Boys Before Flowers: Episode 21
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 ]
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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.
RELATED POSTS
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 20
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 19
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 18
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 17
- Boys Before Flowers: F4 Talk Show Special
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 16
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 15
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 14
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 13
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 12
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 11
- A day behind the scenes of Boys Before Flowers
- Boys Before Parodies
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 10
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 9
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 8
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 7
- A closer look at Boys Before Flowers scripts
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 6
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 5
- Behind the scenes with Kim Bum in New Caledonia
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 4
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 3
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 2
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 1
Tags: Boys Before Flowers, Gu Hye-sun, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joo, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon, Lee Min-ho, Lee Min-jung
![[Drama Chat] The mysteriously disappearing desire to watch](http://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/didiva_5-scaled.jpg)
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
51 Ren
March 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?
Required fields are marked *
Sakshi3631
May 19, 2023 at 7:13 PM
I can understand JK loving JP but you cannot let her off the hook for blackmailing JP into marrying her. She is the one who pushed up their wedding and was smiling when Madam Kang threatened JP with JD's well being to make him agree into marrying her. Also, there is no occasion for her to ask JD to be her bridesmaid, show off her wedding dress and talk about her future children with JP. That is the worst kind of mean - the one which is disguised as friendship.
Yes it is possible for people to fall in love again. But JK is essentially forcing JP away from JD and then expecting him to love her the same way. I don't think a person will fall in love with you if you were the reason why that love never worked out in the first place.
Required fields are marked *
52 Jennifer
March 17, 2009 at 10:32 PM
thanks so so much for the recap! :D
Required fields are marked *
53 andygal86
March 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! ;)
Required fields are marked *
54 MK
March 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!
Required fields are marked *
55 eray3
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
56 Cissi
March 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?
Required fields are marked *
57 purple :-)
March 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 :-P and of course the guy who plays Yi-Jung ...im ashamed to admit..makes me feel all bubbly inside lol
Required fields are marked *
58 k4ice4thu
March 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..
Required fields are marked *
59 IcanhazGJPyo
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
60 deeta
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
61 Ren
March 17, 2009 at 10:36 PM
OMG THE SONG! *glomps Javabeans and promptly puts song on ipod*
Required fields are marked *
62 Ren
March 17, 2009 at 10:37 PM
oops i mean dramabeans :(
Required fields are marked *
63 WTH
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
64 marbleloaf
March 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??
Required fields are marked *
65 BOFfan
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
66 Carrie
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
67 IrvineBBFAddict
March 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!
Required fields are marked *
68 kriza09
March 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
Required fields are marked *
69 ju liu
March 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!!!!
Required fields are marked *
70 PILK
March 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!
Required fields are marked *
Sakshi3631
July 11, 2023 at 9:37 AM
Well said. I didn't find her like JP either. JP is not so vicious or underhanded. She is more like Death Star Kang Jr. indeed
Required fields are marked *
71 rescel
March 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!
Required fields are marked *
72 yelibean
March 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?
Required fields are marked *
73
March 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
Required fields are marked *
74 Juls
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
75 Anythingcute
March 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?
Required fields are marked *
76 Joonni
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
77 selenoliber
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
Sakshi3631
May 19, 2023 at 7:22 PM
I did not see JK as an old version of JP. I think the writers went too far in making them similar. Giving them similar quirks-like they both forget proverbs. This came off as unnatural and desperate. What are the chances that you will find another person in the world who says the laws and police line just like you do? This was simply poor characterization.
JP and JK do have one thing in common- they are both incredibly selfish. In that sense they deserve each other
Required fields are marked *
Sakshi3631
July 11, 2023 at 10:32 AM
I like the fact that you have analysed the characters instead of watching the series mindlessly. I will give you my reasons of why I don't see JK as old JP. Mainly because JP was never this underhanded or mean. Yes initially he did impose himself on Jan di when he asked her to be his girlfriend. But when he realized that Jan di cannot be won over with money, he tried to earn her love by doing meaningful things. After the competition with Ji hoo, he even admitted that he cannot destroy Jan di just because he could not have her. Meaning he was ready to let her go if that is what made her happy. Even though Jun pyo was selfish in the beginning, he was also mature in some ways. When JH and JD got together, he was more upset by the fact that JH was using her to get over Seo Hyun.
Jae Kyung on the other hand is loud and thoughtless. She rarely reads the room or understand people around her. Without any proper development, she declared herself to be in love with JP. Since then she has shown no consideration for his choice. She has never tried to earn his love. She keeps using Madam Kang to force JP to be with her. She was fine with MK blackmailing JP to get married in the living room. While JP's love for Jan di is not as selfless as that of Ji hoo, it is not as obsessive or possessive like JK's either.
Required fields are marked *
78 ...
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
79 Lena
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
Sakshi3631
May 19, 2023 at 7:23 PM
Exactly. The whole crying at the bench was for her to keep her conscience clean.
Required fields are marked *
80
March 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
Required fields are marked *
81 The Reader
March 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. =/
Required fields are marked *
82 jessybee
March 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!
Required fields are marked *
83 Hui
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
84 stranger
March 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!
Required fields are marked *
85 crabapple
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
86 queen_of_the_game
March 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...
Required fields are marked *
87 Jenn
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
Sakshi3631
May 19, 2023 at 7:28 PM
The crux of the matter is that this is not JK's decision. It is not upto her to choose between love and friendship because that would mean objectifying JP which she has done. She is completely disregarding JP's choice in this matter. JP is not a trophy which can be 'given up' or 'kept'. JP is not something that JK owns that she can just not give up
Required fields are marked *
88 Werdah
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
89 Priel
March 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 ... :)
Required fields are marked *
90 Kimche
March 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 :)
Required fields are marked *
91 greenpea133
March 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 =]
Required fields are marked *
92 ozchick
March 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 :P
Required fields are marked *
93 iris
March 17, 2009 at 11:30 PM
d0es anyone know song at the end of episode?
anyway,thanks for your wonderful comments and recap!!!!
Required fields are marked *
94 Pully
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
95 carrey_chan
March 17, 2009 at 11:36 PM
LOL watching without caps, i thought he wanted woo bin to slit his wrist. THANKS !!!
Required fields are marked *
96 ala
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
Sakshi3631
May 19, 2023 at 7:31 PM
The opening paragraph is so well written. I don't expect absolute logic in dramas either but there is something called common sense. The plot has to be reasonable.
Required fields are marked *
97 ank
March 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...
Required fields are marked *
98 popcorn
March 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. :P
Required fields are marked *
99 lanigonzalo
March 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.
Required fields are marked *
100 D
March 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!!!!!!!!!
Required fields are marked *