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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 ]

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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.

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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

Tags: Boys Before Flowers, Gu Hye-sun, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joo, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon, Lee Min-ho, Lee Min-jung

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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

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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.

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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... :D 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!

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@ 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)

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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!

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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

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Was Jan di cowardly when she went all the way to Macau even though JP had not contacted her in six months? Think about what she has had to endure since then - she was called a stain, ignored by JP, introduced to JK who keeps implying that she and JP are close enough to sleep together, losing her family, being slut shamed by MK twice and what not. And then there is JP- who doesn't do right by her nor lets her go. Breaking off the wedding is something JP has to do himself. How can JD bear the burden for that?

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great great great! :) junpyo, u are finally transforming! WOOHOOT!

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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 =]

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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...

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@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...

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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.

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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.

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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..

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@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.

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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

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It's one thing to not give up but entirely another to force yourself on someone. JK is good at just that. She has no consideration for the person she wants to be with. As long as she can 'possess' JP, she doesn't care what she has to do

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@ 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Well said

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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.

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(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

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@ 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

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Yeah. The whole stain thing was too cruel. Of course us the audience, know it was to protect Jan di but Jan di doesn't. Yet she runs off to JP like it's nothing. JP has some serious making up to do.

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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.

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FINALLY. Somebody said it. What you have written is absolutely true. She just decided to make Jan di her sister and has imposed on her since using her lonely background as an excuse. I did not find this scene moving or touching at all. While others said they cried, I was like- what is going on? How and when did JK grow so close to JP and JD? There is absolutely no bonding moments between them except for JK popping up every once in a while and claim to be JD's best friend

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I LOVE Madam Kang's distressed expression. so sadistic, but she is almost devoid of feeling. GO GRANNY!

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@ 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?

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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

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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?

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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.

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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!)

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"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."

In other versions, the fiancé realized that the male lead is committed to the female lead and will never love her and cannot be forced to love her. THIS realization made the fiancé back out. It was not out of consideration for the heroine.

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Yay~ thanks for the recapps!

As for the cars, theres a boat where you can drive your cars onto it.

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Oh humanity! And YES, LOVE the ending!!!

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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.

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She is malicious. Although the engagement was imposed on her, she is the one who preponed the wedding and agreed to it. As if walking down the altar will magically seal her relationship with JP and he will start loving her. This is possession not love.

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What was really malicious was her showing off her dress and jewellery to Jan di and talking about her future children

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As always. your comments are truly priceless! LOL!

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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

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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!

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Uh, we all know Jaekyung is going to stop the wedding.

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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.(^-^)

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people don't you think Jae kyung actress is looking TIRED in these pics ?? Or is it me ? Not healthy at all !

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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.

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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?

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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 :)

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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 ^^

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

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For how long has JK been friends with JD? And when did she start 'truly' loving JP? She has known both of them only for a few days. She barely has any meaningful moments with JP. Their 'dates' mostly consist of him being cold and cut off. She has no care whatsoever for his will or consent. This whole wedding is happening because she asked her parents to prepone the wedding and then she sat smiling as JP was blackmailed into it.
This doesn't sound as love to me

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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!

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Very well written

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"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!

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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.

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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. :P) 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.

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The writers did not understand Tsukasa at all

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Finally someone summed it correctly. This story is supposed to be about two people who overcome all obstacles for their love but instead writers make them spend more time with their second leads instead. You have correctly analysed JP's character. He has gone seriously downhill since ep 15. What happened to JP who threatened his mother that he would destroy everything if anything happened to JD. And now he cannot care less that MK demolished her entire building?

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