288

Best Love: Episode 11

Oh the angst, it hurts so good.

Despite some of the more outrageous aspects about this drama (which are many), the characters feel earnest, their bond sincere, and their conflicts rooted in genuine emotion. My heart twists for them, and exults in their petty victories. Which is to say that no matter the outlandish behaviors of some (namely a certain Mr. Dokko Jin), I’m hook-line-sinkered into this conflict and relationship, because it makes me FEEL. And I’m grateful to dramas that do that.

SONG OF THE DAY

Alex – “봄날의 바람 같아요” (Like a spring wind) [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 
EPISODE 11 RECAP

Jin tiredly holds Ae-jung, needing to recharge after his day, and tells her that even a cell phone needs the minimum charge in order to operate. He asks to hold her just long enough to recharge one bar.

She pulls back, reminding him that he should leave and escape the inevitable mob of reporters. He turns instead to the kitchen, saying, “You cut off my charger. I’ve got to charge my batteries with food, at least.”

He asks her to make curry for him, insisting that he needs to eat curry right now. Aww. She’s not about to indulge him and turns to leave, but he points out that she can’t just go out amidst the paparazzi. They’re not going to leave until they catch a glimpse of him, and she may find herself locked up here with him for as long as three days. Gee, I wonder what they could do? (Oh, I know you’re all thinking it.)

Seeing her concern, he shares his home’s “secret exit” with her: He’s got a hidden escape route, like Batman has his Batcave, and it’s via the yellow car that sits in his living room as decoration. But before he reveals how to operate it, he needs to eat: “So make me curry. Then I’ll tell you everything.” Ha.

Yes, the Hong Sisters are kind of going wild and crazy with the sheer number of metaphors let loose in this drama, but I do love that it makes even the most innocuous statements touching. His fixation with curry is making me squee.

While she chops onions, he looks at the bandage on her arm and starts to blow on it, telling her he’s treating her injury. Ae-jung asks if this is why he hit Manager Jang, and tells him to go blow on the manager’s injuries rather than hers.

She instructs him to bring potatoes, and he replies, “No! In this house, we don’t kill potatoes.” Oh my god. Why is that so sweet? He says that if one wants to eat fish, one doesn’t just pluck one out of the aquarium — so in the same way, “Potatoes are for growing.”

After eating their potato-free curry, they sit in the car. Ae-jung humors him about the secret exit, as though to speed up this process of leaving. He’s content to linger, though, and he asks if she has any places she’d like to go together: “I have a lot of places. No — if I’m with you, it feels like I’d want to go anywhere.”

How she can scoff at that instead of, oh I dunno, jumping him on the spot, I have no idea. Ae-jung calls the both of them crazy and starts to get up, but he stops her and says, “I’m not crazy — I’m broken.” He touches his chest to indicate his heart, which is as broken as the car they’re sitting in, which keeps pounding past his safety zone: “I’ll keep chasing after you, like a car that’s broken. So you keep running away, staying sane like you are right now.”

Worried, she asks if his heart is fixable, and he answers that it is — and when it’s fixed, he’s going to zoom right past her. Since his response doesn’t betray how serious his condition truly is, she answers, “Fine, then follow me around, and I’ll avoid you. Since the car’s broken, it’ll come to a stop at some point.” Oh honey, if you only knew.

Pil-joo arrives at Jenny’s cafe to ask about the situation with Manager Jang, and why he treats Ae-jung so badly. Both Jenny and Ae-hwan acknowledge that Ae-jung was the one to initiated the group breakup, but they don’t know the particulars either. Jenny speculates that it had something to do with Mina, which triggers Pil-joo’s memory of Mina confiding that Ae-jung had rescued her.

Jenny tells Pil-joo that Jin’s current controversy is linked to Manager Jang (and therefore Ae-jung), and also that Ae-jung has gone to see Jin. Pil-joo can connect the dots of what that implies.

Jin heads off to address this mess, emerging from his house to tell the swarm of reporters that he’ll explain later. It’s off to the hospital for him, where he delivers a respectful apology to Manager Jang, who says that he won’t be so easy to forgive the next time.

Jin replies that neither will he, if he hurts Ae-jung again. Manager Jang scoffs that Jin’s image, however rock-solid till now, won’t hold up if he continues acting this way, and insinuates that he might cause trouble for him. Jin challenges, “Try it. If you mess with a rock mountain, you could find yourself buried in a landslide, and die.”

Jin leans in close…and then blows a wimpy puff of air toward him (to “treat” the wound), saying, “I’m only doing that because she told me to. You should feel honored.” Hee. I love how half-assed his gesture is, but also that he bothered at all.

Manager Jang wonders what Ae-jung means to him, to which Jin answers, “She’s a powerless colleague from my agency. I’m Dokko Jin, overflowing with a sense of justice, and you’re a bad [mouths bastard] who hits women. I’m done here. If you spread stories, I’ll sue.” Fear of god = effectively delivered. Manager Sleazeball could make trouble, sure, but he has to contend with the trouble of fighting a new, bigger enemy…

President Moon tells Jin that they’re putting out the story of his chronic heart problem as damage control. She’s annoyed that he ruined what should have been the crowning moment in his life, and peevishly shoves him his trophy from the Korea Film Awards. Saying that distance will improve the situation, she figures the Hollywood film will be just the ticket.

He shocks her by saying he’s not going to go be a movie superhero: “I’m going to be the Dokko Jin of justice who protects his fellow agency-mate.” She bursts out that Ae-jung doesn’t even like him, but that doesn’t faze him.

At home Jin places the award next to his potato, which he’s taken to speaking to now, and pats it affectionately. He wonders if it’ll soon flower (ahhh! flowers AND potatoes, in the same crazy mixed metaphor?), and asks, “Wait — does that mean the poison will disappear?”

Heart surgery is the official story explaining Jin’s absence from the ceremony. Se-ri had never realized his scar was from heart surgery, to which he points out that their relationship wasn’t characterized by talk so much as it was by “body language.” Rawr.

Referring to his incident with Manager Jang, Se-ri asks interestedly, “Do you like Gu Ae-jung that much?” She offers to let go of him if he’s going to pursue her, and since he doesn’t know of her ulterior motive (i.e., Project Free Pil-joo), he says suspiciously, “We’re not the type to wish other people well without reason.” Ha. True, that.

Se-ri explains that she likes Pil-joo, so it’s in her own interests that Jin and Ae-jung work out. Jin, however, says that he can’t be with Ae-jung (thinking of his whole I-might-die problem), and instructs Se-ri to leave “that anybody doctor who’s nice to Gu Ae-jung” alone. Oh, something about the selflessness of that thought kinda hurts me, in the heart area.

Se-ri goes to Pil-joo anyway to tell him about Jin liking Ae-jung, trying to get him to let go. Pil-joo, who has wised up to Se-ri’s mean-spirited tendencies, no longer sees her with kind eyes and tells her that her so-called pain about him is just her mean nature, which this clinic doesn’t treat. Oh, snap. He just told her to get lost, in the nicest possible way. He guesses, “Your words last time [about liking me] were just jealousy born of your bad temper, weren’t they?”

Se-ri points out that jealousy arises out of liking him, and asks if he feels jealous about the whole Jin/Ae-jung loveline. Pil-joo admits that he does, and apologizes for speaking harshly to her.

At the agency, Ae-jung is busily signing autographs when Jae-seok brings in promo materials for Jin’s upcoming ad campaign. Ae-jung looks at the cardboard cutout of Jin, imagines it laughing at her, and tells it crossly, “Don’t look at me.”

Deciding to turn it away from her, she gets up — then takes out some of her aggression on Cardboard Jin, knocking into it and grumbling, “Completely mean, always doing what you want, you broken Butthole Jin. Why do you keep tormenting me? Why?!”

Oops. She accidentally marks a dot on his cardboard face with her sharpie, and tries to rub it off. Which…looks like an entirely different activity from his vantage point.

Hee! Well, that’s certainly gratifying. Feeling smug, he says knowingly that she must be taking out her repressed ardor for him on the cardboard cutout.

Posing like the ad, he tells her to go ahead and do as she wishes to the real life version: “Don’t touch, just admire.” Ae-jung: “That’s not it! I was just erasing the mark.” Jin amends: “Okay, you can touch once. Greedy.”

To his disappointment, she doesn’t take him up on his offer to feel him up; instead, she gives him the cold shoulder, assuming that he’s just playing around with her again.

Jin:: “Then whatever I do, you have to ignore it as joking around. If I said I wanted to put out dating rumors in tomorrow’s paper, it’s a joke.”
Ae-jung: “Ding-dong.”
Jin:: “And if the day after tomorrow, I said to marry, it’s a joke.”
Ae-jung: “Ding-dong.”

Then, with a bit of a choke:

Jin: “And if the day after tomorrow, I disappeared saying I’m dying, that’s a joke, too.”

Oh, man. I know they’re not actually going to kill him off, but the fact that HE thinks he’s going to die is just…ack! So heart-twisty.

Meanwhile, Manager Jang stews, unable to (or afraid to) talk freely about Jin’s attack but too indignant to just stand by idly. He asks his manager friend for info on an old client, the idol group leader who’d dated Mina back in the day, thinking that he’ll lead him to Mina: “Then I’ll find someone’s weakness.”

Jin watches Iron Man at home while explaining to Jae-seok that he can’t go to Hollywood because there’s a thing (or a person) he’s provoked: “The crumbling mountain has to stand its ground and be scary so that it won’t be messed with.”

(Jin occasionally talks — and acts, and thinks — like a 7-year-old, but when he says something particularly thoughtful in that childlike way, it’s simultaneously cute and moving. I just love that odd juxtaposition in his character. The Hong sisters are masters at this dissonance, packing the bluntness of the words with added impact.)

Jae-seok nervously asks about the results of the hospital visit, and Jin says cryptically, “You may not be my manager for long.” He reminds Jae-seok — who catches on to his meaning with tears in his eyes — that his manager must be perceptive, and tight-lipped. Meaning: I’m dying, but you can’t tell anyone.

Jin’s doctor debriefs a room full of doctors on Jin’s surgery, outlining the circumstances of the heart that, ten years ago, began rapidly deteriorating due to a virus. It’s acting up again, and another surgery is required. There’s a device in his heart (not a medical pacemaker, but a mechanical graft) and because of the nature of the surgery, survival odds are only at 50-50. Because of Jin’s celeb status, the procedure is to be conducted under top-secret conditions.

He tells Jin that surgery will happen within the month. The process will stop his heart, and Jin surmises that in a worst-case scenario, it won’t resume again. (More metaphors!)The doc tells him to think positively — after all, ten years ago he had the song cheering him on, but now he’s got the song’s originator by his side. Jin answers, “It’s too selfish to keep her by my side, so I’m holding back.”

At home, he moans pathetically, “I miss Gu Ae-jung.” His heart starts to pound, so he orders himself to hold back, saying, “Even if you want to see her, you’ve got to resist three times.”

His heart thumps defiantly, and he sighs again, “I miss her.” Thump! Thump! He concedes, “I-miss-her-I-miss-her, there, I resisted three times!”

He gets up to go to her, but it’s like his id and superego have taken up residence in opposite sides of his body and fight it out to alternately push him toward the door and keep him home. Finally, he strikes a bargain with Id and Superego to stick it out another half-hour: “Sigh. Still, I miss Gu Ae-jung.”

Next thing we know, he’s lurking around the Gu house armed with the excuse, “I resisted 300 times. I need recharging.”

Instead of Ae-jung, though, he finds Hyung-kyu at home alone, who asks for his help retrieving his game from a tall shelf. That brings him inside, where Hyung-kyu asks, “Did you come to sneak a look at my aunt?” Jin: “No, Ding-dong. Stealing looks is what pervert stalkers do. I came to see her officially.”

Jin takes a look around, pleased to find his Vitamin Water stocked in the house…sitting right next to the doctor’s tonic packets. He scoffs, “It must be because of these that her face looks so worn out these days.”

Catching a sight of her room, Jin can’t resist a peek…but his virtuous foot stops in its tracks, and he asks himself if he’s a pervert stalker, to sneak a glimpse. He satisfies this moral quandary by deciding that knocking first is the polite thing to do, and enters. Dude, he is so 7 years old.

He picks up her jar of face cream, and the familiar scent perks him right up. Deciding to “take a little with me,” he dabs it on his upper lip, right under his nostrils, and inhales deeply. Omg. How can this be so creepy and sweet at the same time?

Just then, Ae-jung comes home and calls out for her nephew, sending Jin panicking. He twists his ankle as he steps on the tonic packet that drops to the floor and scrambles to wipe it up…with a pair of her shorts. Puahaha!

He hurriedly tucks the shorts into his pocket — oh, that’s not going to look weird — and ducks out of sight, planting his tonic-soaked feet in incriminating splotches on her bed as he dashes for cover.

In her room, Ae-jung starts to change out of her shirt, and Jin dutifully covers his eyes with his hand…which lowers to unblock his view, ha. I’m beginning to think his right side is the ethical one, and his left one thoroughly unprincipled.

Alas, Jin lets out an exclamation by accident, and Ae-jung sees the footprints. Who’s there?!

Deciding to out himself, Jin calls out to her and urges her not to run — a surefire way to get her running — and in his panic, he claps his hand over her mouth and identifies himself.

He explains that he came to visit and just ended up hiding, but asks her to keep quiet to spare him some humiliation.

She nods agreement and he sighs in relief — until Ae-hwan enters and starts calling out her name. Thinking fast (but not very well), Jin ducks underneath the bedcover, and Ae-jung pretends she’s lying down alone.

Big Bro seems to buy it, but then Ae-hwan spots Jin’s tonic-stained feet peeking out from under the covers, which makes me think we’re going to get the same scene recently seen in Baby-Faced Beauty, until he lets it drop, chiding, “Wash your feet.”

Phew, safe for now!

But Ae-jung starts sniffing around, recognizing the scent of her cream, and asks accusingly if Jin used it. He starts to explain himself, only she spots her shorts sticking out of his pocket, which bear his tonic-stained handprints. Right on the asscheeks. HAHA.

Irritated, she leads him to the roof exit to avoid being seen by her family. He’s favoring his twisted ankle, which she tends with a cool wrap.

She asks why he came here, and he answers, “To recharge.” He takes her face in his hands and leans in close until their foreheads touch, and tells her to stay this way till he can fill up one bar.

She asks with concern if the brokenness (of his heart) is severe, and he answers that repairs are in the works.

He sighs, “I wish I could take you home and keep you as a recharger. Gu Ae-jung, I told you I was broken. You’ll have to wait for a month while I’m repaired — will you stay with the broken me during that time?”

(I just adore the image of him holding her face, while she holds his injured ankle, as they sit there together.)

Ae-jung:: “How can you ask that of me? Just one month? It’s not even love, but that you’re broken. For one month?”
Jin: “Yes, just stay with me for that long.”
Ae-jung: “You said you’d zoom past me once you’re fixed. Why are you acting this way?”
Jin: “Think of me as a broken car and block the wheel, in case I crash somewhere. Because my battery is low, I might stop running before the month is out, so recharge me and stay with me. I’ll really be good to you.”
Ae-jung: “Then tell me properly: ‘I like you, so stay with me.’

But that’s asking too much, in his broken logic where he’s about to die, and he tells her that he can’t say that. Exasperated, she declares, “If you don’t want to be hauled off to the junkyard, just go!”

Pil-joo’s mom is in the running for having the lowest usefulness-to-aggravation ratio in this drama, or maybe ever, because she complains to the Couple Making PD that her son’s on-air shenanigans have made her a social outcast. She wonders whether Ae-jung may have gone after Pil-joo aggressively, or if Pil-joo was coached to act a certain way, but the PD says that Pil-joo’s affections are genuine, and that all they can do is request Ae-jung to go along with it, for the sake of the show. Quite ironically, it’s Ae-jung who isn’t feeling the love.

Mom then goes to the Gu family to confirm, “So you’re saying that she thinks Pil-joo’s a good man, but doesn’t like him?” Ding-dong: “Ding-dong!”

Ae-jung goes to Pil-joo, feeling sorry to his mother: “I feel like I’m making her worry groundlessly that you and I may take this all the way.” He tells her seriously, “It’s not a groundless worry. When I started, I was ready to take this all the way.”

All this has taught him a lesson: “That if a heart is full of another person, I can’t claim it.” He asks that if she has even the smallest care for him, to let the other person go.

On the career front, President Moon is confident that Ae-jung’s career is due for a revival, with her demo ready and a CF offer coming in, albeit a small one. Therefore, she has a favor to ask, and calls upon Ae-jung’s commendable grasp of reality: Please convince Jin to go to Hollywood. Since Jin has a fierce sense of pride, Ae-jung should try provoking it and cut him loose.

That night, she thinks over her quandary, dissolving into sobs as she drops her sneakers into an envelope for clothing recycling. And as she cries, so does Hyung-kyu.

Manager Jang gives Se-ri the news that Mina has changed her name to Hye-jin, and that she’d reportedly married and moved to America. He’s not sure whether she’s currently in Korea, but Se-ri is, and promises to find her.

To that end, she goes to Pil-joo’s clinic where the nurse confirms that Han Hye-jin is a patient. This has got to be overstepping the bounds of ethics, but Se-ri’s got her star power to trample over that pesky red tape, and while the nurse won’t convey Mina’s phone number, she offers up her next appointment time, so Se-ri can come by and meet her.

Thankfully, Pil-joo sees Se-ri leaving and asks the nurse about it. Putting two and two together, he figures that Se-ri must be looking for Mina — who, he recalls, was quite keen to remain unknown.

To Jenny he goes for clarification, and she confirms that Mina and Se-ri weren’t close, and won’t be eager to meet.

On his way out, he comes across Hyung-kyu rooting around in the recycling bin. He asks for help retrieving something his aunt threw away, “which I have to save.” Aw.

Pil-joo finds the shoes, but cautions Ding-dong that his aunt won’t like him returning something she threw away. Ding-dong protests, “She didn’t throw it away because she didn’t like it! My aunt was crying when she threw it out.”

And then the boy actually goes and washes the shoes by hand. Awww. Would that we all had such devoted cheerleaders in our lives. The world would be a better place.

At the agency, Ae-jung uses Jin’s cardboard cutout as practice for the real deal, requesting, “Please don’t shake my resolve anymore.” Jin walks in as she continues, “I really want to give it a good shot with Yoon Pil-joo. If only you weren’t in my life, I’d be fine. So get lost.”

He asks her to come over to his house, because he has something to show her. She replies, “Thinking about it, whenever you say to come, I have, and whenever you say go, I have. I think I’ve obeyed you too well.” To his surprise, though, she asks him to a picnic.

Ae-jung: “If you want to go, will you wait for me this once?”
Jin: “If I wait, will you come?”
Ae-jung “Can’t you just wait, regardless? If you’re interested in waiting and going to a picnic with me, wait in front of my house today.”
Jin: “I’ll wait. So come.”

While waiting for their next Couple Making shoot to begin, Pil-joo guesses that his words the last time were “burdensome” to her, which is the kind of thing you say when one side has feelings that aren’t reciprocated. She tells him it was a good thing, and that she needs to feel that sense of burden.

She requests his help, “so that I don’t go running to him. Hold me back.” It’s the kind of request that makes me hurt on Pil-joo’s behalf, but even sadder, he thanks her for making that decision.

Driving that knife deeper into our hearts, Jin dresses for his date with anticipation, stopping to talk to his pet potato: “Potato, today I’m risking the rest of my life and going to wait for Gu Ae-jung.” He gives it a little thumb-kiss goodbye, which: Aw. And, OH NO. This next part is gonna break MY heart, isn’t it?

Pil-joo picks up Ae-jung’s phone and sees that she has a new message from someone now renamed “Under Repair.” Clicking on the text, he sees a photo of Jin’s potato plant.

He tells Ae-jung frankly that he’d confused her phone for his, and that she’s received a text from “that person.” She asks him to erase it, preferring not to have her emotions confused by reading it. Nooo, don’t do it! Be the bigger man! Augh, why is your finger on the “confirm delete” button? Is it naive for me to hope that you didn’t actually press it?

Filming commences, featuring the couple working on a jigsaw puzzle. Pil-joo reaches over and guides Ae-jung’s hand to the right spot, saying, “I’ll help you. If it’s difficult for you, just follow me.”

Oblivious to the fact that Jin pulls up to the Gu house that evening to await, per his instructions, Ae-jung and Pil-joo go out to dinner at (where Miss Ripley plays in the background, haha!), then a movie. The day’s almost over by the time Pil-joo walks Ae-jung home.

Jin is still in his car, having waiting steadfastly all night, and all three tense to see each other. Pil-joo makes good on his promise to help by taking Ae-jung’s hand, and when he sees her hesitating as she locks eyes with Jin, he extends his other hand to her and leads her inside the gate.

Once inside the courtyard, she takes her hand back and starts to cry. She asks, half-hopefully, half-dreading, “If he has pride, he’ll leave now for good, won’t he? It’s all over now. I’m sorry. It must be hard for you too.”

Pil-joo has noted her conflicted emotions and now spots the shoes Ding-dong had rescued. Finally he can’t take it anymore either and pulls out the cell phone, telling Ae-jung that he hadn’t deleted the message after all. (Ahhhh! I am simultaneously hurting for you and impressed with your decency, which in turn makes me hurt for you even more. I WANT A PIL-JOO. Drama gods, haven’t I earned one??)

With a heavy sigh Pil-joo goes, leaving Ae-jung to read Jin’s message, which comes with accompanying potato photo:

Jin: “Gu Ae-jung. I’ve raised the potato you brought me. Potato sprouts are poisonous, but now that I’ve raised it this much, I think it will flower. Because I’m broken, I can’t hold onto you properly — so this time, come to me. So that I can move without stopping, come recharge me.”

How’s a girl to resist that? (Answer: Not at all.) Ae-jung finds Jin resting in his car, eyes closed, and puts up her hand to the glass, in an unconscious mirroring of his move in Episode 4.

He opens his eyes, revealing his tears, as Ae-jung says, “You mean bastard. Recharge.”

Jin takes her hand, then lifts himself out the window to kiss her.

 
COMMENTS

If you’ve seen a Hong sisters drama (or seven), you’ll recognize that we’ve now entered the part marked by separation angst. Maybe the end of this episode suggests that we’re out of troubled waters, but I’m thinking not. And this is perhaps the part where we have to contend with the Funny taking a backseat to the Conflict, which — depending on the execution — can be compelling (Hong Gil Dong) or tiresome (My Girl).

To be honest, this part isn’t typically my favorite stretch in a drama’s run — but on the upside, with this show, I’m happy to go with the source of that conflict. Namely, Jin’s bum heart. A drama — particularly a trendy, and a rom-com at that — needs to manufacture conflict to keep the tension alive, and since we’re all familiar with the pattern of a rom-com’s development, our satisfaction with its treatment lies ultimately in the credibility of that angst and the execution thereof. It’s why, despite the obviousness of the plot arc, we still find a vast range in a drama’s success rate in pulling off said plot arc. Lie To Me, for instance, entered this phase this week as well, but as it failed to introduce any semblance of real-world logic into its separation (he’s going with the woman he no longer loves because he “doesn’t want to hurt her,” but is, as a consequence, hurting the woman he currently loves), it still falls shy of emotional resonance for me.

What I like about this turn is that I know it’s a plot manipulation, but I’m still completely invested in this relationship, mostly thanks to the wonderfully committed, sincere performances of the three main leads. In the hands of lesser actors, I’d say this conflict is nothing special — but with these three, my heart bleeds for them. I’m confident that Jin will emerge victorious (49 Days this ain’t), but his fear that he’ll die comes off as credible, and that in turn binds me to his angst. With Gumiho and Best Love, the Hong sisters have really upped the ante, moving past mere family interference to true life-and-death dilemmas. That we should feel Jin’s fear despite being assured of his survival (at least, for me) speaks to the solidness of this conflict.

RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , , ,

288

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the recap...your Best Love recap has been one of the things that really made hook-up on this site...this includes Kaedejun's recap for Town Romance...both are my fave dramas so far...after 49 days.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ahhhhhh~ *sighs* The man y'day added another candle onto his bday cake, and he sealed it with an on screen kiss. Now that's what I'm talkin' about! That kiss was awesome!!

I at least want a cardboard cutout now. *sighs* I don't want Poporo to be the next IT thing on a Hongs Sisters drama, I want Dok Go Jin plush toys. Geukppo.

0
7
reply

Required fields are marked *

At the risk of spoiling a scene from City Hunter episode 5, I just have one question that's been bothering me:

Just how big of a deal is Pororo in Korea? Is he like Barney?

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

I didn't even spell it appropriately to know more.

I'm guessing it's compared to USA's Mickey Mouse and Japan's Hello Kitty?

I want some Band-Aids. ~ , ^ v

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ohhh, right, Mickey and Hello Kitty!

Damn effective Korean product placement. I want Pororo stuff* galore. Now where do I get me some Jin cut-outs?

*because potatoes are surprisingly easy to come by.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

In the words of GF in 1N2D EP328~~

girlfriday: No, like educational. Think: Big Bird and Elmo. The Korean version. They learn words, the multiplication table, how sharing is caring, and whatnot.

I think of it as a combination of Sesame Street, Blue's Clues, Dora the Explorer, with the cuteness of the Teletubbies. ;)

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1806821,00.html

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Do any of you know if that Pororo lie detector is a real toy? I want one so bad!! At 20, lol, I am still such a child!!
I tried googlr-ing it and can't find one so I'm thinking it's a fake Pororo toy made especially for the show.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

It's a Pororo toy mike, right? Try googling that. But don't worry, I'm sure it'll become available soon enough (though the price will soar too like pig-rabbit) because the drama has become popular. Or if you know someone in Seoul ask them to find one for you. I'm pretty sure Dongdaemun & Namdaemun markets will have those.

@Carinne - as far I know, it's still a CG animated cartoon series.

0

Is Pororo now a puppet show? I thought it was just a cartoon animation.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is as popular as those others in the educational genre.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I want a guy like Pil-Joo too .. and one like Jin ... ugh, can't she (and in my mind ... me as well) have them both.

This is by far my favorite drama right now and it seems like each week it proves itself over and over again why it's number one in my heart. Sure, the angst is coming but the actors playing the roles are just so rock solid that you can't help but fall in love with them and actually feel for them as well. And for that fact that Jin and Pil-Joo are smoking hotttttt ;D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Still rooted for Pil Joo...Love his character...such genuine and gentle...
I think he will help Ae Jung and Jin to be together in the end...he is not the kind of man that force his love or get blind love to someone....I think he is more rational and gonna accept if Ae Jung makes her mind to give her love to Jin..
That's not a big deal whether he can get Ae Jung love or not...I just love him...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank You Thank you , Really appreciate your recap of this by far my favourite drama this year.
Thanks again.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Totally laughed my ass off at the bedroom scene :D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I felt sad for Dokko. I felt sad for Pil Joo. I felt sad for Hyung Kyu. I felt sad and cried--such a nice ep.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I LOVE any scene with the nephew Ding Dong :D

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me tooooooo :D

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wonderful recaps! Thanks to you Miss...

Mr. Yoon Kye Sang deserves a Hong Sister drama with him as the main actor.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Totally agree with you there. Can we please have YKS as the next lead in a HS drama? Loving him and CSW, of course.

By the way, really love GHJ in this. She is awesome, as always.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

so fast!!!! thanks for the recap!!!! my comments tomorrow but before i get to sleep i have to say Best Ending ever.... and OMG looooooove that kissss
so kisses to all of you guys (virtual ones from Ironman) ;)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the recap again Javabeans :) I wonder if you noticed they used the theme from Back to the Future when Jin and Ae-jung were sitting in his broken car? Thought that was interesting.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

That was the moment I fell in love with this show all over again.

Oh, Best Love. You don't have to keep doing this.

You had me at "potato flower."

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

how much I love Dokko Jin?......thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssss much..

how much I love CSW?

THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCHHHHHH...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

do you really think they are going to kill Jin???

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

DUDE! Can you feel my heartbeat? ARGH. SO damn good. This drama is just toooo damn good. <3

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i totallycried for pil joo on the inside.
im dead facially so i cant express emotions but ...dammit pil joo, i hurt for you so much..so much

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I feel like Jin pulled the same stunt as Mong-ryong did.... as in waiting the day for the girl to show up.... leaving a note (or text) for her to read so she could get it.... and the 2nd male lead picks it up before the girl does :( (at least pil-joo didnt actually try to keep it a secret)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I like Pil- joo, but he just kinda bores me a lot. He's perfect, TOO perfect. I would like to see some kind of hidden secret or backgroud about him, although that conflict would probably be pointless by now. He's smart, hadsome, kind, rich, and who knows what he's got under those Lab coats ;) .

Also, did anyone notice CSW's tattoos? am i the only one who finds that, i dunno, SEXY? I'm not usually one to like tatoos on guys, but i think they fit him well :) he looks pretty hot.

0
10
reply

Required fields are marked *

Like you, I wasn't taken in by the so-called Pil-joo Perfection. Contrast Pil-joo with Yoon Kye-sang's character in Triple. He was far from perfect. He was even stalking his best friend's ex-wife! But he was completely adorable doing it and made it such a romantic gesture that you'd wish someone like him to be camping out in your front yard.

Here, he's just meh. I don't think it's his fault, though. I'm sure he's doing the best he could with the script and the role he was given. The Hong sisters could've done more with his character to make him a more compelling second lead, and making it tougher for us, the audience, and Ae-jung to make that ultimate decision. But instead, they made the choice pretty obvious. It looks like there's nothing for him to do now.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've been on Team Jin from the start, but to give the Hongs fair credit...

If Pil Joo's boring, it's not completely an accident.

Pil Joo and Ae Jeong were doing a jigsaw puzzle on their date, for god's sake.

A jigsaw puzzle.

There's no way you write something like that unintentionally.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

LOL. I agree. Maybe they underestimated the appeal of Dokko Jin so the Hongs wrote Pil-joo's character that way to make the OTP stand out a bit more. But Cha Seung-won proved he really doesn't need that kind of help.

As for the jigsaw puzzle--perhaps to a guy like Pil-joo, jigsaw puzzle = promise of sexy times ahead :D

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

"As for the jigsaw puzzle–perhaps to a guy like Pil-joo, jigsaw puzzle = promise of sexy times ahead"

I think you might be right. I mean, I don't want to spoil anything for the next episode here, but... dude's really into that puzzle.

0

I agree 100% with every single thing you said. Pil-joo is too perfect, and boring as hell, and tattoos on guys are HOT.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

let me change it a little, i would say:

I agree 100% with every single thing you said. Pil-joo is too perfect, and boring as hell, and tattoos on CSW are HOT.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

" ... and tattoos on CSW are HOT"

Agree totally. Even a tattoo of Pororo would have looked HOT on CSW.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Indeed!

0

I saw the one on his leg too....wondered how many he had in all...hahaha...I find it ok on him too dunno why...then again, CSW was also the first k-actor I love with 'stache...

When I read thru the comments it's obvious why they are two teams...LOL...Because some of us like our man a little bad and some like them good....I like my guys a little bad that's why I always fall for the flawed one...LOL...and when they make the flawed one the 2nd lead (Moon Jae Shin in SKKS), It's no wonder I loved him too...LOL

Of cos for me this applied in real life too...I broke up with my ex cos he was too bloody perfect...and my current has just a little badness...LOL. I'm weird I know.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me! I saw the tattoo on the leg and wondered the same too!! Boy is CSW hot! I'm a pervert over a peek of a tattoo right? *hang head in shame*
*brighten after 1 nanosecond* But I (finally) find out why I love Dokko Jin's character besides all the usual - tall, manly voice, man-child antics and all - I'm sure for other Hana Yori Dango fan, you would have noticed much earlier that Dokko Jin looks just like Domyjoji in the manga version. It is the first time in real life who carry out the curly, pineapple hairstyle that is so distinctive of Domyjoji.
Thanks JB & GF for your recaps! never fail to bring a smile to my face.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

CSW makes cars sexier than ever! the Sun block, the lean in
(CH) and this kiss. Melting at the thought. He does fluff
and dangerous (Athena) equally hot!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

http://www.allkpop.com/2011/06/national-treasure-girls-to-release-10th-anniversary-album

and just confirmed that one can order it in yesasia.com.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks! I was going to check and you did the work for me.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm glad they didn't show Pil-joo watching the kiss at a distance. That would've spoiled an otherwise romantic scene. I hate it when dramas do this with stalky second leads observing the scene unfold while lurking in the background. I'm going to bet they will show exactly this at the beginning of the next episode. Though I'm really hoping they don't.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The same thought of him watching the kiss from afar crossed my mind too. It'd be so sad ... heartbreaking in fact. ;p

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

<3 Pil Joo. Why can't there be more guys like that where I am???

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!! Thank you once again, JB, for giving my weekly dose of Dokko Jin! :D

I just watched that episode of Gossip Girl where Blair explained to Chuck that while being with the Prince makes her happy, as it is light and just easy-breezy, with Chuck, Blair feels most alive, and she said something like there are "good" loves, but there are also "great" loves, and Chuck is her great love. While Blair's definition of "great love" tilts a bit too much into the dark side, i.e., two sneaky people who enable each other to ehrm... do more sneakiness and sometimes, evil, I see how the concept has been masterfully demonstrated by the Hong sisters in this drama through our adorable leads.

Pil Joo is like Blair's Prince -- sincere, uncomplicated, kind, patient -- all the platitudes that one can heap on an awesome guy. But like the Prince, Pil Joo doesn't see the totality of Ah Jung. Sure, he sympathizes with her plight, instinctively he knows that Ah Jung was wronged in the past, but his instinct is also to "save" her from the dirty world of showbiz and whisk her off into the sunset.

Dokko Jin is different. Even before he started to like her, he was already on her side. He knew of her past, but did not feel the need to "save" her. Instead, he cheered her on, lent her a hand when she was in a tight spot, defended her honor many times, but respected her craft most of all. He never wanted Ah Jung to leave showbiz, he wanted her to triumph at the thing she loves most. He is, like Chuck, an enabler, but in a good way. That is why my two feet are now firmly planted in the Dokko Jin-Ah Jung ship. Dokko Jin BELIEVES in Ah Jung completely, without reservations. He believes not only in her goodness (Pil Joo does too), but he believes in her talent and innate ability to entertain people. He marvels at her pride and courage to forge on despite having lived with a tattered (undeserved) reputation for years, and her ability to remain kind despite all this. He loves the people she loves (as most shown in his devotion to Ding-Dong), and he never tried to pamper or coddle her. He protects her when needed, but he has such unshakeable faith in Ah Jung's abilities. For all his immaturity, Dokko Jin is a most mature man. And I love him for that. <3

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

And I love your comment :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for this insightful look into Dokko Jin's character. Now that you've verbalized them, I realize these aspects of DJ are some of the reasons why I have been firmly on the D-line (J-line?) from the word "go". Of course, it's partly (or mainly?) because of CSW. Can't imagine any other actor able to bring out all the dimensions of Dokko Jin--the craziness, the seeming immaturity, the vulnerability, the grand gestures, the gentle glances and the smoldering stares, fear, pain, the lost "child", etc. etc.-- with this level of success and excellence. DJ/CSW -- a truly romantic hero!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well said Leina.

Even though Chuck has a killer voice, I'd take Dokko over Chuck anyday. ;)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"...I’m hook-line-sinkered into this conflict and relationship, because it makes me FEEL. And I’m grateful to dramas that do that."

*****

And this what good writing does.

If one doesn't feel much/anything for a character when he/she is going through some emotional pain, the "rom-com" fails in the "rom" part.

If there aren't some good laughs spread throughout, to lighten the mood in btwn the "heavier" moments, then the rom-com fails in the "com" part.

Thankfully, "BL" has heaps of both.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i totally love this drama...and yes, i love DingDong!!! he seems older than that of a seven year old!!! ha ha ha...

i love the bedroom scene with the cream and the footprints...sooo funny!!!

that's what i love about the Hong sis' dramas, they keep you on your toes and still get the chance to give you some great love metaphors!

now i need to know if potatoes do grow some flowers???

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

If you're asking whether potatoes can grow flowers, the answer is yes: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=potato%20flower

And I was so hoping they'd go there, too!

The metaphors are merging into one super metaphor.

Now if only we could get the chicken, magnets, and lie detector in there, by their powers combined we'll have.... CAPTAIN PLANET!

No, wait, I think my math is off somehow. Maybe it's because I forgot to carry the purple sneakers, but I'm pretty sure that should've added up to Iron Man...

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So very thankful and relieved that the episode ended with a reward rather than heartbreak. My heart was hurting. I'm still feeling residual aches. Crazy. I love Cha Seung Won. He just rocks. Really, elevating the art of acting big time. He reminds me a bit of Cary Grant. Thoroughly dashing. Quite a bit of a rake. Yet all because he's so real and insanely thoughtful deep down.

I need a recharge... 충전언언ㄴㄴㄴㄴㄴ

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm gonna grow a potato, too.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i love the way u used id and superego. goes to show you have some sociology knowledge. well, this shows that watching dramas (or rather, reading your recaps) is another way of applying what we've studied! =))

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ding-Dong is one of the cutest boys ever. Aww, I love him, really.
I knew that he wouldn't delete that message. He is Pil-joo. I liked that he tried because he saw a little hope, and she tried too because she knows he is a good guy. We all love Jin (or the mayority) but in real life I would choose a Pil-joo. My heart aches for him too.
I really wanted for So-ran to be with Pil-joo, but now she ruined it. Maybe she will be redeemed but he saw her true nature and she will go for more.
The face of Jin when he sees Ae-jung and Pil-joo killed me, and I cried a little when he cried. But oh pretty kiss.
Oh yeah, i agree, with all you said.

Thank you for the recap!

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think you meant Se-ri, I think Soran is from LTM...LOL

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hahah thank you. Im watching so many dramas right know, I get confused with the names.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Drama god or whoever! Please send me a anybody doctor! I need treatment...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Arghhhh loving this......do you think they gonna have a happy ending though? I HOPE SO!!!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

poor Hyung Kyu and Jin! i dont want this series to end! ;P Im soooo happy they used Alex's song...Luv Luv Luv him!

maybe Pil-joo's destiny is Seri! maybe he is the way for her to change her life ehheheh

thanks for the recap.it got me excited more! :)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

ahhhh! lovely!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This show is good because despite it being a supposedly silly funny meaningless rom-com, the actors, scriptwriters and director has managed to turn it into an entertaining, fun-filled, angst filled hour.

The script is great to begin with because of the details, metaphors and oddball scenarios. That the actors managed to digest the characters and add their own sheen to them is a real treat.

The innocent and troubled looks that Kong Hyo Jin portrays which makes audiences really emphatise with her, the I am the top guy in the world stuck up Cha Seung won who at the same time demonstrated many comic moves while exuding romantic gazes when he wants, to the warm and fuzzy Yoon Kye Sang who makes me think he is like a sweet teddy bear that I want by my bedside

This show should be a textbook for rom com writers and producers!

I just pray it end decent after the shock and bad taste that 49days left behind.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Whoever ends with Pil Joo is not important for me now, because I luuuvvv.............my adorkable docs....
maybe some of people find him as a boring person..but for me....I like type of guy who nice and know how to treat a woman.......
(I'm sure that there is a nice good guy just like him in reality world..gonna search for him...wkwkw....)

0
12
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree. Dr Pil Joo has now become one of my fav k-drama secondary lead. What's wrong with a guy who is sweet and sincere? I also love that PJ is not passive when it comes to love but neither is he pushy about it either. He fights for his chance to win her heart but knows when to back off when he sees that Ae-jung loves Jin. And Yoon Kye-sang is wonderful in this role. I am now a fan.

0
11
reply

Required fields are marked *

agree with you....
actually I watched BL first because i'm a fan of YKS (and because of Hong sister of course)...and ready to cry a lot when I knew that he would be second lead again...
But after I watched Hong Sister writing, I can watch it with ease because although he won't gonna get the girl but he get the character which I luuuv most...
Try other of his drama...his acting skill is very varied...and his look definitely suit for diverse character...either romantic, goofy, cool,...or though.....wawwww

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Goog good boy Pil-Joo the angel has to save bad bad-girl Seri the devils heart and soul.

And later in the Epilogue-scene we will see that they have many many little angelic-brats (babies)... maybe that is his hidden agenda in this rom-com...??????????

I know I have crazy vizions again...!

For Pil-Joo, he is the most decent 2nd lead male character I have ever watched in a K-Drama. To good to be real - better said he is a terrifying good man.

Well, this was really a great Episode. Loved it, loved it, loved it.....

CSW is such an great actor, a superb comedion. I really cracked up at his door-knocking scene to AJ's room. It was so funny that beside the final scene I re-re-re-re-rewatched it again and again.

And how he can look....Thats why I love him. Full of hidden but nevertheless so obvious subtle emotions. I enjoy his acting very much and this drama gives him the possibility to show his immense acting skills.

I cant imagine any other actor for Dokko Jin as him.
Who would be able to play an 37 year old sexy-mature-man with attacks of 7 years olds behaviours without becoming a totally ridicoulus character. I am always fascinated how mature and cool DJ can become when it is required, and then without any warning behave so ludicrously that even little Hyung-Kyung looks like an wise old man next to him.

Ahhh little Ding-Dong love him. He is DJ's only real friend. Love their interactions so much, I wished both would have much more scenes together. CSW can really act great with children. He has a great chemistry with this little boy, too. I love their dialogues. I suppose that is because in this drama DJ treats Ding-Dong like a grown-up, equal person not like a child he need not to take serious.

This Episode was full of emotions, and it was bittersweet to watch how he is dragged to AJ, wants to confess to her, but cant because he wants to protect her to fall comletely in love with him, to spare her the pain of a lost love when he is going to die (ouch even writing this deadly sentence, imagine him dying hurts )

I hope that AJ grasps in the next Episode "how broken" he is. The Hong Sisters did so far a great job, and it would be odd if they drag it out several episodes more until AJ realizes that DJ's life is on a terribly risk. They portraited her as a clever girl, so she should be able to sum up quickly all the indications, hidden hints in his behaviour and words....

Ahhh, and finally the KISSS...!

It was a CSW-KISS for sure. God is he the only korean-actor who can kiss so hot, so sexy, so sensitive...so bewitching ?

In my eyse, he made the Kiss look so good. At that moment I was thinking about City Hall and how wonderful Kim Sun-Ah kissed him back. GHY reaction to his kiss was plainly disappointing. She didnt move and stood like nearly 99% of the korean actresses like lamp-post in his arms. I hope this is purposed acting as for the 1st real kissing-shock and the following kissing-scenes will be much better, giddyier.

Cant wait for this todays opening scene to see where the kiss leads.

Thanks JB for your recap of this beautiful Episode.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeah, CSW's acting skills are pretty amazing. I didn't so much notice or care when I first started watching this drama (I just admired his hotness, right?), but now I'm finding myself really blown away by his ability to portray so many different emotions so vividly.

His face and his eyes tell you everything; you don't need any narration to know what he's thinking or feeling at any time. I'm just amazed at how he can go from goofy/ridiculous, to scary-dangerous, to intensely passionate, to loving and tender, to heartbreakingly sad, all within one episode.

And this episode, for some reason, really drove home for me the disconnect between the public and private DJs. In public, he's cool, collected, in control, sophisticated -- seems like a competent adult man... while when he's alone or with AJ, he's really pretty much loony-tunes.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well said, Sethe, on CSW's acting chops.

As much as I love all the comical parts and hilarity in this drama, the scenes I've re-watched the most number of times are those quiet, serious moments when subtlety was called for. My favourite scene is still in ep 9, when Jin had just dropped Ae-Jung off and she began 'fessing up to being attracted to him too. In just that 60-odd seconds from the start to end of her speech, barely any discernible/drastic changes in his facial expression, but we could already feel the range of emotions roiling within him.

CSW emotes, period. But not excessively or theatrically. Subtlety and nuances is the name of his game. And I love him so much for that.

0

To RWJQ - Just watch his body language as he comes out of the car, walks over near her. He never stops moving, as if it is taking all the control he boasts of not to grab and hug her.

They both do an awesome job of the push pull dance. He turns slightly towards her and then back. She starts her confession, and he turns his face towards her, but his shoulders are still away. He has still not decided to risk everything...Until, you know, that moment when he grabs, finally and kisses her.

0

To Jomo,

Oh, ikr? That’s another favourite part of mine from that episode! I actually went “awww....” the first time I saw that. It’s like he was reluctant to end their “date”, yet had run out of excuses not to let her go ... it was another broad-grin moment for me.

And I agree with your #92.1 comment posted on the Ep 9 thread, about his “look” after the kiss. Yet another perfect execution from CSW. I’m so gonna miss him when BL ends. Sigh.

(Um, why isn’t there a “reply” button under my previous and Jomo’s posts?)

0

For me, I watched the BL for GHJ and I end up appreciating YKS. I am a (male) fan of GHJ for years but AJ is the most irritating role among all the characters she's played. I don't like the fact that she told Pil-joo to hold her back while her heart was obviously with Jin, which is a total disrespect for the doctor and even for Jin.

And I don't get why people think Pil-joo is too perfect. I think he is only human since he wants to have even the little bit chance with someone he loves. And what's wrong with that? He is only human by NOT deleting the message since he wants to let AJ make her choice and he wants her genuine affection (that's the basic dignity that he is asking for himself and for herself). Just like ockoala says in her blog, I find PJ realistic, genuine and sincere. He is the ONLY normal character in this drama. Period. Frankly, with the average of 10-minute appearance in each episode (in episode 11, only 5 minutes--apparently he did too good a job that the director decided to cut him out), he shines through the screen and his performance outdoes my much beloved GHJ and CSW, and he emotes so beautifully in episode 12. Contrary to all the CSW fans here, I actually think performing an ordinary and "boring" personality is the hardest thing to do since you have to control your delivery while expressing subtlety.

I only know YKS through G.O.D. Now, I gotta do some homework watching all his other dramas. He is the under-appreciated jewel and I am looking forward to his new film!

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Interesting. Food for thought...

And I feel like I'm betraying my beloved drama by saying this, but Ae-jung has been annoying me more and more over the last few episodes. It's like she's turning into a typical k-drama heroine, with all of her little gasps and shocked faces and covering her mouth with her hand -- and, as someone pointed out, just standing there like a lamppost when CSW kissed her. (Although, that probably took some great acting on her part! ;) )

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Sethe,

I hate the gasp-and-covering-mouth-with-hand gesture too. Not only from Ae Jung, but many other female characters in K-dramas. I remember how much it grated on me when Gil Ra-Im did that in Secret Garden. Imo, it’s just so not her.

Another annoying gesture was the clutching-the-nape-or-anywhere-in-the-back-of-head whenever one is upset. Why is (almost) everyone doing the same thing? It’s like all these actresses share a common handbook on how to depict certain emotions, lest the audience is too stupid to get what they are emoting.

0

HJlover,

I am a CSW fan and a great admirer of his acting ability but that doesn’t mean I’m blind to great acting from the other cast. :)

I’m with you on YKS, and the level of difficulty to play, especially, a quiet, aloof or reserved personality. I wanted to but didn’t get the chance to watch YKS's earlier project “Who Am I”. That makes Best Love my first YKS drama and I’ve to admit he’s impressed the hell outta me. I remember telling my mate by the 4 th episode, “Man, the guy playing the doctor is good!”.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hj Lover..if you want to watch YKS older drama, may I give you suggestion since I have already watch almost all of his drama:
1. if you like rom-com drama, you should try Who Are you (he play double character and the shift between those character is very smooth..just like played by two different actor)....then My Sister in Law is 19 (this one is his first drama..so maybe you will find him a little bit awkward..but still cute)
2. if you want find yourself in a tear-jerking drama..so you must definitely WATCH Crazy For Love (many people said and so am I...that in this drama you can see his acting talent....soo loveable)
3. if you want to see him as though guy..you should try Road No 1..but I have to warn to you that this is not a good drama tough...the rating reflects it..I just watch it in YKS part..hehehehe

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I had no idea that, when I picked up this drama, it would be so awesome.

The solid-ness of the leads is and the character they portrait is remarkable.

Keep it up Biscuit and Dokko-Bot.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ugh...what can I say? While I really didn't plan to have a crush for another male actor -after Yoo Ah-in at SKKS-, I'm starting to have a crush for CSW, ha. I didn't realize before that he can actually act and act well. I feel that I'm being sucked into the screen when I see him in this series.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Try City Hall after Best Love ends. He was just as hot, if not more, in it. :)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ha that's precisely why I am not going to try Cityhall because I don't want to be turned into a CSW dummy.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

That's it. I am inspired to grow my own potato plant! Luckily, the metaphorical love-object for this show is so cheap and DIY. The pig-rabbit plushie from You're Beautiful was so expensive online-not even an option! ;)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

First off, thank you, javabeans, for the speedy recap.

Oh how I love Ding Dong! He's so cute! Love his rapid-blinking of the eyes when he was asking Jin for help. Cracked me up. I cried when he cried seeing his aunt sobbing over the sneakers, and smiled broadly when he was hand-washing the said sneakers. He's such a champion for AJ-DJ.

And, Dr Pil-Joo is not the only one who has learnt a lesson. I've learnt that I need to have more faith in the Hong Sisters. Despite the quick resolution of the many issues (read: no draggy plot developments) over the course of the past 10 episodes, I still thought they were going to go the usual, typical 'route' and have Jin drive away before AJ could reach him after reading the text message, ergo, continuation of misunderstanding. So, the role reversal (?) at the end of this episode with AJ's hand on the car window, cradling Jin's face, AND, the kiss, came as a huge and pleasant surprise. I was squeeing out loud!

So in love with Best Love. Can't wait for ep 12.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I scbhgdehbk LOVE YOUR BL REVIEWS TO DEATH! eek.

So much LOVE for this drama and the metaphors and the euphemisms and whatever symbolisms The Hongs are spinning.

"Pet Potato" "you mean bastard, recharge." and OOF! SO MUCH MOARRRRR..... haiz this is PURE love.

I just hope that tonight's episode will be a tad better now that we have Team AEJIN jumping onboard together, strong.

I just need an episode where they are a normal couple (ok a little kookiness is o-kay) and i just realized that DJ actually wanted her by his side for a month? SHE COULD HAVE SAID YES IF NOT FOR DJ REFUSING TO SAY, "I like you, please stay with me." GARGGGH ANGST.

But oh well. I know the drama gods are looking after them well. *prays*

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

PS. Did anyone cried with pride when DingDong answered PJ's mum with a strong DINGDONG! (i like how this 7 yr old munchkin understood that even though PJ-ahjusshi is a nice man, his aunt doesn't have feelings for him.)

YAY DINGDONG IS TEAM AEJIN! :'D

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Until he gets distracted by doughnuts?? LOL Love him...

Wow and CSW is soooooo tall and his arms so long..., he actually reached up and took the stuff with so much ease...it looks so far up onscreen...

and of cos him leaning out of the car window...long lean body...pretty flexible too by the looks of it...LOL

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

lol the donuts! (but we must rmbr he did not ate it all in fact he kept most of it to apologize to Ironman-ahjusshi) :')

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

yes of cos...must give the boy credit for that...LOL
He was on Jin-line from the very beginning after all...

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've recently moved to Japan to work and I've been missing home so much :'(.. but thanks to you dramabeans (Javabeans and Girlfriday) I have found reasons to look forward to the next day (sounds bleak...I know) AND SO,

I AGREE that Javabeans deserved to have a PIL JOO!!!
I'll pray for you! and I really want to have my Dokko Jin too.

thanks for this girls!!!! :D

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, blankoy! Don't break my heart.
It will be better.
Make sure you go the Open Thread here on Friday and tell everyone all about it. There will be lots of people who have been through that and lots of support for you!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

You guys may find me crazy, but this drama is VERY BAD.Don't you see it yourself, it's so fake everywhere...
I read your enthusiastic comments and wait for something to happen, but here we are at 11th episode- and nothing!!

Poor CSW, he looked SOOO attractive in City Hall, the role was great, the partner was inspirating, so he was at the top. Now- the story is fussy and empty, the emotions are so shallow and all fake. They spin around in a very smallish circle, no passion no drama anywhere. CSW looks old ( no wonder- this role would only suit a much younger actor), his eyes are dull. The girl can not do anything about it - her role is too passive.
What a disappointment!

0
17
reply

Required fields are marked *

T.R.O.L.L.???

How is it bad? How is it fake? What were you expecting to happen if you think nothing happened for the last 11 episodes? What's inspirating? (is that a word?) In what way does the story be described as fussy and empty, the emotions to be shallow and fake? How can there not have been passion and drama as you see it? And lastly, CSW too old for the role, plus Ae-Jung is too passive? Waah! I'm just simply amazed by your interpretation. You're one in a million! Simply amazing!

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am not troll at all. I 've been a huge fan of asian drama since 2005. I really think they are the best. But being nor asian and not English speaking neither,I probably don't understand something about Greatest Love.
It seems to me that these series cater pretty much to a local ( say, urban pan-asian) market, because I don't get a lot of nuances which you are taliking about ( for example the cuteness of Ding Dong boy or some spider man- iron man relations- to me it's unclear).
While some other dramas were impressing to me because they deal with universal things and some local flavor only made them nicer: my favourites are My Name is Kim Sam Soon,What happened in Bali ( although the end is a little risquee ), Hong Gil Dong , Full house, Time between Wolves and dogs, Winter Sonata( of course), City hall, Que sera sera,Capital scandal, The woman who still wants to marry was good too. Then japanese Kimi wa petto, Nodame Cantabile , and Tatta hitotsu no koi. These dramas could be sold to any country and I am sure they would have a major success.
While The Greatest Love is much less interesting ,and even CSW can't do anything about it.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Somehow, I get it now.

Maybe too many meta-fiction and pop culture references for some people. The Hong sisters are getting more clever with their wordplays (puns), metaphors, and allegories. If one isn't a fan of their work, then I guess you won't get it at all. I was really surprised by how many people did not get and do not like MGIAG. For me that was a whole new level to the rom-com genre (topping YB). I love how the HS are so creative and unconventional. I guess I'm over being a fan of the obvious and the normal. =)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Interesting. But I still do think that - if you can manage to dig through the meta cultural references - you'll find that there are indeed universal themes. The drama is currently asking is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Which is more loving/less cruel? When there's the possibility of parting in the near future but it's obvious that both sides want to be with each other, should people go for it and cherish whatever time they may get OR should they not start lest the loss be too painful? Is self-sacrifice truly less cruel and more loving? Is sparing pain now more loving or does it end up being more cruel in the end? These were also 49 Days' questions. In Best Love, the two lovers can be parted in at least one of two ways: Dokko Jin's death or some scandal that forces them to part. While the more humble rest of us don't have to reckon with these questions on such a dramatic level, I think we do face such choices in more humble ways everyday. Whether or not to tell parents/children/partners that one's sick/got into an accident/having a tough time at work. Is sparing them pain the most loving thing or can giving them the opportunity to be there with you and love you be more loving?

Anyhow, I'm gaga for Cha Seung Won, the actor. So amazing. I totally disagree with whomever it was who said that Cha Seung Won was hotter in City Hall. Yes, hotter perhaps in a very limited way. I find that Best Love is allowing Cha Seung Won to show far more of his acting chops than any other previous drama or film has allowed him. This Dokko Jin with his multi-faceted and rich personality, with all his lunacy and vulnerability, is so much more compelling. City Hall Cha Seung Won was sexy, powerful masculinity personified, but ultimately not as multi-dimensional. Best Love Cha Seung Won, I wouldn't be surprised, ends up changing how Koreans regard masculinity.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wholly agree, Anais.

In an earlier blog, I did wonder how I could transition from my fixation on CSW as Jo Guk in City Hall to CSW as Dokko Jin. Found out that every episode of Best Love ups the fixation level to an even higher degree. The layers and nuances in acting that CSW has shown in this drama (which make him even sexier, attractive, and oh-so-lovable) just leave me speechless and open-mouthed.
*surreptitiously wipes drool*

0

Favoree:

Now I can understand your negative reaction to BL a bit. The meta cultural references can be confusing, true. I am Asian (but not Korean), and I watch English-subbed k-dramas. As they say, a lot can be lost in the translation.
Thus, am so grateful for the DB recaps where javabeans and girlfriday really do a great job in clarifying the puns used by the Hong sisters. The clarifications on certain aspects of Korean culture they and other bloggers provide on this site also help me understand, and thus enjoy and appreciate the dramas more. To understand some of the meta references, especially those to earlier dramas which i have not watched, I do some more research or watch pertinent episodes. (This makes me wonder if this indicates a level of drama addiction that seriously needs medical attention.)

That being said, different strokes for different folks. I am one viewer who enjoys a drama that uses a lot of metaphors (both linguistic and visual), meta-references, and language play, so Best Love is immensely compelling to me, in addition to all its other pluses. CSW in it is already +++++++++++++++++.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

*flashes red* "You mustn't lie!"

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

ROFL :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

HAHA!! I just saw this. Love the wit. But I don't necessarily discount favoree's sentiments for her/himself.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

EFFFFFFF OFF, SRSLY.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

it's ok. everyone is entitled to his/her opinions. I used to look down on It Started with a Kiss (Taiwan version) too - over the top acting and with such a silly female lead to boot - but when I picked up the show again years later, I'm surprised to fall in love with the main couple. I'm not saying you will love Best Love if you watch it in a few month's time, but sometimes, different dramas appeal at different life stages.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

agree! ;-)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks, favoree, for sharing with us what seemed to be an honest opinion on your part.

Pray, can you tell us, what kdramas have you watched which you considered VERY GOOD if Best Love was very bad by your standards?

Maybe with that we will understand better where you are coming from.

Thanks.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ooppps...you must be reading my mind cos you answered the same time I sent my earlier comment.

That's great! I also love some of those kdramas (and Jdrama, too) that you've mentioned.

It's okay if you don't like Best Love. It happens. For some who are not into metaphors or dialogues laden with double-meanings as Best Love is, they might really find all the buzz on it kinda weird.

Thanks, favoree, for sharing your honest point of view once again....

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

My main problem is that very little happens in this drama.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well, I think most (all?) of the "action" centers around the development and evolution of the emotions between the main characters. This is really a love story, pure and simple, so the plot and action is two people meeting, discovering an attraction to each other, and figuring out what to do with those feelings in the face of genuine obstacles.

As anais said above, this drama deals with the moral/ethical/emotional question of how one should deal with love in a situation in which fate might dictate an unhappy ending. Is it better/kinder for DJ to keep AJ in the dark, and push her away, since he knows there's a good chance he may die in the next month? Or is it better/kinder to tell her everything and thus give her a say in the decision? In this case, there's going to be pain for her if DJ dies, whether or not they spent the time before his death together as a couple or not... is it better to enjoy every minute of that time to the fullest, rather than trying to avoid the inevitable pain by staying distant from each other?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Favoree: You are not alone in your perception. In fact, a lot of audience within and outside Korea have shared the same view as you, but they just don't want to care or dare to articulate their opinions. In MBC drama DC, quite a few Korean netizens expressed similar views as you and these netizens are, like you, "seasoned" and experienced viewers of Korean TV dramas for years. I actually find fans of BL are more interesting phenomenon than the drama itself. Lol. Anyway, everyone has their own taste and their own opinion should be respected.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

OH noooos! I read the whole thing before waiting for the subs~ i wish they would just tell each other they like each other tho :p

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

>.<
Can't wait for the next recap.
keep your good Job !

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

hi friends,

you can find kdrama torrents at semifly's box.net account:

http://www.box.net/shared/pync63o4sh/%5Bobject%20Object%5D/69099411

or at mehanata.net

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Mr. Pantyman in swim trunks...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgVe8KlVxXs&feature=related

sorry for posting this but i could not resist doing it:-)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ha! The swim trunks at 2:1x was hot, but as the aerobics instructor @ 3:07? Ha!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I still haven't watch it :(

Can't read.

Can't comment.

Don't know what I'm doing here :(

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

It amazes me that this show has me crying buckets for one man in one second, and literally in the next second, crying for another man. This could be sign of great writing or me developing a split personality.

I think we ALL need a Dokko Jin and a Pil Joo in our lives. Yeah.. I'm greedy :)

And yeah... try to secretly watch this episode at work and hide your tears at the same time. Good luck with that!!!

OK!! let's do a head count! Who else re-winded the last part more than 5 times???

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

*raises her hand* I did! Way more than 5 times, to be honest! ;P

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Also, JB thanks so so so much for this song. I ♥ Alex!!!!
Loooove his voice, makes me melt.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Mr. Cactus is still alive!!!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Great job. Thank you so much.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love how calculate-y your recap rants are now. haha. Still haven't watched it but browsed at some of the parts. Still waiting for some sort of subs.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

At long last! The best in 2011! I love it! I didn't expect to but I do now. I have experienced all of the emotions mentioned and I just scanned through it because I am still waiting for softsubs to come out Thanks to dramabeans I can be updated by your wonderful recaps. Lets keep the ball rolling! These actors are so good indeed! I have forgotten about the better looking ones since I started watching BL. Although we can't deny Cha Seung-Won's irresistible presence, am I right everyone? Gah! I love it!
Such dangerous timing...school starts on Monday and I haven't completed my lesson plans... best love to dramabeans!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *