confused (lol). You’re reviews are really awesome and a lot of help–that’s for making them!

I just have a quick question–are we missing something in these big gaps between Ga Eul and Yi Jung? Like the scene where she visits and gives him back the puzzle piece–and he gets up to follow her and then….nothing.

Then when they confront eachother out in the flowery-field and he she mentions the valentines day thing and he shows his shocked expression and…once again, nothing. Granted, there is still room for flashbacks concerning this scene, but for some reason I doubt we will get them.

I’m just confused. I love this drama to death but it seems like the gaps just keep getting bigger and bigger everywhere and then not getting filled back in T___T

(me and my friends are also anxious about the amnesia arch from the Japanese version…it seemed like it was a big thing and we really expected it to happen in the Korean version but….wow…4 more episodes? Do you think it’s possible??)
257 NuttyNan - Mar 22, 2009 at 1:15 am

So I’m re-watching BOF from the beginning and I have to say I really really REALLY miss the whole Ga-eul/Yi-jung plotline…it just seemed to die off in the last few episodes. I was thinking that I didn’t really care what happens with that storyline during this episode…and that’s a bad thing! Cuz I really wish they twist up this version and have them end up together! As well, I’m kinda rooting for Jandi and Jihoo…Jun Pyo is such a coward and so WEAKSAUCE, I wanna bonk him over the head to get him to take action!

Anyways, overall I really enjoyed this episode…it was a nice mix of how the drama has become and also a taste of what it was like in the earlier episodes. I actually “lol-ed” at some parts…too bad there were lapses in continuity in some parts…but i can’t wait til monday! ^_^ Thanks for the recap!
258 bel - Mar 22, 2009 at 2:16 am

thanks for the recaps!

btw do you know where to find the videos in MP4? thanks!
259 doudi86 - Mar 22, 2009 at 4:46 am

@ 257
bel .. you can find the episode here …in different forms …
http://www.aja-aja.com/regular/boys-before-flowers
260 cheonsa - Mar 22, 2009 at 7:15 am

some lovely jundi pics at the beach..
(click only if you do not mind spoilers)
http://community.livejournal.com/hydkorea/386814.html#cutid1
261 bel - Mar 22, 2009 at 10:34 pm

@ 259
thanks alot! but how do i get the english subs? i’m very confused.. sorry that this may be a little irrelevant.. hope to get some help here.. thanks alot!!
262 Boys After Flower - Mar 23, 2009 at 1:40 am

Wahaha… This drama makes me laugh, again and again..

1) But actually my heart is really tearing up now.. How could a person like JK could treat her so-called-bestfriend like that? No wonder she has no friend at all??

2) One thing, remember some episodes before, back then when JP ignored JD and he was a really really busy person on earth? Then after he came back to Korea, he seems to have plenty time to waste around? What happen to ‘I have to take care of my thousands (sorry I couldnt recall the exact number) employees’? And Madam Kang also spends a lot of time in Korea, thus it is really conflicting with ‘JP has only get to see his family one month per year’.. Hmm..

3) JD has guts to stay in JP’s house?? And even agrees to be JK’s maid of honor? Haa she is really an expert to put herself in troubles!!

4) Seriously the storyline somehow doesnt make any sense.. I know it has to follow the HYD manga, but please, revise BOF, and put another name on it.. Maybe, Boys After Flower.. After all this title makes sense (3 main male characters are yearning for a girl’s love, right?).. Just kidding, it sounds bad actually..

5) Please change the ending.. I am sick of JP-JD already.. JP isn’t almighty at all, kneels down to a girl? This is the weakest male character I’ve ever watched! (No offense, I still like Lee Min Ho)

However, the drama is quite good, all people in this drama are putting the best effort to make it so.. Praise to all of them.. I am just dissatisfy with the storyline.. That’s all… I think the manga is cute, but to turn it into real life, it is ridiculous ..
263 Boys After Flower - Mar 23, 2009 at 1:50 am

Does HYD writer has the right to accuse if BBF director changes the storyline? I am kind of feeling to write a pleading letter to him so that he would change the ending..

Just kidding.. Dont get mad at me.. I havent done anything yet.. Yet.. Hehe..
264 JP - Mar 23, 2009 at 12:50 pm

I don’t think that Jae Kyung is oblivious, instead, I think that Jae Kyung is purposely tormenting Jan Di to test Jan Di and Jun Pyo’s feelings for one another.
This way, she can truly find an outcome that will benefit her because:
1. If they’re love is strong enough, they will both stop giving up their love for the sake of others and choose their own happiness. This way Jae Kyung can realize that she really had no chance of coming between them.
OR
2. If Jun Pyo actually marries Jae Kyung (and Jan Di just stands by and watches), Jae Kyung’s theory (that Jun Pyo could actually love her someday) could possibly come true because neither of them had the strength to speak up and take what they want. If they are both willing to give up so easily, then their feelings could evaporate just as easily.
Of course we all know what the ending will be, but Jae Kyung’s actions always have purpose and adds a lot of depth to the story.
265 vivian - Mar 23, 2009 at 7:52 pm

Does anyone know the title of the song playing when Jan Di and Ji Hoo are walking in the flower field? It starts right after Yi Jung and Ga Eul’s little argument.
266 lily - Mar 24, 2009 at 7:03 am

@ 262 “And Madam Kang also spends a lot of time in Korea, thus it is really conflicting with ‘JP has only get to see his family one month per year’.. Hmm..”

I stated that before. Episode 15 if I am right. While Kaede spent a lot of time at office, M Kang spent a lot of time with son and at Jan di house.
267 asdfkjalfd - Mar 24, 2009 at 11:34 pm

to vivian, the song is by both T- max and A’s1t (spelled it wrong most likely)- My Heart Had a Brain Freeze.. sorry i don’t know if there are links avaliable for download
268 doudi86 - Mar 25, 2009 at 3:10 pm

@ 261
Sorry for the late answer … you can find the subtitle here :
http://www.d-addicts.com/forum/viewtopic_69444.htm
enjoy.. ^__^
269 reader - Mar 26, 2009 at 12:37 am

hi, i just thought i would add my perspective on the part where jun-pyo asks ji-hoon to hit him (i know im a lil late on this episode, been innundated by work).

well, i thought it was cos jun-pyo knows that ji-hoon has been the one looking after jan-di all this while and ji-hoon alone knows how much jan-di must truly be hurting/suffering from everything. plus, the fact that he knows that ji-hoon likes jan-di and has been asking jun-pyo all this while what he can do to protect jan-di, and if he can’t, if he could give jan-di up since she’s hurting because of his inaction in the whole mess (he asked tis during the truth-game), so, he knows that for him to tell ji-hoo he can’t give jan-di up will definitely earn him some deserved wrath from ji-hoo, and so he is pre-empting that. (ok sorry i know that was quite a mouthful for one sentence).

yup, just thought i would add on my perspective to that. you probably have already thought of that, since you alluded to it somewhat in your recap. also, i’ve been a longtime reader of your site!
270 AL - May 14, 2009 at 7:16 am

Your episode summaries are amazing !

I find myself turning to your website reading your very well written recaps straight after watching each episode, This is the second time I am watching this series and I often nod my head agreeing with your comments or laugh at your quirky insights !

Very impressed ! Will continue to follow your site regularly !
271 captain planet - May 29, 2009 at 8:42 am

“too-lovely-to-be-real bone structures of Lee Min-ho” IIIII KNNNNOOOWWWW!!! OMG you are so right hahaha. that adam’s apple is a KILLER! ) LOL.
272 k3ndy28 - Jun 17, 2009 at 2:05 am

..i love you gu jun pyo!!
..is it true that gu jun pyo was dead??
,,last june 16??
..t_t
..just knowing!!??
273 mj - Jul 6, 2009 at 10:07 am

i agree with MOMEE word for word! the shigeru thing is not supposed to take this long! and shigeru is supposed to be likeable (precisely becuz she makes an early exit) . man , to think i lamented that the jap verion didnt give us enuff to feed off of. the k drama version makes things too long and reminds me of the taiwan version. i long for the short and sweet jap version days
274 Anonymous - Jul 27, 2009 at 12:09 am

hi!!
275 Anonymous - Sep 1, 2009 at 7:42 pm

hi…gu jun pyo…im one of your avid fan here in the philippines….
276 yholla - Sep 10, 2009 at 12:56 am

1. I also thought it was silly that F3 they shipped their cars and it was even more sad and pitiful to see WB drive alone. But damn, how hot was he in that scene?

2 . OKAY. JD’s hypocrisy makes me absolutely livid. That last scene where JP tells JD “Tell me not to do it, tell me not to go” and then when she DOESN’T do it makes me go biserk. She looks absolutely miserable in this scene (good acting on GHS’s part). This is exactly why I hated her character so much in the HYD manga. It seriously took so much out of me to read about her shenanigans. If he’s changed so much for her and he’s taken down his guard so much in the name of love, how can she call anyone but herself cowardly? Who’s the coward that hides behind her pride? BAH!

Anyways, great episode! Can’t believe it’s going to wrap up soon. T_T

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