Oh My Lady: Episode 16 (Final)
by javabeans
Ah, the end is here! I suspect this episode made most if not all fans very happy, as it tied up the plot in a light-hearted but satisfactory way that was in keeping with the tone of the drama. It’s too bad that things didn’t get really compelling until about Episode 10 (then stepped it up with Episode 12 on — incidentally when Yura took a big step backward — coincidence? I think not) — which is frankly rather late for me to be connecting with a drama.
It’s to the actors’ credit that their amusing and sweet interactions were able to carry the plot until the story finally managed to tap into that emotional place with Min-woo’s growth as a father and as a person. I’m just glad that this one ended on a high note, because so many finale episodes feel like a letdown — they’re either too rushed or dragged out as an extended epilogue.
SONG OF THE DAY
Daybreak – “Popcorn” [ Download ]
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
FINAL EPISODE RECAP
Min-woo asks Kae-hwa to be Ye-eun’s mother, explaining that he had purposely waited to ask her until after the musical premiered. Nobody could be as good a mother to Ye-eun as she is, “And I need you. Let’s marry.”
(Omo! Usually when episodes end on cliffhangers, the next episode drops the tension back down, but in this case they just upped the ante.)
Kae-hwa is stunned, but Min-woo adds, “I’m not saying this out of the blue. I’ve thought this over seriously for a long while. Think it over, then give me your answer. I can wait as long as you need.”
Min-woo is invited along for a celebratory drink with The Show Co. staff, and Jae-hee remarks that it feels like Min-woo’s a part of their office family now, seeing as he has come to all their gatherings. Min-woo smiles and, while looking at Kae-hwa, says pointedly, “I think so too. It feels like a family.”
He’s extra solicitous to her, offering little things like napkins and such, which Shi-joon finds amusing while Kae-hwa is exasperated. When the others urge her to drink more, Min-woo swoops in to play the “black knight,” i.e, drink for her.
Min-woo’s behavior is so noteworthy that Jae-hee asks teasingly if their fake scandal is actually real. Kae-hwa blurts, “No!” just as Min-woo answers, “Yes.” (Such a mixed reaction makes the others think there’s more to this relationship than they’re letting on, and they exchange knowing looks.) Kae-hwa rises to leave early because of the kids, and Min-woo hurriedly excuses himself too, accompanying her out.
Kae-hwa is impatient with his exaggerated attentiveness, and says that she’ll give her answer now: “I’m not going to marry again.” He asks her to think about it some more, but she replies that a lot of thought has already gone into making this decision (not to remarry).
A bit indignant, he says it’s cowardly to swear off marriage because her first one failed. Maybe she just met the wrong guy the first time — it’s always possible she’ll meet a good person the second time around.
Kae-hwa replies that she doesn’t want to entertain such an expectation, and besides, she has Min-ji. He counters that a daughter isn’t a husband — and once Min-ji grows up and gets married, will she be fine being alone? That makes her pause briefly, but she reasserts her stance.
Min-woo: “Are you that afraid?”
Kae-hwa: “Yes, I am! Do you know what marriage is?”
Min-woo: “‘What do you know when you have no life experience?’ Is that what you’re telling me?”
Kae-hwa: “You haven’t been hurt so you don’t know. You don’t know what that pain is of promising to love each other for the rest of your life and having that shattered. So please don’t talk to me about marriage again. I’m sorry to say it like this.”
She walks off, leaving him pondering her words.
Kae-hwa’s words make him look deeper into the cause of her resistance. Thus the next morning, he intercepts Byung-hak just as the latter is leaving his house (humming “Sorry Sorry” in a meta moment, lol).
Min-woo gets to the point, asking aggressively what the heck Byung-hak did to Kae-hwa to make her swear off marriage forever. Byung-hak returns that this is hardly his concern, but Min-woo says it matters “because it’s a hindrance to her marrying me.”
Byunk-hak’s reaction is pure confusion: “Why?” Why would he want a woman like Kae-hwa when he’s a star? Min-woo presses on with his question, which elicits a roundabout answer about how she’s a difficult and tiring woman to live with. Min-woo watches with narrowed eyes, reading between the lines — he cheated, huh?
Defensively, Byung-hak turns it around on Kae-hwa, saying she doesn’t know how to make herself pretty; it felt like he was living with a housekeeper. In fact, he never bought even her flowers — not because he forgot or anything, but simply because he never felt inspired to buy them for her. You know, since looks are the only reason for loving a woman and all. (I’m not even offended by this comment, because Byung-hak is such a silly idiot that the sentiment has no sting coming from him.)
Min-woo asks if he ever apologized for hurting her. Byung-hak laughs, saying it’s embarrassing to do that. Min-woo tells him firmly, “Apologize to her. Ask her officially for her forgiveness.” Byung-hak finds this an odd demand coming from Min-woo, who replies, “I’m asking as the man who loves her.”
Now that Min-woo has made up his mind to woo Kae-hwa, he gets busy trying to win her over. For instance, he waits outside her apartment to give the girls a ride to school, and reacts in concern to hear Kae-hwa hasn’t eaten breakfast. After dropping off the girls, he takes her to a fancy buffet, where he even serves her.
Kae-hwa worries over the pricy food, trying to convince him to watch his spending because he must have lost a lot of money in the cancelled endorsement deals. Min-woo answers matter-of-factly that they probably add up to about 3 billion won ($2.5 million), but is unfazed. He’s got money in the bank and is confident he can get more work; he’ll consider this a luxurious hiatus from work.
Unimpressed, Kae-hwa urges him to adopt a frugal attitude and says she’s better off than he is, since at least she has a regular salary.
At work, a huge arrangement of red roses is delivered, addressed to Kae-hwa from Min-woo. While the other employees all smile at her knowingly, Kae-hwa tries to explain it away in innocent terms: “Can’t this be a thank-you?” They don’t buy it for a second.
Min-woo sends her a text, which is totally over-the-top and ridiculous (“More beautiful than a flower… Kae-hwa”). Embarrassed and uncomfortable, Kae-hwa says she’ll clear the flowers out of the office and takes them to the stairwell, thinking Min-woo is being shameless. But they do bring a smile to her face, as it’s been ages since she’s received flowers from anyone (which is why Min-woo made the gesture in the first place, in reaction to Byung-hak’s remark).
Next, Min-woo takes a cake to Bok-nim in thanks for treating Ye-eun, then asks for a favor, as she is a friend to Kae-hwa. His statement that “I’m intending to marry Yoon Kae-hwa” so shocks her that Bok-nim drops her coffee and stares at him incredulously.
Bok-nim rushes to ask Kae-hwa about it, wanting to know when the wedding is. She dismisses Kae-hwa’s grumbling that he’s just a kid — 28 is plenty grown-up, and the seven-year age difference is nothing. How can she let a guy like him slip through her fingers?
Kae-hwa grumbles that Min-woo’s proposal asked her to be Ye-eun’s mother, not his wife. Bok-nim sees through Kae-hwa’s complaining and smiles: “You really do like Min-woo.” That’s why she’s disappointed over the wording of his proposal, right? Bok-nim waves aside her resistance, saying that if they like each other, what’s the big deal? In her eyes, Min-woo is serious about her.
Min-woo takes the family out to a nice restaurant. Kae-hwa is self-conscious about coming to a place like this where they’ll be watched, but Min-ji enjoys eating out for once, and Min-woo tells her that it doesn’t matter to him. He pats Ye-eun on the head, saying, “I’m going to raise her proudly, since she’s my daughter.” Which is probably the most effective thing he could have said to impress her, and she allows herself to look at him with moony eyes (but only when he’s not looking back at her).
When Kae-hwa takes Ye-eun to the bathroom, Min-woo tries to make conversation with Min-ji. He sees this as a chance to suss out her thoughts and asks if she’d like having a sister like Ye-eun. Min-ji is pretty sharp and asks point-blank, “Are you going to marry my mother?” Her bluntness takes him by surprise, but he confides that he wants to. Still, he has to first hear out Min-ji’s opinion and wait for her mother’s answer.
She asks, “If you end up marrying my mother and then a prettier lady comes along, are you going to divorce my mom?” Min-woo gapes incredulously, but Min-ji points out that he works with beautiful actresses all the time: “If you betray my mother, it’ll be so sad for her.”
He tells her solemnly, “That’ll never happen. I’ll promise that to you.” They pinky-swear on it.
The musical continues its run and after another of Min-woo’s performances, he calls Kae-hwa, who is working late — or at least, she lies that she is. He offers to pick her up from the office, but for whatever reasons (fear, insecurity, nerves), Kae-hwa rejects the offer.
Reporter Han overhears Min-woo muttering to himself after the call, and says knowingly that he must be stuck in an unrequited love. Min-woo is wary, but Reporter Han has some insights about the situation, and his comments pique Min-woo’s curiosity. Wanting to hear more thoughts on his situation, Min-woo goes along with the reporter’s suggestion to grab a drink.
Kae-hwa works late, keeping herself busy to avoid going home right away. Finding her still in the office, Shi-joon offers her a ride home, and they pause for a break to talk. Tentatively, Kae-hwa says she hopes that he and his wife can give things another try, as it seems they still care for each other. Although Shi-joon doesn’t respond, he’s not offended by her statement and in fact seems to consider her words.
He turns the topic to Min-woo, asking how things are between them. Kae-hwa can’t feign ignorance since Shi-joon knows too much, but first she asks how much he knows. He answers, “One person is sending flowers, but the other person doesn’t seem ready to receive them.”
She confirms that Min-woo seems to be serious about a relationship but she’s not sure; she doesn’t feel confident that she can be seen “as a woman” to anybody. Shi-joon tells her she can — enough that he felt something for her for a short while. This stuns her, as he had never given any hint of his interest, but Shi-joon assures her that there is no cause for alarm. He has dealt with his feelings, and things won’t get awkward between them.
Liquor loosens Min-woo’s reserve (and his tongue) enough that he starts to talk freely about his woes, wondering how Kae-hwa can reject his proposal. Grabbing his laptop, the reporter starts to take notes, asking questions about why she rejected him and how long he’s had feelings for her. And I love Min-woo’s answer:
Min-woo: “Since we went looking for Ye-eun. No — since she had to go to the sauna because of me. No — since she fought with Mr. Jung [Yoon-seok]. Or was it from the beginning?”
Reporter Han says he must like her quite a lot, and Min-woo answers, “Yes, an awful lot. She’s different from the women I dated in the past. She’s beautiful. That’s why I think, ‘This is my woman.'” With that, he falls asleep, his head coming to rest on the tabletop.
Huh — well, this is a new side to Min-woo, and the reporter finds him pretty pure-hearted after all. It’s nothing like the partying image he’d had earlier. He starts typing a story about Min-woo’s “heartfelt love story” and uses words like “rebirth as a real actor.”
Han’s article spawns a wave of press, which now portrays Min-woo in a much more down-to-earth, humanistic light. They even declare that he has now washed off the disgrace of his former image as a lousy actor.
Yoon-seok is dissatisfied — I guess this good press does him no good, since he has lost his hold on Min-woo — but everyone else’s opinion of Min-woo makes a drastic upswing. He presents himself modestly in interviews, and even producer Eom is impressed with him. In fact, Eom gives himself credit for having recognized Min-woo’s talents early on, but Byung-hak scoffs since he didn’t do anything about them. Eom counters that he’ll get Min-woo for his next production.
Eom isn’t the only one wanting to cast Min-woo, and Shi-joon conveys an offer to Min-woo from a Japanese producer colleague, who has sent a proposal for Min-woo to take a role in a Japanese drama. Min-woo is pleased with the news, but as soon as he sees that he’d have to live in Japan for a year, he declines. Shi-joon thinks it’s a great opportunity, but Min-woo answers that he has somebody to watch over here.
And that’s not all: Jae-hee hands Kae-hwa some documents to give to Min-woo, which are papers for a new advertising contract offer worth 1 billion won (nearly $1 million). Apparently advertisers love his new image as a dedicated young single father.
Kae-hwa takes the documents to Min-woo’s photo shoot, where he takes a break from posing for a makeup touchup. The makeup artist tells him that his “scandal partner” (Kae-hwa) is really below his level, and offers to introduce him to a younger model friend. She describes the girl as one of those innocent-looking beauties, to which Min-woo answers, “I like sexy women.”
Naturally this is hardly thrilling for Kae-hwa to hear, even though Min-woo is actually making that quip as a way to reject the date. (Rather than saying no outright, saying that he prefers sexy women is a way of declining her friend, who is the opposite.)
Feeling dispirited, Kae-hwa decides not to approach and starts to leave. She runs into Yura, who congratulates her on her relationship and assures her that she has decided to move on.
Kae-hwa hands the envelope to Yura and asks for her to give it to Min-woo, making up the excuse that she’s busy and has to leave. Yura does, and when Min-woo hears the reason, he hurries out and tries to call Kae-hwa. Alas she isn’t answering the phone, so he goes to the theater, where he is told she is still back at the office.
Shi-joon finds her on the roof ignoring Min-woo’s phone call, and offers her a beer. In her melancholy mood, Kae-hwa offers to tell Shi-joon a “really funny story” and confides that Min-woo proposed to her. Even funnier is the fact that her heart thrilled to hear it. It was exciting to be seen as a woman again — but today, that feeling was shattered.
I’d assumed she was hurt by the makeup stylist’s dismissive comments about her, but I’m actually relieved that those words weren’t the cause of her mood. In actuality, it was the sight of him in action, looking like a star, that made her feel like they were completely unsuited for each other: “He seemed like someone from another land.”
Shi-joon points out that Min-woo was a star from the start — it’s not like she didn’t know. Kae-hwa answers that at the beginning, he had nothing to do with her so that wasn’t an issue. But as they got to know each other, she saw him struggling and felt sorry for him, and nagged him when he said silly things — and those things felt comfortable and manageable. Now that he’s doing better… it’s like he’s back to being a lofty star and the chasm is growing between them.
Shi-joon tells her that Min-woo likes her very much — enough to give up a drama opportunity for her. “Min-woo has changed this much — shouldn’t you recognize his feelings?”
Min-woo arrives at the office to find it empty, then recalls the roof. He arrives outside just in time to see Kae-hwa wiping away some tears. So much about this situation upsets him, and he strides up to her, grabs her wrist (urg!), and takes her downstairs.
He feels hurt that she has been ignoring his calls and avoiding him, particularly when she knew he was waiting for her — and now she’s here crying in front of Shi-joon — and raises his voice to a yell. Kae-hwa tells him levelly that she has already given him her reply, but he ignored it. No matter how she thinks about it, they don’t suit.
He argues that if he cared about those things — age, status — he would never have liked her from the start. She returns that this is just proof that he’s young, and they should quit while they’re ahead. And he should go to Japan.
That gets his attention: “Is that why?” He explains that he didn’t tell her about the Japan offer because he never intended to go. She takes issue with his high-handedness in dragging her away, saying that she’s ashamed of him when he does that, and gets angry and starts fights out of misunderstandings.
Min-woo asks, “So are you saying you can’t marry me? Are you saying I won’t do because I’m immature and young?” Kae-hwa answers yes. She can’t marry someone who reacts in such unpredictable ways — it makes her feel uneasy. She storms off, leaving him to shout her name in frustration.
You know, I’m actually relieved that they had this fight. They’ve never fought for real, and this addresses issues that they’ve been skirting thus far. It’s also nice to see some real conflict — genuine emotional clashing and hurt feelings — rather than the glib, fluffy sort of conflict that has characterized most of this show.
That night, Byung-hak calls Kae-hwa, who finds him drunk and in a thoughtful mood. To her surprise, he tells her, “I’m sorry.” He acknowledges that he never apologized properly, so he’s doing it now. She did nothing wrong — he’s the bad guy — and they divorced because he wronged her. But he felt too embarrassed to apologize, so he couldn’t do it: “But after listening to Sung Min-woo, I felt I was really wrong, and that I had to apologize. So I came here.”
That surprises her — he met Min-woo? Byung-hak gives Min-woo some credit for the way he had insisted he apologize, admitting that the kid was pretty impressive with the way he said, “As the man who loves Yoon Kae-hwa, please apologize.”
He says it one more time: “Kae-hwa, I’m sorry. I was wrong. I pushed you aside and hurt your feelings — forgive me for everything. Forget that all, and make a new start. And if he upsets you, come and tell me right away, and I’ll give him a scolding.”
(Aww. An unexpectedly touching moment from Byung-hak. As with the last time he defended Kae-hwa, this gives us a glimpse into why they were married in the first place while also showing us why they didn’t work. It’s rare to see ex-spouses in a drama ending on amicable terms, and it’s a nice change.)
Min-woo comes home feeling frustrated, and looks over his drama proposal documents. This gives him an idea, and he starts typing away. And when we see what he’s drafting — gahhh, Min-woo is so cute. I about died reading the title of his document: “Proposal On Living For Yoon Kae-hwa.”
In the morning, he comes to her apartment and gives her the envelope. He looks at her with puppy dog eyes and tells her to give her response after reading it.
Kae-hwa reads Min-woo’s proposal, which is formatted like a business document. In keeping with the theme of the drama proposal packet, he has drawn up Kae-hwa’s resumé, only it’s more like a life resumé than a professional one, outlining her traits and skills such as “she has a loud voice,” “makes killer ddukbokki and kimbap,” and “she likes Kim Myung-min better than Sung Min-woo, but I want to forgive her anyway.” Also of note: she has become a mother to Ye-eun, “and now is the woman in my heart.”
Under the “future plans” column, he has scheduled marriage in a month, a vacation cruise to celebrate their one-year anniversary, and so forth. Byung-hak’s apology had started to melt her resolve, and now she has to smile a teeny bit at Min-woo’s document.
Jung-ah has been offered a job in Daejeon, which is located in central Korea and about a two-hour drive from Seoul. She asks Shi-joon for his approval, suggesting that they need some space between them. As she leaves, she tells him that she realizes she hasn’t been the best wife to him either (I presume she means before the adultery, since otherwise that statement would be met with a resounding DUH).
But the door isn’t closed on them forever — with Shi-joon now opening up more to Jung-ah and realizing his part in driving his wife away, it looks like they’re leaving room for a reconciliation later, after they’ve both healed. Shi-joon even says he’ll go down to visit her on the weekend.
Min-woo performs another show, after which he checks his phone and tries to contain his disappointment that Kae-hwa hasn’t called. To his (happy) surprise, Kae-hwa finds him sitting in the empty theater, here with a much more conciliatory attitude than the last time they saw each other.
As we know, important conversations must always relocate to prettier environs (can you imagine that car ride over to the waterside? Most awkward silence ever).
Kae-hwa apologizes for her harsh words, telling Min-woo that she didn’t mean it when she pushed him away. She asks for his understanding and also thanks him for thinking of her life and her future (i.e., in his proposal) in such a serious way.
Min-woo has been looking pensive and tense throughout her speech, like he’s bracing himself, sensing that she’s ready to deliver her final decision. So it takes a moment for her next words to really sink in, as she tells him:”So I’m thinking of being courageous now. Thanks to you, I think I can do that now.”
She adds that she’d always thought she would just focus on being a solid support for Min-ji’s benefit, “But if things get hard, it’s okay if lean on someone now.” Min-woo smiles and steps forward to hug her gently, thanking her for her answer. Kae-hwa thanks him back for letting her be courageous again.
Min-woo then thanks her for watching over him and Ye-eun all this while. He promises that from now on, he’ll protect her.
And then they get the swirly-camera kiss — which is a nice way to bookend the drama, considering that this is very similar to how we started. Only, now it actually means something.
The end!
COMMENTS
I picked up Oh My Lady because (1) when it started I had the time, as none of the current Wednesday-Thursday shows had premiered yet and I had no other recap commitments, (2) I had just finished its timeslot predecessor Wish Upon a Star, which was a happy surprise, and therefore anticipated a similar tone for this one, and (3) I wanted to keep up the watching and recapping momentum. There’s also (4) the matter of loving Chae Rim (and wanting her to pick a more enjoyable project than her last, Good Job, Good Job) and (5) the fact that I had pegged Choi Siwon as an idol-star-turned-actor to watch out for after Story of Hyang Dan back in ’07. (See? There IS some thought that goes into these decisions, however random the choices may ultimately seem!)
About halfway through the drama, however, I found my interest flagging, but not enough to drop the show. Even the less interesting episodes were easy to watch, and it wasn’t a challenging show in either theme or plot, so keeping up wasn’t too much of a hardship. I did, however, start thinking that if the actual plot development got any SLOWER, I would seriously consider dropping it.
Ultimately I’m glad I stuck with the show, and the last four episodes in particular gave me a sense of satisfaction about the drama as a whole. It turned into a different drama than the one it originally seemed — which pointed at the hijinks of a star falling for his ajumma maid/manager — and focused much more on Min-woo’s development as a father than as a romantic partner. I don’t think the romance came out of nowhere, but it wasn’t a priority, and that was actually refreshing.
I won’t call Choi Siwon a brilliant actor — he’s pretty decent, but he’s still got a long way to go if he’s going to keep pursuing an acting career, and I think he should — so rather than pure acting skills, it’s his personal charm that carries the character. I mean, just look at that smile, right?
It doesn’t hurt that he’s perfectly cast — image isn’t everything, but it’s a pretty significant part of how we approach a character. And when you cast a star to play a star, you’ve always got that benefit of the audience’s meta awareness of the actor’s real-life fame. (Also see: Choi Ji-woo in A Star’s Lover, Rain in Full House, Jang Geun-seok in You’re Beautiful, Kim Ah-joong in Accidental Couple.)
It was a leetle disappointing to have so little screentime for the two girls in the last episode, but we’ve seen enough of the Cute in previous episodes that I was content to let this finale be Min-woo and Kae-hwa’s exclusively. (Well, there were a few Shi-joon and Jung-ah moments, but I choose to skip right over them in my mind. Yawn. I’m satisfied, story-wise, with where they ended, but don’t need to dwell any longer on them.)
And then there’s Chae Rim. To be honest, I don’t think this is the best vehicle for her, even though the drama really benefits from having her in it. Therefore I’m glad for the drama’s sake, but she’s an actress whose talents weren’t fully used here — particularly since her character was less developed than Min-woo’s, and hardly changed at all. She made the most of it, tapping into a vulnerable side of Kae-hwa that gave the character a hint of depth. But I hope to see her tackling something more challenging in the future, and something out of the ajumma mold, as she’s done two in a row.
All in all, Oh My Lady was a sweet, cute series that could be a fun way to spend a breezy weekend with some unchallenging but personable characters, and that will leave you smiling at the end.
RELATED POSTS
- Oh My Lady: Episode 15
- Oh My Lady: Episode 14
- Oh My Lady: Episode 13
- Oh My Lady: Episode 12
- Oh My Lady: Episode 11
- Oh My Lady: Episode 10
- Oh My Lady: Episode 9
- Oh My Lady: Episode 8
- Oh My Lady: Episode 7
- Oh My Lady: Episode 6
- Oh My Lady: Episode 5
- Oh My Lady: Episode 4
- Oh My Lady: Episode 3
- Oh My Lady: Episode 2
- Oh My Lady: Episode 1
Tags: Chae Rim, Choi Siwon, Lee Hyun-woo, Oh My Lady
![[K-drama Treasure Hunt] Heart-fluttery bottle opening](http://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kdrama-treasure-hunt.png)
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
101 sajor
May 22, 2010 at 3:45 AM
I always lurk on this site, hoping to find some new comments and finding solace in the affirmation that i'm not the only who loved, and still loves, OML dearly. i guess some OML fans are with me on this, and perhaps that's one reason why i'm a bit reluctant to write here...i usually make no sense, and i imagine those same people like me, waiting patiently, eager to read something new and interesting or anything of value regarding OML, only to find senseless one in my comment! haha, that would really be disappointing. thus, WARNING: prepare to be dissappointed! oh, none of the above comments have been a disappointment , as i enjoyed each and everyone of them! i'm a bit disappointed though that only a few have commented so far (let's top 200 please). so, where am i heading on this: just to add another comment, and to disappoint, and hope that those who did will try to disappoint me also, through their comments . =p
PS 1: ahhhh.. what to watch, what to watch???? i really miss this show..
PS 2: picking up from the confessions of the last commenter kappy, which I find an amusing subject, i'll give mine too, as i also felt the need to share, and of course, to disappoint: to fill some of the void left by OML, i tried looking for a drama to watch. i started with good job, good job, to which i stopped after 1 episode. then que sera sera, which i liked, but then, had to stop by the 9th or 10th episode (i just can't continue because i cannot forgive the lead guy, i think he's so mean and unforgivable and doesn't deserve to triumph, which i find he'll be in the ending... but i guess i'll continue this once my hatred subsided), then, i'm left with nothing to watch again. personal taste has ended also, and now, really nothing. i find it amusing that, although i recognize that PT has better plot and storyline, and has more romantic and funny moments, PT has not affected me the way OML did. In retrospect, I laughed more, kinilig (i don't know the english of this, in Filipino it is a romantic feeling from being in love or seeing somebody in love, or from seeing the one you love, more like puppyish kind of love, like how they portray the teenager fans of SMW - they squeel) more while watching PT than OML, but then, that's just it. Just like there are people you talk to and laugh with everyday, and somehow it ends there. And then there are people you seldom see and much seldom talk to, but somehow they manage to leave you with something. Ah, faulty comparison, yeah? It's just that there's something different about OML, there's the tone, the calmness, the i-don't-really-know what it is, but it's just, it's just it is. This is evident in the fact that if I were to rank OML among the dramas I've watched, I won't know where to place OML. I know Dal Ja's Spring is my best ever, but I just can't compare the two. They're both of the rom-com genre, and the same leading lady at that, but I can't tell straightforward which I liked better, or which between Dal Ja and Kae Hwa I prefer. Though my best ever is Dal Ja's Spring (haha, see, my logic is flawed).
Anyway, I've written a lot already, so got to go now. singing off.
Required fields are marked *
102 Sobia
May 22, 2010 at 9:51 PM
Okay, if 200 comments is the goal, then I will take the bait, and add another!
I also agree with @kappy and @sajor that OML had a surprisingly deep impact. All my favorite kdramas leave some lasting impression on me, and make me feel richer for watching them. I remember how I felt more courageous and empowered after watching Kim Samsoon, and how I strove be more loyal and irrepressible after watching the main couple in Delightful Girl Choon-Hyang. I think, after OML, I am willing to hold out hope that people can change for the better. That's not something I usually feel about people-- I guess I've gotten cynical in my old age, and tend to give up on people too easily. But if Minwoo can change for the better as much as he did in this drama, then that means there is hope for all of us. There's hope for Shijoon and his wife, who might have learned something about their own relationship from MW and KH. And there is hope for KH, who has stopped seeing herself as a woman and given up on romance, up until MW told her what he sees when he looks at her through the eyes of love. There's hope that all of us can put down that trinket Javabeans mentioned that we are so desperately clinging to -- whatever it is that holds us back from realizing what's really important -- and step forward to a better life. To the extent that OML has left me with this hopeful feeling about people and the ability to throw off the status quo, I also think that it is a "lifechanging" drama of sorts -- or at least just a really, really good one. I definitely don't regret the 16 hours I spent watching OML-- if anything, I feel kinda grateful.
Required fields are marked *
103 Mel
May 23, 2010 at 2:49 AM
Is it really 200(?) then count me in! OML is quite a hard habit to shake, I've been watching a lot of Bonamana as well as going into the Soompi threads for both Chae Rim and Si Won... Chae Rim seems to be doing a cameo for the Chinese version of All About Eve (one of my favorite Chae Rim dramas). Si Won and Dong Hae (his fellow Super Junior member) are apparently going to be in a Taiwanese drama.... Soo, I'm passing the news on. In addition, I'm also prowling other sites in the Internet to find the latest on CR and
SW.
Now back to OML, I just maybe am now into the phase of this type of drama where the development of each character is more important prior to the instant chemistry that many sought so early on in this drama. This was just the type of drama that drew me in every Sun-Mon and Mon-Tue dawn awaiting for the raw from any site and the slow trickling of English subs from viikii! Yeah, I've got one of the worst cases of drama addiction. I'm wondering if there are any psychologist or researcher that can do a study on people who are hooked on dramas on tv or the Internet.
So Min Woo is off to make a family with Gae Hwa/Kae Hwa, Min Ji and cute Ye Eun.
It's great that SW refers to her as her daughter. It's actually the ultimate Cinderella story with a twist. The goofy yet to mature dude with an unknown child and the poor divorced mother with a daughter are shown in MW and KH. Of course our dude is no prince in shining armour. He's more the happy go lucky playboy who just had too much confidence in his looks that acting without reading the scripts was his thing (huh?....) How could he get away with that? But it takes the combined presence and influence of KH and YE to finally make MW wake up from his fantasy world.
In reality, if I knew someone like MW I'd probably let him get away with murder. Just like the story, I'd probably melt and squeal just like any fangirl. OML is another fantasy brought to life by Chae Rim and Si Won. Just like Si Won's previous work
in Hyang Dan, he also was a happy go lucky though a member of a Robin Hoodlike gang. In both stories, Si Won's characters sacrifice and transform for the lady each character loves. Both of the female leads do not feel a match to Si Won's character but in the he takes risks and convinces the ladies that he's the one forever after..
Yes, I've downloaded the 16 episodes and will watch and re-watch it time and again.
And add comments, be all over the place looking for the latest on lovely Chae Rim and handsome Si Won.
Required fields are marked *
104 koreanpsyche
May 23, 2010 at 11:58 AM
aiming for 200? as a loyal OML follower, i am compelled to do my share!
you guys, you got me going...I mean, all the while i thought i was the only one crazy enough to return to this site to look for more info....guess we are all in this together huh?
I am guilty of the same things you have been doing too. I have been searching the whole wide web for latest news on CR and CSW. I also "re visited" ALL ABOUT EVE, WE'RE DATING NOW, FOUR SISTERS, OH PHIL YOUNG...(gosh! if I were in Korea, I would probably begin stalking Chae RIm hahahahaha!)
Thank God for mysoju and viikii....i can always go back to OML knowing that the series is there waiting for me like a constant visitor.
....can someone, ANYONE, please recommend a series i can watch to fill the void left by OML?
Required fields are marked *
105 kappy
May 23, 2010 at 8:09 PM
Oh, we're funny, aren't we? Peculiar to others, perhaps, but what they hey? Onward to 200!
I just happened to watch The Sound of Music today (my all time favorite musical) and I found some major parallels with OML. (Surprised? Heck, we could draw parallels with episodes of Fat Albert if we tried hard enough.) Maria is Kae Hwa, the captain is Min Woo, the children are Ye Eun, the countess is Yoo Ra, Max is...uh..Tae Gu (sorta), and the Reverend Mother is Kae Hwa's trusty friend (Bong Nim?) giving moral support and advice. Oh, and Min Woo is working hard to do well in the musical, but The Sound of Music IS a musical.
I am glad that we had the luxury of seeing Min Woo's growth take place over a long period of time (it being a 16-epi drama) versus the captain who seemed to have taken a good scolding by Maria and a few verses of Edelweiss to realize how important his children were to him (exaggerating, but you get the gist).
Required fields are marked *
106 firsttimenewbie
May 23, 2010 at 10:23 PM
I just realized that this is the first drama I've watched and finished as it aired.
I did do the same with Stars Falling From the Sky/Wish Upon the Star. But then I gave up around ep 14 I think.
I gave up on Autumn's Concerto (Taiwanese) somewhere along the way, too.
Chuno, I got to it a few episodes into airing, then watched till ep 10--then decided I would wait till it finished airing to watch. I still haven't gotten around to finishing it, but I am going to do so soon.
So OML is the first drama I've watched each week till it ended.
As for how it's affected me. I decided to watch Attic Cat, which share one of the writers. It wasn't a regretful decision, either. I really liked the drama, one without external melodrama, but rather just an interesting drama of a dysfunctional young couple.
And have plans to watch DJS with Chae Rim and probably the two films with CSW.
@4 koreanpsyche, I would, but my experience with Asian dramas is most likely less limited than yours.
But I will say, I did enjoy the first two episodes of Coffee House. I hope it keeps it up and doesn't falter.
Required fields are marked *
107 Doraemon
May 24, 2010 at 5:58 AM
Count me in for the 200 target !!! I'm so surprised to see so many more new comments. It has been a terrible 2 weeks after OML ended. I'm sufferring serious withdrawal synchrone !! I tried to start a new drama but find them no thrill at all, and resort to re-watching OML over and over agian. I'm glad to know that I'm not alone here. I've also watched Bonomana MV for the Nth time:)
simply missed CSW or is it SMW ???
Required fields are marked *
108 Belle
May 24, 2010 at 7:41 AM
Oh dear ~ I'm also one of them :)
Wtihdrawal symptoms and ALL ~
Oh my ~
Required fields are marked *
109 cathy
May 24, 2010 at 8:52 AM
Count me in! Like you all, I'm one of those suffering from withdrawal symptoms right now
This drama series is very simple but I would say that it's so cute and very entertaining which makes me smile just thinking of those cute scenes. It's funny that I smile and even squeel on those simple gestures and words between SMW & YGH when I'm old enough to be a mother of CSW in real life. Siwon and Chae Rim really acted their parts well.
CSW's portrayal as SMW made a great impact on me that I started watching SUJU vods. Honestly, I never watched any SUJU vods coz I don't like idol groups maybe because i'm too old for these kind of stuff. But because of CSW, I started to like them. Same with Chae Rim, I like her in DS and AAE but after OML, I like her more. I hope to see both of them acting together again in the future.
OML is the only drama series (aside from AAE) that I keep watching again and again and still those cute scenes continuously entertains me and and never fails to put smiles on my face.
Required fields are marked *
110 koreanpsyche
May 24, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I am glad to see familiar names here (firsttimenewbie, sobia, kappy and doraemon---fancy meeting you here!)
@firsttimenewbie...i wanted to watch coffee house but i don.t have the strength yet (as my heart is still with OML....having a hard time letting go of Kae hwa and Min woo---poor, pathetic me!) but i plan to watch it in the future. thanks for the recommendation!...
@kappy : major LOL with your (Surprised? Heck, we could draw parallels with episodes of Fat Albert if we tried hard enough.) ....believe me, I even begin to see parallels with my own life! I have my own "Min woo " ( 7 years younger) and I swear, his jealous reactions were exactly the same as MW's! ,,,,can you blame me if I greatly feel for Kae Hwa?
Realistically speaking though, I wish we all can move on....our clinging to OML is becoming ridiculously insane!
.....oooppppssss! did i really say that? hmmmmm...never mind, I am sure, we will still be hearing from each other again....soon!
Required fields are marked *
111 a_fan
May 24, 2010 at 1:31 PM
me too. I stopped watching Personal Taste 5 episodes ago. I don't think I will bother with any Kdrama for a while. I have OML until the summer.
Required fields are marked *
112 Ace
May 24, 2010 at 3:12 PM
Go for 200!!
I think this is my third post already...
I've been re-reading the recaps before starting to re-watch all OML episodes (but I''ve watched over and over episodes15&16!)
Don't have the heart yet to watch Coffee House, but I'm reading the recaps. Sounds like fun. I'm not sure if I'll wait until the last 2 episodes before watching just to see if it steps up or not ...Haven't watched subtitled episodes 15-16 of PT. ; )
Required fields are marked *
113 Sobia
May 24, 2010 at 10:32 PM
@koreanpsyche: Hello, again, my friend! I too am wondering what to watch next and don't have many dramas under my belt, so I am afraid I don't have recommendations for you myself. But I remember people commenting that OML was like a cross between the movie "Speed Scandal" and the drama "Last Scandal of My Life," so maybe those would be good stepping stones to recovery from OML withdrawal?
@kappy: I am amazed at how neatly OML folds into "The Sound of Music" -- I would never have noticed until you pointed that out - very, very interesting. Yura as the Countess, in particular, makes total sense, and I can even see Taegu as a weaker, non-mustachioed version of Max. I guess this means Kae-hwa should have sung to Minwoo a lot more, like Maria did to the Captain, and maybe then her problems would have been over sooner. That song "oppa" just doesn't cut it, KH; you should have busted out the whole canon of early aughts kpop songs. =-) (That makes me wonder if kdrama makers will ever try to put their spin on "Glee;" with all the idols infiltrating Korean television, like CSW, it could be promising...)
@sajor: And you were worried about your comment being disappointing! I feel this has turned into a support group for us to recover from OML obsession all together. What a wonderful idea.
If anyone is missing CSW's hilarious facial expressions, this website is a treasure: http://fuckyeahchoisiwon.tumblr.com/. But like Doraemon mentioned, I think I am actually missing Sung Minwoo rather than Siwon himself. CSW seems too perfect... after 16 episodes, I have a lot of affection for the flawed, imperfect, now-somewhat-enlightened but still slightly-immature and goofy Minwoo. Ah, what a great character...
Required fields are marked *
114 Sobia
May 24, 2010 at 10:49 PM
Did anyone else notice how Taegu got fired in the very last OML episode? Throughout the show, I always felt bad for Taegu, partly because I thought the actor was a cutie, and partly because I felt Minwoo was bullying him all the time and taking him for granted. But I remember one of the commenters here pointing out that Taegu had demonstrated early on that he just liked leeching off of Minwoo when he had needlessly asked him for more money for the smoothie shop in one of the early episodes. I guess they were right. Minwoo must have decided he would be better off without Taegu, who was more of a mooch than a friend.
It's little things like this that really made me like this show -- you can tell the writers were very careful in putting together the story, because all the little details are consistent. And I love the fact that when Minwoo wised up, he really wised up -- he didn't just make sure to get Kae-hwa firmly in his corner (for life), but he also got rid of people who weren't good for him. Good boy.
Required fields are marked *
115 doraemon
May 24, 2010 at 11:21 PM
@koreanpsyche: Yah, fancy meeting you and all OML fans here !!! It has been a wonderful experience watching OML, reading JB's re-caps and all the comments from OML fans !!!!! It's amazing that new comments are continuing to flow in.......really hope we can hit 200 !!!!
@sobia: I agree that this has turned into a support group for us to recover from OML obsession. It's heartening to see so many of us out there sharing the same indepth fondness over a drama. Indeed amazing.
Honestly I don't know how long I'll take, but I'm still watching OML and reading JB's re-caps. I re-read the 1st episode comments and still find the comparison to Keanu Reeves very entertaining to begin with .......
3 cheers to OML, YKH and SMW !!!!
Required fields are marked *
116 kappy
May 25, 2010 at 4:51 AM
So glad to be able to continue reading your thoughts and insights on this drama. It is a jewel, I believe, that we have happened upon, and we are a few that realize that. I'm sad its ratings in Korea did not reflect its true worth, especially seeing such dedicated fans like us continue to want to talk about it. Hopefully, they will make out like a bandit with the DVD sales when they come out, and I will be the first in line.
@sobia - I felt the same as you after watching Kim Samsoon (one of my faves!). No matter what age we may be (but I suppose more so when we're older), if a show can help us feel more empowered and motivate us to change for the better, then it definitely is a good thing. OML is one of those shows.
And yes, perhaps if Kae Hwa sang more to Min Woo, she would have sped up things, but not if they all were like the "oppa" song, as endearing and funny as it may have been at the time. But do you remember that in MW's Proposal for the Life of KH, he said she sang it well? Huh? Maybe 'cause it did the job and cheered him up. It would be fun to find an original version of that song.
Enjoyed your take on Tae Gu being fired. At first I thought it was mean of MW to do so, but what you said makes sense. Still felt a little bad for him, despite him being a moocher.
@sajor - See what you started? What I mean is, your goal of reaching 200 here is inspired! Who da thunk it would be so therapeutic for us OML die hards?
@koreanpsyche - So you have your own Min Woo? Jealous! My, that IS a parallel. The age difference thing was a major draw for me to watch this drama. For some reason, I find that very romantic. Having CSW and CR as leads didn't hurt, either.
To those of you who can't seem to find the time or energy to invest in another drama just yet, I feel your pain. I started Personal Taste but didn't finish. I mean to. Someday. After reading the first part of its final recap, I'm thinking that'll be pushed back even further.
OML is now being shown in Hawaii (epi 10 airs tomorrow, I think), and since I have no TV (long story), I told my sister and friends to be sure and watch it (and maybe tape it) 'cause I know they would enjoy it. It would be hard for me to understand if they didn't. I mean, to me, it's obvious. You understand, I know!
Required fields are marked *
117 epyc
May 25, 2010 at 5:37 AM
Hi everybody, are we having a party or support group meeting here? Nevermind, just count me in. Three weeks had gone past and I am still in my withdrawal looking for things OML or OML-related. It's great to know that Chae Rim is doing a cameo as Jang Hyuk's ex-girlfriend in the Chinese version of AAE but it wouldn't be reason enough for me to watch that drama though.
I also watched over the weekend CSW's earlier drama: The Story of Hyang Dan, see Javabean's recap at:
http://www.dramabeans.com/2007/09/hyang-dan-jeon-the-story-of-hyang-dan/
This is a light and breezy drama of only 2 episodes, quite enjoyable as a matter of fact.
Nonetheless, I think I'm not missing CSW but SMW - like so many of you have said already, hehe. In particular, I am missing the family of four - YKH, SMW, YE and MJ. I just love seeing them together and that domestic bliss is to die for. I also share the views that, OML is nothing deep but it is full of little things that you pick up and appreciate along the way. In a world full of daily grinds, I become one happy person under the spell of OML and why not? As Javabean said at the PT finale recap, we still believe in love kdrama style!
I second the suggestion of watching the movie Speed Scandal (which is a fun ride but perhaps not having the heart as OML) and The Last Scandal of My Life (which is really really good, another one of my all time favorite).
Required fields are marked *
118 firsttimenewbie
May 25, 2010 at 1:16 PM
I will join in on recommending Speedy Scandal. I actually watched it during the run of OML, since it was mentioned in one of the recaps.
Last Scandal is a good watch, but it's not something I would watch again and again.
@sobia, I noticed the Tae Ge thing too.
And while the mooching part is certainly true, I did feel sorry for him. True he used MW, but MW used him too. And they should at least remain on good terms. They were/are somewhat close enough. Maybe not true, best friends, but friends nevertheless.
But like real life, it is true that they may drift apart, one is still living out his 20s. The other is to be a husband with kids. Even still, keep some contact.
Another reason for TG's firing is possibly because MW got rid of the shop. He ended up having to pay a lot, and when he told KH what he had left, the smoothie shop wasn't mentioned.
Required fields are marked *
119 kappy
May 26, 2010 at 10:05 AM
@firsttimenewbie - I remember now why I thought it was a little mean but understandable that Tae Gu got fired, because Min Woo was downsizing.
I was thinking how several of us (including me) were thinking how nice it would be for Kae Hwa to receive at least somewhat of a makeover. That made me think of the times when Min Woo commented on her need to improve her physical appearance or seemed uncomfortable being seen with her because of it (the camouflaging scarf incident doesn't count 'cause it wasn't for that reason he objected to her wearing it), and the number I come up with is (correct me if I'm wrong) zero. None. Nada. Can't think of one instance of that being an issue with him, which makes me love him all the more and realize that while I'm here, as a viewer, wishing she suited him a leeetle better in that way, it's what he sees in his woman that counts. More guys like that, please! More significant others like that, I should say.
Oh, and does anyone recall just when Min Woo stopped ordering Kae Hwa around? I know it was some time before she and Ye Eun had to stay at the hotel because of the reporters hounding at his place. When Yoo Ra showed up at the hotel and discovered the little family, he was so thoughtful in telling Kae Hwa not to worry and to get some rest, both before his going after Yoo Ra and on the phone to KH a bit later.
Required fields are marked *
120 firsttimenewbie
May 26, 2010 at 2:36 PM
@kappy,
I think it was after episode 11. After that scene at his apartment where the Chief told him not to order KH around.
I don't think we saw much after that. He either just lazed around and let her do he work, but in terms of actual barking out orders, he didn't do it other than the times when he was angry/jealous/annoyed, and used his ordering around as a way to get attention, or express his frustration without letting his jealousy being known.
Ex--seeing KH walk the chief to his car and then telling KH to get the bears from the car after Min Jin had told MW to get them.
As for the appearance thing, yes now that you point it out, I agree. While he made little jokes here and there--but not cruelly, and would mention how it is an "honor" and how it is bad for him, whenever she was actually around him he never actually shied away from talking to her/with her.
Required fields are marked *
121 MEL
May 26, 2010 at 2:42 PM
When did Min Woo start to like--love Kae Hwa? I wonder, what a push over to Min Woo is have let KH just meddle in all his business? She did some horrendous meddling including the DNA test, the blackmailing, throwing water at the tabloid reporters (that took some guts), etc... There was the misunderstanding about Min Woo offering to provide financial support for the Play when the backer decided to quit. KH singlehandedly destroyed MW's career but he forgave her and of course the public turned around and supported MW. MW campaigned for everyone's assistance in wooing our KH. Sooo, yeah, MW would have convinced KH to marry him, the children would both love MW--such a goofball with a big heart. I'm so glad that this turned out well in the end. I don't think I could have accepted several years of separation between the leads and eventually to get back together... Slowly but surely "instant" gratification in the 16th episode. This had a nice ending that showed the effects of MW's attempt to get KH to feel like a woman again. And accept him as a man. A "nice" man whose looks didn't hurt him at all nor us the viewers who fell for that body and the role. The choc abs wasn't even shown after the first third of the drama. His face did me in after the first episode. Soo, on to 200....posts...
Required fields are marked *
122 Ace
May 26, 2010 at 6:47 PM
I don't agree about the comment above about "KH singlehandedly destroying MW's career". First, MW's career didn't actually get destroyed. His star status just sort of plummeted after the discovery of his daughter. If it wasn't for KH, he never would've considered joining the musical, and then he wouldn't have started working hard to be a good actor. If there was no musical, he would just be another star embroiled in a scandal. With the musical, he recovered quickly because the public admired his rebirth as an actor.
Second, the scandal was really caused by Yura who lost Ye-eun at the department store. MW forgave her for that because as he said, he shouldn't have hidden it in the first place, and he has realized his priorities in life at that time.
Kae-hwa IS really a busybody, but I wouldn't call it horrendous meddling at all. Her motives were for the best like in the DNA testing, and she really wouldn't have gone through the blackmail thing. She was desperate, but she was also just bluffing. Her reasons for doing what she did all made sense to me, unlike the meddling of Yura, manager Jung, and reporter Han who did what they did for selfish reasons.
Another thing, MW from the start wasn't a pushover. I think he was just used to his manager "taking care" of things for him. He was resisting KH's efforts to get him to join the musical but due to his greater fear of scandals, he let KH & YE into his life. There was also a time when he was chasing KH out of his life and making plans for Ye-eun to be placed in an orphanage. He wasn't listening to KH's reasons on why he shouldn't do it then. Eventually, he learned to listen to KH, and when he does not agree with her (as shown in this episode), he got really angry.
As to when he started to love KH? I would like to think after the kiss on episode 6 when he started to think of her as something other than an 'ajumma'. But that's just my opinion. =)
Required fields are marked *
123 Sobia
May 26, 2010 at 7:55 PM
@21 Mel: You're right that MW put up with a lot, but I think it was because he could tell KH was a pretty decent person from the start and knew she did not have bad intentions. (Despite the blackmailing, the DNA test, etcetera...) Like, he could have hired anyone to babysit Ye-eun, but he decides that KH is the best person after seeing her singing Ye-eun to sleep at night, with the little girl on her back. He knows from that act that KH is a very caring person. And Episode 4 only gives him more hints into KH's good character: he is amazed by her willingness to apologize so quickly after they fight; gets some comfort food from her after she witnesses his manager insult him; and also becomes aware that she has a difficult relationship with her ex-husband because KH just wants her ex to do right by their daughter. So MW learns very quickly that KH has a heart of gold, and even though she does some dumb things, she is not self-serving at all (if anything, she generally has his best interest in mind). I think that's why he forgives her so quickly after finding out she had the DNA test done -- he is smart enough to believe her when she explains why she did it (so he could finally accept Ye-eun as his daughter), because everything else he knows about KH points to the fact that she is a genuine person who is not out to get him, and use the results of the paternity test against him.
I am not sure about when exactly Minwoo fell in love with KH, because he is in denial for so much of the show... However, it was the punching-his-manager and covering-her-ears scenes that really convinced me he was gaga over her, and wouldn't be tempted by Yura anymore. I know some people thought it was awkwardly done, but for me the whole scene in the sauna is ridiculously romantic. Covering her ears so that he can save her from the pain of the scandal for which he feels responsible -- so sweet! There is something about that action which clearly puts the relationship on non-platonic ground.
As for when MW first started feeling something for KH, I like think it goes way back to the time when they were in the grocery store, right before the ahjummas try to chase them down. KH offers to make Minwoo that dish with the meat wrapped up inside lettuce (sorry! I don't know my Korean foods that well yet), and gives him the choice of what meat he wants inside, and he repeats her words with a look on his face that is so intent and impassioned. Perhaps he was just really hungry, and the thought of delicious food was just too much for him, but I like to think that his lust for the food transferred over to KH at that moment, because you get the faintest glimmer of sexual tension between them at that moment. CSW's facial expressions really made that scene hysterical.
Required fields are marked *
124 MEL
May 26, 2010 at 7:58 PM
@Ace, yeah pushover is too harsh a word to use for our beloved MW. KH was meddlesome not horrendous and no she didn't single handedly destroy his career. You are right selfish people like Yura and reporter Han did their own damage to MW's career. It's amazing all the the events that basically would have been a killer to relationships still allowed MW to accept KH and eventually fall in love with her.
Being the motherly person KH was and no overt acts of attractions amazing in that MW falls for KH. Jealous outbursts, sudden demands indicated that MW wanted attention from KH. Watching his behavior change toward KH was awesome to see. It's nice to know that it was MW who fell for KH first rather than the other way around. The children Min Ji and Ye Eun, themselves were huge factors in the drama, although we didn't see them much.
Again, I'm glad to see that the love story showed KH and MW being together, though based on MW"s proposal for the life of KH, the "happily ever " after was still to come.
Required fields are marked *
125 doraemon
May 26, 2010 at 8:12 PM
Glad to see that we are at 124 now !!!! Perhaps we can start sharing our favourite scenes.....To start the ball rolling, mine was the last scene on episode 12, the press conference scene where MW said that they were an item !!!!! Have watched that Nth time, and always remember the shocking look at KH's face and that naughty look on MW's face.......and of course, MW in that killer suit !!!!
Go for 200 !!!!
Required fields are marked *
126 Belle
May 26, 2010 at 8:36 PM
One of my favourite scene ~
When MW declares to Yura in Episode 15 ~
[He tells her with a little smile, “I don’t think it’s just nothing.”], I love her ~
Not too sure whether the translations were skewed ? :) But this was the subbed version i've watched..
So sweet ~
Required fields are marked *
127 Sobia
May 26, 2010 at 8:56 PM
@ firsttimenewbie, kappy: Thanks so much for your Tae gu analysis. I still go back and forth on what to think about that character, so your comments helped. I agree that it was a I-scratch-your-back, you-scratch-mine scenario, and one that Minwoo might have been able to rectify in some way. While Tae gu was a mooch, he didn't seem like an absolutely horrible person. Minwoo just kind of outgrew that friendship, just like he outgrew Yura, so it made sense that Yura and Tae gu were always hanging out at the end. And you know, I didn't even think about the downsizing! =-) That's a good point.
@25 doraemon: That was a great scene!!!!!!! Oh, that suit, so handsome.... As for another great scene, I really liked the part in Episode 11 where Minwoo sees the crying girl on the street and gets out of the car to help her. I liked the scene because it proved -- to Minwoo most of all-- that Ye-eun had really gotten under his skin and that Minwoo was becoming a better person because of her. Up until that point, it had seemed like Minwoo was going over to the dark side, since he was so hell-bent on giving up Ye-eun, and was focusing on Yura all the time. But after that scene, I stopped worrying about him because it seemed like he had regained his confidence in himself and his ability to do the right thing... It's one of those scenes where you really feel you understand Minwoo and why he acts the way he does...
Required fields are marked *
128 MEL
May 26, 2010 at 10:28 PM
@Sobia, while I was writing this last post, you wrote yours so... double posts today for our OML. I continue to re-watch the episodes and continue to discover new things to add to my OML addiction. You know, instead of waning interest, it seems I am more addicted to this drama than I was before. I tried to start watching Coffee House with Kang Ji Hwan and Park Si Yeon and Call of the Country with Lee Soo Kyung and a long time favorite Ryu Jin, but can't get into them yet. I should try cold turkey naa I don't think so.
Back to OML, which is going to be one habit that'll be hard to break. I just really loved Chae Rim in this drama with all her meddling and that Choi Si Won has finally gotten a lead role. I loved the scenes with MW showing his outbursts without yet knowing that it was jealousy. MW's demanding KH come home early cook his dinner or peel his fruits and questioning why she couldn't... Funny, yeah wait for midnight. Korea must be amazing to have day care centers that didn't close early since they kept Ye Eun pretty late until KH was done with work.
The transformation in MW in wanting KH's attention including phone calls, oh yeah, love the cake for her birthday--I wonder if she'll ever find out that he did that for her. MW's jealousy over Shi Joon were just hmm....lovely to watch. So many times MW was there for KH including the night of the first kiss. He was so concerned about KH. I'm wondering about that long gaze KH gave MW after he sang to her that song from the play they just watched in Ep 6. But then, she was probably just amazed at the discovery that he could sing. Ep 13 was just so touching how MW was so concerned about KW probably crying in some corner. The sauna scene, I gotta agree is one of the best romantic scenes ever.!!! And that hug in the beginning of Ep 14 for KH and YE....beautiful, just beautiful... Soo, off with another ranting... time to let another day go with just the memories of OML.
Required fields are marked *
129 epyc
May 27, 2010 at 4:54 AM
I am so loving everyone's discussion here. Will need a re-watch to gauge better when MW falls for KH.
One thing that OML really puzzles me is the kiss in Ep 6. The only main purpose it serves, I think, is to show the physical attraction they have for each other so as to establish the plausibility of their later falling in love. Earlier on in Ep 3 (?), there was a scene in which KH seems definitely attracted by MW's look and stares at him for half a minute or something. Then we have the subsequent developments that lead to MW changing his view on KH and increasing his trust and reliance on her. By Ep 6, they have gone beyond the employer/employee relationship to that of freinds/confidentes - bearing in mind that MW does not actually have any friends that he can talk beyond the superficial. His friendship with KH is therefore not a surprise but what is surprising is his telling KH that her eyes are pretty .... and then her lips... and then the kiss. When did he start making such observations and seeing her as a woman???
Required fields are marked *
130 a_fan
May 27, 2010 at 7:50 AM
@epyc - In Ep 5 Min Woo commented on Ke Hwa's hair when she was running back from buying Yura's stockings. He probably would not have notice KH's hair if he was physically indifferent to her.
Required fields are marked *
131 sajor
May 27, 2010 at 10:22 AM
wow..this is good! i'm also so loving the discussions here, and reading all your comments just makes my day! (which speaks to how lousy my day has been and how i just enjoyed reading. i prefer to attribute more on the latter btw.)
it's amazing how our OML has inspired such, what..interesting and insightful comments, yeah? (more so given its "light" tag, to which I think is not without reason).
so off to my favorite scene:
it's that kiss on ep6! i agree with epyc that it was only meant to show the possibility of physical attraction, but unlike him/her, i'm not at all puzzled (i hope i'm reading him/her right here). many others have also expressed that that kiss was a bit premature, as there was no or not enough emotional foundation between the two yet, therefore, a rather meaningless kiss. and for that, i find that kiss scene even more beautiful, even more perfect! the kiss happened at a time where a romantic possibility between the two is being established (from being unthinkable so to say). no feelings yet, "budding" is even an exaggeration. and that kiss, yes that kiss, just established that remote possibility! i happen to believe that in romantic relationships, the happiest moments are during the courting period, when each other's feelings are just budding and there's still a lot of uncertainties and awkwardness (read: excitement). (i would like to believe otherwise, hence, my addiction to (k)drama).
so imagine a kiss during that period --greatest form of intimacy during the happiest moments --, great, right? (though seldom in real life)
imagine a kiss after the budding period, or when love is established --greatest form of intimacy after the happiest moments --still great, but not as much. (most common in real life) imagine yourself viewing that kiss, and you'll get the many kdrama kisses, including , of course, the last scene in the last episode of OML.
now, imagine a kiss before that period - greatest form of intimacy before the happiest moments, leading perhaps to the happiest moments - wouldn't that be as great as the greatest also? (even less seldom in real life) it certainly would, if ala MW-KW fridge kiss! the way they stood up and looked at each other, and the way he "leaned" (JB's term) towards her, and the way she stayed as he's leaning closer, and the way it ended (good that how they broke from that kiss was not shown) --just perfect.
Required fields are marked *
132 firsttimenewbie
May 27, 2010 at 12:06 PM
I wasn't too keen on the throwing water on the reporters scene. Like Min Woo said, their cameras are expensive. She's lucky that the water hardly hit them or Reporter Han (or rather, they filmed it that way).
And yeah that might have to do with the fact that I don't think Han would make up a story like that in the first place.
And her ahjumma rant in the car was grating to my ears. Grating. The only time her ahjumma-ness grated me. Other times I was just like yeah typical.
But it goes to show that MinWoo had become used to her that he didn't mind it and accepted it.
___________________________
About the issue of KH blackmailing MW. It wasn't exactly blackmail, more like a mutual deal between the two. Because when he called back, she told him that she's not going to go through with it. But he was desperate for Ye Eun to be calmed down, that he said not to threaten without going through with it. I think by that time he knew.
She did force him to work for the musical, in order to help him with Ye Eun. Which is why I put "blackmail" in quotes. He could've refused and gotten someone else. But then that's trouble for him. She knew that, but nevertheless. The blackmail wasn't the danger of her releasing the info, but rather the info getting out because of her lack of help. But that was just temporary help for the time being.
And of course he sees how well she takes care of Ye Eun asks her to be her "mother." But by that time he had already signed the musical. And is forced for her and Ye Eun to live with him because of her situation.
That's actually reinforced in her answer to the manager. Where she said, well the order is a bit off, but that's the basic idea. When he summarized the situation.
The idea that they don't really take her threat of blackmail seriously (other than when she threatened the manager with it if he takes away Ye Eun) is in episode 9 and 10. Min Woo reminds her the reason he signed the musical, and now that he will not need her for Ye Eun, he no longer needs to do the musical.
It doesn't even occur to him that she could still make the information public. It does to the manager, thus his bullying of her. But not to Min Woo. Which again underscores the fact that though she initially threatened to reveal her existence, the "blackmail" that ended up actually happening and making him sign for the musical was not in exchange for her not revealing Ye Eun's existence, but for helping to take care of Ye Eun.
_______________________________
I think there were glimpses of Min Woo slowly falling for KH. Not in the hormonal, physical way, but in a deep emotional. way.
Other than the associations with food, which @23, sobia mentioned--which is physical and emotional, Siwon did a great job in portraying MinWoo as listening intently and taking a lot of KH's musings and talk in.
I think it was episode 8, where she talks about Min Jin being proud of her. And how she's been called Ahjumma so long, it's nice to be called by a job title, etc. Parts of her speech, even though she says he couldn't relate, he obviously does relate. And we see that in Min Woo's face. And we also see him listening intently and sort of emphasizes with her, while at the same time understanding her.
Then there are times where they do the close up of KH's smile. The way it's done with the camera shows it as what Min Woo sees. Hard to explain. And you see that smile, it's hard not to fall for that smile. Hehehe.
In episode 11, after he says he to reschedule the rehearsals and he will attend. She smiles and just strokes his ego. We kind of see this quick shot of him. Either amused, or affected by her smile and praise of him.
Required fields are marked *
133 kappy
May 27, 2010 at 2:39 PM
@sajor - You have picked apart that kiss well! Even though it seemed to have caught many by surprise, and they were both intoxicated when it happened, it reminds me of the phrase "truth in jest" (joking around, but there's underlying truth behind the joking). Do we blame the wine for something totally unfounded, or was there something brewing (unbeknownst to them) that came out through the effects of the wine? I choose B (the latter).
KH staring at MW just before he asks her the first time to be Ye Eun's mom (as epyc observed) and all that shyness when she'd see him shirtless (though that could be just taken as her sense of modesty) were signs that she was physically attracted to him. As her friend put it, working so closely with him and not being that way could not be humanly possible!
And as for him, his concern for her at the end of epi 5 when Manager Jung intended to harm her as well as the concern he showed after the musical when she'd argued with her ex, though not physical attraction, helped fuel the kiss at the fridge. His comments about her facial features not being quite right, though each part separately...hmmm...then again, together...and those lips...well... uh huh. And then he tries to snap out of it. But alas, at the fridge, oblivious and undeterred by the cold air, stares at her long and hard (as if managing, but for a fleeting moment, clarity of mind), and then, decidedly, goes in for the kiss. Not a peck, but rather of the lingering variety. And embrace - a nice one, not wildly passionate, but not stiff.
So my point with all of this "evidence" is that the kiss was not out of the blue.
Required fields are marked *
134 kappy
May 27, 2010 at 3:06 PM
Oh dear, and I was going to try to truncate my thoughts. Not happenin'.
@sajor - You're right about there being such deep conversation going on for such "light" fare as OML.
@a_fan - I went back and watched ep 5 just for that comment on her hair. Hadn't remembered that part. Was reminded of all the other parts in ep 5! (post DNA test discovery, her crying (in 10 seconds - okay, 12) causing him to break down and go to his first rehearsal, his quickness to forgive her and give her a ride to Min Ji's and his learning of the jerk ex, her singing the oppa song to cheer him up (in 10 seconds) and his reaction to it ("I wasn't laughing, I was sighing because it was so ridiculous!"), and (one of my favorite scenes) at the end when he punches M. Jung and gently takes her away from danger.
@Belle - MW telling YR that "It's not just nothing" made me melt!
@doraemon - MW's press conference - Getting dressed for it, he was in a solemn mood, like a "lamb to the slaughter." Yup, he looked reeeeaallly handsome in that suit, his hair all combed nicely. And when he told about his relationship with KH, his expression was as if to say, "Aw, what the heck? I wouldn't really be lying..." Another melty moment for me.
Required fields are marked *
135 MEL888
May 27, 2010 at 9:25 PM
wow it's the 130s....LOTS OF SPOILERS HERE!!!! STAY AWAY IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!!!!
.the love of OML shows!!!! All the favorite scenes are coming back, one of my favorite episodes is ep 15 when Ye Eun is lost and the Kae Hwa breaks down then Min Woo gently picks her up, hugs KW then assures her that YE will be found. That loving look on MW's face when he sees YE holding on to the hand of that lifesize poster and finally saying, "come here my daughter." (that handsome face--MW--CSW--I LOVE YOU!!!!) KW saying good bye to MW and her ride down the elevator with thoughts about that sweet hug from MW back in the department store....(of course the song's lyrics playing "don't go, don't go...come back, come back," just the right background music for that scene......
MW asks Shin Joo what will happen to MW with the play All That Love... MW smiles as he is advised to show his sincerity. He is given the keys to the studio to continue practicing in the evenings. He alone will have to work hard to get back into the play.
The scene where KH discovers MW practicing in the studio on his own, we discover that MW's hard at practicing solo on his song. That look that KH gives the unaware MW is touching. Their conversation about the conception of YE with two irresponsible parents is showing the depth of MW's love for YE. He once again reveals to KH his loss of confidence in being an actor, a father.... and KH gives him that hug and reassurance that "MW is someone who can do well..don't be worried... and be strong!"
SJ talks to KH about her opinion about MW. KH truthfully tells SJ that MW gaze is different, he is more determined now. Anyone who is determined can do anything. This conversation I believe sways SJ to take MW into consideration in taking the lead role or "double casted" lead role in the play. Again MW asks SJ to give him a chance.
.. and of course there is the scene which many love when Yu Ra asks MW what's going on between "you and KH....nothings going on?" ... and MW's response "I don't think nothing's going on...." ....A W E S O M E !!!!!
..the scene where KH has thrown water at reporter Han for writing that awful story about the purported mother of YE.... and KH runs away toward the MW's car who coincidentally happens to be waiting for her. ... the family scene in the new home with the hungry MW eating gobs of food, MJ's envious stare at MW feeding YE, MJ's statement "ahjussi, you seem like you're a really good dad.." and playing Jenga with the children, beautiful... I'll just take this scene as what is the family scene beyond Episode 16.....
of course MW being double casted in the lead role, doing well in the successful play and that prolonged hug MW gives the embarrassed KH--just lovely!!!
and the final scene........welll, really, really lovely.... okey I'll stop now
Required fields are marked *
136 doraemon
May 27, 2010 at 10:35 PM
To all lovely OML fans, thanks for keeping this discussion aka OML support group alive !!!! It has somewhat eased the pain of no OML-YKH-SMW days. I'm totally addicted to this forum, always coming back to check for new comments and delighted to see the continual flow of comments !!
I have re-watched (Nth time) all the mentioned favourite scenes and appreciated some of them more or from a different perspective with the insightful comments from all of you. I particularly enjoyed the kissing scene at the fridge after reading
sajor's insightful analysis; as well as the searching for YE scene.
This is really a wonderful experience ! Please keep this alive for a while more .......please.....
Required fields are marked *
137 a_fan
May 28, 2010 at 1:17 AM
Have we discussed why MW proposed the way he did? ep 3?
Required fields are marked *
138 MEL888
May 28, 2010 at 7:30 AM
@37 a_fan ep 3....proposal for KH to be YE's "mother," looking back on that, the proposal happens after MW watched KH carry YE on her back gently paces back and forth, gently singing to lull the child to sleep. KH does not notice that MW is scrutinizing her very closely. Could this have been the first stirring of attraction or just awe at that a stranger would sacrifice her time to pacify a child. Or could it just be simple admiration at what this unknown person could do for this child.
Bringing out two goblets and an expensive bottle of wine--probably priceless from how MW is bragging about it--means this is no simple proposal--agreement. KH sits awkwardly and MW invites her to sit comfortably so she doesn't have cramps. This part shows KH intensely staring at MW as he pours the wine into the goblets-could this be KH's first stirring of a different kind of emotion--attraction for MW?. Doesn't MW (CSW) look just gorgeous in this scene. (you have to be super cold hearted not to notice how extremely attractive SMW is!!!) He is showing his best behavior to hopefully convince our ahjumma to be YE's "mother."
OK, wishful thinking but naaa.........there's already some stirring in the heart department here, but it has to be discarded because why would this hunk of a gorgeous man fall for the "ahjummaish" woman. Why would ahjumma be attracted to this greek god, it must be just simple admiration for a really good looking kid? He's got so many other gorgeous women around him, KH doesn't have a chance--I don't think KH really went that far in her thinking. It's just too early (or is it) to have any kind of attraction for either side but........... there were just other issues to get rid of before either one of them could begin to feel a deeper affection towards the other--that had to be placed in the back burner for now. Yes, it has to be slow development that leads to trust and....
Who could ignore that ozzing sex appeal from MW (CSW).....you can't miss it!! It's one of the powers that kept many of us, yeah.., continue to watch this light rom com. Of course lovely Chae Rim, she's just the right match to CSW's first lead role. Hope they have new drama projects soon......... miss them both a lot...yeah, like a long lost friend who has come back and has to go home far, far away....
Required fields are marked *
139 Sobia
May 28, 2010 at 8:24 AM
Wow! So many great comments -- I don't think we are going to have any trouble getting to 200!
About the ultimate proposal-- I think he phrased the marriage proposal in terms of Kae-hwa becoming Ye-eun's mom because he was a real dad at that point-- always thinking of putting Ye-eun first-- and maybe he wanted to emphasize to Kae-hwa how much he had grown and the fact that he was not just out to find a lame trophy wife, but a woman who was really capable of being a good wife and mom to his kid(s). (I hope "kids" plural-- they really should have some more!!!!)
You know, I totally forgot that Minwoo had punched his manager way back in episode 5-- is that the punch he mentions as when he might have first fallen for Kae-hwa in his conversation with Reporter Han in the last ep? Because, wow, that was pretty early on in the relationship. (I always felt he was referring to the big blow-out at the club in Episode 11).
Before my family members overtake my computer, I just wanted to wish everyone in the US a happy (long) Memorial Day weekend!
Required fields are marked *
140 MEL888
May 28, 2010 at 9:19 AM
@Sobia......yes have a great 3 day holiday--Memorial Day weekend, for those who are missing our OML, there's all that time to review OML and enjoy our KH and MW all over again. If you're going on a little trip bring that portable player or wi fi, and ease the pain of the end of OML.......
Enjoy all the MW goofy facial expressions, or just view that handsome face and his love for KH, YE........
We missed the choc abs of MW, and eventually it slowly stopped being the draw for us......it didn't hurt that his Greek god body was exploited, what eye candy!!! But thanks for them..
@sajor...thanks for the picking at the kiss in ep 6...you gave me goose bumps!!!!! This was no simple kiss.... Min Woo's prolonged glances, stares directed at our KH indicated something going on in his head....heart... slow fire that eventually ignites to create a huge fire!!!! KH did not slap nor push MW away, in fact she held on to MW......awwww....and the continuation does not occur 'til ep 16, unless you count the touchy, feely, hug in ep 14 and 15....
Enjoy viewing OML again, maybe this is what many of us will be doing this 3 day holiday, don't forget 200 and more!!!! for the love of OML--Chae Rim and Si Won!!
Required fields are marked *
141 koreanpsyche
May 28, 2010 at 9:30 AM
WONDERFUL!!!!! ---my reaction when i saw the growing number of comments here! I am beginning to be really familiar with you guys! And with this kind of enthusiasm from all of us, we will reach 200 in no time at all...so GO! GO! GO!
Reading your thoughts on your favorite scenes brings back to mind E. Barret Browning's "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."
@MEL 888, yeah, I died a little ( and went to heaven) when MW held KH when she broke down in ep 15...so tender, so full of love...our two leads had me swooning like a loon!
...and there was the scene when MW gave Reporter Han a shove then grabbed KH's bag (and her wrist) and led her to his car...his intention of course was to protect KH and the thought made me warm all over.
....and at the sauna when he had to cover her ears and told her to look at his eyes! ( he was sharing his pain---who wouldn't fall for a guy like that?!)
....and the time they shared with the kid/s looking like a happy family....
....and MW's jealous outbursts ( they never fail to me laugh)...
....and their familiar exchange of small talks that made them look like old familiar couple....
Required fields are marked *
142 koreanpsyche
May 28, 2010 at 10:01 AM
@123sobia...gotta watch that grocery store scene again. I think I missed that part, it didn't particularly register in my memory...
@129epyc.."The only main purpose it serves, I think, is to show the physical attraction they have for each other so as to establish the plausibility of their later falling in love" ...I totally agree! So while it established that there was an attraction between them, the kiss didn't appear to me as an act of passion or affection but more of intoxication and a "spur-of-the-moment" thing....(go on, yeah, always blame it on the alcohol!)
@33kappy....yes, your point and your evidence taken and noted for the kiss that did not come from öut of the blue...(as ace @122 put it) it could well have been what started MW "to think of KH as something more than an ajumma".
_________
@sobia...i started watching LAST SCANDAL, thanks to your recommendation....thanks also JAVABEANS for the translation...(but i have to say i love OML more, of course!)
Required fields are marked *
143 epyc
May 28, 2010 at 12:42 PM
I re-watched Ep 3 and Ep 4 today. It then struck me the low point (or dislike) between KH and MW stops nearing the end of Ep 3, which then leads to MW's first proposal to KH to become YE's mom. There is the scene that, after hearing about YE's speaking ability diagnosis, KH rushed to see MW at the spa alerting him to the seriousness of YE's problem and urging him to take up the responsibility as a father. Their argument at the staircase is head on and brutal: KH concluding MW's inability to act is due to his not humanistic and MW saying no man would like KH as a woman/wife. It is like two best friends/enemies knowing where to hit for hurting the most.
After that, it should be a river of no return but viola - we have immediately the meeting between MW and the fishlip manager where KH overheard the manager's mocking at MW's acting to be any good for a musical. Then later MW found KH pleading to her ex-husband to treat MJ better and got hung up on. I would not say this is particular good scriptwriting but makes a complete turnaround. And since these incidents, their relationship is on the rise ever so subtly and gently.
Required fields are marked *
144 kappy
May 29, 2010 at 12:19 AM
Hey gang - Today I went to our Koreatown-of-sorts and bought me the OML OST! I was torn between that and Suju's 4th album since I wasn't quite ready to put down the moola for both at the same time. Decided on the one that would give me the most mileage. (Siwon's version of that nice ballad is NOT on it--drats!)
There was a customer there who seemed to be quite experienced in her kdramas, owning a lot of DVD boxed sets, and was raving about Personal Taste, saying it was better than OML. I respectfully disagreed with her, saying that I definitely preferred OML. I decided not to go into detail and state my case, as I saw she was firmly for PT, and it would have been a waste of time. My Korean friend had to smile at my defending it, as she knows how I feel about OML. I haven't seen all of PT yet, so I wouldn't be a fair judge, and it's really just our opinions as to which we like better, but it was kind of amusing today, that little incident. Just had to share!
Newswise, I see Suju's Bonamana won again 1st place at Mubank. Congrats to them. Siwon is back in full voice (last week they autotoned his parts to the max) which is good, 'cause I was wondering if that surgery affected his ability to sing. (Please, no!) Oh, and he looks really good in that muscle vest thingy.
Good to see Chae Rim in the news, doing a cameo in the Chinese version of AAE. I shall have to watch AAE (kdrama) soon. She seems to be good in anything she's in.
I do miss our little family, though -- MW, KH, and the girls.
Required fields are marked *
145 Ace
May 29, 2010 at 1:04 AM
There are a lot of great scenes in this series that I've played over and over, but I like best the "little things":
- MW remembering to get KH's purse when he 'rescued' her from Reporter Han (ep 13),
- MW telling KH to "take responsibility" for him (ep 15),
- MW brushing a lock of hair out of KH's face (ep 13),
- the way KH held a teary MW at the studio (ep 15),
- MW using KH's name when he asked Shi-joon where she was (ep 12),
- Ye-eun saying "yes, ajumma" (ep 10),
- KH & MW frozen by the ref, finding themselves in the same position they were in the night before (ep 7),
- MW trying to sit close to Ye-eun then apologizing for his behavior & KH finding them both asleep together (ep 11),
- MW about to kiss Yura but had a flashback of the kiss with KH (ep 10),
- MW suspicious about KH having "a great time" after seeing KH leaving with Shi-joon from the office (ep 8),
- MW smiling when he realized the kimbap was made by KH not Yura (ep 5)
I know there are still lots of those little moments that I loved, but off the top of my head this is all I have so far. It reminds me of a couple of verses in my favorite Westlife song Flying Without Wings: "It's little things that only I know, Those are the things that make you mine"... Aside from the big secrets, I'd like to think that there are lots of little things that MW & KH know about each other (subconsciously), that's why they know how each other would feel or react at a given situation.
You know the phrase "greater than the sum of all parts"? That's how I think of MW & KH's love and that's how I think of OML. =)
Required fields are marked *
146 kappy
May 29, 2010 at 1:11 AM
@epyc - I believe you're right about that being the upswing of MW and KH's relationship. In that "brawl" in the staircase, they definitely hit below the belt (and she actually kicked him in the shin), but not long after they ascended "ever so subtly and gently," as you put it.
LOL @ fishlip manager. Cracked me up to see that name for him on Viikii. He probably ever will be that in our eyes, even if we see him in other dramas.
@koreanpsyche - Loved the ways you counted. They're my "ways," too.
@sobia - Yes, that's the punch/argument MW is referring to in his drunken interview with reporter Han.
But then he says, "Or was it from the beginning?" (that he started loving her). I so love his replies to Han... "If she was that way (self-serving), I never would have been interested in her. She's different from others I've dated. She's beautiful. That why she's my woman." Oh dang! Major melting point for me. So...since I know he's dated many beautiful women in the past, I took that to mean that she is a true beauty, inside and out.
@MEL888 - LOL @ Greek god = Min Woo/Siwon. Adonis? No argument from me there.
Have a great and safe Memorial Day weekend everybody...
Required fields are marked *
147 sajor
May 29, 2010 at 2:12 AM
@44 kappy: thanks for sharing your experience, i enjoyed reading it. somehow it gives us a glimpse of yourself! and you have korean friends! oh, that's great..my love for kdrama sometimes makes me wish to have korean friends too..
anyway, for your little incident, i'm thinking if it ever happened to me, i wouldn't likewise push the issue with her, insistent as she is, but nevertheless point out my case, as you did, and let her go with her choice as I go with mine. As you said, it is a matter of opinion, which is very subjective. Anyway, I'm happy with OML as it is, and I could only hope that others would be as happy also (except that i'm actually coercing my sister to watch it). I watched both OML and PT in whole, and I can at least understand where she's coming from. I also liked PT, but I wouldn't rank it above OML. If she also have watched OML, then I guess she's got some poor taste! Hehehe, taste may be subjective, but here we can all agree that her's is poor, right? But, seriously, I can understand why others would prefer PT over OML, and there's a basis why. PT is also good.. But then, they've all got poor taste. Kidding. Its all a matter of preference, but no, they've really got poor taste. hehehe.
@45 ace: totally agree with you! and those "little things" make OML a great drama.
I like all the the "little things" you've mentioned, and also all the fave scenes mentioned above. Cute memories, and now i'm struggling not to rewatch oml (made a pact to myself to watch only after finishing my semester, especially after watching the whole right after it ended)..
@doraemon, who started the sharing of the scenes, I thank you (and to all those who responded) for doing so, now, I have an additional struggle....but then, I enjoyed remembering those! =)
Required fields are marked *
148 doraemom
May 30, 2010 at 6:09 AM
@44 Kappy, thanks for sharing with us your little episode. I have similar debate on OML vs PT too, except it's with a friend :} We argued endlessly on which has a better story line, who is a better actress, and of course the hottest debate of all -who is better looking -CSW or LMH ? U know my answer !!! Ironically, I actually started watching both OML and PT at the same time, but half way through I dropped PT. I did try to continue PT after OML but just can't .....ha ha ....
@45Ace, yah I like the "little things" too. My favourite "little things" on MW are at those moments where he displayed confidence, that "arrogant" look on his face and the way he walked away with his head tilted up. Just like beginning of epi 1 where he successfully completed his kissing scene, thanked his fellow actress and walked away; the end of the press conference, again waliking away confidentally (as if he had just fought a winning battle) and epi16 when he told KH's ex-husband off (saying he is talking to him in the capacity of the man who loves KH) and walked off. So COOL !!! I also like the scene where MW lead KH out of her office after the encounter with reporter Han; KH was taken aback when she saw all the reporters crowding outside the office; our hero MW held her hand and gave her a look suggesting "come, don't worry, let's go out and face the world ....."
We might have discussed this along the way, but it would be interesting to hear your take on when MW starts falling for our lovely lady KH ..............
Required fields are marked *
149 twubble
May 30, 2010 at 9:26 PM
OML was only the 1st Korean drama series I watched from Ep 1 through to 16. It is sweet and quite enchanting. I enjoyed it immensely maybe because I'm jaded with American shows. About the only American show I watch now is Glee.
But back to OML, it's nice to have a romance played out where I don't have to tell my nieces and nephews to take a hike because of some inappropriate scene. It's Cinderella in a modern setting (far easier to explain to kids than the airplane version of Pretty Woman). It came complete with a dashing prince, two horrendously cute step-sisters and a happy ever after ending.
I read with interest most of your posts and I agree that while the grand gestures are I suppose obligatory in dramas, it is the small things which make me like OML, eg. when MW comes to KH's rescue from the reporter, he came in with fist clenched ready to punch him. His rude shove of the reporter vs the gentle retrieving of her handbag and holding of her wrist. Subsequently, I also love the looks exchanged between them just before he pushed open the glass door and his protective attitude as he escorted her through the frenzied paparazzi to the car. It's these touches by the writers/director which make the scene more heroic and the grand gesture more grand. (Someone has to explain this wrist holding thing to me. Why not hand holding? About the closest thing I have to a Korean friend is my current handphone!).
Required fields are marked *
150 Ace
May 30, 2010 at 11:09 PM
I'm really not sure about the wrist-holding thing. For me, I think that hand-holding is really more intimate than wrist-grabbing that's why they do it. In a more traditional society, couples seldom hold hands in public (although it's more common now). They only hold hands with ladies they are more familiar or intimate with. And there are only a number of k-dramas (I can count the # in one hand!) that I know of where the leading man grabbed the leading lady's hands. The more obsessive-possessive-aggressive they become, the more wrist-grabbing they would do. Besides, I guess it's part of the culture of Asian men to do the caveman thing once in a while especially when they're angry and/or jealous and drag the leading ladies by the wrist in lieu of carrying them like a sack of potato over their shoulders, hehehe...=) It looks painful when they do grab by the wrists but some men can grip in a firm but gentle way that the lady in question has no choice but to follow (there's an implied "I could really tighten my grip so if you don't want to get hurt, better not struggle or resist...")
Required fields are marked *