Boys Before Flowers: Episode 24

March 30th, 2009 // by javabeans

Last week, folks! Get ready to say goodbye…

There were a lot of nice moments in this episode. (Honestly, at several moments I said aloud, “NICE!”)

Naturally, there were other points I thought could have been done better, but we’re so close to the end that at this point I’m just glad when things are working, and proceeding relatively smoothly.

Also, good news for those of you who use the awesome drama streaming site Dramafever.com! They’ve just licensed Boys Before Flowers and will be putting up the first batch of episodes this week! And! They’ll be officially partnering closely with With S2 fansubbers to bring you high-quality translations! And! If you haven’t signed up for the site yet, use the invite code “coolbeans” and register in time for the BBF launch.

SONG OF THE DAY

Sweet Sorrow – “그대에게 하는 말” (Words Said To You) [ Download ]

EPISODE 24 RECAP

Jan-di’s mother asks what’s going on, not fooled at Jan-di’s assurances that nothing’s wrong. Jan-di keeps her tone bright and says she wants to live here with the family, which gets Mom sputtering. What about school? And Jun-pyo? Even though Jan-di has been protesting for a while that she and Jun-pyo are through, the family hasn’t believed it, but I guess Mom can sense that things have changed. She sighs, “We’re done for now. What hope do we have?”

Yi-jung wonders if Ga-eul has heard from Jan-di (she hasn’t), and she wonders in return how Jun-pyo is holding up (”He’s a mess”). With those preliminaries out of the way, Yi-jung addresses the matter of their own chemistry: “Don’t we have to talk about us now?”

Ga-eul speaks first, possibly acting before Yi-jung can shoot her down: “You don’t have to feel pressure from me. I know how you feel, and I won’t go looking for you anymore.” As Eun-jae had said, doing everything she could leaves her without regrets: “Thank you for giving me the chance to try my best.”

However, Yi-jung’s suddenly perturbed expression suggests that this might not be the way he had intended the conversation to go…

Jun-hee hesitates over whether to talk to Jun-pyo, but ultimately backs off and worries to Mr. Jung, “This time I really don’t have a good feeling.”

Perhaps feeling it’s time to reveal one truth, Mr. Jung leads Jun-hee to the mystery patient’s bedside — and at the sight of her father, Jun-hee breaks down. Not only is she hit with the shock of seeing him alive, but all the implications that accompany this.

Namely, that all evil deeds point back to one source: Madam Kang. Jun-hee storms in on her mother, demanding to know how she could sink so low: “I don’t even want to call you mother. How could a person go that far?”

At first, Madam Kang has no idea what has caused this outburst until Jun-hee cries, “How could you say that my father had died when he was still alive? … Were you planning to forever deceive us?! Why did you do it?”

Now that the jig is up, Madam Kang recovers smoothly from the surprise and answers, “Your father would have wanted it.” He had entrusted her to take responsibility before his collapse, and she couldn’t see the company ruined. “My pride wouldn’t allow it.”

Ooh, bad word choice. Jun-hee bristles: “Pride? Are you saying that you told your children their father was dead and deceived the entire world all because of your pride?”

Overhearing, Jun-pyo walks in and demands to know what’s going on. Trying to prevent a blow-up, Mama Kang promises to explain everything calmly, but he’s not having it.

He sees the proof for himself when he goes to his father’s sickbed. Jun-pyo is given a huge emotional shock, remembering the promise he’d made to his father (to take care of Shinhwa and his family after his father was gone). He recalls his mother specifically manipulating that loyalty, by invoking his (supposedly) dead father’s hard work to guilt-trip him into doing what she wanted.

Jun-pyo stalks out out in a haze of betrayed confusion and goes for an angry drive. Now his thoughts turn to Jan-di’s parting words — how they’re from different worlds, and how she’s never been able to see him as a man beyond his Shinhwa position.

It’s got to be a tough blow, not only because his Witch Mom has again done him wrong, but also because his entire struggle in this second faux-season has just been proven pointless. (Granted, his father was in a coma and unable to work, so perhaps Jun-pyo would have had to assume his position even if his mother hadn’t orchestrated this grand hoax. But still, everything that resulted from the emotional manipulation is the bigger loss.) It’s got to hurt.

Ji-hoo sits alone, pining for Jan-di — we can tell because he stares at their fake wedding photo, then his mother’s ring, which he wears on a chain as a necklace. Ji-hoo then hallucinates for a moment, thinking Jan-di is sleeping nearby, and smiles in relief — only to find that he’s imagining things.

Maybe his Jan-Distress antenna is working, though, because he turns on the television and happens to catch a news segment at the very fish market where Jan-di works. In fact, she’s in the background of the shot. Oh, Coincidence. So nice of you to show up.

Jun-pyo’s attitude settles into cool detachment — he declines to visit his father again, and when his mother tries to talk to him (saying, “Talk with your mother a moment”), he scoffs, “Mother? Have you ever truly been my mother for even one moment?”

F3 try to persuade him to go visit Jan-di, now that Ji-hoo has located her. Contrary to expectations, he ignores their prodding and says he’s not interested. Nobody really believes that but he doesn’t change his mind, so Ji-hoo leaves a scrap of paper behind (the address) and says he’s going — it’s up to Jun-pyo if he wants to come along.

And then, it’s a gratuitous topless scene! (Who else laughed? Yay for fanservice!)

We know that Jun-pyo isn’t actually indifferent to Jan-di — he’s just resigned to the futility of the circumstances. What could he do even if he did see her?

Jun-pyo: “I can’t promise her anything now. I can’t tell her I’ll always make her laugh, that I’ll make her happy or to trust in me. Being the son of someone like that, being a member of that kind of family — I hate it enough myself, so how must she feel? She’ll have hated everything she went through already.”
Woo-bin: “But she’s Geum Jan-di, she might feel differently.”
Jun-pyo: “That’s why it’s more impossible. Because she’s the woman I love.”

In the fishing village, the neighborhood ajummas accost Jan-di’s family, accusing them of lying about Jan-di’s relationship to the Shinhwa heir. They’ve seen the report naming Jae-kyung as his fiancée.

Hearing that Jan-di isn’t actually engaged to Jun-pyo, they insist on getting their money back, which they loaned eagerly when they thought it would help ingratiate themselves with a future Shinhwa family member. Now that that’s not the case, they clamor for repayment immediately — after all, what if the family runs away? (To be fair, it’s a valid concern.)

Into the chaos arrives Ji-hoo, who stops the furor by announcing that he will pay them all back.

Ji-hoo does, and the ajummas take their payment happily, chattering about the handsome young man, wondering if he is the Shinhwa heir.

One man catches their conversation and the mention of Shinhwa. This is the man introduced in the previous episode as a former businessman from Seoul who was ruined, left by his wife, cut off from his kids, and now spends all day wandering and drinking.

Jan-di wonders how Ji-hoo found out where she was, and he answers, “I heard the emergency alarm.”

She’s uncomfortable that he’s paid her family’s debts, and feels she’s received too much from Ji-hoo. At this, Ji-hoo turns to face her, crouches down so that they’re at eye level, and says, “You’ve given me more.”

(NICE. That just might be Ji-hoo’s best line in the whole damn series. It’s a lovely little moment — not too maudlin or goopy-sweet, but pleasing in the matter-of-fact way he says it.)

After some small talk about Grandpa Yoon, Ji-hoo takes off his necklace and hands it to Jan-di. He explains that the ring was given to him by his grandfather, and had been his grandmother’s, then his mother’s.

Ji-hoo: “I don’t know when it started either. But now, I can’t be without you.”

Jan-di looks down at the ring, torn over his gesture and her feelings. Unable to accept, she gives it back, saying in an increasingly choked voice, “I thought I could forget — that I did forget. But…”

Jan-di pulls out the the necklace she’s already wearing — Jun-pyo’s — and continues, “…but I can’t throw this away. I can’t let it go. I can’t tear Gu Jun-pyo away.”

Jan-di apologizes, but maybe Ji-hoo wasn’t expecting her to accept, because he’s pretty understanding. He pulls Jan-di to him in a comforting hug and tells her it’s okay.

This ring-necklace moment is another part where I thought, “NICE.” Because while there’s nothing amazing about the exchange, I thought the moment was built well, and all the symbolic and logical elements (for once!) convened in just the right way.

For example, it makes perfect sense that Ji-hoo would put the ring on a chain and wear it (rather than, say, carry around a ring box). It makes sense that he’d give it to her, and that she’d refuse it. And it makes sense that she’d be still wearing the star-moon necklace. So all these elements work together without seeming forced or fanwanky, which makes the symbolism even nicer — that Jan-di can’t accept Ji-hoo’s gift (i.e., his feelings) because she’s already wearing Jun-pyo’s.

All the while, Jun-pyo watches from his car. Naturally this isn’t easy for him to watch, since all he sees is the hug and he can’t know that Jan-di has just confessed her unwavering love for him.

He takes to lurking around the neighborhood, which is how he happens to see another shady character lurking — the disgruntled ex-Shinhwa employee, who is under the mistaken impression that Ji-hoo is Jun-pyo.

When Ji-hoo comes into view, the ex-Shinhwa man gets into his car and revs the engine with maniacal determination, muttering that he’ll bring Shinhwa down with him.

Ji-hoo doesn’t notice the car heading toward him, but Jun-pyo does, and he realizes that his friend is about to be mowed down. He leaps into the street, shoves Ji-hoo aside, and gets hit instead.

The impact actually looks really painful — Ji-hoo takes a hard hit too, but it’s nothing compared to Jun-pyo, who receives the full brunt of the collision and flies over the windshield and roof, crumpling on the ground. Ji-hoo races to him and calls for emergency help.

When Madam Kang arrives — looking genuinely worried — Jun-hee confronts her angrily: “Are you satisfied now? Is this what you wanted? You said this was all for Jun-pyo in the end.”

Madam Kang is unusually quiet, not responding as Jun-hee continues, “Do you know one thing that your son enjoys eating, what he likes, what he wants to do?”

When Mr. Jung confirms that Jun-pyo’s surgery went smoothly, Madam Kang turns to leave — she has an important meeting. That riles Jun-hee up further, who calls after her mother, “Was our father not enough? Answer me! Tell me if what’s important to you is Shinhwa or Jun-pyo!”

Madam Kang leaves, but for once her hard exterior slips a little. Jan-di comes running, sees Mama Kang sitting, and approaches. But rather than taking this moment to kick her when she’s down (which honestly, she’s earned the right to do at this point), Jan-di sits quietly for a moment. When she speaks, it’s without rancor:

Jan-di: “Jun-pyo really likes egg rolls and ramen. He particularly likes the fish cakes at pojangmachas [street stalls]. He’d eat twenty at once. He likes packing lunch and going on picnics, and he likes looking at the stars through the telescope his parents gave him.”

All throughout this, Mama Kang has remained silent, though her expression is more vulnerable than we’ve seen from her. Jan-di says insistently, “Don’t worry, he’ll get better.”

Mom gets up to go without acknowledging Jan-di, but the words have their impact. On the way home, Mama Kang tells Mr. Jung to pull over at a pojangmacha, where she watches a father and son eating fish cake skewers together. She even — omo! — sheds a tear. But because Lee Hye-young is awesome, her performance isn’t TOO soft, and she soon recovers her brusque demeanor.

(By the way — good lordy, do we really need a flashback here to Jan-di’s pojangmacha comment from a minute prior? I think this just proves that BBF’s problem isn’t that the drama is made by idiots, or that its fans are idiots — it’s that the drama makers just think the fans are idiots.)

At the clinic, Ji-hoo remembers the last thing Jun-pyo had told him after being hit by the car: “I told you, it can’t be anyone but you.”

It’s a callback to the night before his wedding, when Jun-pyo admitted how he didn’t want to give Jan-di up, but Ji-hoo was the only person he could bear seeing her go to.

In the hospital, Jan-di holds Jun-pyo’s hand and cries, feeling guilty for the way she’d broken up with him. In another nice moment, Jan-di’s tearful confession here echoes the tearful confession she’d made way back when Jun-pyo had faked his injury:

Jan-di: “Gu Jun-pyo, do you hear me? I lied to you again. To me, you’re always just Gu Jun-pyo. You’re the dummy Gu Jun-pyo who likes the unpretty, poor, nameless me. So wake up. Wake up, Gu Jun-pyo.”

And then, time passes. Jan-di returns to Seoul (moving back with her family) and resumes her school life. Some time later, F3 finds her at school to announce the good news: Jun-pyo has woken up.

Everyone gathers in his hospital room to welcome him back to the land of the conscious. Woo-bin drawls, “Yo ma bro, welcome back,” which is hilarious and also makes me admit that I’ve really missed his embarrassing gangsta-speak.

Ji-hoo tells him, “Thanks for surviving,” and everyone’s relieved to see that Jun-pyo’s old arrogance is back. Until, of course, he looks blankly at Jan-di and wonders, “What’s with that chick?”

That startles everyone — how can he not know Geum Jan-di? (Jun-pyo: “Geum Jan-di? What’s that?”) They test his memory, but he knows who everyone else is: “Should I know her? Ji-hoo, is she your girlfriend?”

More tests are performed, and while he’d been previously pronounced healthy, the doctor thinks that his selective amnesia could be a symptom of stress, or trauma. (Yeah, I know, selective amnesia = stupidest fake-disease ever, but it’s in the original, so sigh.)

Because there’s only one person Jun-pyo cannot remember, the doctor speculates that it may mean that person is linked to really painful things or was really important to him. It’s unclear how long it might take to recover his memory — six months, perhaps years.

Through this all, Jan-di continues to visit Jun-pyo, trying not to let her disappointment show when he fails to recognize her.

It’s difficult, though, because not only does he not remember their relationship, he’s back to treating her as he did before — namely, as an insignificant, unfashionable commoner. When she drops by alone, he grumbles, “What makes you think you can just barge into someone’s hospital room whenever you want? Are you interested in me?”

He’s still under the impression that she’s Ji-hoo’s girlfriend, and she starts to correct him, saying, “I’m more your girl than Ji-hoo’s…” But he cuts her off and rudely says, “Get lost.”

Jan-di takes out her frustration on the vending machine, which is when a girl comes up and kicks the machine for her. She hands Jan-di the drink and introduces herself in an open, friendly way — she’s Jang Yumi, a second-year high school student who has broken her leg in a ski accident.

When Yumi explains that she’s cheerful because she doesn’t want to be one of those patients who sinks into depression or irritability, Jan-di asks how one would deal with a person like that, thinking of Jun-pyo. Yumi answers, “Just naturally.”

Spotting Jun-pyo attempting to walk down the hall, Yumi approaches him and tries to help, calling him oppa and offering her crutch. Jun-pyo initially treats her like an annoying pest and tells her to get lost — and Jan-di attempts to offer her help to keep him from Yumi (lol).

But when faced with the option of accepting the help of one annoying girl or another, he opts for Yumi’s, and leaves Jan-di looking after them, hurt.

F3 try to figure out how to get Jun-pyo’s memory back, mulling over their options — should they give Jun-pyo another shock? (Suuure, hit the head-trauma patient in the head!)

They decide they’ll have to jog his memory by bringing up a memorable moment involving Jan-di — say, for instance, their first encounter with the ice cream cone. Thus they stage an encounter so Jan-di can shove her ice cream cone at him, stick a card to his head, and tell him, “Call me when you get your memory back.”

Unfortunately, that has no effect. Woo-bin resolves, “This was too weak. Let’s try something stronger next.”

Their next plan has Jan-di storming into the hospital room, flinging a towel in Jun-pyo’s face (to re-enact the spinning kick encounter). But Jun-pyo just asks, “Why do you keep messing with me? I’m not going to take any more, even if you are Ji-hoo’s girl.”

Continuing with the re-enactment, Jan-di clenches her fists and growls, “I told you I’m not going to take any more!” and flies into the kick (although she doesn’t hit anything). (Btw, I love how intently F3 watch for his reaction. It’s hysterical.)

Too bad Jun-pyo just yells at Ji-hoo, “Keep her out of my sight!”

Ji-hoo tries to cheer Jan-di up, saying, “Don’t worry. You’re not someone who can be forgotten that easily.” Ruefully, Jan-di wonders, “Who knows, maybe things were so difficult for him he wanted to forget.” Ji-hoo: “If your relationship could have been more easily forgotten, would that have been easier?”

They’re joined outside by Yumi and Jun-pyo, who are getting along pretty well, it seems. Jun-pyo’s actually laughing along with her chatter, although when they spot the other two, he shows no warmth for Jan-di.

Interestingly, when Yumi cheerfully introduces herself to Ji-hoo, whom she assumes is Jan-di’s boyfriend, he doesn’t even bother to acknowledge her. He’s not overtly mean TO her, he just pretends she doesn’t exist and walks right by to Jun-pyo, ignoring her overture.

(I know how this plays in the original, but for the purposes of seeing this plot play out here, I’m going to stick with thinking this is an intriguing little exchange.)

That night, Yumi drops by Jun-pyo’s room bearing pizza, which they eat together outside. She looks up at the sky and asks if he likes stars, which triggers a memory — the one at the Jeju villa with Jan-di. However, he can’t see Jan-di’s face in the memory, and wears a troubled look as he tells Yumi, “I think I’ve forgotten something important. But I can’t remember. It feels like my chest is going to burst in frustration.”

Yumi advises that he not push himself to remember — if it’s really important, it’ll come back. And if it doesn’t, it probably wasn’t that important anyway.

When F3 arrive with Jan-di, they note that they’re seeing an awful lot of Yumi lately. Not picking up on the implication (read: “We’re seeing you too much, so get lost”), Yumi links her arm through Jun-pyo’s and announces that they’re the official “Hospital Couple.”

Ji-hoo: “Do you still not remember?”
Jun-pyo: “What is it I’m supposed to remember?”
Ji-hoo: “Geum Jan-di. Don’t you?”
Jun-pyo: “You keep going on about Jan-di. Why do I have to remember your girl?”

Worse yet, Jun-pyo mutters that Ji-hoo should’ve picked a better girlfriend instead of such a common gangster like Jan-di, and tells him not to bring her around anymore.

That sets off Ji-hoo’s temper, and he lunges for Jun-pyo, just barely held back by F2. Jan-di tells Ji-hoo to stop, and they all walk off, leaving Jun-pyo bewildered: “What’s with him?”

Later, Ji-hoo apologizes to Jan-do for losing his temper. Jan-di responds, “I didn’t stop you because I was afraid you’d hurt him. It’s because if you hit him, you’d hurt more.”

Ji-hoo tells her, “You don’t have to act so brave with me.” Jan-di: “It’s not acting brave, it’s that because you’re here, you give me strength.”

She doesn’t mean anything romantic by it — and she’s made her feelings clear — so she breaks the moment by getting up for some tea, leaving Ji-hoo to brood alone.

COMMENTS

I know I’m not the only one who has tired of the Soeulmater relationship, although they were at one point the highlight of my BBF watching experience. I think it was around the same time Yi-jung turned into a pathetic emo wreck and Ga-eul lost her spunk.

For the sake of nostalgia, I’d be happy to see these two end up together, and also wouldn’t mind having this one point deviate from the rest of Hana Yori Dango canon. Just to keep things fresh. However, I’m not emotionally committed (as committed as I can be to this drama at this point) to this outcome anymore, and I actually think this episode left their relationship at a nice parting point for me. If they get together after this, great. If not, I think it works too.

If they ARE going to keep this going, I think the flicker of hope comes in Yi-jung’s reaction to Ga-eul “breaking up” with him. If she hadn’t spoken up, I think he may have suggested they try dating — but that would have been in a casual, “normal” dating relationship. But if he still wants to be with her now, I think it should mean something more — kind of how you don’t realize what you’re losing until you’ve lost it.

I expect to be in the minority about the amnesia plotline, but I actually really dug it here. Well, clarification — I hated the idea that we were getting it and I was bracing myself in anticipation. But given that it’s a prominent point in the manga and was going to be included, if we HAD to have it, I was relieved that it made sense in context.

The circumstances that led to the accident and its significance flowed logically — and, as we know, logic isn’t exactly this drama’s strong suit. For instance, it makes sense that Jun-pyo was being targeted by a disgruntled man with a Shinhwa vendetta, as well as how he acted to save Ji-hoo. The rescue, significantly, occurs just after he’s seen Ji-hoo looking chummy with Jan-di, when he should be feeling the most grudging toward his friend.

But that’s not the case, and even as he passes out, Jun-pyo’s last words are, “It can’t be anyone else but you.” The spoiled little rich boy has learned, hasn’t he? He’s come a long way since he broke Ji-hoo’s robot (albeit accidentally). (I’ll say it again: NICE.)

How awesome is Mama Kang, huh?

I mean, awesomely twisted and bitchy and plain wrong, but still, as a character she is so complex and acted so fantastically that I just love to hate her, and also love to love her.

In the past, I loved her as the awesome villain, because she was frightening and cruel, but in a supremely chilly way. I didn’t particularly need her to be that humanized because she has always been the unequivocal villain in this drama, but I always appreciated whenever she showed her layers underneath all that wickedness and evilry.

But I hadn’t expected to see this much vulnerability from her — when she shed a tear, it was like it cracked her mask to reveal the humanity underneath for a split second. I never thought I’d see true emotion from her, and it was great. Yet interestingly enough, the hint of vulnerability in no way makes her less scary for me. I think the fact that she shows a moment of true emotion, then swiftly covers it up and resumes her normal exterior, is probably just as frightening a prospect as if she were always cruel. ‘Cause this lady, she has control.

Furthermore, the scene between Jan-di and Mama Kang (thankfully without music, too!) was another “NICE” moment today. Jan-di has frustrated me to no end when she hasn’t asserted herself as much as she used to, and she even let Madam Kang drive her away last episode. But when she passes up the chance to poke at her raw wounds, Jan-di did something unexpected and proved herself to be the Bigger Person in a way that I admire.

She didn’t exult that she knew Jun-pyo better (and she could have, saying everything in a tone of “I know him so much better than you do”) but instead, she just shared. She let her in on the secret rather than keeping it to herself — which is something Mom could never do. Yunno, since love can be spread around instead of controlled tightly, guarded jealously like something with a price and a limit.

Filed under: Drama Recaps |

189 Comments

1 Sharon - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:15 pm

Thank you for updating<33333333
2 munchie - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:16 pm

thanks
3 awwwww sob - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:18 pm

im so sad its over tmrw.
THANKS JAVABEANS

ooh im 3rd
4 sunox18 - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:19 pm

thanks once again…………1 more to go……..another guilty pleasure gone………this is gonna be one long withdrawal episode for me and probably many, many more of us fans of this series and your recaps…………….
5 BOFfan - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:22 pm

I’m sad and also relieved that this drama is coming to a closure. I know Jandi will be with JunPyo, but I can’t help but root for JiHoo. He is the perfect guy, and they could have been a great couple. My heart just broke when he confessed his love to Jandi with her returning the ring back to him. I only hope that JiHoo finds happiness in the end. Did anybody else think it was funny that JiHoo and Jandi didn’t notice the red sports car with Jun Pyo in it?
6 annie - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:22 pm

thank u thank u thank u i’ve been waiting all night & will probably die tomorrow in my morning class but it’s worth the wait hehe
7 jj - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:22 pm

Thank you =)

I just wish they got rid of Jae Kyung a long time ago so that everything wasn’t rushed today & tomorrow. but it’s already done.
Sad to see the end of this drama… but kinda glad at the same time. It was taking over my life hahahaha
8 Genie - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:23 pm

THANKS A LOT.
9 vivi - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:23 pm

Mama Kang <3

i cried so hard at the scene where she teared up at the hospital
my mom was just like that before, career woman
but the way she acted it…they way she brought the character to life…+100 to this actress

and yea, no more SoEul sparks anymore in this drama </3
10 dinda - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:25 pm

i love this drama soooo mush. i hope there was a happy ending for this drama. LOL for GOO JUN PYU. but he awesooome
11 karinamaq - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:28 pm

THANK YOU FOR THE Synopsis!!!

I keept refreshing this site until the synopsis was up…
I was so excited!!!!
one more episode!!!!

yehey! thanks Javabeans
12 Hannieoon - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:28 pm

OMG! I can’t believe it’s almost over.

I really liked this episode! Except for the fact that I don’t like the last girl who is the last obstacle GJP and GJD have to face. That and memory loss. Well… I never liked her Hana Yori Dango either. But can’t wait till last episode!!!!!!
13 BOFfan - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:29 pm

Thanks Javabeans for your great recaps! It’s been great watching the drama and following up with your summaries and comments. I’ll continue being a fan.
14 chajjye - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:29 pm

i’ve been waiting! thank you javabeans!

from what i read, i think that it has really matured. and at least we can see how jandi made her feelings clear to jihoo and how she will have to pursue him…i thought the amnesia plot would not fit but hey, it fitted well.

it’s great that they have improved from that drag in the middle…. yay! can’t wait for the last episode!
15 funniebones - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:30 pm

This week is a bittersweet turning point for me — nothing to obsess over endlessly like a crazed fangirl, but on the other end, better grades! Although I am sure that with my mind at ease that all will end well (even though we all knew), I’ll be able to re-watch the cringe-worthy moments of BBF!

Ugh, that Yumi arc is going to be another cringe-worthy bump in the road to have to suffer through.

I’m glad the middle was horrible — the juxtaposition makes the ending all the more sweeter!

Thanks for your recaps! You come through, as always!
16 randomcomment - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:30 pm

First off, let me just say, this drama has been one MILLION times better with your commentary javabeans! thank you as always!

now…

“Interestingly, when Yumi cheerfully introduces herself to Ji-hoo, whom she assumes is Jan-di’s boyfriend, he doesn’t even bother to acknowledge her. He’s not overtly mean TO her, he just pretends she doesn’t exist and walks right by to Jun-pyo, ignoring her overture.

(I know how this plays in the original, but for the purposes of seeing this plot play out here, I’m going to stick with thinking this is an intriguing little exchange.)”

Can anyone explain this comment? I know the overall arch of Yumi’s character but I’m not sure about Jihoo’s actions. What did Javabean mean by that?

Thanks!
17 kay - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:31 pm

Thanks for the recap! My fav. line of the episode was Ji Hoo’s ““You’ve given me more” line. I was dare I say it, impressed with his subtlety.

And Madam Kang is badass – she makes you despise her in one episode then sympathize in the next. I realized that I was never tired of her when she was on screen. Loves her!
18 Debbie - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:33 pm

How did dramafever.com manage to get BOF licensed so soon?! I thought the shows that they were able to get tend to be semi-old dramas, i.e. at least 2-3 years old. Whoa… I’m impressed. I’m so glad I signed up for an account months ago! YAY!

I’m pleasantly surprised that I saw so many “NICE” in this recap. The acting in this episode is fantastic. And I have to admit that I had missed Won Bin speaking in gansta english, and was very happy to hear him say it in this episode.

One more episode left but there is still sooooo much that needs to be covered. I wonder how they’re going to do it. Can’t wait to watch it tomorrow and read your recap. THANKS A HEAP!
19 K4Ice4Thu - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:33 pm

Awesome recap as always!! I’m sad that this will be over after tomorrow – despite all of the glaringly zomg-why-did-they-do-that plot holes.

Just wanted to note..
you mentioned that you weren’t sure where in Seoul Jandi had moved back to when she went back to school. If I remember correctly, there is a scene right after the scene where Jandi cried in the hospital – it shows her, Mama Geum and Kang San all excited and talking to Papa Geum on the phone and telling him that they’ve moved back into their old house
20 Halice - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:34 pm

Isn’t the drama going to be extended to episode 26? Please tell me that it will be extended. I need more Kim Hyun Joong. <3

*sobs* And it can’t END like THIS !!!

This is the first time I’ve commented on your recaps, but I love them. I LOVE THEM.

Happy BBFing! xD
21 BOFfan - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:36 pm

I think JiHoo ignores Yumi, b/c he doesn’t buy her nice girl image and she’s out to get JunPyo.
22 awwwww sob - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:36 pm

(I know how this plays in the original, but for the purposes of seeing this plot play out here, I’m going to stick with thinking this is an intriguing little exchange.)

how does it play out?
23 ibako777 - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:39 pm

I’m just enjoying the last two episodes of BBF!!! So, Lets all stand up and give a round of applause to Javabean and all the cast of BBF for a JOB WELL DONE!!! Thank you very much!!!
24 nixxochick - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:40 pm

my favorite moment from this episode is totally the whole Mama Kang being human for a split second..lol

i think i might be the only, or maybe not, but i totally didnt expect or better yet want all this drama prior to the ending episode….i kind of always thought that the last two episodes should give way to a smooth finally not create more drama…..
it just seems like theres going to be soooo much tomorrow and that really gets on my nerves, but oh well…thank you for posting this episode recap!
25 javabeans - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:40 pm

#18, ’cause they’re AWESOME is how!

#19, d’oh, you’re totally right! slipped my mind.
26 Peeps! - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:40 pm

Oooh… recap. thanks, Oh Mighty One!
27 fiona - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:42 pm

wooyeah! I agree on so many points.

1) Missed Woo Bin’s faux-gangster speak. Though nothing can beat the “Yo, yo, Jun Pyo” in the first few eps.

2) This ep really had so many good moments!
I could almost forget that most of the plot so far had crap logic, and ultimately, isn’t that the point of a good drama? To let you lose yourself in a story for a little while? Pity it only happened at the penultimate episode.

3) Score for Jan Di while she let Prez Kang in on Jun Pyo’s likes. Like you said, she could have gloated, but she shared instead. A very well-played scene, on both sides.

Plus, Lee Hye Young has such exquisite control over her expressions – she’s really awesome to watch. One could almost empathise with her in this episode.

4) Is it just me, or has KHJ’s acting improved by leaps and bounds? Good for him! I especially like the part where he lunged at Jun Pyo.

On one hand, it’s sad that it got better so late in the series. This episode really sort of lets you see how much better the whole thing could have been. Anyway, it’s been a fun (if illogical) ride so far, here’s to the end of Boys Over Flowers tomorrow!
28 junpyo - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:43 pm

i really wish they would stop with the music except essential scenes for tomorrow’s episode. well, i can dream, can’t i?
i am really just sick of the music for every scene and the flashbacks. sigh.

question: if junpyo loves his sister, why couldn’t he forget her along with jandi?
I REALLY WISh they hadn’t kept jihoo’s confession till the second to last episode cuz jihoo and jandi have too many scenes. i really don’t believe that jandi likes junpyo really….i am really unhappy with how she has been portrayed.
but anyhow, this drama is ending tomorrow and we’ll see what happens
29 Alice - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:44 pm

This was way too much plot to cram into one last episode! My mind can’t fathom the amount of storyline that is going to be in tomorrow’s finale! I did tear up in Mama Kang’s scene, she is an amazing character and as much as I dislike her cold exterior she does have some warmth in her.

I never despised Jae Kyung but this Yumi girl is making me soooo angry!!! She has an annoying voice that is overly cutesy and a nuisance to JunDi… why can’t they be together already? It’s the last freaking episode! Just let me watch them two being happy and couple-y!

I am dying of anticipation… and I just wanted to say I’ve loved all of your recaps and thank you so much for making this BOF experience all the better! <3
30 Leslee - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:45 pm

First, thanks, as always, for your updates. They are the highlight of my week.

And triple thanks for the lead photo. I WOULD have said nice when I saw that scene and your screen shot, except, it is just so hard to talk with your tongue hanging out, ya know! I don’t care how fanservicey that was. I am just glad they put that in. And has Lee Min Ho been working out?

Seriously, I loved this ep! I especially loved, well almost all of it. The angst of looking for JD, the sadness of JH while looking at photos and hallucinating, the SoEulmate goodbye scene, the proposal, the accident, the hospital scene (because I love the Chairwoman, good, bad or sad, she is the best actress I have seen in a long time) and even the amnesia arc. I expected the amnesia part to be just unwatchable, but it was actually really good! The only part I disliked were the parts with her family, but, that is always the case. With the exception of her little brother, I can’t stand her family.

I am so looking forward to tomorrow! I love JD again, JK is gone, the JH thing is resolved, and JP is looking fine. Too bad it’s ending
31 seobak - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:46 pm

I haven’t tired of the SoEulmate relationship.. but I may be tired of this drama. My feelings towards it ending is mixed.. glad to see the end but still, it did have a pretty strong start..

The middle of second season was a bit of a drag overall, I believe because the Jae-kyung and Eun-jae arcs were dragged out for far too long.. *sigh* Otherwise, it would have been great.. but because those two characters appeared much more than necessary, they left too much an impact for their roles, in my opinion.. too much depth sometimes is not always good..
32 sneee - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:47 pm

thank you ♥
it ends tonight ;_;
it’s been quite a ride, thank you for sharing it with us.
33 zuyyin_kawaii - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:48 pm

huhu i’m so gonna miss bof cast and drama
34 Lin Fon - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:50 pm

I just love reading your comments. The perfect mix of criticism (often sarcastic which is how I prefer them) and appreciation. Too bad this drama is already ending…till the next drama then.
35 michibangs - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:51 pm

thanks javabeans…

it’s almost the end, last 2 to be exact.
this my first time commenting and i just want to say that i appreciate all your reviews for BBF. you change/challenge my views of this drama.

thanks very much, til the last episode….

til the next drama…
36 Lena - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:51 pm

this episode was sad for a JH-JD shipper like me =(
I agree with you about the Ga Eul-Yi Jung thing. I loved this couple at the beginning, but I hate how emo YJ got and how desperate Ga Eul became.
37 Annie101 - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:52 pm

man……that soeul relationship thingy mabob is so out of hype for me now. it’s dragging wayy too much. they just need to move it or lose it. UGH. it’s very frustrating. On the other hand, this was a good episode.
38 stars - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:52 pm

really like the tone of your recap/discussion today….NICE.
39 LizL - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:53 pm

@31 Hi there I agree with you, SoEul became my only motivation to finish the drama (though I’m not sure when my focus shifted from Jandi & Junpyo to SoEul) I agree that the over emotional Yi Jung phase was a little tedious to watch but somehow felt it was probably necessary to show how vulnerable he was and how Ga Eul had to being him out of his misery, thus making her ’stand out’ from all the other girls who may like Yi Jung. Having watched the Japanese & Taiwanese versions where Sojiro & Yuki have no happy ending, I am still rooting for a happy SoEul ending! fighting!!
40 ayay - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:54 pm

you know javabeans
for me the best cast they’ve ever have is Madam Kang
OMG she is an evil but beside she can give us a little moment when we will think poor you,,
and about soeul, gah I didn’t believe that they give us only a little moment of them I know that their story is not a primary story, but for me they’re the only reason why I keep watching bof til the end,
I’m not interesting anymore to this entire story
why?
because I found it more cliche as time goes by and so tipical korean drama
41 IrvineBBFAddict - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:54 pm

This episdoe came along really nicely to show Junpyo is becoming a man like Granny described in episode 23:

“I didn’t raise you to be so pathetic. Just being born male doesn’t make you automatically a man. One must take time — experiencing anger at losing, the injustice of stepping aside, shame at running away — until he can overcome his weak self to finally become a man.”

Anger at losing: Junpyo’s angry confrontation with Madam Kang in Macau after saying Jandi is a stain that he wants to remove. He lost to Madam Kang’s threat.
Shame of running away: Junpyo’s conversation with Woobin in the sauna… he can’t keep the promises to his love, so he’s not going to see Jandi.
Injustice of stepping aside: At the fish village, I believe Junpyo had a realization and was willing to let Jandi goto Jihoo. This is how I see that Junpyo is willing to step aside even though all the injustices done to Jandi and her family was not him but his evil mom….

Junpyo showed he has becoming a man, NOW he deserves to have the love of his life (… oh yeah, when he regains his memory…. ), and I still wonder how that’s going to be finished in ONE episode. Hope there will be lots of sweet moments between Junpyo and Jandi at the finale!!!!

Thank you javabeans for the great recap, really enjoyed them very much throughout my BBF addiction!!!

(What did I do to have blue box around my comments?!?!??! HELP!!!)
42 Peeps - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:55 pm

Oh, Oh Mighty One please do allow your recap tomorrow be a ‘monster’ one. Afterall, it’s the last one already and your commentaries do make BBF a thousand times better, please please help make the last episode be a GAJILLION TIMES BETTER!
Then, I can sleep in peace and have closure for BBF.
Kamsahamnida!
43 Sweetll - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:55 pm

i wonder how GD will get his memory back of JD? that would be interesting to watch!

and sad to see that dramabean vids are only available to ppl in the US! = (

re: randomcomment of JH action’s towards Yumi

i think the reason why JH is acting towards Yumi like that is cos he is fustrated that this random girl is taking away JP’s attention when he should be concentrating on getting his memory back esp of JD. Yumi seems to be integrating herself into the group esp into JP’s life and JH probably doesn’t like it. JH could prob see through Yumi’s intentions as well (trying to be nice but really want to be closer to JP)

sad to see it end but glad that they did this version though!!! looking forward to the finale!
44 Jess - Mar 30, 2009 at 10:59 pm

A really great recap nonetheless! I feel really fortunate and glad to stumble upon your website just before the BFF series started. Carry on with the good job and kudoes to you! =) Looking forward to the next recap!
45 BBFan - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:01 pm

Javabeans, You are the best!
Thanks for all your fantastic recaps. Too bad Canadian users can’t download videos from Dramafever.com.
Javabeans, do you know of another website that’s comparable to Dramafever.com but is available to users outside of the U.S.?

thanks
46 elisa - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:02 pm

i am so impressed by your summary and comments! watching Kdrama is indeed a treat with you around. i am a fan of yours for life! thanks so much!

after having ranted over and over again…i was surprised that this episode has so much logic. i have to agree with you, the main reason why we had crummy episodes before this is because the dramamakers thought they had stupid audience. i did love jihoo’s lines as well…and its such a frustrating ending that he doesn’t get the girl. he had more “sweet” moments with jandi than junpyo. even if the writers had to make 10x more of the picnic scene, it could not possibly surpass jihoo-jandi moments in this drama. that is the main flaw of the series, i believe that the writers were after the ratings, cashing in with kim hyun joong’s popularity and fanbase hence ending up giving him more “make my audience giddy and swoon over” scenes that they forgot the main issue which is “love conquers all” so we have to concentrate with the main characters junpyo-jandi scenes and developing these characters….. so disappointing…and i just hope it is not rushed tonight. keeping my fingers crossed.

regardless of the flaws, it was fun watching this because of you, dramabeans and the rest of the world enjoying this blog site. isn’t it interesting that one drama can actually bring so many nations together?!?!! as i said before, the solution to world peace, beginning of understanding of others culture and respect for our differences. had a blast reading everyone’s comments, rants and raves…i wonder where and when we will meet again….looking forward to that….
47 IcanhazGJPyo - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:07 pm

Off topic possibly, but does this mean that WITH S2 is now working for MBC and KBS and other networks offering content on Dramafever? If so, that is really revolutionary. Even when anime went mainstream, I don’t think the fans who made anime what it is now were bought/brought in the legitimate system! This is fascinating.

On topic:
I didn’t understand your reference to JH ignoring Yumi. Maybe veterans of the show picked up on that…I didn’t and I am super curious. I hope you will clarify in your summary tomorrow.

Even though I have watched this show with the same level of anticipation and eagerness as always, I think I did lose my energy somewhere around episode 15. Ten episodes on, I just couldn’t muster up the energy to enjoy it. I think one of the reasons is because there is just so much angst and sadness and tension and anxiety. Man, I am coming to this show to escape my real life, not to reenact it. I watched HYD season 1 over the weekend again, and even though it is annoying to have people compare the two versions, I have to say that what this version missed was the nutty, goofy total joy of the original. I just don’t see that silliness in this version, and if it is there, it is forced and artificial.

Oh well. Regardless, this is the first time I have watched a show with millions of others, and just the joy of others made this whole experience wonderful.

Tomorrow will be oh so bittersweet.

KHJ is unbelievably beautiful. Why oh why are there so many beautiful men in this world–accessible yet so very inaccessible. I can stare at the man for hours, and apparently so can the PD considering the fact that his screen time rivals that of GHS and easily surpassed LMH’s.

Thanks for the ride, by the way!
48 Lila H - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:10 pm

*tsk tsk*

How could you become tired of Soeul?! They are THE best couple of BBF. Like every other character, they got screwed over by a scriptwriter with horrific writing skills.

LOVE YJ’s reaction. The boy looks like he doesn’t know what hit him. Probably never got rejected by a girl before and needs 5 minutes to let that rejection sink in.

They need to kick Jihoo off and make him stop mopping about JD. This JP-JD-JH arc has been going on for the entire 25-episode run. Worst drawn-out-storyline I have faced in a tv series.
49 Jace - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:11 pm

i wish Soeul will get together. at least a few mins in the last ep to show that yijung is willing to fight for her!
50 foxymama123 - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:13 pm

I really hope that the ending will not be rushed. they just added a whole new character, Ga Eul and Yi Jung’s relationship, madam kang has to patch things up some how with her children, Jun pyo has to get better so they can tie things up with Jan di and Ji Hoo has to be content somehow…..can they possibly fit all of that in a logical flow tomorrow?
I pray that they don’t screw it up. It is such a bittersweet moment. I love and hate finishing dramas.
especially this one, I really enjoyed it. I think it was probably the best “F4″ version I have seen.
UUUGgggghHHHHH i will NOT be able to focus on school tomorrow at all with the ending looming over me like this!
Thanks for the recap you are doing great!
51 Muffin - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:15 pm

This is the first time I can say that I enjoyed KHJ’s acting. It was actually quite good and fit the character. Now he just needs to work on his “crying face” and he’ll be well on his way!

I’m glad I stuck with this series. At the half way point it lost its appeal and the only thing that kept me coming back was the eye candy and boys fashions. Although, I will say that this was the first version of the series where I hoped the female lead would end up with “Rui.” They just fit well together here. She brought him out of his shell and he allowed her to breathe. Passion and angst have their place, but a slow deep breath is fullfilling too.
52 ellerdnic - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:16 pm

I was anticipating your reaction regarding Mama Kang’s moment of weakness (for lack of better word) and I kind of predicted what you were going to say. I was thinking of the same thing when I saw the episode. I thought the actress portrayed it really well when just a single tear fell and she didn’t completely fell apart. She portrayed a woman who is detached and in control all the time and yet still able to convey that somehow, way deep, deep inside, she does love her son. I say Kudos to the actress!
53 AnitaLotti - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:17 pm

Should they ever do a korean remake of “Devil wears Prada” I would like to suggest Madam Kang for the lead role.
54 EndlessxBliss - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:19 pm

I’ve read the manga and watched the dorama, and I know how this’ll probably play out… but I just really hate Yumi or Umi or whatever. First of all, who the heck is she to barge into Jun-pyo’s personal life and say that whatever he’s trying to remember may be completely unimportant? And how can she not notice Jan-di’s feelings and efforts for Jun-pyo, and even if she really doesn’t notice, be so unobservant and ignorant to the point it’s obnoxious? Such a dense, thick-skinned pest. (Sorry… sorry… gotta calm down) If anything, I think we need Jae-kyung to come back and handle the nuissance. (Hahaha)
Another thing is why hadn’t Yi-jung actually learned from his lesson? Doesn’t he know that letting a girl he knows he can potentially have something special with walk away and not running after her is a very… dangerous (for himself and his feelings) thing to do? Seriously! (Although I do kinda understand now that I hear your theory on his inital casual dating plan that has to turn serious or it’s fruitless)
Anyways, I seriously can’t wait for the next and final episode. Thanks Javabeans. =D
55 cloudygirl - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:21 pm

Fantastic recap, as always!
Definitely chuckled at the fanservice-y topless scene – they had to get one of those in there before the end, didn’t they?!

I really enjoyed this episode, even though I hate the fact that the amnesia plotline ever existed in the first place. I had really been having issues with JanDi over the last couple of episodes but her interaction with GJP’s mom in this one was admirable. Also – props to GHS for handling the rejection scene with JiHoo so masterfully – she overacts at times but that was not one of them and it was great!

One quick thing – you may not have cared all that much about this, but in the recap you didn’t mention that Grandpa shows up to comfort JiHoo at the clinic, and since currently he’s the only thing anchoring the boy I just thought it might be good to at least make note of it.
(At least that way JH has somebody to go and eat his Tiny Pancakes of Sadness with!!)

Can’t believe it’s reached the end!
56 Big Sista Sue - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:21 pm

“NICE” This episode is nice as it has all the elements needed to wrap things up!
The only thing that fogs the screen is YUMI! I hate YUMI!

I can’t wait for tomolo! Thank you for your recaps! I will misss u so much and the rest of the BOF! *Sob*Sob* T___T!
57 KJ - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:21 pm

A really wonderful recap of the episode i was looking forward to this.

Yeah, the ‘memory loss’ incident is quite crucial to the story line. I wonder if they kept the biscuit bit inside the script ? I really like how the J-version of HYD ended in season II and i hope this will be the same or even better!

everyone must really hate Yumi after this ep.
58 EndlessxBliss - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:27 pm

@ 53 AnitaLotti:
Madam Kang reminds me of the wicked Miranda Priestly too! Frankly, I would call Lee Hye-young the Korean Meryl Streep.
59 MK - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:27 pm

Garrrgggghhh!
I just hate it when I get to the last sentence of your awesome summary, Javabeans, cause that means I’ve gotta wait until tomorrow!!!! ㅠㅠ
Well, I still want YiJung and GaEul to get together. If they don’t.. I’d be so frustrated! Hehe.
And I can’t believe JanDi and JunPyo STILL have hardships to go through! As if they haven’t suffered already. And JunPyo had changed so much, and now he’s back to Number One. It’s so sad.
But tomorrow everything will be solved! Can’t wait!!!!
Thanks a ton, Javabeans! ^^
60 abby920 - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:28 pm

I have signed up with dramafever.com too! I have been an WITHS2 funsubber fan, because they really do a great job! You’ll never regret it when you get subtitled drama done by WITHS2!

CONGRATULATIONS Dramafever.com and WITHS2!!!

Thanks for the recap Sarah

still hoping, and wishing and praying ……….. for Ga-Eul and Yi Jung ——- sigh!

Mama Kang !!! She’s great! Love her, love her, love her!!!
61 thisiswhyi'mbehindonmymastersthesis - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:29 pm

Great recap! Thanks.
Mama Kang was certainly the highlight, love how you pointed out the JH exchange(I know the story but like you, I’m hoping it was significant) and I have to agree that the amnesia is being carried out pretty well.

Throughout this drama, I have tried to refrain from comparisons but to me the amnesia bit deserves one. For me, in this instance, JP not remembering JD is more believable here than anywhere that I’ve seen it. Moments, even days before his accident, we see that JP has released his claim on her. And, I think that it is safe to say, so much so, that he wants/needs things to be different, regardless of her feelings for him at this point. In this way, I can accept his mental desire to keep her at bay. I truly love the way that this is playing out on his part. As for Yumi and JD, well though she made effort this ep, I hope that she has more backbone to fight for her man(just once). But knowing JD, as well as, we do, this is very doubtful.

The one thing that I enjoyed most about this episode, was that it made me a little nostalgic, especially concerning JP and JH’s attitudes. These two characters work very well together. Its amazing to me that regardless of the circumstance they seem to constantly move together, like paddles on a boat. Also JH’s emotional breakdown made me wonder back to the pre-wedding talk. At that time, I completely agreed with JP’s assessment of their relationship but today, I questioned that truth.

Finally, though I am an advocate for JD and JP (and YJ and GE, for that matter), the way things are now, could end it all for me. I know it won’t, someone, if not all, will get a “happy ending” but honestly, if the train let me off here, I would be step off, no regrets. But since I bought the express ticket, I’ll just sit back and enjoy the ride:)

All in all its wrapping up well. I’m glad to say goodbye.

***I had an interesting thought when I was watching the hospital scene this morning…wouldn’t it be great if WooBin and JunHee noona ended up together? (Well, that is if she wasn’t already married…:) I think that they would make a great Noona-Dongsaeng couple. They compliment each other very well…personality and motivation wise that is.
62 sad-it's-ending. - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:29 pm

Thank you for the great recap!!!
I actually cried a lot with this episode. It’s the saddest for me.
63 momo - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:30 pm

ohmygod, one of the BEST episodes i’ve seen in a really long time. i thoroughly enjoyed this one and found myself cheering along to the NICE moments. it was nice to finally see Jandi give Jihoo a decisive response as opposed to leading him on for so long during the last while. it was also nice to see Joonpyo in those adorable hats, especially the Christmas one. it was just TOO cute since in most of the hospital scenes, he wore acted the bewildered little boy thing perfectly.

reading through your commentary, it was really nice to see that we have the same thoughts about this amnesia arc. considering how this drama has been lately, i definitely didn’t have a lot of confidence about this new angle so close to the finale. in hindsight, even though i hated how Jandi ran away from Joonpyo during the last episode, it ties in VERY logically with the selective amnesia angle and how he might choose to subconsciously bury any memories of her because it ended so painfully and so recently. i know i’m always talking up HYD but i have to say that in terms of the amnesia arc, the Korean version has trumped it because it just really really made sense and somehow everything seemed to fall into place, unlike any of the previous 12 or so episodes. i liked it so much that 1) i cried during Jandi’s crying hospital scene with JP 2) i actually laughed to the re-enacted scenes and 3) i actually watched it twice. it’s been so long since this show has provoked any kind of emotional response in me (other than anger and frustration and excessive eye-rolling) that i was absolutely thrilled.
64 gail - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:32 pm

i liked the amnesia arc in HYD, and i fell for it here once again. This might be my favorite episode in this drama. So many great scenes that the hour just flew by. and Lee Hye Young is awesome. and (her name escapes me at the moment) jun pyo’s sister is great. *sigh* i think i will cry at the last ep.

Hana Yori Dango, you are one special story.
65 Tippy - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:35 pm

Alright…I’m about done, D-O-N-E, with this drama. I can’t take the mediocrity any longer!!

The actress who played Jandi (see, I can’t even be bothered to learn her name) only managed to pout her way through the drama…and when she wasn’t pouting, she had this simpering smile on her face that drove me crazy! Pout, simper, cry, faint, pout, simper, cry faint…jeez woman, snap out of it!

Part of the reason why the Japanese version worked so well, was because the Makino character was engaging! You wanted to root for her! You understood why Domyogi (and F3) were so taken by her! Jandi, on the other hand, not so much.

I think that’s the main reason why this drama hasn’t worked for me. How am I supposed to understand the character relationships/dynamics if I want to shake some sense into what is supposed to be a tough, strong female lead, but clearly isn’t? Absolutely no passion in the acting at all…none…zip…ziltch…nada…!

This could have been a great drama…I wanted to like it, I really did…I tried, but I should have moved on at the first sound of “Almost paradiiiiiise…”.Lesson learned!

NEXT!!
66 ibako777 - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:38 pm

hey javabean, did you see this –> Crunchyroll and MBC partnership, Coffee Prince and more…
http://www.crunchyroll.com/forumtopic-480218/coffee-prince-and-more-available-now/
67 jassarah - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:41 pm

Thanks for fabulous recaps, as always. I also really liked F3’s intent looks at JunPyo after Jandi fake twist kicks him in the hospital, I rewatched that scene a few times just for those priceless facial expressions. Can’t believe there’s just one more episode left…
68 Ilbum noona - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:42 pm

Finally it comes to an end..So sad but hope it leaves us with such good memories..
Thx javabeans for the recap for all this time..I’m glad knowing Kim Bum and Kim Joon in BOF..Without them BOF won’t be colorful-since we’ve already known the ending for Jun-Jan couple..
69 stranger - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:45 pm

I loved this episode….it was so emotionally charged.Loved the acting…especially Madam Kang. I’m so nervous about tomorrow!
70 teafunny - Mar 30, 2009 at 11:49 pm

love yi jung-ga eul..
and still hope they will have a happy ending..
im not tired of their story..just a little bit tired when yi jung recalled about eun jae..
hope he realizes ga eul is his soulmate..

wake up yi jung..!!!!!
please..!!!!!

yi jung-ga eul………best couple in BBF
71 Orchid - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:04 am

Hey javabeans, i was semi-excited to hear that we can watch Boys Before Flowers with good quality subtitles on Dramafever.

That’s cos when i registered, here’s what it said:
Please note that our videos are only available to users located in the United States.

I am not located in the United States.

* sad *
72 Tippy - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:05 am

p.s. All I could think of when JiHoo was manhandling JunPyo’s head after he…just…got…hit…by…A CAR…was SPINAL CORD INJURY, YOU FOOL! STOP SHAKING HIS HEAD!!!

Anyone else think that? Was it just me??
73 Anonymous - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:06 am

how many eps are there total?!?!
74 Boys After Flower - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:14 am

The more the drama becomes near end, the more I realize that this is Hana Yori Dango.. Whatever I have wished will never appear.. =(

Why the have to create such a pathetic character as JiHoo.. Before I hoped Jandi would end up with him.. But now I realize it’s ridiculous.. Now I really hope the scriptwriter has an idea how to make his life wonderful again.. Please give him more than his grandpa.. Huuu I even prefer him dead than lead a lonely life… Sad firefighter.. He removes Jandi’s tears with his..

But I can’t wait to see four years later especially how Jandi is going to turn into (a cute doctor, maybe?) and JunPyo and Jandi’s wedding (I hope there will be this scene)..

Hmmm the ending is pretty guessable right? They said they have a surprise to audience.. I can’t wait……………………….
75 estelle - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:14 am

Thank you so much for the awesome recap, Javabeans!
76 Soonie - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:19 am

FYI, such amnesia isn’t so unrealistic as you may think. Just read a book called The Echo Maker (awesome read if you have the time) that centers around a man with Capgras syndrome, which is a disorder that takes away the person’s ability to recognize loved ones….and loved ones only. Kinda crazy huh but such is the human mind I guess…..

And I’m sorry but I just gotta add that Jihoo looked smokin’ in that white overcoat….!!
77 Imee - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:20 am

Sorry #65, looks like you’re in the minority.Despite all the inconsistencies, this Kdrama is so entertaining.I think Goo Hye Sun (that is the actress who played Jan Di) did a descent job in her portrayal despite the kind of material she was given. She is an amazing actress . I will miss BBF for sure and the rest of the BBF gang.
78 rescel - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:22 am

Thank you, again and again, for your recaps.
Indeed this episode is NICE and heartbreaking!
All the actors played very good … they expressed their emotions pretty well … Excellent!
Kudos to everyone!
79 daizukun - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:24 am

@ TIPPY
no i think it’s just you…he doesn’t have a spinal cord injury..the scene at the hospital shows that…his foot and head was injured. i think jihoo was trying to keep him awake (or trying to wake him up) by shaking his head

@ #73
sadly tomorrow is the last episode

THANKS SO MUCH JAVABEANS!! D i don’t think i’ve ever had this much fun ranting and raving like a crazy lunatic over a drama before BOF XD it’s so sad that it’ll end tomorrow but at least we all had some good laughs (mainly cuz of your hilarious insight and sarcasm)!!
80 flooooo - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:36 am

well 9 episodes of suffering for nothing to lead here. It is pretty awesome of us to come this far. At least, i hope they give us a good end (cross finger) to make from all of the frustration and for me to keep this drama in my “good drama to watch ” but still will skip “all the frustates part”. :p

anyway, it should have been better if they could be able able to focus on the story instead of showing good looking boy wandering in lots of hollyday places promoting cars and touristique places and advertising for mobile phone. but well have to deal with this version as it is and i will fully satisfied if the ending is (and pray really hard! not too long to wait though) what made the goo-geum story so addicting in everyversion that exist (guess i understand myself)
81 Priti - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:44 am

Hi

Thanks a million for your writeup on BOF,it has been an amazing journey reading it through your eyes. Great story,miserable PD’s,lovesick writers and a amazing bunch of actors. Kool.. I got one query since dramafever is now got the rights does it mean no other site will publish the online video that is toooo bad… cos i have been waiting fro ep 25 ….. Pl help
82 Syafiqa910821 - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:45 am

Thanks for the recaps.

Goo Hye Sun is a good actress actually.Eventhough i don’t like her acting in this drama,but i don’t hate her.She has done the job well.I think she can’t potrays Jan Di character well because she’s losing her innocence.Can’t blame her becoz she’s now become more matured.Probably she would have done this character very well when she’s at her ulzzang time.
I’m glad that I have understand this drama deeper than the other drama.This drama has taught me how to evaluate a drama and see the deep meaning behind that.
I think the scriptwiters tends to shows us how Ji Hoo as JanDi soulmate.I like the scene when YuMi tries to help Jun Pyo and JanDi looks jealous.Before this,i never see JanDi jealous face.However,this drama shows us actually men is way too sensitive than a women.Just look at JunPyo and Ji Hoo.They can’t show their feelings.Especially Ji Hoo.Too sad that i can’t watch more scenes where JanDi try to steal back Jun Pyo hearts.It was JunPyo who struggles at his best to win over JanDi.
83 Yuhoo - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:47 am

Where are the rest of the comments!!?

Okay now i can see them.. Everytime I refreshed the page I wondered why no one else was posting after the 10th comment. Gosh!! I was wrong. Am I glad =D

Keep ‘em coming people !!
84 elisa - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:48 am

# 72 Tippy, being in the medical field…i was thinking of the same thing….hehehehehe
85 Tippy - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:49 am

@#79: I think you may have misunderstood me…I realize that he doesn’t have (nor based on the story line, would have had) a spinal cord injury, it’s just that he had just been hit by a car and there JH is, shaking his head up and down. First rule of an accident scene is don’t move the head/neck…and then later on, post surgery (AFTER all the JH head shaking), they have JP in a neck brace…silliness!
86 Glow - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:49 am

I am glad that this drama will come to end. Finally! At first I really did not watch it due to the media freenzy hahaha. But I eventually catch on because of Yi Jung and Ga-eul. I like their tandem especially on the first part when they are trying to build the tandem up and she does not instanly like him! hahaha It made me as a viewer wonder when will she fall for him. And those little things that he has done for her appearing as her Knight shining amor is slowly built up through the story that really made up the reason for her to like him. It started to get draggy when there are questionable actions made by Yi Jung but you still find Ga-eul with him on the next scene! I really want to shout HEY!
With this episode it change a lot because Ga-eul is the one who in a way letting him go because she already have no regrets since she already told him how she felt hahaha. And Yi Jung is the one who wanted to try the relationship. Its way different from the other two version of the drama.
And I really hope that the ending will not be a let down. hahaha Sorry for making a comment that is too long and just focusing of Yi Jung and Ga-eul hahaha
Thanks for making my Tuesday and Wednesday exciting due to your good summary of this drama.
87 AnGeL - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:51 am

Thank you. One more episode to go.. T__T
88 lhen - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:53 am

i’m not ready to say goodbye…huhuhu

but its the reality its going to end soon….
89 Miss_Sandalettes - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:54 am

thank you for this great recap ^^

i liked this episode, but there is one thing i dont get… in last episode, mama kang and jan di agreed that she would never appear in front of junpyo, and that she would leave highschool…. and here, out of nowhere, jandi is back to school, and she even can speak to mama kang about her son….

otherwise, i like that jandi has to “work” for her couple, now that junpyo has forget everything about her… but this has a link with what i was saying : how can it work when mama kang disagreed about their relationship…. what is jandi thinking ? she doesnt fear the mama kang storm anymore ?

i cant wait for the final episode, i loved the preview at the end of the episode !! particularly when jandi bring a bento to junpyo abracadabra ! jandi’s magic will work for the last time (
90 ray - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:57 am

hope the ending comes out well……………………
Thank you javabeans for alll the updates…………………:)
91 anastassia - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:57 am

@65: It’s not just you. Me too. GHY acting’s just turn me off. She is not bad but she is not that great either in this drama. Maybe in other field she is talented but not in this drama.

@77: I don’t think we are on the minority. There were quite an amount of viewers who just didn’t like GHY acting in this drama. Nothing personal, yah she is talented in other field but not this drama. I just cringed just by looking at her pouting and smiling face. But as an individual she is lovable. I glad that some people enjoyed her acting. Well, we just give objective criticsm without any hatred. If one want to improve their works, they have to accept constructive critism.
92 anastassia - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:01 am

@65: It’s not just you. Me too. GHY acting’s just turn me off. She is not bad but she is not that great either in this drama. Maybe in other field she is talented but not in this drama.

@77: I don’t think we are on the minority. There were quite an amount of viewers who just didn’t like GHY acting in this drama. Nothing personal, yah she is talented in other field but not this drama. I just cringed just by looking at her pouting and smiling face. But as an individual she is lovable. I glad that some people enjoyed her acting. Well, we just give objective criticsm without any hatred. If one want to improve their works, they have to accept constructive critism,

Sarah, thanks for your summary and recaps. I always love reading your thoughts!:)
93 anastassia - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:02 am

Yah, Madam Kang is just awesome. She truly an amazing actress, I always loved and amazed her acting in MISA.
94 me - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:11 am

@daizukun:
@tippy:
Mm, i have to agree with tippy. I am a GP, and as far as i know, the most important rule when dealing with patient after car injury is not to remove (or in this case, JiHoo shaking JunPyo’s head) the patient until you can rule out spinal cord injury.
95 Tay - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:19 am

Only one sentence for this episode : I HATE DAMN YUMI!!!
96 SeriouslyAddicted - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:32 am

First, thank you Javabeans….you are really great for putting all that effort on updating….KBS should pay you ! People in the States AND Asia all love you!

Secondly. For every scene shown I feel that there are at least 2 scenes that should be in …and I think although I have heard it said that you should watch this on its own, it DOES help if you have seen the other 2…it makes up for the lack of scenes showing F4 closeness, or of Jandi’s moment of lurve for Jun, etc Lots of stuff they just pray we understand….

The actors ace it the way they potray their emotions, KHJ though he has been lambasted by some for his lack of skills, I beg to disagree. I totally get his feelings and that means something works eh? And I could not stop tearing at the way Jun Hee and Jun Pyo reacted to seing the father..and of course….MADAM KANG>>please hand this woman an award.At some point I actually understood her motivation!!! Don’t kill me!

Of course….some criticism..MASSIVE COINCIDENCE about finding Jandi on TV…what about Gaeul’s closeness with Jandi or the connection of Woobin..does that not help??

But but but…..I love the show, feel sad that its finishing….and will not let such thing as LOGIC bother me….
97 anna - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:32 am

thank god this drama is ending. that’s all that i can say.
98 herwithg - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:33 am

I was emotionally-wrecked after watching this episode. I wanted to throw things around me, just whatever I could pick up. Or maybe I’m just wayy exaggerating but gah! this episode was just so full of tears and frustration that I cannot imagine how they’re all going to resolve this satisfactorily tonight! I feel like lowering my expectations for the ending but this is just a drama which I’ve grown to love so how-ever it may end, just bring it on!

I’m not really a shipper. I just go with the flow, I support both couples that is. But since this IS a remake of Kamio Yoko’s Hana Yori Dango, I resolved to just root for the main couple. I was actually dreading watching the amnesia-part (to the extent that I was hoping that they wouldn’t go through with it) because it’s the 2nd to the last episode and there’s just so many things to fix about the JunDi relationship, JunPyo’s family, JiHoo’s outcome, SoEul relationship, etc. etc. And now the story gets messed up by another character who will confuse further the relationship. (Unlike Jaekyung, she’s not a very likable character, grrr… and sorry for the spoiler, she lies and lies and lies…) Gah! She’s a new character but she already wreaks havoc on the people around her. There’s Jun Pyo and Jan Di (that’s a given), but her appearance as well puts Ji Hoo’s ability to cope to the test. I mean he’s nursing his just-broken heart and he still has to comfort Jan Di here who’s crying because Jun Pyo has forgotten all about her and is hanging out with a girl (who his original character would have never allowed to be within arm’s length from him)… Ok, breathe… My gosh, can’t you see the emotional turmoil?! o_o

Just a funny side note though, I was watching this episode from Vikii.com, when I read one of the comments in the discussion panel with regards to them trying to revive Jun’s memory of Jan Di: “Why can’t they just tell him the truth?” Haha, yeah poor logic once again.

Well anyway I’m stopping now. Wooh, that was loong! Sorry, I guess I had to pour out my thoughts here because there’s no other blog that provide AWESOME recaps of my favorite show and I don’t actually have a blog to rant to. Hahaha! Again, thanks for your recaps and I’m looking forward to your last recap of this drama.
99 apr - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:49 am

hey~
really love your blog & comments on this drama.
it s my favourite ones, from Taiwan version, to Japan version, & to current Korean version. Just like a dream that s with me & my friends for years.
i really hope there is a sweet & happy ending for JP & JD~~
& for JD’s soulmate, dun know how to say… really feel sad… but hopefully he can have his true love finally…
100 whatever0024 - Mar 31, 2009 at 2:27 am

@ 65, absolutely, 100% agreed with you. This drama is so incredibly flawed and there are just too much inconsistencies that I get so frustrated when I try to watch the episodes. It’s so bad that I didn’t even watch this episode, I fastforward through it and finished it in literally 30 seconds.

The actress who plays Jan Di is annoying and unlikeable in the drama. I just want her to end up alone. I’ve said this before, there’s no chemistry between her and the two male leads. She doesn’t make a convincing Makino. I’m sure she’s a good actress in her other roles, but I don’t like her acting in BBF.

If it wasn’t for my love for the Japanese version, I wouldn’t have watched Boys Before Flowers.

UGH, my post is in a box. Oh, well.
101 moi - Mar 31, 2009 at 2:29 am

i’ve gotten so used to reading your summaries and opinions ont he drama that even if i had seen the episode, i still make it a point to visit your site, if only to affirm that someone credible share my thoughts about certain parts of the drama. (and i love it the you love kim rae won as well cause i’m just crazy about him. i do believe that he’s one of the best. he just owns his characters.)

i do hope that they they take a different path about SoEul’s love angle. i am really really hoping they would at least date.
102 ju liu - Mar 31, 2009 at 2:30 am

NICE SONG JAVABEANS!!!
NICE ABS GU JUN PYO! LOL!!!!!!
103 jae - Mar 31, 2009 at 2:54 am

Nothing’s more painful than being forgotten by the one you love, both literally and figuratively.

Anyhoots, I just loooove this line: “Don’t we have to talk about us now?”…. And her response is just the way I like it too. Ehehe. I wonder how the writers and PD will end it…. Wah~~

Btw, javabeans. ^^ I really dig the song of the day. Is there a chance you could link me up to the lyrics + translation? Thanks much!
104 yan - Mar 31, 2009 at 3:11 am

I personally think that the addition of the irratable YUMI does anything at all in terms of plot progrssion and more importantly, rounding up the whole drama. Yes, no doubt, through this, one can really see the extent of Jan-di’s love for Jun-pyo. However, when a character is introducedjust merely for an episode and half, it certainly would not be long enough for that character to accomplish all that intented impact and effect on the entire plotting and the audience. As such, I think it would be much better if the writers could bring Yumi forward more, and cut short the parts of Jae-Gyung, thus acheiving the required balance for these add-ons to the drama. Such last minute additions would only serve to over-exaggerate the whole ending and leave the audiences in a very much unsatisfied disposition.

However, i sincerely hope that Ga-Eul and Yi-Jung works out well. It’s really pleasing to see them having a simple and innocent love story. :)
105 Myoguri - Mar 31, 2009 at 3:25 am

I can’t wait for the closure!
106 HanaDan - Mar 31, 2009 at 4:02 am

Great recap javabeans. Thanks and here is what I thought….
What a great episode altogether…

I just love the way they enfolded the story and gathered the main characters in just one scene (at the hospital) and it was done brilliantly. Junhee’s words really makes me want to cry. Madam Kang, as I sensed earlier has that potential to show her softer side after all. For me, earlier she is basically being protective of things that she’s known important and through this tragedy she actually discover that life has a lot more than just ShinHwa. I’m just glad that she didn’t blame it on Jandi or Jihoo for this tragedy, I guess her husband’s coma thing also has soften and widen her perceptions.

Jandi’s soft approach also is done pretty well. It is consistent with her character all along the story and she actually wants Madam Kang to care more of Junpyo. She share her thoughts about the likes of Junpyo and that basically just show what is more important than what Madam Kang always knew all along (ShinHwa). I’m sort of glad that Jandi’s character is softer than what I want her to be coz, truthfully you should never be rude to the elders. No matter how rude they behave. (Basically that’s how I was raised, but that just me) The eastern value is a lot different from the western.

The memory loss part (illogical or not; there have been cases and it’s quite rare) is done quite ok. His failure to recognise Jandi, at first I thought that he was like really angry at her and act like he didn’t know her, I just don’t know how Junhee or F3 picked up that something wrong with his memory. Anyway, the part where they tried to revive his memory was done pretty well and really amusing. LMAO with Junpyo’s crossed-eyed thing.

Yumi was actually good. I totally annoyed by her and she actually projects someone that actually does what she thinks and what she wants regardless what others might think. That’s Yumi that I know from manga. In here, it’s achieved really well. You can annoy me as far as you want, girl… but I know just who Junpyo’s true love is.

Now as the story coming to an end, I really felt that this version not only portray the love story of Jandi and Junpyo but it also shows the true friendship, ups and downs and family values altogether. And I have to say this version really achieved well in that area. Love will conquer all but without friends and family, for me it’s quite meaningless.

I can’t wait for this to end but am really sad to gave my farewell to the show. I’m really going to miss my Mondays and Tuesdays.
107 christine - Mar 31, 2009 at 4:05 am

javabeans thanks to your wonderful recaps (as always!what’s new right?!)!!!

kudos to you!!!! the end is near so let’s make the most of it!!!

this is the first epi that i saw madam kang so vulnerable!!! what a sight!!! great job to the actress who played her!!! perfect emotion!!! but then again after a millisecond the evil witch came right back.bwuhahaha!!!

ji hoo poor him… if jandi don’t want you my shoulders are yours for the taking *dreaming*
i’ll take you anytime!^__^
108 reverie - Mar 31, 2009 at 4:15 am

yea..yea..yea..the amnesia is part of the manga
BUT do we have to have it the last episode *oh come on
they could cut the JaeKyung episode a little to make more space for the ending
hope it didn’t end in a rush….*sigh
109 bajanBBFfan - Mar 31, 2009 at 4:17 am

Hi javabeans,

Been meaning to comment ever since but this is my first time. I really enjoy your recaps, though there are some times my opinion differs a bit from yours. It helps me to look at small details that I might have overlooked in the drama. Personally I’m quite glad that this ever- addictive drama is over tomorrow…will be able to live a normal life again LOL

But one question…I noticed that although you said there were some Jihoo scenes that were nice in this episode, you didn’t specifically say that his acting has improved. Don’t you think so? I mean for me this episode really showed to me that Kim Hyunjoong has gotten better. From the proposal scene, to the weeping on Grandpa’s shoulder, to getting ready to punch Junpyo…I really enjoyed his acting this episode.

Anyways…still a wee bit sad that Jihoo is rejected, but on reflecting on his confession, he said he can’t be without her, so I guess the ending the PD’s have in mind allows that to come true. Meanwhile Jandi and Junpyo get to enjoy their trwuuu wuvvv (LOL..loving the Princess Bride reference)

Ok, was wondering how ppl post so much, but now it see that it just gushes out. Thanks again for all your hard work, and am looking forward to tomorrow’s episode and your recap.
110 heejung - Mar 31, 2009 at 4:34 am

i really like the scene where madam kang asks junpyo to “talk with mom”, and he goes “mom?” When i saw that part, it totally just blew me away!

but yeah, i wish they hadnt dragged out the jaekyung arc so much. -_-
ah well.
111 Angela - Mar 31, 2009 at 4:34 am

Thanks for the recaps as always! I love hearing your opinion on everything.

On another note: I thought I was the only person who WASN’T going ga-ga over the Soeulmate couple… nice to see I’m not alone! ^_^
112 christine - Mar 31, 2009 at 4:35 am

it’s a bit off topic but i just want to share it to all of you…

i think this song is perfect for jandi and ji hoo…

i don’t have the heart by kyla basically the lyrics is this…

Your face is beaming, you say it’s cause you’re dreaming of
How good it’s going to be
You say you’ve been around and now you’ve finally found

Chorus:
I don’t have the heart to hurt you
It’s the last thing I want to do
But I don’t have the heart to love you
Not the way you want me to

Inside I’m dying, to see you cryin’
How can I make you understand
I care about you, so much about you
Baby I’m trying to say this as gently as I can ’cause

Chorus:
I don’t have the heart to hurt you
It’s the last thing I want to do
But I don’t have the heart to love you
Not the way you want me to

You’re so trusting, and open
Hoping that love will start
But I don’t have the heart
Oh no, I don’t have the heart

Chorus:
I don’t have the heart to hurt you
It’s the last thing I want to do
But I don’t have the heart to love you
Not the way you want me to

I don’t have the heart
Baby, I don’t have the heart
Baby, I don’t have the heart

that’s all just wanna share. peace y’all^__^v
113 yoonah - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:12 am

#72 Tippy
It wasn’t just you. I was also muttering at the screen “Stop shaking him, dammit!” lol

Yeah, I agree with javabeans that this amnesia arc (despite my distaste for it as a HYD plotline) actually came about logically. Still, introducing a new conflict in the 2nd-to-the-last episode… I hope, I really really hope the ending won’t look too rushed. :s They could’ve lessened the Jae Kyung eps, and added more to this one (though I’ve always liked Shigeru/JK and HATE the Umi/Yumi character). Oh well.

I was thinking: Jun Pyo hasn’t forgotten *just* Jan Di, right? His selective amnesia (to make some sort of sense) should have erased the past entire year from his memory, so he’s basically back to pre-BBF Jun Pyo who doesn’t know about Jan Di, his dad’s “death” and coma, Jae Kyung, Shinhwa Group’s shaky financial status, love and compassion and humanity (lol), etc. Don’t they have to explain at least some of that to him, esp the situation about his dad? His witch mom (oh, kudos to Lee Hye Young, wonderful acting in this episode) must be so happy, he’s practically a blank slate again, perfect for manipulation.
114 Ysaelle - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:13 am

i hope yi-jung and ga-eul will end up together!!!!!
115 Marres - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:29 am

Hi all

Javabeans, awesome re-cap! Thanks as always.

“Yeah, I know, selective amnesia = stupidest fake-disease ever, but it’s in the original, so sigh”

i know right! sooo funny! Loving the BBF!
116 liz - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:36 am

I’m excited and and scared for the last episode. excited because i want to see it but scared because what am I gonna do monday and tuesday nights now??? this drama has been my staple for the few months that it has been on air and i will miss it so much. As always, i really appreciate your recaps, they are rather insightful and i get to see a different side of the drama than just looking at it in a pure eye candy kind of way :]
117 Rebeca - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:37 am

@ 16 and 22

What Javabeans meant by that comment is that the original manga has the same exact scene. Where Rui (Ji Hoon) is introduced to the hospital girl and she sticks her hand out to greet him and he just looks ahead and walks away.

So what she meant is that, eventhough it wasn’t an original scene (it was one copied from the manga), it was still played out really nicely and it fit in with not only Rui’s personality(from the manga), but JiHoon’s.
118 Rebeca - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:43 am

@113

actually..interestingly enough..you said the thing about Joon Pyo being a blank canvas now. That is how it happens in Meteor Garden2. The mom is acually happy that he lost his memory and takes full advantage of that. lol
just thought of that.

but, YA, it would make much more sense that he didn’t remember ANY Of those things instead of just JanDi. It was just that in the manga, they only had these “little” problems that Doumyoji didn’t have to remember (Shigeru, etc etc etc), so he could have just acted like the normal, before Makino, Doumyoji.

but here, they have one MAJOR problem which is his dad being in a coma. I really wonder how he remembers his dad without remembering everything else. Or maybe he doesn’t remember his dad, and his dad will only come into play when he has his memory back. idk
119 Waiting for the last - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:06 am

I gotta say… the last couple of episodes have actually been quite enjoyable. I like these melancholy, bittersweet moments. I feel liked the PDs elongated the middle exactly to the point where they want to insert the selective amnesia. They had the beginning, they had the end, and just decided some STUFF will just happen in the middle until episode 23. But I’m glad we’re finally passed that!

This episode was quite good. I haven’t sympathized with Jan Di since I don’t know when… Macau? But this episode… I felt so bad for her. I was half expecting her to just give up from the very beginning and was surprised to find her really trying to make Gu Jun Pyo regain memories of her. Sigh… I’m just waiting for the next episode. I’m dyyyin’ for the next episode!

And, I feel like I must be going crazy because Ji-Hoo is beginning to improve in my eyes. (I had recently gone back to the beginning episodes and found myself dyyying on the floor out of laughter at his acting… which I did when I FIRST watched it too)
120 salt - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:08 am

poor, poor JH…
so in love with a girl who loves another man and having to help her get him back to boot.
no wonder he’s so skinny and sad.
KHJ’s acting is getting better. you could feel his hurt and sadness, even without any dialogue. ( or could be just me being such a fan).
i’ve said before that Oguri Shun owns Hanazawa Rui from the manga and anime (more than MG or BBF) and i still stand by that.
but now that we are at the end, i think KHJ is the perfect Yoon Ji Hoo. a character based on Rui but an entity on it’s own.

i’m glad i stuck around till the end of the ride…
121 yogini - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:10 am

unfortunately i don’t have time to make a proper comment or to read all the other wonderful comments. but since we are on the cusp of this drama ending, i was curious what other dramas would you recommend for me to watch. i really enjoyed this one. and although not Korean, i also really liked Fated to Love (Tawain). i have access to Mysoju and Dramafever. thanks!

btw…i still have Ji Hoo and Woo Bin love!
122 deeta - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:11 am

I’m just going to echo your sentiment about Monster Mom. Lee Hyeyoung was one of the highlights of this episode. She rocks!
123 yuu - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:17 am

Thank you for the re-caps, Javabeans ^^!
124 Waiting for the last - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:26 am

Did anyone else noticed that JiHoo did not say thanks to JunPyo for saving him? He said thanks for being alive but not for actually saving his life. I thought the whole scene was very passive considering the impact. I can’t wait for tonight’s episode, I’m gonna be in BOF withdrawal starting tomorrow. =(
125 min - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:51 am

I just love reading your comment.
Although i have not watch this ep, but i have a rough idea about it!
Seen ep 25 preview, seem like there is a little change in plot eh.
Hope this will lead to season 2. (most probably it’s unlikely, cause all the cast of hana youri dango had been shown, even his dad which all the other versions didn’t have it)

I agree with what you say about what ji hoo say to jandi! It’s really sweet.
The motivation for me to watch hana is due to hanazawa rui which the Korea’s version really acted well.
Root for JanDi and JiHoon= J&J (which monkey hopes that it stands for them)

Thanks alot for your screenshot!
126 yvree - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:59 am

i agree with u about prez kang. she’s terrific in any way.

i really didnt expect this episode will made me cry ALOT.. XD

for the past 22 episodes, it didnt come into my nerves to give out even a single tear, but kimbum(the billboard thing) was just amazing and this episode gave me chills. T_T

thanks java java java! ^_________^!
127 Snikki - Mar 31, 2009 at 7:03 am

The amnesia storyline isn’t bothering me this time, BBF is doing it pretty well. But it’s not over yet, so we’ll see.

At this point, I don’t really mind if Ga Eul and Yi Jung don’t end up together. Don’t get me wrong, I really wanted them to be a couple, or at least see Yi Jung profess his feelings for Ga Eul. But I’m satisfied at where they’re at right now, ‘cuz you can see in Yi Jung’s eyes that he does in fact have feelings for her, and for me that’s enough. And since most of us know that their characters in the manga weren’t written to be together in the end, it’s great to have Ga Eul be the one to end things or at least stop chasing after Yi Jung. But then again, like I said, it’s not over yet.
128 yvree - Mar 31, 2009 at 7:03 am

#53

I AGREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
129 Lemon - Mar 31, 2009 at 7:13 am

Hey Dramabeans!

Thanks for the recap!! It always makes my day because its so witty, and gives me an idea of the episode before actually watching it (cos i never have the time to do so immediately.)

Anyway, I am a Jihoo-Jandi supporter. Even though Jun Pyo is wonderful as an actor and all, I do think that he and JD seriously lack chemistry. This has already been pointed out, many times, I think!

Also, another commenter said that it’ll be cool if WOobin and Jun Hee ends up together. I AGREE TTLY. It’ll totally be like, power couple! hahaha but mama kang wouldnt be satisfied, I can imagine.

Now for my gushing—I totally love Kim Hyun Joong. Why did they have so many scenes that make me so sad for him?? I really can’t help but feel sorry for his character, who is such a wonderful and good guy. Sigh…hope the last episode does give me a girl he deserves

THANKS DRAMABEANS.
130 Kirsten - Mar 31, 2009 at 7:20 am

Thanks Javabeans for recapping another series. It was great and I loved all your sidenotes. : )

I’m sad that this story is ending but can’t wait for another good one to begin. I’m definately am excited for tonights last episode.

YAY BOYS BEFORE FLOWERS!!!!
131 Ve - Mar 31, 2009 at 7:38 am

Thanks a lot for the recap!!

i wish therei wll be the sequel after this one,.. hopefully with better and more sensible plot,stronger character for WU bin as well…!!
Despite of the pretty faces that really entertain us, again i hope the sequel will send good message to the audiences ; the purity and the power of love will make everything is possible!!! ha..ha..ha.. I am a dreamer, am i?

somehow I love bbf, love them all, except president kang!
To all mums and dads! yr child’s happiness should come first, instead of your pride and ego.>!!
132 lidy - Mar 31, 2009 at 7:59 am

@121:

for other dramas I recommend
My Lucky Star (Taiwanese)
Tatta Hitotsu no Koi (Japanese)
Kanojo to no Tadashii Asobikata (Japaense- made for tv, so only 1 episode)
Smiling Pasta (Taiwanese)
Why Why Love (Taiwanese- Rainie Yang stars in this and she played Yuki in MG)
My Girl (Korean)
Bull Fighting (Taiwanese)
Star’s Lover (Korean- it does start to get a bit draggy after the first 12 episodes)
Corner With Love (Taiwanese- stars Barbie Hsu who was Sancai/Makino in MG)
Full House (Korean)
133 Peeps` - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:03 am

Ah… What other songs of the day so you have, javabeans? I wanna hear more. Are you gonna recap any other dramas other than the return of Iljimae (I kind of stalk your website for only two things – BBF and ROI.). I wanna watch something good!
Hope to read more recaps from you after this ends! Ai… the end is near… or rather, in korean time, here…
134 Peeps` - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:06 am

Eh… forget it. Thanks to lidy, I have a whole host of dramas to watch. Although I beg to differ that ‘Corner of Love was good. Somewhere in the middle, it got draggy. And I cannot stand Rainie Yang… Hate her overacting in Miss No Good and other dramas…
135 vjah - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:06 am

I like the scene where Junpyo got hit instead of Jihoo…not because I like Jihoo or Jun Pyo but we can clearly see how Jihoo will support the two who is most dear to him. I think this was NICEly done.
136 Peeps` - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:14 am

Y’know, when JunPyo said “That’s why it’s more impossible because she’s the woman I love”, I thought of Shin refering to Hyorin in Goong…
137 lidy - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:19 am

@ peeps

you’re welcome. and i can understand about rainie yang in miss no good. i couldn’t watch pass episode 4 anymore and the only other dramas i’ve seen her in was MG and Why Why Love, and I actually liked her in both. i’m new to asian drama for a couple of months now and so far almost all of the shows i’ve seen/ currently watching gets draggy at some point. but how much i get disgruntled enough to drop it becuase of dragginess depends oh how much i love it to the point that i don’t care and that’s where My Lucky Star, Tatta Hitotsu no Koi,
Kanojo to no Tadashii Asobikata (doesn’t count since its only 1 ep), Smiling Pasta, My Girl, Corner With Love and Full House falls under.
Also, if you want to give a try there’s Dragon Zakura (Japanese) and Taiyo to Umi no Kyoshitsu (Japanese). They’re school dramas along the lines of Gokusen, where you have a teacher trying to teach life lessons to their students.

ps Smiling Pasta does alot of those missed oppurtunities/misunderstanding scenes and slow motion-emphasis shots but overall it’s one of those happy-go-lucky type dramas, where you get an actual raincloud hovering and raining over a character, when he/she is sad.
138 priti - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:24 am

Hi

Plplpl can one of u pl put in a 2 lines on how the episode 25 went. I can’t sleep and have already dined on my nails……….

someone pl tell me JP-JD made it………………
139 Dnay - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:28 am

its funny that now near the end is when i start liking woobin more and more…>_>;; i usually have to read the recap before watching the episode but since ep 21 I’ve been watching first then reading later LOL anyhow!! thank u for the wonderful recaps…it made the show a WHOLE lot more enjoyable to watch
140 songee - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:47 am

great recap. thank you again as always.

forgot to mention the scene with madame kang BEFORE she arrives at the hospital. she’s watching the news and hears the recap of her son’s accident. it’s THEN she shows that first initial crack of her exterior–the shake of her head, the disbelief at what has happened.

she’s such a fantastic actress. the does the wincing of the face so well (ie: when she shows discomfort after JP questions how she can call herself his mother, then proceeds to call her chairman kang). so chilly with a stillness to her. i think because lee min ho can also portray that “stillness” onscreen, it makes him such a great actor. makes him a truly believable son of madame kang, because he also possesses some of her traits. his character is definitely complex.
141 ... - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:48 am

what am i going to do look forward to on my monday and tuesday evenings? *sigh*… sort of glad its coming to a close… exams are beginning to loom…
they obviously felt it necessary to give us a little more fanservice right before they end it all… lol… not that i’m complaining! hahaha!
one part that really bugs me is the bit where junpyo is watching jihoo hug jandi… you’d the hugger and the hugged would see a red sports car (which they should know belongs to Junpyo) if it is less than 20m away from them wouldn’t you?
thanks so much for recapping! your comments are always so true as well!
142 kriza09 - Mar 31, 2009 at 9:10 am

@124 & 135

It will be too sad if Jihoo’s the one who got hit.. coz the culprit originally planned to hit Shinhwa’s heir.. he just thought Jihoo is the Shinhwa’s heir,,,
143 Mo108 - Mar 31, 2009 at 9:22 am

Ah, bless you, Javabeans! Thanks so much again for the recap and comments. I appreciate them no end… even more so at this tail-end of the series… watched the last few eps. first before reading the recaps, seeing as they’re the last ones, but shot desparately here immediately afterwards to see if you could provide some equalibrium to all the craziness tht started swirling around as soon as the final credits rolled… Naturally, you did… and I quote:

“NICE!”

That pretty much sums this episode up, for me too. For the first time in ages the “nice” moments really outweight any wierd twists and turns, holes and logic vacuums… The “I’m afraid you have… amnesia” daytime soap moment I so feared didn’t really come [heaving a HUGE sigh of relief] because it fit really well and was in context as you said, Javabeans, and made sense. and well, I kinda dug it, actually…

Ah, the moment between Ji-hoo and his grandfather was really sweet… very touching. All those hard times Ji-hoo had to face all alone, withdrawn, brooding… in the dark… with no shoulder to cry on (well, aside from those solitary meals of misery), finally, there was someone there to comfort him… NICE…

…and as some have commented, “it’s not over yet,” or at least until the fat lady sings, or whatever… so naturally, as an evid Ji-hoo shipper, this episode was indeed a voyage and a half, and of course, I’m madly fanning the last, tiniest sparks of hope for Ji-hoo and Jan-di, even if she was clear that she can’t let go of Jun-pyo. They deserve one another, they really do… Oh, there were moments when I jumped out of my chair (especially when Ji-hoo saw Jan-di on the TV) shouting, “GO! GO! GO!” just like it was football, hehe… So, in that spirit, I’ll keep saying it until the final whistle blows:

JI-HOO! FIGHTING!!!

p.s. I really expected Mama Kang to start melting when she shed a tear, like the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz”. She still freezes all the blood in my body and freaks me the hell out, no end… Take a bow, Mama Kang–what an absolutely superb job, and well done… but I don’t think I’d be missing you very much… but… but…
144 Mo108 - Mar 31, 2009 at 9:31 am

Again… Poor Ji-hoo… poor, poor Ji-hoo… Ufff! I died a thousand times for him during this episode… I hope he is happy at the end of episode 25…
145 Marjjx - Mar 31, 2009 at 9:32 am

Thanks again for a great recap!
I love ‘Mama Kang’ too, and I loved the way her character got broken down in this episode. She’s lovable evil.
Have to disagree a bit with the whole Yi Jung and Ga Eul thing though. I mean, yeahh, I did get a bit annoyed when she lost her spunk, but I loved the whole Yi Jung wreck. I think it was building their relationship, in no other way any other situation could’ve done. I’m just a die hard Yi Jung and Ga Eul fan anyway – cannot wait for their relationship climax and to see what Yi Jung will do to get her next episode. God, from the way they made it almost ‘end’ in this one, it has gotta be big and well, romantic! Pretty sure will happen because this whole thing has just been going on for almost the whole show. I was screaming ‘Grab her and kiss her!’ so loudy at the computer screen but the fool didn’t say anything! I really thought this was it – so yeahh, next episode ‘it’ best be there.

Hyun Joong has some pretty good acting skills now – though I loved him from the start to be honest. I’m a die hard Ji Hoo fan too, and I loved loved lovedd the scene where he tells Jan Di that what she’s done for him is so much more etc. I loved the way he grasped her shoulders and looked in her eyes so deeply, like he was searching through her or something. Gahh, so cute… and then his little smile right after it.

I think I might end up reading all of your recaps and reviews of BBF over and over again when this finishes, after I re watch the series of course. It’s my way (terrible as it is) of ‘putting myself down’ slowly, as I really think I might go crazy when this drama finishes. I might suffer real bad effects if it’s taken away too quickly..

LOVE BOYS BEFORE FLOWERS
146 esztokam - Mar 31, 2009 at 9:40 am

OK, true, I missed Woo Bin gangsta language as well. and i should admit that i miss the 1st OST! Hyun Joong has improved a lot, don’t you think so (he can cry without rain)?

thanks again for the review! I watched it, understood everything but i love your style and comments so much that i just had to read it!
147 MQ - Mar 31, 2009 at 9:43 am

Haha.. I think Hyun Joong’s acting really improved by alot this ep!! maybe because of the scenes? Coz this is one of the few eps where Jihoo is supposed to be angry? I hope I can see KHJ in some other drama… I feel so sad for Jihoo throughout the ep.. hahaha.. when he shed that one tear (the scene w gramps) I’m like, wow! he managed to cry.. tho the tear is really v small but.. well.. he still managed to cry.. haha… I really liked tt necklace exchange part too.. It’s really meaningful… Haha.. I have no qualms about a happy ending.. cant wait for it to be subbed, and for Javabeans to review it!! Thanks for all ur reviews!!!
148 4thDimensional - Mar 31, 2009 at 9:45 am

APPLAUSE to the WRITER and Director – for REDEEMING the great actress -MAMA KANG! Great writing of connecting dots that were loosely drawn.

This is where yesterday(HYD) meets Tomorrow (HYD)

The strength that GJD shows again for the deep love for GJP is not only scripted well but acted well. She chokes in all she could to sort out her hurt and confusion. For HS student of that age, GJD possess more guts and containment than most people double her age group. She has done grown up! well

I would of done jus like her. Great script again and great acting by Mama Kang and GJD.

JH ’s with a few more acting lesson, can really make world’s girls cry thenselves to sleep.

JY finally got a great Piece of his “pie”. But sad that he could not say his peace.

All nice girls – got their peace in this scene….All fans for the couple is sad….I am happy, GE made the first move….which TOO many HS girls must learn from this point and case. Let The Boy chase for a while…

WB and LMH were for the first time pairing and in such a sober and real heart to heart talk. It was also the second best scene……WB show-cased himself well up against LMH. Just applaud LMH for carrying this drama so well… Aloha! boys and the 3 top actresses here……God bless you for a fine time you all have given us!

I try to share my thoughts from adults’ perspective as what have learned and eenjoyed about life in these wonderful dramas…..

DRAMABEANS – you should be APPLAUDED ALSO! as the clearest supporter of the writers and directors….We have gained so MUCH Insight from your recaps……what a wonderful teacher! of scenes…Thank You – Mahalo (hawaiian)
149 Anonymous - Mar 31, 2009 at 9:57 am

Angela… you’re totally not the only one who wants SoEulmate to end up together…. they have such a huge fanbase … look at Soompi as an example… I think one of the reasons of the popularity and high rates of this drama is this couple, really… and I’m one of those people who started to watch this drama becasue of the main charachters but after a while (I dunnow when exactly) I was watching this drama only becasue of SoEulmate I sometimes even watch only their scenes when I don’t have time.. and the two scenes of SoEul in this episode were great at least for me… I loooved that GE has this pride and can’t accept to be stalker any more LOL and OMG YJ’s look was priceless… full of confusion.. sadness… loss and disappointment.. he was too shocked that he couldn’t even stop her or follow her.. which shows us and will make him realize how truely and deeply he loves GE…. I hope the ending doesn’t disappoint me.I really think that I’ll cry if their ending is rushed or left open >< and poor JH I want also a happy ending for him but not with JD and not with only his grandfather … thanx for your great blogs they added nice and more interesting flavour for the drama
150 Almost done - Mar 31, 2009 at 10:01 am

My poor Ji Hoo – I felt so sad when he was crying while his Grandpa was consoling him in the doctor’s office. Did the Grandpa know why Ji Hoo was crying?

I have a question: What is the legal drinking age in Korea? Is it 18? It just looked strange to me that all the BOF crew were always drinking wine, beer, and all sorts of alcoholic beverages and going into clubs etc. when they were suppose to be in high school or just entering University. Maybe because I’m looking through the eyes of someone who resides in the US and the drinking age is 21 here? If someone can clarify that for me, thanks in advance!!!

Almost over…………..POOR JI HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe JD can get hit over the head, not remember JP and think that JH is her boyfriend…..Then JP will be with Yumi and I will have a HUGE smile at the finale. Hey…..a girl can dream, no?! ;P
151 Rebeca - Mar 31, 2009 at 10:13 am

JAVABEANS:

I don’t know anything bout Koran culture…would you be able to tell me:

I noticed that the manager (butler?..whatever he is)…bows to JanDi whenever he sees her. Is this significant? Should he bow to her since he is older? Or does he do it cuz he sees her as Joon Pyo’s wife?
152 asianromance - Mar 31, 2009 at 10:13 am

Junpyo protecting Jihoo- i’m a sucker for guy-love/bromance.

is yumi an idiot? can’t she tell that there was something between Jandi and Junpyo?

not having watched the episode and am only reading these awesome recaps- did anyone know if anyone corrects Junpyo whenever Junpyo refers to Jandi as Jihoo’s girl- it seems like Jandi starts…but then he interrupts her. And doesn’t anyone have photographs of those two dating? or maybe i’m just being too logical.

I think selective amnesia can happen with events, not people. The only way to really forget a person is if the amnesiac has forgotten every event he has experienced with that person-which sounds pretty impossible-…but can’t work in jandi’s case- cuz they were together for awhile and he would have noticed the huge gaps in his memories.

Another fake amnesia plotline that I love is where the guy has amnesia, then makes new memories, then gains back old memories while forgetting new memories (a la kdrama, Save the Last Dance for me, taiwan’s Prince turns to frog, and a few romance novels).

@121, some dramas I recommend besides the ones recommended by others are: Sassy Girl Chunhyang, The Clue Collector/Pi li Mit (Taiwan), Oh!My girl (japanese), Prince turns to frog (same heroine as Fated to Love you, also had phenomenol ratings), 9ends 2 outs (korean), my name is kim samsoon, and invincible shan bao mei (the first few episodes seems good so far). Why Why Love was awesome the first half then dragged at the end. And Smiliing Pasta was a bit of cheesy-overkill.
153 booboo - Mar 31, 2009 at 10:24 am

THANKS AGAIN DRAMA BEANS. I LIVE IN HAWAII & CURRENTLY WATCHING BBF (THIS WEEK IS EPISODES 13/14). I LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR RECAPS. CAN’T WAIT TO READ RECAP FOR EPISODE 25.

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK !!!
154 Kriyn - Mar 31, 2009 at 10:42 am

More angst at this stage?

I’m not a fan of the Amnesia arc but its inclusion was frustrating because frankly we’ve just had too much exhausting angst over the 2nd arc. Some angst was really well done but STILL… I’d like to be reminded how this is after all…

…Boys before FLOWERS. –> with a title like this, shouldn’t it be more…. full of flowers, rainbow and sunshine? We should have more comedic happy episodes like when Jan Di was a maid at his house.

I wouldn’t mind if the last episode was just pure comedy after they get together. The preview looks like they’re trying to fit in angst right to the end. >_<

So Yumi irriates me for the same reason. She’s pretty cheerful but gosh, just please go away already and let the couple have their happy ending!
155 infatuated22 - Mar 31, 2009 at 11:16 am

awww this recap just rejuvenated me from long hours of studying! thankyou! oh my gosh im soooo happy with the news about the dramafever uploading and working with s2 fansubs because the reason i stopped watching this drama and just highlyh depended on your recaps is that i havent seen a good quality subs out there… thank you ill look forward to the upload at drama fever!
156 sonam - Mar 31, 2009 at 11:27 am

@ Tippy 65
I am with you. I just haven’t been able to warm up to Jandi. And the guy who plays Rui…sorry I have forgotten his name since I stopped watching the drama. Just been reading the recaps here hoping for a miracle.
The Korean version has turned out to be dud as far as I am concerned. The actors did their best but it was a Casting Disaster. Even LMH (who I love) couldn’t keep me watching the drama.
I am happy for the people who have enjoyed it. I really wish I was one of them.
I watched Temptation of Wolves again and was thinking the three lead actors would have been great for BOF. The guys were so hot and the girl was very likeable. Oh well!
157 Mai - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:16 pm

OKAY, so I really don’t have much to say about this episode, let’s just say… I got so much more frustrated in this one episode than any other. =/ I mean Junpyo ’s memory lost made me go mad!! ARGH. I was like oh my gosh, I just though they were really going to leave that out and go on with the happy ending for the last episode, making it a highlight episode, but NO. The PDnims just had to. AND Yumi looks like she knows way better than our Junpyo but she’s still pursuing him. We can’t really blame Junpyo for not realizing the obvious signs of the relationship, because he’s always been the really slow one at signs. =/

Poor Jihoo though, got his heart broken by another women. =/ But thank goodness our Jandi isn’t really leaving him. Because she’s still there physically unlike Seo Hyun.

Yi Jung and Ga Eul, I guess they’re not fulfilling the fans request for this couple but going with the ending the manga had for them.

OKAY, so the only highlight of this episode was MAMA KANG! Can I just say bravo! In this episode it shows you she actually had a heart? And its apparent that Mr. Jung knew this side to her much more than anyone did. What a great actress! =D She gave the right kind of emotion, just enough for her character, they really casted her right. =) Okay, so I’m done here and waiting for the subbed version of episode 25. Great review though. =D
158 jhada - Mar 31, 2009 at 12:48 pm

Thank you so much for the recaps! I have to say I love reading them almost more than watching the series itself. It’s your commentaries that I enjoy best

Thank you again for your much appreciated time and work!!
159 kate - Mar 31, 2009 at 1:33 pm

you’re awesome…

…the end =D
160 daizukun - Mar 31, 2009 at 2:20 pm

@ #94 Me
ooh~ thanks for the clarification!! wow i’m so slow i didn’t know that you shouldn’t move the body of a person who got hit by a car XDD lol now i know what NOT to do!!

@ salt
yes i totally agree with you!! i spent part of my spring break re-watching BOF from ep.1~24 and KHJ has DEFINITELY improved with his acting. i remember the 1st few eps. i cringed a little cuz he was so awkward!! it was great seeing him progress and transform into a better actor as the show moved on his acting in ep.24 was really good..i loved the scene with him telling jandi that she did more for him..and the car accident scene (was it just me or was jihoo’s hair totally flawless after that stunt?!! XD)..the grandpa scene..GAH i can go on!! i love jihoo!! HWAITING!! XDD
161 Evange - Mar 31, 2009 at 2:23 pm

Selective amnesia is not fake.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070402102218.htm

The article is titled “Selective Amnesia: How A Traumatic Memory Can Be Wiped Out”. Enjoy. (^___^)
162 sunghyo - Mar 31, 2009 at 3:09 pm

thank you for posting this I REALLY love to read your recaps !
163 memo - Mar 31, 2009 at 3:30 pm

aaawww I think this episode was very well made……I just finished watching the last episode and I can’t wait for your response…yay!!!
p.s and lets not forget your rating aswell;)
164 Anythingcute - Mar 31, 2009 at 4:38 pm

Watching mama Kang shed a tears digged up my we got married memory, where SIY cried. I’m watching the first part of last episode, Since I do not see how they can wrapped up the whole drama in one last episode, I assume it will be like the rest of Korean drama where the ending usually ended suck. too rushed and packed and too short. Like Goong. ended nice but not complete. they are leaving some part untied just in case if a sequel is on the way? anywwy. I’m going back to watch the rest of it.
165 memo - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:00 pm

I completely gree with you……Anythingcute…..such a shame, I don’t wanna say too much now I’m just gonna leave hehe…..
166 popcorn - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:11 pm

Hihihi this is the feeling…the preference for Ji Hoo over Gun Pyo…like all the other seasons. Yay, the guy redeemed himself by just being pretty. Sorry for being shallow but I haven’t really watched this since episode 6. From what I see, I prefer a guy who cares for me in the subtle way and supports me rather than having to fight. I don’t know, Tsukasa is a cool character on screen but I kind of hate to have someone like that as a boyfriend. -_-
167 AshleyL - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:40 pm

This is a comment on Ep 25, the finale. I’m sad to say it was unsatisfying.

1. First, who’s idea was it to spend so much airtime on YuMi’s harp playing – and it’s the last episode where minutes are soooo precious!

2. JanDi, JanDi, JanDi: someone needs to show this girl and actress, HyeSun, how to be affectionate. So the scene where she sees JunPyo after 4 yrs have gone by, she just says his name with a stoic expression. Whoa. If the love of your life returned after 4 yrs, wouldn’t you run up to him at least instead of walking so slowly? How about a big smile? How about a HUG???
I think HyeSun, the actress who plays JanDi, is so reserved it limited her expression on the set. JaeKyung and YuMi showed more affectionate to JunPyo than JanDi although JP is her man!
In the very least, how about putting her arm around JunPyo when he had his arm around her at the beach scene? Iinstead her hands were in her pockets. Flat, dry, and unsatisfying ending to another Kdrama.
168 Nea - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:41 pm

I’ve read the majority of comments and I have to say I’m glad to see that most are pleased. I am. I was happy because I’ve seen it before and I like it…Thank you.

And to whomever said LMH nice abs…hilarious!
169 joonni - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:50 pm

I liked this episode too because of all the things you pointed out. It was more logical than anything we’ve been getting so far in the second season and I felt that they were tying things up nicely.

And I love Lee Hye-young’s acting in this episode two. So much emotion in one expression.
170 GG - Mar 31, 2009 at 5:52 pm

Thank you for the recaps cant believe we are done to only one one…WOW
171 lidge_fan - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:04 pm

it’s sooo old and sooo repetitive…can we please move on???! I mean, we’re at the end and I can’t believe people are still complaining about GHS….haven’t we had this debate already (SEVERAL times in fact) over at soompi?

I’ve read the manga, seen the Taiwanese version and J-version and out of all of these Makinos, I love GHS the most…..Barbie just plain looks mean! you can say what you want, but she just gave off a really annoying vibe! Inoue Mao was OK, but what got me was not cutting her hair for the role…..Makino had long hair in the beginning in the manga but short hair later on….it annoyed me that Mao couldn’t seem to sacrifice her hair for the role….big deal, hair can grow back, you know!

Now for GHS, I’ve never cared for her one way or another because I didn’t know a lot about her before BOF…but in the opening scene when she was on that bicycle peddling up to Shinhwa, I appreciated her willingness to cut her hair to look like Makino….then along the way, I fell in love with her…from her relationship with her family to the way she battled from trying not to fall for JP to the Macao bridge scene where he broke up with her and the bus scene where she broke up with him….from watching BOF religiously, GHS really, really brought Makino alive for me, not just in the physical resemblance to the manga character but also her characterization of Makino…..when she cries, I actually can see Makino crying, when she laughs, I can see Makino laughing…..

GHS literally brings Makino alive for me…..her every gestures remind me of the Tsukushi Makino I loved so much in the manga and in so doing, have converted me into a big fan…..

and don’t use the age as argument as she does pass for a high school student….if you want to be fair, at least criticize her acting skills, not her age
172 BBTVXQLOVE - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:51 pm

Ahhh! That picture! Wow! Whoa! I just wannaaa……………. =)

After watching the last two episodes, I’m ready to say adios!
173 asianromance - Mar 31, 2009 at 6:51 pm

@lidge_fan
I know you’re upset that people are picking at GHS, but you’re also nitpicking on Inoue Mao. I don’t think you can blame Inoue Mao for not cutting her hair to look exactly like the manga character. one could argue that GHS’s hair was too short for the role in the beginning (and that she could have worn extensions in the beginning and then take them off later on). And Barbie Hsu managed to play the role with really long hair. The most important part is not looks matching up with the manga, but that the spirit of the character that the actress portrays. I learned this after watching Matsumoto Jun perform Doumyouji- i remember being so upset that Doumyoji was this short, skinny guy with greasy looking hair…until I saw him act. was totally blown away.

I think each of these actresses have their good/bad points and each seemed to highlight a specific aspect of Makino- if only we can combine them all together into one person. GHS seemed surprisingly horrible in the beginning-considering she’s had a lot of acting experience- but from the screencaps, it looks like she had found her rhythm as the series progressed. .
174 lidge_fan - Mar 31, 2009 at 7:25 pm

@asianromance: let’s agree to disagree…..opinions aren’t facts so we can’t prove who’s right or wrong…..one of the most ridiculous arguments on Earth is trying to prove whose opinion is right…..people voiced why they’re against GHS so I’ll defend her because I feel she deserves it and worth it…..and I don’t think it’s nitpicking to want the actor/actress to look like the character they’re portraying…ex: KSA gaining weigth in MNIKSS….and the sacrifice in playing Makino will be having to have short hair
175 kimchii - Mar 31, 2009 at 7:35 pm

Lee Hye Young is amazing as Mama Kang.
Good episode (:
176 L - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:29 pm

How great is that purple suit?
177 Gloria - Mar 31, 2009 at 8:31 pm

A good episode to an uneven drama (: I was worried about the pacing, but I’m glad that the end was thought out well

It was touching without being corny! I cried so much thinking of Jandi’s hurt and pain (even though I know they will end up together) and when the mom cried (WOW didn’t expect that side of her)

And I agree with javabeans about how I don’t care if Ee Jung and GaEul end up together. sorry SoEul fans! :<

I’m pretty glad the series is coming to a close and I’m glad they’re ending it strongly. (:

Thanks so much for making this even more enjoyable! Even when the episodes were bad (or whatever they were), I looked forward to reading your blogs and thinking “YEAH someone gets it!” (: Thanks again for your hard work and I look forward to your next drama’s recaps :O
178 K4Ice4Thu - Mar 31, 2009 at 11:11 pm

whoops, went back to reread and accidentally click on here…
179 galadriel - Mar 31, 2009 at 11:21 pm

i think the saddest part about BoF is that… it could’ve been much better. yeah, we always get that in certain dramas. but, there was sooo much potential in BoF. i mean, the acting was there. all they needed was to provide such a good, logical script. and you’re right… i almost feel offended that they kinda *think* the viewers are stupid. honestly, we dont need that MUCH of flashbacks. if they really want it, just a flicker, enough to remind the viewer. but nooo, they gotta make it the whole flashback. BoF’s really good while it lasted. not something i’ll watch over and over again tho. if i’m feeling LMH-lacking, perhaps i’d look at an episode or two…
180 Yeolsoi - Apr 1, 2009 at 2:48 pm

actually, selective amnesia isn’t fake.
181 MyMindThinks - Apr 1, 2009 at 5:12 pm

I just hope there is a good source to purchase this DVD from – with subtitles.
182 JAM - Apr 1, 2009 at 7:39 pm

hi javabeans,

thanks for the recaps and yes, i love/hate mama kang as well. this ep has me taking my hat off to her. its easy to be a villian but its really hard to be a humanized villian – if there’s such a word. loved it!
183 maria - Apr 3, 2009 at 8:23 am

ps:

METEOR GARDEN 2,

IF YOU’RE WATCHING THIS, THIIIIISSSS IS HOW YOU MAKE AN AMNESIA ARC
184 sugar cracker - Apr 21, 2009 at 9:27 pm

to correct you.. there is selective amnesia in psychology medicine…
wanna know more, just take any psychology book…
anyway i enjoy reading your post..
185 ~-~ - May 6, 2009 at 8:39 am

great recap!! does anyone know the song at the end of episode?
):
186 zheeresa - Jun 22, 2009 at 6:12 am

hay grabe! SUPER KAKA-INLOVE C KIM BUM
haaaaayyy…… mahal na kita
sana mahintay mo ko sa korea…
pupunta ako jan maghanda ka KIM BUM hahanapin kita…
SUPER GWAAAPOOOO…. ng BOYS OVER FLOWER cast..
pati ni gail ang GANDA! yan ang IDOL…
187 serin_ong - Jul 2, 2009 at 10:34 pm

i love this drama soooo mush. i hope there was a happy ending for this drama is to see Jihoo & Jandi is together ever after. ^_^
188 mabel - Aug 21, 2009 at 5:06 am

ITS REALLY NICE… ji hoo is so handsome… hope to see him in person…..
189 Anonymous - Sep 23, 2009 at 8:49 pm

ji hoo .im mark frm phillipines im your nomber (1) pns..you are the best man for me .. good luck your crre ..and all way”s the”r pns to you mark ..

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Boys Before Flowers: Episode 24

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