Incarnation of Money: Episode 24 (Final)

91 April 23, 2013January 24, 2016

by gummimochi

In the final battle of this brutal war, the truth rears its ugly head as justice comes to declare final judgment on the righteousness of our characters. Everyone has a shot at a second chance, to turn away from their misdeeds, and make a new start. But you’ll miss it if you let your pride and selfish ambition stand in the way. You may think that you’re looking down on society from your moral pedestal, but you need to look up and realize that you’ve already fallen. So it may be the end of the line for you, but it’s just the beginning for someone else.

Incarnation went out with a bang in its final week with 14.3% and 16.8%, respectively.

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FINAL EPISODE RECAP

As expected, the growing unrest within the public makes Prosecutor General Jo uneasy, and he pushes for the trial to indict Se-kwang once and for all. The cards are stacked against them but Team Shudal has one last card to play: tonight’s tell-all interview that will shed light on the late chairman’s murder case.

Completely shocked by the news, Reporter Go rushes to find Se-kwang who is currently held in custody. He’s eager to point the blame at Se-kwang and has the gall to say that it was Se-kwang who committed all those crimes, not him.

Enraged, Se-kwang grabs him by the shirtfront and roars that they have to prevent the tape from airing by any means necessary.

So Reporter Go swipes the tape from the editing room and rushes down the stairwell to hurriedly destroy the tape. Unfortunately, he gets caught red-handed by Jae-in and company, who tsk their disapproval at his mad desperation.

The now destroyed tape is a fake and no one is surprised by his actions, least of all Jae-in, who tells him that she expected him to genuinely apologize to Cha-don at the very least.

Out of the job, Reporter Go is left with just his guilty conscience.

Back in the interrogation room, Cha-don relays to Se-kwang that it’s a pity all of his supporters will turn their backs on him after tonight’s broadcast. Se-kwang isn’t worried since he doesn’t put his trust in people: “I only trust the law.”

“Law?” Cha-don laughs, “It’s probably money, not law. Because they’re only mobilized by money.” However Se-kwang is confident that Cha-don currently lacks the evidence to indict him.

As Ji-hoo sits in her room, nursing a drink, she recalls the rest of the conversation we left off from the previous episode. Cha-don had reminded her of her own words that a mistake can make an innocent person into a criminal, and giving up lets a criminal go free.

Ji-hoo had brushed him off, only to hear him calling out in the background asking whether she really intends to throw away her sense of justice. Holding the bank receipt in her hand, she makes a call.

Cha-don finds Ji-hoo pouring herself shot after shot, and he rips the bottle away from her. For someone who’s been drinking all morning, Ji-hoo sounds impressively sober as she reminds Cha-don with remarkable clarity that she’s a judge and also his former superior.

With that, she slams the receipt onto the table. Cha-don is taken aback as she continues: “If those who administer justice break the law, then there will be no one who will trust and abide by the law.”

So she tells Cha-don to uphold his honor in court as a prosecutor because she’ll uphold hers as a judge. Dayum.

Ji-hoo stumbles out of the restaurant and Team Shudal cheers, their victory now secure.

Team Shudal brace themselves as they watch the televised broadcast later that evening, and Jae-in takes Cha-don’s shaking hand in hers.

The reporter recounts how Mom served a prison sentence in a mental institution and how the late chairman’s large fortune disappeared in the hands of a few individuals. Though the statute of limitations has run out, the truth remains.

We pan over each of our Traitagon members as the reporter describes the individuals: a respected prosecutor, a high-ranking prosecutor, and a well-known anchorman. Now the truth will finally be revealed and the names of these corrupt men known to the world.

Then we see Jae-in onscreen, who names all the Traitagon members in turn, including Bi-ryung.

But that’s not all, as Jae-in confirms that the late Chairman Lee’s son, Lee Kang-seok, is still alive today. Bi-ryung sits up a little straighter in her seat and gasps when Jae-in answers: “Lee Cha-don.”

She can hardly believe it since this means that Se-kwang actually told her the truth. Well, he did lie to you the other 95 percent of the time.

Now that Cha-don has discovered the Swiss bank account’s existence, he tells Director Yoo that his tight-lipped stance is useless and he won’t see a penny of the money he was promised.

To drive the point home, he shows Director Yoo the bank receipt and offers him a final chance to confess.

They’re interrupted, however, when Cha-don gets called away by Bi-ryung. He receives another call when he arrives at their designated meeting place when she’s nowhere to be found.

We see that she’s calling from a nearby pay phone and refers to him as “Kang-seok.” Ignoring his words that she’ll receive a longer prison sentence for her jailbreak, Bi-ryung outlines her intentions to poison Se-kwang and to put the man out of his misery. “Because all he gained was ruin.”

Cha-don urges her to return to the mental institution, promising her that he’ll see that she makes parole after she serves her sentence. Bi-ryung raises a suspicious eyebrow at this – why would he help the woman who had a hand in his father’s death?

His answer: “Because your son would miss his mother, like I did when I was young.” He understands that feeling all too well and presses her not to let an innocent child suffer that kind of pain.

Cha-don: “I don’t hold any resentment towards you anymore. No… I forgive you.”

The day of Se-kwang’s trial arrives and Prosecutor Kwon has a contemplative moment in his office. He recalls how his own father used to hate him for being an excellent student, tearing up his awards. At the time, he thought it was because they didn’t have the means to pay for his education.

But one night, he saw his father crying with a torn certificate haphazardly taped back together – it was that moment he realized how much his father loved him. “But I only showed Hyuk the side of my father who tore up those awards. He died while hating me.”

He asks his lackey if it’s “prepared.” We don’t know what but he repeats himself when his lackey hesitates before confirming that everything is prepared.

How much do I love that Ji-hoo is one of the three judges in court? Cha-don questions his witness, Director Yoo, about the night of Hyuk’s death. Se-kwang has a bored expression on his face when Cha-don presents his evidence for the embezzlement charges.

It turns out that thing Prosecutor Kwon had prepared is a gun. When he’s asked if this is too extreme and that Hyuk wouldn’t want his father to do this, Prosecutor Kwon answers, “Law was created out of fear of people killing each other.”

That fear of death has disappeared; not only for himself but for his target. Uh oh.

As Se-kwang is led out of the courtroom, Ji-hoo tells him that she doesn’t regret anything. But that sad moment is abruptly cut short when Prosecutor Kwon appears and shoots Se-kwang point-blank. Woah!

Se-kwang falls to the ground, bleeding from the shoulder, and Cha-don rushes over to wring the gun out of Prosecutor Kwon’s hand. He’s quickly transferred into an ambulance (Bi-ryung reels at the sight just outside the entrance).

Cha-don orders a police escort to tail the ambulance since Se-kwang will use any opportunity to escape. Ack! You couldn’t think of this sooner?!

Sure enough, Se-kwang comes to and his minion silently unlocks his handcuffs before knocking him out. Then he points the revolver at the medic and orders the ambulance to pull over.

Lucky for him that Bi-ryung has been tailing the ambulance all this time, and she screams at Se-kwang to get in.

Cha-don mobilizes the entire prosecution office to comb through all the hospitals and clinics for any sight of Se-kwang. Once Prosecutor Kwon is filled in, he tells Cha-don that it would have been better off if he had gotten his chance to finish Se-kwang off.

But Cha-don retorts that his kind of revenge is different and that he wants to see Se-kwang pay for his crimes. Prosecutor Kwon tells him now that Se-kwang is on the run, he’s after Cha-don’s life. “And yet, can you still speak like a holy man?”

There are two kinds of people, Cha-don adds – those who repent for their sins, and those who never do. Prosecutor Kwon leans back and says that he lives his life without regrets – if he planned to repent for his sins, then he would have never committed a crime.

“That’s why we need the law.” Cha-don smiles, “So we can still punish them even if they don’t repent.”

Then Prosecutor Kwon’s lackey is brought into the interrogation room in handcuffs. Cha-don explains that the truck driver said he received the order to kill from him. His eyes fixated on Prosecutor Kwon, he asks the lackey the same question.

The lackey denies anyone else’s involvement, to which Prosecutor Kwon says with his own lips that he was the one who made the order. His own confession kills the dramatic buildup but Cha-don remarks that brings the senior prosecutor’s count of attempted murder charges up to two.

Prosecutor Kwon is left alone in the interrogation room. A single tear rolls down his cheek as he whispers, “Hyuk, I’m sorry. Forgive your father.”

Back at the Bok estate, Cha-don asks after Traitagon’s whereabouts, scratching his head when he hears that Reporter Go’s family fled the country. He wonders if that means Bi-ryung is with Se-kwang. Bingo.

Boss Bok has reverted back to her childish state and when she enters the room, she wraps her arms around Cha-don, calling him by her husband’s name. Aww.

Jae-in finds it strange, since her mother has never mentioned her father’s name in her presence before. So Cha-don tells her the truth about Dad, but Jae-in can hardly believe her ears – her father died years ago.

Jae-in beats herself up for being the last to know and asks why her father decided to show up now, twenty-five years after he first left them.

Is it considered divine karmic intervention that both Dad and Reporter Go are sleeping in the same park? Reporter Go gets caught trying to swipe some soju and huffs off when Dad calls him a thief.

Jae-in shows up at the same park and wakes up her father. Still referring to him as “ajusshi,” she tells him that her mother has relapsed and that “she needs you.”

Dad lights up at the idea of moving back in with the family and immediately packs up his things. Oh Dad.

When they get back to the estate, Dad offers his bald head so that he can receive his righteous retribution for his misdeeds. Boss Bok raises a hand… and then softly places it on his head. She cries in her childlike voice, “Why did you come now?”

She pulls him into an embrace. I’m not crying – I’ve just been cutting up onions.

Bi-ryung tends to Se-kwang, whose bullet wound has been painfully removed. He mumbles in his sleep until he violently shakes awake. He’s been out for a full three days but the first thing he mutters is: “I had a dream. A dream that I killed Cha-don.”

Se-kwang returns a smirk to Bi-ryung when she urges that they clean their hands of their actions. She adds that they ended up like this because of their own greed and obsession.

Giving up is the last thing Se-kwang wants to hear and he pushes her out of the way. He checks his revolver, pleased to see that it’s loaded. Bi-ryung cries that he’s out of his mind… and then he points the gun at her. Dude, a little more gratitude for the woman who just saved your life, huh?

She tells him that he’s crazy and he admits it – he won’t let anyone stand in his way. Bi-ryung says that she plans to leave the country, and asks that he come with her.

But he roars at her to shut up and to leave him be. “All I can see right now is Lee Cha-don.” Driven by the physical pain of his recovering gunshot wound, he sways out of the room.

Meanwhile, Cha-don rolls the gold coin between his fingers, mulling over Se-kwang’s whereabouts. He receives a call from Bi-ryung, who confesses that she broke out of the asylum.

Thankfully Cha-don is lightning quick and instructs Bi-ryung to answer back in code if she’s with Se-kwang. Then the camera pans over to reveal Se-kwang pointing his gun back at her.

Bi-ryung tells him to come for her and to come alone. Cha-don thinks fast and gives her instructions we don’t get to hear. Once she hangs up, she shoots daggers in Se-kwang’s direction and asks, “You happy now?”

Se-kwang tells her that she knows full well why he’s acting like this, to which she fires back that she doesn’t want to know. She shrills, “You’re just a murderer. You’re trash!”

Se-kwang keeps a lookout for Cha-don and belatedly tells her sorry. Well, you could have said that before you pulled out a gun on her. Once he kills Cha-don, they can run away together.

Bi-ryung looks like she honestly wants to believe those words: to live somewhere no one can find them; that he won’t ever abandon her again.

Then he consumes the drink she handed him. Wait a minute – is that drink poisoned?

I suppose not because suddenly Cha-don pulls up to the house and rushes inside to find Bi-ryung alone. A voice calls out from behind him and Se-kwang keeps his gun trained on Cha-don. He seethes, “If it weren’t for you, I would still be called a righteous prosecutor and taking care of the people.”

He blames Cha-don for ruining all of it: his dream, his future, his life. Cha-don asks, “Do you still think that’s all my fault?”

“Listen up,” Cha-don breathes and slowly turns his head to face him. “What you believe to be justice isn’t justice… but filthy greed. If it was truly justice, things would have never ended up like this. You weren’t defeated by me, but you destroyed yourself.”

Cha-don: “You and I… weren’t meant to exist in this world. But I have a chance. An opportunity to reflect on my wicked life. But you, you lost that last chance. So that’s why you’ve lost, Ji Se-kwang. Because you weren’t righteous to the end.”

Se-kwang tells him to shut up because only the victor is the one who is righteous. “You’re dead, and I’m alive. I’ve won… Lee Kang-seok.” With a shaking hand, Se-kwang shoots… and the revolver clicks, blank.

He shoots over and over again, but the gun is empty. Then Bi-ryung drops the bullets in her hand. Ah, so Cha-don instructed her to remove the bullets in their conversation.

Crying now, Bi-ryung whispers to Se-kwang, pleading for him to stop. “Let’s stop sinning.” And then she coughs up blood. What the hell?

Cha-don rushes to her side and tries to shake her awake. And because these attacks come in pairs, Se-kwang’s nose starts to bleed and coughs up blood. Ohh, so she poisoned both of their drinks.

She breathes, “Se-kwang, I’m sorry.”

Se-kwang wraps his hand over one of the fallen bullets and loads his gun. He aims it at Cha-don, only to find that he’s too late and Cha-don has already picked Bi-ryung up and out of the house.

The rest of the prosecution has arrived and Cha-don gently sets Bi-ryung on the ground. With her final breath, she ekes out, “F-f-forgive me.”

And inside the house, Se-kwang raises the revolver to his head… and shoots.

Some time later, we see Cha-don formally introduce Jae-in to his mother as “the woman I’m going to marry.” Jae-in is surprised at the sudden confession, but he takes it in stride and jests, “You’re not going to marry me?”

Jae-in pouts to Mom that her son is insensitive for proposing to his beloved without a ring. She recounts to Mom about how she took care of him when they first met only to be hurt when he called her “fatty.”

She gets ahead of herself in her story and starts rambling on, to which Cha-don nervously laughs that that’s enough. I love it how Jae-in’s like, I’m just getting started.

Then Cha-don opens his hand and a gold coin necklace drops in the air. She remarks that it resembles the large gold coin he carries around, and he shows her his matching necklace on his neck. Aww.

He tells her: “I love you, Jae-in.” He promises that he won’t put her through any more suffering and asks her to marry him. She nods.

Cha-don vows to his mother that he and Jae-in will live a happy life together and Jae-in thanks Mom for giving birth to Cha-don.

We move forward to their wedding day and see a shadowy outline of a presumably rounder Jae-in struggling to fit into her wedding gown.

Cha-don takes in a deep breath as the wedding begins and can barely stop himself from smiling. Cute. He grins even wider when Jae-in walks (er, marches) down the aisle with Dad.

He takes her hand and whispers, “You look really pretty, Jae-in.” She winks: “I know.”

COMMENTS

A delightfully happy ending to what has been a crazy and intense ride on this Incarnation train, giving us heart-stopping moments until the final few minutes of the finale. Nearly everything spelled out disaster prior to the show’s premiere: the teeny slivers of promotional materials, the drama that surrounded our lead actor, and unattractive hairstyles. The little assurance we had was our faith in the Giant/Salaryman team to deliver an epic, sweeping storyline like their predecessors.

Rarely does a show improve in its second and third act, but Incarnation showed us that not only is it possible, it was able to interweave miniscule details from those previous lifeless episodes and prove that they can be integral cogs in the narrative. That is, when they’re not used as throwbacks to give us a laugh. So, the writers relied on that little faith and (a lot of) patience on our part because they ultimately knew the story they intended to tell, even if the middle stretch of the series did feel like we were in limbo. This is where the show could have benefited from a shorter run by cutting out all the excessive rude and offensive humor and play to their strengths, honing in on a killer revenge plan.

Bringing a baddie to life is no easy matter but this is where our villain, Se-kwang, sprung off of the page to present a complex, conflicted, and intriguing character who made you wonder what exactly made him tick. Park Sang-min slowly peeled back those layers so that at any given moment, you could sympathize with his plight or hate his guts. Our other Traitagon members originally started off as caricatures, driven by a superficial greed to feed their sinful actions. Instead, we got a fleshed-out character in Bi-ryung (Oh Yoon-ah) even in her emotional naivety. These two showed us the extent of one’s greed and ambitions, revealing the ugly nature of the product of corruption. In other words, you don’t know how far you’ve fallen until you’re in too deep.

Se-kwang and Cha-don’s tug-of-war was truly the highlight of this series as they sought to trump each other with their own perspectives on justice. Their characters taught us that even if two people were trained in the same teachings of the law, their interpretations can vastly differ from one another. For Se-kwang, justice was served for his personal gain whereas for Cha-don, he sought to deliver justice to bring peace into the world. Not only did we see that in their execution but through the relationships they established. Se-kwang would never trust anyone; least of all the group who helped him commit the first murder. On the other hand, Cha-don has built a fortified network of those who would come to his aid in a heartbeat.

Our hero’s tragic past and underdog status made it easy for us to root for him in this war, though I have to remind myself that wasn’t always the case when he was power-hungry and corrupt Shudal. Every change introduced a different Cha-don whom we hadn’t met into the mix, and hiding a noble man behind the curtains sometimes left me confused and spiteful of his 2D personality. In hindsight, his zany and ridiculous qualities helped lighten the serious notes and showed us once again what Kang Ji-hwan can bring to the table.

Incarnation challenged us to ponder how our established set of laws can affect our world, even if those adages were churned out by one evil and greedy prosecutor. The show drove the point home time and time again how easily someone’s heart can turn at a whiff of power and a taste of greed. As philosopher Bertrand Russell puts it: “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.”

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1 Amanda

April 23, 2013 at 3:01 PM

I totally loved this drama. I wish we could've at least gotten a decent kiss at the end, but over all the complexities of the drama were well worth it.

I found myself not always hating them, but wondering what decision I would've made in their shoes.

This was one of those dramas I wanted to watch, but was pleasantly surprised at how much better it was then I imagined.

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queenofcam

April 23, 2013 at 5:07 PM

I was waiting and waiting for that kiss up till the very end! And when I didn't get it, I stuck around until the credits came on, and hoped for a possible short end scene. Ah well....It's a shame that they never got a decent kiss in this drama; either one of them shed a tear in disgust, or the other one was sleeping.

Thanks gummimochi for being so dedicated to recapping this drama, even at times when the plot was slow. Our patience really paid off, because this drama now has a special place in my heart. I was actually looking forward to your comments about the wedding though! :( Anyway, I'm glad we got 100% affirmation that Cha-Don loves Jae-In no matter if she's skinny or fat. Because there was always this nagging thought at the back of my mind that maybe Jae-In's look after plastic surgery just gave Cha-Don's feelings a boost. I'm happy that wasn't the case.

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Tulipsaki

April 24, 2013 at 7:42 AM

No, Cha-don's feelings got a boost after he reconnected with his mum. Then he appreciated Boss Bok and Jae In a lot more.

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delicatecloud

April 24, 2013 at 6:37 PM

That's it! He became more in touch with his inner self and more connected with his emotions and began to see things much differently. He changed for the better and recognized and thankful that he met such a wonderful and supportive adopted family. He gained his conscience.

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aira

April 24, 2013 at 5:51 AM

agree. such a waste of Kang Ji Hwan's kiss ability xD
but i kinda impressed with the first kiss scene, the tear drop from KJH's eye, it made me LOL everytime I remember that scene xDD

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2 Mana

April 23, 2013 at 3:10 PM

playing Lee cha dong was one of the better performances of Kang Ji hwan which I really enjoyed and I really hope that he will keep being careful with choosing his next project ^^

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3 Aleviate

April 23, 2013 at 3:12 PM

Thank you for the whole series recaps/ What a fantastic ride it was and thank myself for the patience. Just enough to let me overcome the so-so beginning. What I am not so fond about, although I understand the point the writer made, is the end. OK, he finally understood to look under the cover, but it looked like a last minute stunt pulled just for its own sake. I could have lived without it and maybe even enjoyed the show a little more. And I know for a fact I am not the only one.

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4 a_diva

April 23, 2013 at 3:16 PM

i thought it was a satisfying final. i usually am not one to feel sorry for the bad guys--when they suffer, i don't care b/c they deserved it. for example, i did not care when the reporter ended up losing his job and being homeless b/c he actively tried to help another person murder a child (as well as committed countless other acts). but i found myself feeling a bit sorry for bi ryeong toward the end and was not expecting her to kill herself AND se kwang. she was evil and deserved what she got in the end, but at least she came to her senses finally.

i loved the ending though. it was so funny that jae in regained her weight and the wedding guests not recognizing her. i just laughed and laughed. i liked that cha don came full circle in that he could see the beauty in her despite her weight. *on a side note though--jae in's fat suit was not convincing. her chin was totally lopsided*

anyway, i enjoyed the drama.

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5 marid

April 23, 2013 at 3:57 PM

I just... Ugh.. Maybe this is the reason why l be single forever. I just can't wrap my mind around loving someone so much that nothing else matters. That's relating to Bi-Ryung... Seriously you help him scape! Seriously I will never understand how women can love a men more then their own kids...

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a_diva

April 23, 2013 at 4:12 PM

in real life, i can't understand it either. i can understand her love for se kwang when they began the affair, but after she helped him murder cha don's father and he made it clear he was using her, she should have taken the hint and moved on. but no, she went on and on with him when all he did was ignore her, treat her like dirt, or use her. and to kill herself when she has a child and could have been with her child eventually just makes no sense. her child did not seem to figure into her decision at all even after cha don's reminder to her that he would forgive her so she could parent her child. i didn't understand that at all. i just chalk this up to dramaland and let it go after shaking my head.

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marid

April 23, 2013 at 4:49 PM

I wish this only happen in drama land. Yet I known many kids who's mom ( or dad) has left the family for another person. They never really consider the amount of damage that they do to a child with their decisions. Ok... Mini rant over.

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delicatecloud

April 23, 2013 at 7:23 PM

Unfortunately it is so true! There are women and men who would, to the exclusion of the welfare of their children, do harmful things to themselves, the children and other members of the family.

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Aleviate

April 24, 2013 at 12:20 AM

I think in drama-land it is called divine justice - all the bad guys have to die. And she was almost as bad as Se Kwang. Did you notice that the other bad guy got smaller punishment, proportional to their wrongdoings?

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saturtledaisy

April 24, 2013 at 4:55 AM

Idk, at least Angelina asked for forgiveness and realized that everything was her own fault because she was greedy. Unlike Se Kwang. I think Angelina has suffered more, though her part in the 'wrongdoings' still seemed way less than Se Kwang's. He didn't deserve to die, he deserved to suffer so much more. Angelina's last act of love, I guess?

For the other two, I think they got what they deserved. Kwon's reputation is dead own, and he's going to jail. I hope he suffers. There's probably a lot of criminals he put away there that would like to take revenge. I still think Se Kwang deserved a similar fate, maybe he could've been cellmates with the bug-eyed doctor.

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delicatecloud

April 24, 2013 at 5:02 AM

Ikr? Se Kwang did not deserve to die that way - it was too "kind" a death for an evil person like him. He should have been made to confess to his wrong doings and be a bit remorseful. Maybe I am a bit too demanding? or a character like him will never admit his deeds as it would be tantamount to admitting defeat and therefore, according to his warped mind, not righteous as he would have "lost". Brilliant minds without a conscience is really scary and the stuff that begets maniacal person(s) with gigantic ambitions and unquenchable thirst for power, money and position.

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Tulipsaki

April 24, 2013 at 7:44 AM

He's too psycho to feel his wrong-doing and if he'd gone to jail, he'd have been plotting to get out. This way, he's gone and they all move on.

ar_arguably romantic

April 25, 2013 at 9:46 PM

It was definitely too "kind" a death for him, but I think suicide is in keeping with the kind of person he is. You're right in thinking that it's unlikely he will ever confess and feel remorse.

And also, this man basked in the affection of the public and is lauded as some sort of justice hero. He was so adored, he won the election by a landslide. Even when he was arrested, the public still believed in him. He had put his own self on this pedestal too. Falling from such a height and thinking about those who will turn their backs on him while he personally believes he is carrying out justice - it's just too much.

6 cv

April 23, 2013 at 3:59 PM

Thanks for the recaps! This was a pretty good drama, crazy some parts but decent overall.

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Tulipsaki

April 24, 2013 at 7:44 AM

I agree!

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7 Ann

April 23, 2013 at 4:10 PM

Loved the drama. Thanks for the recaps! I was a little put off by the very end where Jae In gains weight, but I remember an episode where Cha Don said, "I liked it better when she was fat!"

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8 DayDreamer

April 23, 2013 at 4:14 PM

I'll admit I actually teared up a little when Se Kwang put the gun to his head and had tears flowing out of his eyes. That's probably a testimony to the idea that I may have been secretly rooting for his success too. Why? He wasn't necessarily a villain in this series even though he may have done some rather horrible deeds. His criminal activities started with vengeance that I most likely would have supported seeing as how he was a victim in the beginning. Thus, he proceeded to wipe out a whole family to leave no trace of them as his own family (his dad) was gone. He seemed to have lived a very lonely existence too. Afterwards, he worked as a righteous prosecutor and only became cruel when his past came back to haunt him. While trying so much to eradicate that past from existence, he lost sight of what justice really was. So in a way, IoM turned out to be more a tragedy than a revenge/underdog story.

Anyways, the series was interesting. I don't regret watching it since it did give me several highlights along the way. I was also able to make some very nice friends here (namely Carole and Delicatecloud). So it was fun getting excited together or even disagreeing with one another.

Overall, thanks for the recaps, Gummimochi. It was fun reading them and very useful during the days I got tired of this drama, hah.

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saturtledaisy

April 23, 2013 at 4:31 PM

I agree that Se Kwang definitely was a victim at first. And even though he looks cold most of the time, he did have some moments where seemed truly friendly. Like when he was with Kang-seok at first, before The Murder That Changed Everything.

But having a tragic past just doesn't give anyone the right to harm innocent people. Even though I was actually rooting for him when he killed the Evil Dad, he lost me when he pulled that trick with the will. It's one thing to cover up your tracks, it's another to ruin an entire family simply because you want revenge on one person. Especially if that family consists out of an abused mother and a child. And then the whole asylum thing happened and ugh.

I guess the moment he created that fake will, the greed started to take over and his sense of justice eventually ended up becoming completely warped. It's scary what Money and Power can do to people.

I guess... Se Kwang's story was a tragic one indeed.

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DayDreamer

April 23, 2013 at 5:25 PM

You misunderstood me. I didn't say he had a tragic past but rather that he ended up a tragic figure because he lost his humanity along the way as his sense of justice became increasingly warped. This in no way excuses him for what he did to Park Gi Soon and Kang Seok. It's only interesting that to the end, he never actually repented and considers himself upholding "justice."

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saturtledaisy

April 24, 2013 at 1:32 AM

That's what I meant by a 'tragic story' as well, I wasn't just focusing on the past. Guess I wasn't clear enough about that, heh x-x

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delicatecloud

April 23, 2013 at 7:29 PM

I am glad to have made your acquaintance too Daydreamer.

About Se Kwang - it did turn out to be a tragedy where he is concern. However, the thing about "original sin" is that, no matter, how much one tries to cover it up, will only lead to more atrocious acts (or murder etc) one after the other - this is one of the issue that the writer explored, in my opinion. The other is the issue of the sins of the father will be visited on the children and the children's children - which is the case of Prosecutor Kwon and the death of Hyuk having to repay for the sins of his father. Underlining of this is the greed for money, power and fame and position and when is it enough? or it is never enough?

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CaroleMcDonnell

April 24, 2013 at 3:41 PM

so true. There was a lot of recompenses, repentances, etc. And Cha Don did what SeKwang should have done, what SeKwang's dad told him to do. One really has to turn the other cheek and stop perpetuating the need for justice. By either forgiving one's enemy or not slapping back, one stops the cycle. And one has to accept the repentant one as Jae In did with her dad. It's hard to ever get equal justice for the pain one has received. One just has to take the loss or acknowledge a greater gain.

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ar_arguably romantic

April 25, 2013 at 9:24 PM

So true. And we really got to see this when Bi-ryung was right in the same position as Cha-Don's mother (except Bi-ryung really did kill someone, in her case) - mental institution time with a useless expectation for parole and a child waiting for her. When Cha-Don found out about the kid, he could have left the kid to wonder what happened to his mother or even have him hurt in some misdirected revenge (like Se-Kwang did), but he didn't.

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Rubysing

April 24, 2013 at 2:53 AM

I have no sympathies at all for Se Kwang cos he bit the hand that fed him. If it were not for Lee Joong Man, he would not have become a prosecutor. I believe his sense of justice and righteousness was warped and he thought of himself as a victim simply because his father became a scapegoat for Joong Man and died sick in prison.

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saturtledaisy

April 24, 2013 at 4:50 AM

Well, Joong Man was a bit of a mean guy. Y'know, cheating on his wife and all but going berserk when he find out his mistress is cheating on him as well.
Also, letting another innocent person go to jail for a crime he committed is just wrong.
... Wait, that's exactly what Se Kwang did. Which of course led to Cha-don seeking revenge.
Oh, the irony. That's something I really liked about this series, actually.

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delicatecloud

April 24, 2013 at 5:05 AM

The theme of what goes around comes around - the vicious cycle of revenge can continue for generations if one allows it. Lee Cha Don was able to break away, like he said, he had that one chance and took it; whereas Se Kwang did not.

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Rubysing

April 24, 2013 at 5:17 AM

Yes. This is a classic case of the victim becoming the aggressor.

In his quest for revenge, Cha Don did the same to Bi Ryung and I love how, at the end, thinking of the little boy, he chose to forgive Bi Ryung. My heart melted at that :) I did wish too that she did not die :(

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ar_arguably romantic

April 25, 2013 at 9:27 PM

I was a little confused by the flashbacks. It did seem like Se-Kwang's father took the deal of going to jail in return for SeKwang's education and he didn't seem too bitter about it. It seemed a little bit like the truck driver that Prosecutor Kwon used to do that hit on Cha-Don. For money for his family, he was willing to do anything.

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CaroleMcDonnell

April 24, 2013 at 1:03 PM

I actually turned my head away so i wouldn't have to see SeKwang's sense of loss.

And yes, it was fun beginning a friendship with you. This drama made for some cozy talks.

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9 Barbara Starks

April 23, 2013 at 4:19 PM

Love it that she gains some of her weight back, it more realistic because the girl did not change her eating habits....I love her the best when she was a fatty especially when she does that squeak I couldn't stop laughing.

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10 IBELIS

April 23, 2013 at 4:22 PM

This was a keeper and I will enjoy it over and over again. Well done.

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11 Betty

April 23, 2013 at 4:30 PM

I am happy all the episodes have been aired, so now I can marathon this drama.

Thank you Gummimochi for your recaps. I didn't read the recaps themselves, but I read your comments before and after each episode so it gave me an idea weither or not I will want to watch it, which I want now. Thank you :)

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12 Jenna

April 23, 2013 at 4:37 PM

Because the manager said lee cha don needed to get make-up done and cha don put his hand over his mouth to hide his giggles as he walked down the aisle, I thought jae in wasn't really fat, just fake fat. Her wink at the end clinched it for me. Jae In and Cha Don playing a prank on the wedding guests.
Guess I don't want to believe she would gain weight after everything she went through to lose it.

Anyway, I absolutely loved the show!

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saturtledaisy

April 23, 2013 at 4:54 PM

I considered the 'prank' idea as well, since everyone was so ridiculously surprised at seeing her fat. I mean, did she disappear off the earth for a couple of months while she was gaining weight (by helping her mom eat every cake in Korea)?

But I like the message of her naturally getting back to her old weight (since eating habits are really difficult to change), and being completely comfortable and happy with it, and Cha-don liking her that way as well.

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queenofcam

April 23, 2013 at 5:15 PM

Now I really wanna know what happened. >__< I don't mind either way, whether she was playing a prank or if she really gained weight to keep her mom from binge eating; the story shows support for both scenarios. She probably didn't disappear from the face of the planet since Cha-Don, uncle, and team Shudal knows. She could've just taken a break from work to take care of her mom. But not knowing for sure is gonna bother me for quiet a while. I don't like confusion brought up at the last minute of the ending scene.

Oh and, does anyone know if Jae-In got the Yellow Credit Union Bank back, or is it still bankrupt?

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delicatecloud

April 23, 2013 at 7:31 PM

I asked the same question concerning the savings bank - but it is something that was "dropped in between chairs"!

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MAC

April 23, 2013 at 9:56 PM

Am assuming they got it back since her family got back their house -- the cake eating scene.

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queenofcam

April 24, 2013 at 7:56 PM

When was there a cake eating scene? Can you tell me the episode please?

Tulipsaki

April 24, 2013 at 7:47 AM

I dunno: she was thin for long enough for her weight to stabilize at that point. I'm guessing she just did a lot of stress-eating.

SPOILER RE PRINCESS HAPYUNG'S WEIGHT LOSS
The ending reminded me of Princess Hapyung's Weight Loss (cute movie). In that the heroine gets fat again at the end when her husband loves her for herself.

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13 saturtledaisy

April 23, 2013 at 4:48 PM

Ah this drama is over. I think the reason I loved it so much is because it completely exceeded my expectations - because I didn't have any.

This drama probably had many flaws and plotholes, but after it started picking up the pace, none of them actually bothered me a lot anymore. I could just enjoy the ride. And in the end, that's what I'm looking for in a drama.

This show also did so many things right: I loved the dualities, nobody was 'good' or 'bad' (well, maybe the Evil Cheating an Murderous Dad is an exception), but instead the show explored the large gray area between those two extremes. Apart from that, I also loved how the show made me think about what those rather abstract things like 'justice' and 'righteousness' and 'revenge' really mean. Being a law student myself, I particularly liked how it was made clear that the 'legal truth' in a verdict doesn't necessarily mirror the 'real truth', as in what actually happened, and the consequences of a verdict definitely aren't always fair.

I could go on and on about this drama, but I'm tired. So I end this with a positive note: I just really really loved Boss Bok looking so happy at the wedding. She finally got her Dream Power Couple together~ Now the Mother of the Underworld can finally retire and spend the rest of her days piggybacking her bald (ex?)-husband.

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14 all4movies

April 23, 2013 at 4:51 PM

I thought Jae In looked prettier with a few extra pounds because the skinny Jae In's face was too sharp and always looked unbalanced with that bowl cut.

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ar_arguably romantic

April 25, 2013 at 9:39 PM

Me too! I've always thought the chubby version of Jae-In was prettier than the skinny version.

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15 RockPaperScissors

April 23, 2013 at 5:01 PM

Thanks gummi for recapping this drama. It still won't beat out History of the Salaryman, but I could feel the touches put in by that team, and I think this drama will improve when held to the test of time. Great acting all around, many memorable characters.

I have to say I was disappointed at first with the ending. I didn't like that Jae In gained back all that weight, but after reading comments here, I realised how fitting it was to tell that last lesson - it's what's in the inside that counts!

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16 MsB

April 23, 2013 at 5:30 PM

"Rarely does a show improve in its second and third act, but Incarnation showed us that not only is it possible"

No truer words spoken! It is a rare treat to watch a drama that not only gets better and better but has a rather decent ending! I actually liked the fact that Jae-In gained weight back because the message that she was only beautiful because she was skinny wasn't actually the best message and I distinctly remember comments to back that. I loved that they showed us that Cha Don loved her regardless. Nice message, writer-nims!!

I actually cried a little for Angelina (she will always be that to me). Why? Because of all of the Traitorgon, she was the only one remorse and the only one who asked Cha Don for forgiveness. As he said, I felt sorry for her son who will now live without his mother. But she was also the one that suffered the most of the revenge. Se Gwang, the bullet was too good for him! I too would have loved to see him in prison suffering a little prison abuse. Reporter Go? Got his good, I was satisfied but Daddy Gwon? Still didn't get it at the end. Hopefully he will enjoy his time in prison.

Overall, this team of writer(s)/director MUST work together again. They were able to put together one of the best dramas this year! LOVED!

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Reka

April 24, 2013 at 7:41 AM

Watch their other dramas that they did together if you haven't, Giant and History of A Salaryman.

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17 houstontwin

April 23, 2013 at 5:53 PM

Thanks so much for the recaps!!! I liked it that Jae In was her old, plump self. Even more...I loved that Chadon was so delighted with Jae In on her wedding day. Maybe he discovered that he actually prefered plump women. What's wrong with that?

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Tulipsaki

April 24, 2013 at 7:48 AM

Or that he just like Jae In?

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18 Bu Young

April 23, 2013 at 5:58 PM

Awww! I love his smile there at the end!
I also love that Jae In gains her weight back and Cha Don loves her just the same!
I'm falling back because it's exam week, but after all of my exams I will be sure to catch up!

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19 gaeinalee

April 23, 2013 at 6:03 PM

What an awesome drama, I won't be bored watching this over and over again. I miss Hyuk so much.. ^^

- Thanks for the recap Gummimochi!

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20 kellie

April 23, 2013 at 6:06 PM

Couldn't stomach the Big Fat Korean Wedding but I'm happy that the IOM writers gave Park Sang-min's villain a fierce ending worthy of him. Thank you so much, gummimochi, for the recaps. It was the recap of #18 that made me watch the show.

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21 KDaddict

April 23, 2013 at 6:37 PM

I liked a significant portion of this drama for the intelligent competition between the two guys. But the final ep felt Long n convoluted to me. The bad guys were dealt with separately. The reporter was nothing on his own, and just way easy to bring down. Kwon had already lost his son, n was only consumed with the need to kill his son's killer. That it turned out to be SK hurt him more than when he thought it was CD. No big deal tho, cos all he wanted to do was point a gun and shoot. Both removals felt blase to me.
I don't like it that SK was ultimately dealt w in a murder-suicide by Angelina. He should either have been brought thru the justice system that he had been a champion of, or else he should have died by his own hand. His pointing the gun at himself would be much more poignant were it not for the fact that he was already dying on acct of the poison.
Don't believe that Angelina would have done that with a young son out there to return to. The show probably wouldn't have let her get away scott free, and shouldn't. I'd have liked to see her try.
Was SK was great n untouchable that only Angelina's poison could have removed him from the picture?
Kickass prosecutor Jeon had her most kickass moment in the opening of ep 1. It all went downhill for her from there. She didn't get to do much besides turning over the deposit slip. It was of course a big deal to CD. But the show made it a big struggle for her, which diminished her standing considerably in my eyes. A truly kickass women of a prosecutor and now judge wouldn't find it so conflicting to choose between that creep and justice.
I like it a lot that What's her name get married as a 'fat' woman. I hated it when they portrayed her as totally unattractive when she was fat, n with surgery and extreme measures, she turned into a princess just bcos she dropped 40 lbs. I appreciate the last scene being there to show that 'fat' women r beautiful in their own right!

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22 Shiku

April 23, 2013 at 6:41 PM

I liked the finale. I liked the fact that Angelina is the only one who asked for forgiveness. She realized its all their fault and Cha Don wasn't to blame. I wish she also didn't poison herself. I wanted her to go back to the US to her son.

I totally knew Prosecutor Gwon would try to kill Se Gwang. Too bad he was stopped. Its interesting that he is only remorseful for helping kill his son. He never apologized for f**king up Cha Don's life and attempting to kill him.

Se Gwang, is one of a kind. He manages to have 2 strong women fall head over heels for him (even though he feels nothing or almost nothing for them) and they were willing to break the law for him (at least Ji Ho got her senses back). I liked his battle of wits with Cha Don even though I think he was taken down to easily. I wanted a more elaborate plan.

I will miss Boss Bok, the emotional heartbeat of the show and one strong woman. Sad to see her mind deteriote like that. It makes me appreciate life more now instead of taking it for granted.

its good to know the reporter us left homeless and penniless! He deserved it!

I liked Jae in being there for Cha Don and complaining to his mother. That scene was so nice. I don't know how I feel about her getting fat again. I mean she was always conscious of what she eats but I guess they tried to send the message that its simply not enough to change your appearance. You have to work hard for what you want. Or maybe to say Cha Don loved her irrespective of how she looked.

I kinda miss Cha Don's old hairstyle. I was so used to it and it suit his character even though he looks better now.

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23 snow_white

April 23, 2013 at 7:02 PM

Thanks a lot for recapping this show....it was a total fun ride of 24 episodes..
Yes..some episodes were not needed..but they were not boring..in fact they helped in building the proper picture of characters in our mind..

And yes..there was no kissing scene at all!! Considering that kang ji hwan gives them so effectively...we wanted at least one..but that's okay as the whole drama was really good.

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24 delicatecloud

April 23, 2013 at 7:21 PM

First of all i would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to gummimochi for recapping the entire drama. **blow kisses to gummimochi* :) :) I loved your recaps which are filled with little nuggets of insights and full of humour; some of your one liners are really soooo funny. Reading your recaps and the comments and exchange of views/opinions with everyone who commented has heightened my enjoyment of this drama. This is the first drama that i have actively participated in the discussions and blogged about - i must say that i have learnt a lot from all of the comments. It did give me a different perspective when i watch the episode again and when i saw how the drama unfolded and begun to see the other point(s) of view.

The death of Se Kwang by murder (poisoning by Angelina) and suicide was not enough for me . I wanted him to be found/indicted for all his wrong doings in particular the involuntary manslaughter of Hyuk and he has to pay for his crimes. His suicide was an easy way out for him. I guess it is fitting for the character as he would never ever admit that he was wrong and will not take responsibility for his actions - as it is always the fault of Lee Cha Don! I guess it is for dramatic value that there is a double suicide - that the one person who loved him throughout is the one who will offer the final sacrifice to die with him and to kill him. I had wanted a different ending for Angelina who has in the end realized that she was wrong and sought forgiveness from Cha Don. In fact, she is the ONLY one who did that.

I had also wanted his mother Park Gi Soon to be found not guilty of the murder of her husband eventhough the statue of limitation has been passed - somehow somewhere it is acknowledged in the legal process and not through a documentary on the hideous crime. I guess it is a half way appeasement for me.

In real life - there really are women and men who are like Angelina who will give their all for the peron they loved. I thought that she have gone passed that stage and is looking forward to seeing her son in the USA but the way she quickly said goodby when she heard that the father is back was suspect. Perhaps the relationship with the ex was not too good?

There are many unanswered questions - what happened to the YSCU? did Jae In managed to revive it when the stolen money was returned? Did Cha Don still has his fortune? or this was lost when the savings bank went belly up?

I think it was a prank too - when Jae In came in in her former self having put on so much weight! But it was a very quirky ending which i loved as it is within the mood of this drama - where the quirkiness, humour is interspered with the serious stuff. She was in a hurry to get down the aisle to marry her Cha Don - that was funny when the Dad said to slow down or she will tripped. Yeah, there was NO KISS!!

Despite all the shortcomings as pointed out by other commentators, it was a drama that appealed to me and I would recommend to anyone who is looking for an interesting drama to watch.

I am very glad to have met Carole and Daydreamer and exchaged views/opinions on this drama. @Daydreamer - i will brace myself and start watching Giant!! Thanks for the recommendation.

I want to thank you all for the enjoyable ride! See you in the next drama recaps, maybe. I am not into Gu Family Book - which is the craze at the moment on DB.

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CaroleMcDonnell

April 24, 2013 at 1:20 PM

It was so good meeting you as well.

Gu Family Book is fun so far. Try giving it a chance. If only so you, me and Dayreamer an discuss it together. There are lots of flaws in it but it's got something sweet to it.

So true about the double suicide. One could see his love for her leak out. Thwarted OTP's in another drama, perhaps.

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delicatecloud

April 24, 2013 at 4:23 PM

I have been reading the recaps on Gu Family book - maybe i will given your recommendation and i can "meet" you and daydreamer on the recap chit-chat eventhough i am not such a Lee Seung Ki fan!

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CaroleMcDonnell

April 25, 2013 at 12:28 PM

YAY!!! IF not, we can meet on Mandate of Heaven (although am still waiting for that to get subbed.)

What are you waiting to see? Any recommendations? Not into any rom coms right now. Not really into any melos either.

Am watching Otomesan and Last Cinderella. Do those interest you?

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delicatecloud

April 25, 2013 at 7:28 PM

just dropped in and saw your post. i am watching the rom-com All about my romance - which i find very amusing and i like the two main leads Into 6 episodes and i am liking it very much.

I see you at Jomo"s findings on the recaps for Nine which i am so loving it!! Great drama and very tightly written so far.

Jdrama? Not quite into those yet......

25 noonkey

April 23, 2013 at 7:32 PM

I see a lot of 'Angelina's in real world.mothers who choose a man over her children.to the extent of letting the man beat up their kids n let them die on his hands.so it isn't a surprise that angelina wud choose to die with her man rather than taking care of her son.she's so obsessed of him.

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26 Hko

April 23, 2013 at 8:22 PM

Omg I love the ending every single part of it , the baddies get their respective deserved end and the good guys get their happy sarcastic end I've never loved this kind of drama cuz I felt they are all the same but n no no IOM is now one of my tops though I loved the actor equally in lie to me ! I know it was a total story sucker. !! But the romance haaaa so get back !
Thanks Gummimochi ! What an amazing journey it has. Been !

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27 Midori

April 23, 2013 at 8:59 PM

The veteran actors, be they villains or heroes really brought it to the show. I liked the show in the beginning but loved it by the end.

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28 Bengbeng

April 23, 2013 at 9:52 PM

what happened to Biryung's son? I thought he would be Sekwang's or Chadon's dad. who would take care of him now? =(

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delicatecloud

April 23, 2013 at 10:27 PM

i believe the kid is with his father in the US - the scene where she spoke with her son and she hung up when he said that his father is home. I don't think the kid is either Se Kwang's or Cha Don's dad - it is an unanswered question.

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29 tambok

April 23, 2013 at 11:08 PM

Thank you for your recaps. This is the only drama that interest me this past few months.
I can't believe my eyes though when you included Rurouni Kenshin's love theme. Woken me up completely! Haha thanks a bunch. I have seen the films a total of 5 times already.

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30 JLemonade

April 24, 2013 at 1:55 AM

One of my favorite dramas, exciting, full of suspense as well as humorous.
Lee Cha Don has a good heart because till the end he still wanted to save Angelina even though she made his mother sad/miserable when Angie was courting his father for his money. I hate Ji Se Kwang for masterminding all the horrid moments and he is the real villain and very cruel.
He deserved to die in the end and the world will be at peace without him.

Good acting by all parties. Cheers to them !!!

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31 laos7

April 24, 2013 at 5:04 AM

First of all, thank you for all the recaps on this show!

This drama indeed improved a lot in its 2nd and 3rd act. I stopped watching it at episode 11, but came back to it 2 days ago and since then marathoned all the remaining episodes as they were so good!
It's a shame that the beginning arc was dragged for so long as otherwise more people may have watched this drama.

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delicatecloud

April 24, 2013 at 5:08 AM

Yeah...it is a shame that this drama is not watched by more people!! I love it so much......hope that more will watch it now.

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Rubysing

April 24, 2013 at 5:30 AM

In Japan, for the love of KJH, I think this drama will fare very very well! :)

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delicatecloud

April 24, 2013 at 5:47 AM

So glad that KJH will get lots of love in Japan!! I tuned into this drama becos of him and am so glad that i did.

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Rubysing

April 24, 2013 at 5:57 AM

I've said it here and there and I'll say it again: Hwanee is No.1 on my K-actors' list and always will be <3 <3 <3

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delicatecloud

April 24, 2013 at 7:33 AM

KJH is one of my faves kdrama actor as well. I have seen him in the movie "Runway Cop" and he was hilarious!! And they showed his six pack body ..... and he is such a statuesque model too.

32 Tulipsaki

April 24, 2013 at 7:49 AM

This was a good show. I really felt happy with it overall, and, best of all, satisfied with the ending.

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33 Princessmia

April 24, 2013 at 9:21 AM

This show is too awesome. If you guys love this writer, check out Giant.

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34 Denali

April 24, 2013 at 9:53 AM

Thanks for the recap. Although my passion for dramas has died down after KOD, I was even eager to read the finale and even watch it. The issues of repentance, fogiveness and second chance were meaningfully showed to us.

[i]As philosopher Bertrand Russell puts it: “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.”[/i]
Who is left? A young neglected boy whose mother murdered his father before committing suicide. What a legacy.

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Denali

April 24, 2013 at 9:57 AM

Darn. The code always confuses me. uu

As philosopher Bertrand Russell puts it: “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.”
Who is left? A young neglected boy whose mother murdered his father before committing suicide. What a legacy.

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35 CaroleMcDonnell

April 24, 2013 at 1:13 PM

Okay..some shallowness first: SeKwang looked so gorgeous when he was no longer dressed up in uptight prosecutor garb and when he lost that unemotional attitude. His hair out of place, his wearing regular clothes, his face having some expression other than calculation and smug pride-- HOT!!!!

Equally hot was Lee Cha Don in a suit. I never used to care for guys in suits but after watching k-drama, I am beginning to appreciate a man in great business attire. The duds -- AND his hair-- WOW!!!

Okay, now to the plot: WOW!!! What an ending! Yes, yes, it was such a ride! Poor Villains. Yeah, i felt sorry for them. I felt sorry for Reporter, Prosecutor, DPO, EVERYONE. Angelina could've had a good life because we were ready to excuse her (we're wusses about baddies actually suffering) but I guess the writers thought death would be best for her.

Oh my gosh, there was a shot there --and in the pics above-- where we see SeKwang's height in relation to Cha Don's. Oh how sad! SeKwang looked like such a little scrapper, so pitiful. Yeah, I know he was evil and had lost it..but...I hate the thought of the hopelessness just before suicide - the feeling that he had lost. Hard to bear. He was very caught up with what Daddy Lee had done to his own dad so he just couldn't let it go. Unhappily, his team did revenge in the wrong way and our hero did revenge in the right way. Sad.

I like it though that Cha Don's inheritance wasn't mentioned. It was tainted money and somehow it doesn't seem right that he should get it back.

Loved the ending. Nothing I can say about it except it was PERFECT. Everything brought together. Family, justice, friendship, acknowledgement of true beauty. Just perfect!!!!

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delicatecloud

April 24, 2013 at 4:19 PM

Hey Carole glad that you're here at last. It was more fun watching the drama and reading the recaps and discussing it with you and others.

Yeah - it was kind of sad to see See Kwang that way. He realised that he has lost but i am not sure that he was sorry for all that he has done. Probably would never be given his own sense of justice and how he saw as injustice done to his father.

Like you said - the ending was great and we had a great time.

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CaroleMcDonnell

April 25, 2013 at 12:31 PM

Sorry it took me so long. Took me sometime to watch them.

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Rubysing

April 24, 2013 at 5:29 PM

KJH in his gorgeous suits in Lie To Me was swoonworthy :)

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36 CaroleMcDonnell

April 24, 2013 at 1:22 PM

Oh gee, Gummimochi!

I'm so sorry I forgot to thank you. I'm so happy you recapped. Yes, insight and humor as always. Thank you.

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37 KS

April 24, 2013 at 7:25 PM

Love that the song of the day is a ONE OK ROCK song! XD
Thanks for the recap! Loved this drama and felt that the ending was satisfying :) I'm sad that this drama is over T-T

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38 Bro

April 24, 2013 at 10:09 PM

Drama was great. I usually never finish a lot of the dramas I start because I just lose interest. But Incarnation kept me hooked. And I like that at least one of the bad guys asked Cha-don for forgiveness and I'm glad it was Bi-ryung. They really made us attached to her character by showing her vulnerabilities and humanity. She know what she and the others did was wrong. Just hated that she killed herself like that. I guess she felt a responsibility to take care of Se-kwang since she was his lover and was with him since the start of their plot to murder. Anyways all in all 10/10 drama for me personally.

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39 Lilian

April 25, 2013 at 8:18 AM

OOh...yeah totally agree that the 2nd and third act improved greatly. For me the turning point was when Cha Don got his conscience and became someone I could root for. I like it in this episode that we are once again reminded of the different "justice" which he and Se Kwang seeks. He has forgiven Angelina and as he says, he doesn't want her kid to be like him, alone and without a mother. And that is why we all love Cha Don!

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40 ar_arguably romantic

April 25, 2013 at 9:10 PM

Thanks for recapping this series and providing such insightful commentary these past twelve weeks, gummimochi!

What really stood out to me about IOM is that it wasn't about the revenge of a man against another bad man. It was about a theme. And while Cha-Don was the physical main character, the real main characters were money and greed.

"You weren’t defeated by me, but you destroyed yourself."
Cha-Don's revenge-y actions never really did anything seriously revenge-y. He didn't frame any of the Traitagon for something they didn't do -Angelina murdering Hwang Jang Shik, Prosecutor Kwon's corruption, SeKwang murdering Hyuk, Reporter Go being outed for his part in taking money in return for not exposing the truth about Lee Joong Man's murder. He only brought these sins to light. Even if Cha-Don wasn't in the picture, it was likely that some of their evil deeds would have been exposed one way or another as long there are people out there who are righteous to the end (like Cha-Don and Ji Hoo).

Regarding the ending - I was disappointed that Angelina poisoned herself. She wasn't really there for her son as a mom and it's the father who has custody of the kid, but it must be a shock for the kid to lose her. While I want SeKwang to face the court and the disdain of all the people who had rooted for him, I thought it was a great touch that he killed himself after seeing the two passports. Angelina originally had one made for herself, but managed to get a second one for SeKwang, so they can leave Korea together. Dumb bastard threw away the person who seriously cared about him.

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41 shel

April 27, 2013 at 9:29 PM

I haven't finished this yet, I'm terribly behind. BUT, I'm so glad to see Kang Ji Hwan in a show deserving of his talents. Lie to Me was SUCH an enormous disappointment, even though he and YEH had great chemistry.

He is great in this part, he does drama well, but he excels at the comedic and this show gave him a chance to really shine.

Too bad he didn't get a decent kiss scene, though. The kiss scenes in LTM were the only really good thing about that show, lol.

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42 dramabird

October 16, 2015 at 3:41 PM

I'm going voting crazy!

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43 Haadiyah

April 24, 2019 at 2:48 AM

I have loved Lee Cha Don, Jae In and even Jae In's mother since the beginning. after watching this drama, i am left in awe.
I do understand where Se Kwang vengeance is coming from but to kill a whole family because of that especially a child who had nothing to do with his father's death.
he should just have gone after the dad alone, and that would have been the justice he was talking all along but i dont know why i felt for the guy at the end though i think it was an easy death for all his cruel actions.
I was moved by Bi Ryung at the end. She finally realised what she did was wrong not about the attorney she killed but rather about Lee Cha Don. it was a tearful moment when she asks for forgiveness. Many are saying she ignored her son by choosing Se kwang , i think instead she actually thought of her son when she made the decision; i think when Lee Cha Don spoke to her on the phone, she realised how she wronged the son of another mother and might have thought her child might be better off without a murderer as mother, And i get she didn't want to live her life in jail so she took the easiest way out. And as what she did to Se Kwang i think she didnt want him to sin anymore and thought it was best to stop him now out of her love for him.
i did felt bad for prosecutor Hyuk; i mean after all he was going against his own dad and got killed. I think he did loved JAe In a lot.i hate that part a lot.
Above i loved how they brought the change in Lee Cha Don personality and JAe In too. As for the ending it was cute and Lovey Dovey

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