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Answer Me 1994: Episode 14

by girlfriday

It’s the height of happiness and the depths of heartache, as one suitor takes a step closer, which invariably means the other gets left behind. The fallout turns out to be harder for my heart to handle than expected, especially when impending separation turns a simple goodbye into one that might be forever. Say it ain’t so!

 
SONG OF THE DAY

Hi.ni’s cover of Bank’s – “가질 수 없는 너 (The One I Can’t Have)” for the Answer Me 1994 OST [ 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 14: “The people who changed me, Part 1”

2013. The houseguests start getting hungry, and the boys prod Binggeure to pay for some food (I’m taking that as a good sign that he’s successful). He pretends not to know what they’re talking about, so they call out Chilbongie next, who defers to Garbage because he’s eldest. Heh.

So Garbage gets up to get his wallet (interesting), and then Na-jung hands the folder of takeout menus to Chilbongie, who calls to make the order (iiiinnnnnteresting). Garbage tells him to add some soju to the order, only to have Na-jung scream at him for drinking too much.

Back in the summer of 1995, we rewind to Oppa swooping in for The Kiss. Pssh, as if we didn’t all re-watch that a thousand times last week. Oh okay, I’ll watch it again if I HAVE to.

While he runs back to his bunk to change out of his lab coat, Na-jung sits in the lobby doing breathing exercises that sound like she’s getting ready to pop out a baby. She rocks back and forth in shock, feeling her face and then her forehead, so nervous that she can’t sit still for one second.

She’s still surprised when Oppa comes back out and throws an arm around her, pouting that she came too late for them to make their dinner reservations. Then he leads her out by the hand, and just when it seems like she might burst from trying to contain her swoon, he spazzes out and starts doing this jumpy dance. So cute.

At the restaurant, Garbage answers a page while Na-jung sits at the table and tries to will herself to be cool. Her pager keeps going off with calls from Yoon-jin (their foolproof insurance plan for when they were sure Oppa was going to break her heart), and she just yanks the battery out of it because her brain is too melty to do anything else.

Oppa shocks her again when he sits down next to her at the table, and I’m simultaneously happy for her but cringing because she’s SO nervous that she can’t even enjoy the date.

Back at the hospital, Binggeure wonders why Chilbongie is lingering in his room and prods for him to share what’s really bothering him. He asks if the ankle injury is more serious than he thought, but Chilbongie says it isn’t that. But something’s clearly bothering him, so Binggeure finally asks, “Is it Na-jungie?” Oh, you know?

Na-jung somehow makes it through dinner in her shell-shocked state, and over coffee Oppa tells her to look at him. She tries, but then finally bursts into tears instead.

Awww. There’s just something about him being the source of her pain and her comfort that always pangs my heart. Mostly I’m glad she finally gets to show how much she’s been holding back on the inside.

To his credit, Oppa apologizes for all the heartache he’s caused her: “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” He reassures her that he likes her and lets her cry it out on his shoulder.

Binggeure tells Chilbongie that everybody in the house knows that he likes Na-jung, which makes a whole lot of sense given how long he’s been nursing that crush. But Binggeure tells him plainly to give up—she likes Garbage, and it’s only a matter of time.

Chilbongie admits that he knows, adding that he even knows that Garbage likes her back. Binggeure asks what he’ll do, and he sighs, “I’ll wait. If now isn’t the time, then I’ll wait. I won’t give up.”

Garbage drops Na-jung off at home, and whispers goodbye just inside the door. She remembers that he had something to say to her but didn’t say it, and when he argues that he did, she counters that he technically didn’t SAY the words. He gets all sheepish: “I said it! With my body.” Hahahahaha. Rawr.

He manages to avoid the direct question when he remembers the heart necklace, and she beams when he hands it to her and tells her not to lose it. She nags him cutely to put it on, and when he urges her to go to her room, she just hugs him instead.

It looks like he’s about to be stern with her for a second… and then he gets all gooey and hugs her back like a big smiley dork. It’s awesome. And then he plants a kiss on her right there in the house before waving her away for the night.

And then we suddenly fast-forward to January 1996, which is a little jarring. Hm, the fact that we zoom past what should be the giddiest part of their romance has me raising an eyebrow for what’s to come. In any case, the house is gathered for their first letter from Haitai, who’s finally adjusting to army life.

Samcheonpo reads the letter aloud, stopping at every line for asides, eventually getting really teary-eyed as he reads. That’s so cute.

Haitai writes that the hardest thing about army life is really the senior officers who have nothing better to do than terrorize the underlings, as we watch him deal with one particularly crazy person who’s basically made Haitai his toy.

Later that night, the housemates are gathered for Chilbongie’s farewell party, as he gets ready to go to Japan to play baseball. Oh noes, for good?

Samcheonpo is the only one in the room clueless enough to ask why Garbage isn’t there to see Chilbongie off, as the rest ignore the question awkwardly.

Na-jung says Oppa is at the hospital to see his younger cousin, a high school fangirl who broke her legs trying to jump Seo Taiji’s fence. Ha, it’s a cameo by Kim Seul-gi (Flower Boy Next Door), and Na-jung describes her as being a little off—she thinks she’s clairvoyant, for instance.

Garbage comes to visit her in the hospital, and right away she guesses that Oppa is dating someone. He doesn’t think that’s exactly a supernatural vision, though she surprises him by knowing that his girlfriend is a computer science major with short hair who’s four years younger.

“And you like her more than she likes you. At first she liked you more, but now you like her more.” It gives him pause.

At the house they ask why she jumped Seo Taiji’s fence, and Na-jung says she had a dream that he got into a helicopter and flew far away. And in the hospital, she tells Oppa that she felt like she wasn’t going to get another chance to see Seo Taiji again, otherwise she wouldn’t have done something so drastic.

Damn, maybe she IS clairvoyant. (Seo Taiji and Boys suddenly retired in January 1996. Why yes, I do know that by heart. What?) Oppa nags her to use her powers to figure out useful stuff like whether or not she’ll ever go to college, calling her a hopeless troublemaker.

She shouts back at him in retaliation: “Your girlfriend’s going to break up with you! You’re going to lose her to another man! Be good to her while she’s with you. I’d go to that guy too!” Omo. But are you just saying that ’cause you’re mad at him? Garbage asks the same thing, but she grumps and avoids answering. Great, now we have a psychic girl messing with our heads.

At the house talk turns to Y2K fears and the chance that the world will end, and the group decides to meet on December 31, 1999 so that they can at least be together in case they’re all going to die. Ha. Each of them is convinced they’ll be the only one to show up, but they all promise to meet back at this house on that day.

Binggeure tells his cousin he’ll miss him, and Samcheonpo sighs that Chilbongie is going to be so lonely in Japan all by himself. He tells him to hurry up and get a girlfriend as soon as he gets there, though he adds quietly, “I have a girlfriend and it’s still lonely.” Heh.

Yoon-jin gets drunker and drunker, and then it’s time for her missiles of truth. She clucks at Chilbongie and Binggeure and wonders how a pair of cousins who look like that could be so terrible at dating, and points out all of the girls lined up to date Chilbongie that he’s rejected. Na-jung stirs in her seat.

And then she turns to Binggeure, and sighs that he’s got it even worse: “His first and only kiss was Garbage oppa.” And just when you think it can’t get ANY worse, she turns to Na-jung: “You were kissing Garbage oppa last night!” Ack. Na-jung’s eyes widen, and she can’t even look at Chilbongie, who just shuts down and leaves the party. Binggeure isn’t far behind.

Chilbongie packs the last of his things, and shows Binggeure an old baseball he keeps locked away in a box. Binggeure knows exactly what ball that is, and asks if he’s going to take it with him. Chilbongie says he has someone to give it to.

Binggeure is careful to bring up Na-jung, but he points out that tonight might be the last night he’ll ever see her. Binggeure says he doesn’t know why, but it feels like Chilbongie won’t ever come back this time, and though he’ll see him in the future because they’re family, it might be the last with Na-jung. The words sink in, and Chilbongie wonders if he ought to have a drink with her.

Na-jung is on the phone with Garbage and worries about going with him to meet his med school sunbaes tomorrow. He promises they’ll be nice so she agrees to go, and then asks him to sing her a song over the phone. He immediately hangs up. Ha.

Chilbongie comes knocking to ask if she’ll come out for a drink since it’s his last night, so they head out together. He’s due to leave for Japan the first of February, but from now until then he has to be in full-time training, which is why he’s leaving the house.

Na-jung chatters on nervously, thinking of a million things he ought to take to Japan (mostly food, of course). He just listens as she rattles off this insanely long list, and finally asks if he doesn’t make her uncomfortable.

She admits that of course it’s awkward, but it’s not because she dislikes him. She says she’s surprised every time she sees him on TV, and it makes her wonder if that’s really the same guy who lives in their house. He seems so normal at home, when in reality he’s this huge star.

She assures him that he’ll be great in Japan and his new teammates will love him there. He’s not so sure, figuring it’s pretty commonplace for players to come back after failing to adjust abroad, but she’s positive he’ll be a big success because he’s the most mature out of all of them, and the nicest.

That word—nice—stings him, and he sighs, “Being nice ruined me.” He berates himself for being so nice that he couldn’t even properly go after the girl he likes, calling himself an idiot. Aw.

He tosses back a drink and says he’s just talking to himself. Na-jung watches with a stricken face, and then after a moment calls out, “Joon-ah…” Omo. She called him by name! He looks up at her, and she smiles out the window: “It’s snowing.”

They share a few more drinks, and then get ready to walk home in the snow. Chilbongie stops her and puts his hat on her head before they go to keep her warm.

Once they reach the house, he tells her to go inside without him, and turns to leave. Na-jung calls out to him by name one more time: “Joon-ah.” She sticks out her hand for a shake, and tells him to go well and be safe.

He slowly raises his hand to hers and shakes it, telling her to be well too. They nod and smile, and then Na-jung starts to pull away, but Chilbongie holds on. “Na-jung-ah, if someday… I don’t know when… years later, if we meet again… and if then, you don’t have anyone by your side… date me then.”

Chilbongie, why do you break my heart so? She stands there frozen in place, tears filling her eyes but unable to say anything in response, and he lets go of her hand. He dusts the snow off her shoulders and sends her inside, where she tosses his hat on her nightstand and goes to bed.

Chilbongie goes to his room and fights back tears, and Na-jung falls asleep curled up next to her stuffed monkey, not having noticed her picture, still tucked inside Chilbongie’s hat.

The next day Garbage looks over Binggeure’s shoulder at the bank and gapes at the large pot of money in his account. He admits it’s tuition money from his parents, and Garbage nags him that it’s time to go home and tell his parents the truth about the not actually being in school. He promises to tell them and then heaves a sigh.

And thus begins one really bad day for everyone in the house. Haitai gets his entire army unit in trouble when he loses a piece of equipment, and as punishment they’re told to put on full gear and run a hundred laps. Eep.

Yoon-jin (dressed as a perfect Mini Seo Taiji, ha) waits outside Taiji oppa’s house along with other fangirls, wondering if something’s going on because it’s been days since anyone’s spotted him. She heads to wait in line for his concert overnight, figuring she’ll at least get front-row seats and see him then.

At home, Samcheonpo is busy having a stern conversation with a hyungnim… which turns out to be a picture of Seo Taiji on Yoon-jin’s wall. Ha. At first he’s asking what he ever did wrong, and then ends up asking Seo Taiji to move into this house. So that you can see Yoon-jin more? You poor thing.

Binggeure catches him in the act, but it at least gives Samcheonpo an outlet as he admits how hard it is to date a fangirl. (What the eff with the repetitive pull-focus mirror bit, PD-nim? Did you just learn a fancy new trick with your camera, and can you play with it elsewhere? It’s taking me out of the moment.)

He says they fought about it so much that they finally agreed not to talk about Seo Taiji at all, only in addition to stopping their fights, it created this distance between them.

That night Binggeure calls home and is surprised to hear how tired his mom sounds. He can’t bring himself to tell her about school, and decides to call his brother instead. And that’s when he gets the news that Dad is sick again, but they didn’t want to worry him.

As soon as he hears that Dad is getting heart surgery tomorrow, Bingguere dashes out the door. He sits with little bro outside Dad’s hospital room, and they can hear Dad’s rude disgruntled shouts that he’s being belittled because he’s a country bumpkin. He says defensively that he may not know anything, but his son is in school to be a doctor. Oof.

Haitai’s unit drops like flies during their hundred laps, and his legs finally give out too. But his senior officer who messes with him every day is the last one standing, and he finishes the laps on his own for the whole unit.

Later that night, Haitai braces himself for a beat-down and the other guys don’t hesitate to show their anger at him for causing their day of torment. But the senior officer walks in and tells them that anyone who gives Haitai a hard time about today will get a beating. Haitai nearly bursts into tears right then and there.

The guy advises him to learn from each of his superior officers because while they might be lesser men out there in the world, here they’re people who have accumulated more life experience and can teach him things.

Haitai says in voiceover that that senior officer, the man he thought was a useless human being, in fact taught him how to value other people. “That there are things you can never know until you try them. That there are sights you can’t see until you go places.”

He happily agrees to unpack the guy’s gear, only to find that it was stuffed with newspapers the whole time. Ha. And then Haitai adds in voiceover that the most important lesson he learned from him was the “resourcefulness to survive.”

Garbage waits outside for Na-jung to arrive for their date, and she stops to primp one last time. He asks in his oppa-way if she’s embarrassed about something because he sees her with blush on, though he takes back the teasing and tells her she looks pretty.

Na-jung is a bundle of nerves all throughout dinner, but Garbage is the perfect gentleman the whole time, more attentive than I ever thought possible for him. She’s as shocked as anyone, and gives him a big hug afterwards for being so great.

Binggeure and his family wait anxiously to see Dad out of surgery, and Mom sends the two boys in to see him first. It’s terrifying for them to see their once frightening, bullying father lying helpless in a hospital bed, and Binggeure cries the second he holds Dad’s hand.

Dad greets him warmly and proudly, and worries more about Binggeure being away from his studies. Mom is the same as she urges him to go back to school, asking about the tuition money that Dad went to go deposit in his hospital clothes yesterday.

Binggeure hesitates, the truth hanging there on the tip of his tongue. Little Bro braces himself for what’s to come, but then to his shock, Binggeure says with a smile that he’ll be paying tuition as soon as he gets to Seoul. Aw, puppy. As Mom hugs him, Na-jung says in voiceover:

Na-jung: Impressive dreams are those that defy family and rise above one’s situation. But most of us can’t bear to step on the ones we love, and in the bitter end we take it upon ourselves to lay down our own dreams. But it’s okay. There’s no need to be discouraged by the dramatic sweat of success or swayed by a setback or the feeling that you lost. To us, people were simply just as important as dreams. The decision to change myself for the people I love—is a pretty impressive thing.

We return to the housewarming party, where Binggeure confirms that he is in fact a successful doctor who’s about to open his own skin clinic. Yoon-jin complains about Samcheonpo’s meager salaryman wages, and thinks Haitai is better off because he’s a civil servant and has a permanent government job.

Haitai counters that his pay is tragic though, and asks about Samcheonpo’s book. Yoon-jin cries that it’s an embarrassment, and Na-jung points to copies of it on her shelf. Lol, it’s called Making A Hundred Million in Your Twilight Years, with Samcheonpo on the cover. They ask if he really made a hundred million, and Yoon-jin says sure, “and then we went into debt for three.” Ha.

More importantly, the shot of Samcheonpo’s book on the shelf reveals a very familiar worn baseball sitting out. Samcheonpo asks what it is, and when Yoon-jin says that ball tells a story, everyone else in the room butts in to shut her up.

Na-jung mouths at them to stop it, Garbage gets angry, and Chilbongie gets weird and fidgety. Huh.

Chilbongie makes an excuse to get up, and Garbage demands something to hit Samcheonpo with, wishing for a steel pipe but settling for a couch cushion. As that goes on in the background, Chilbongie gets up and picks up the ball. What is that look on his face? Wistful nostalgia? Forlorn and bittersweet regret?

What is that ball and why is it there? (And just to make it a total non-clue in the end, the same shelf also houses medical books.)

Back in January 1996, Chilbongie broods in his bunk at training camp, and as a cover of Bank’s “The One I Can’t Have” plays (posted above), he takes out that very baseball in question.

 
COMMENTS

Well we know it ends up in Na-jung’s house somehow, so the question is what it means that she still has it. Is it a sign that she accepted his heart, or is it a remnant of first loves past (and unfulfilled)? Am I just in for a terrible heartbreak if I let myself hope that Chilbongie still has a chance? I don’t even think I can help it at this point, because the hints are feeding my hope and it’s turning into its own beast. Practically speaking, at this point Na-jung has been with Oppa for months, so Chilbongie should just give up. That’s what I would tell him to do if he were my friend. But I can’t help the fact that my heart does whatever it wants to, and it roots for Chilbongie.

It’s illogical on a basic level, since Na-jung finally has Garbage all to herself and they’re both insanely happy. The thing is, I’m happy for her since that’s what she wants. They’re so sweet together, and Oppa’s even turned over a new leaf with his less-garbagey, now-I-wait-for-you-to-arrive adoring ways. It’s gratifying to see to him head over heels for her, because we’ve spent so long watching her pine away for him, aching while he was making up his mind. But the thing that struck me was that Na-jung has spent so long wanting Oppa that I’m not even sure she knows how to enjoy having Oppa. Perhaps it’s something she lets sink in after the first date, but I wouldn’t know because you didn’t show me, Show. Why?

On a structural level, if Oppa is the husband, I’m really confused about the choice to skip the very beginning of their relationship, which is the stuff I’ve been waiting (and waiting, and WAITING) for, and after one date we suddenly skip half a year. It’s not like they’re not still cute, but the choice to zoom past the giddy happy early love stuff made me scratch my head. I want all the awkward first times for everything. Is that stuff just obvious for them, or are we skipping it because their relationship is already on its way out? Is Oppa’s cousin really clairvoyant, and does that mean he’s in for a reversal where he pines for Na-jung while she slips away from him? Or are we just meant to have that fear hanging over our heads so that we can’t even enjoy their happiness just in case the rug might be pulled out from under us? BAH. I honestly don’t even know anymore.

All that husband nonsense aside, I really loved Binggeure’s story in this episode. For starters, if he does in fact have a crush on Garbage (it’s still unclear), then Chilbongie’s got nothing on him because he can’t even bring himself to tell anyone about his broken heart. But the family storyline was really the best stuff in this episode. We’ve had an entire series’ worth of buildup towards this really terrifying father and the inevitable blowout when Binggeure tells his family about ditching med school to be a singer. It was, as befits his character, a slow burn as he quietly took semester after semester off, adrift while everyone else around him was working toward their futures. There was such a fantastic unsung-hero quality about his sacrifice, and Na-jung’s narration that punctuated how much more commonplace it is to lay down your own dreams for the needs of those around you. Maybe it isn’t the fairytale, but sometimes there isn’t enough credit in this world for the selfless, dependable, grown-up choice to live for the people you love.

 
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Tags: Answer Me 1994, featured, Go Ara, Jung Woo, Yoo Yeon-seok

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I'm still clinging on to the hope that Joonie (Chilbong) is the husband. I have a really strong gut feeling.

Also, along with medical books, there were also numerous baseball books as well thus leading me to believe that CB may have became a chiropractor or therapist later on hmmm.

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But ChilBong Also frowned at the baseball... I would think he would have smiled at it if that led to a good relationship with NJ. Instead I have to wonder if he's thinking he was foolish or has regrets.

Also the timing.... it just makes me wonder.

Also, all the other male leads have secondary characters to lean back on as love interests, which they did last time.

Oppa doesn't... it's clear his "alternate" is getting paired with the fellow med student from the top of the show (The whole fortune teller bit ruined the suspense). (I still wish they hadn't done that--at least don't resolve it in the episode).

Chil Bong has the manager which they've shown a few times.

It's kinda clear Binggeurae is gay and that won't pan out with Oppa. (2 rivals in the dumpster... Smells fishy)

Haitai's name was mentioned, though I have to dig for it. I thought the recaps would cover it and it was a long name starting with Kim with no Joon. (When Haitai was noogying his friend's head. His friend said Kim and then the rest of his name. Haitai answered "What?" "That's your name right?" went back to noogying... *roughly* O.o;; Unless I'm making it up in my head.)

The other characters are paired, but I knew it would end up that way.

They need to give NJ a real rival and a question of if Oppa will end up with her, instead of getting rid of her rivals so quickly. (It's painful as a writer, but seriously). (You can't marry cousins in Korea--it's illegal).

Oh and predictions always become true in K dramas, but I think given the 3 act structure, it's still predictable.

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I want NJ for Haitai :( I guess I'm the only one shipping this couple.

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You are not alone! I totally ship Na Jung and Haitai too. I think their friendship is very sweet, and it would be a great plot twist if he was the husband instead of either Oppa or Chilbong.

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Na Jung and Haitai shipper too :D They look good together and has some great chemistry. Oopa garbage is too 'brotherly' for her and the kisses makes me feel so uncomfortable even though they are not blood related. Chilbogie is sweet but somehow I don't see much chemistry between them...there is an air of awkwardness between them.
Haitai on the other hand is a friend and a confidante and in the long run when all the romantic mushiness goes that's what remains- companionship and I see them having a good life ahead...

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You're not alone..I'm rooting for najung-haitai too..I'm going to lurk around until haitai is discharged..huhuhu

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I am putting my faith in your confident assurances that Oppa is endgame.

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I hope so too. Is it just me or does anyone find that gesture oppa does to Binggeure kinda annoying? (the puppy gesture tickling thing) I don't even know how to describe it. It was cute the first few times but no more. please oppa!!!!

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If you notice, in the 2013 scene, T was patting the back of B's head/touching his hair. For better or for worse. (How else to explain why 44 year old man touches a 40 year old man's hair beside that they are in a relationship?)

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The fellow doctor, as a note, is paired with someone else for certain - Yoonjae's brother, Taewoong, in Reply 1997, hyungie who is a billionaire and future president of Korea haha. Exact same womn, who takes her stocking soff the exact same way. Just a cute way for the writers to link the two Reply's together.

I think a lot of people forget/didn't recognize her/didn't watch 1997, but yeah. She's definitely Taewoong's wife from there, the DBSK fangirl and future head of the hospital.

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Actually if u guys notice Chilbogie and Oppa have wedding rings on but as 4 Hatati we didn't c his weddings hand yet finger crossed

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9 camera angles on that kiss. They would, from my estimation have to had the actors kiss at least 3 times to do the take. There had to be at least 2 cameras working the shot unless they did it one by one, but that would have been inefficient.

Chil Bong's kiss had less camera angles.

Dramaland rules don't lie. Plus the popularity of Oppa as end game kinda makes them hard to go against viewer rating within Korea. (I also think they set it up that way from the start. The whole turning chicken on the rivals).

There is a break up coming, or a near to break up, which is why they skipped the early dating scenes. The later scenes shows that not much has changed in their relationship despite it being 6 months, not through words, but through actions, but NJ is feeling on edge because she wants words and not just actions.

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Actually, I've seen various polls on websites, blogs, and cafes of the whole Chilbongie vs. Garbage (vs. Haitai) debate, and Chilbongie's actually the most popular among Korean netizens who have participated.

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But netizens are not the ahjummas with the tv remote. Who do THEY like?

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hmmm interesting. cuz all the articles ive been reading on nate, daum, naver are highly skewed to trash oppa. not only in the comments section but also the content of the article. and DC gal also seems to lean toward oppa too. i guess itd be safe to say its 50/50 then, depending on what source you are consulting.

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i dont know if this is answered, but the female doctor is a meta from reply 1997, shes married to tae woong (yoon je's brother who didnt get the female lead), so no shes not trash's alternate :)

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I didn't even think about CB becoming a chiropractor! That wouldn't be too surprising since he did mention that he was the best at giving massages on the team.

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Yes, i also think chil bong is the husband.

N and T got together in late in ep 12, we're together until 15, and may break up in 16-17. That's 4-5 eps of their story.

N is the only undeveloped main character so next eps will focus on her growth. And on her relationships. There's still 6 eps left, enough time to work on another story, perhaps?

All the other characters' story arcs have been resolved here or in 15 more or less.

For a team that places much importance on stuff toys, i don't know if anyone else noticed the presence/focus on watches and clocks in joon's and N scenes.... Clearly, one common theme in their story is time.

And it's curious that CB is the only male character with a name. T s name is just an assumption because of the dollimja rule but not confirmed the same way that J is, with his mom, cousin, and Nj calling him that. The only ones who called him that before are family. NJ way of calling CB has changed over time (see, time again!), chil bong, then bong-ah, then joon-ah...curious, curious.

Then there's the 2013 scenes that point to J and Nj being married. That's their future --- their future relationships is in the 2013 scenes --- so we're not doing the story plainly going forward... We're doing it forward yes, but also backward.

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You're right. This is the first episode where NJ called the future Chilbong, "Joon," and the past Chilbong, "Joon".

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No, she called him joon on last episodes too, it just that some not noticed it.

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You give me hope..... CB NEEDS to be the husband! TT_TT

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I don't have the heart to watch Chilbong's feeling trampled, and thought about stopping until the show is over. I'm glad that Oppa's cousin girl is messing with our heads. I'm just glad there is hope.

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hope is a demon best left alone. really messes with you. the way bongie was watching her in the restaurant had my heart doing little flips. oppa waited tooooo long. seves him right.

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huhu chilbongie..actually I don't really care who will be NJ's husband but I just can't to watch CB's heartbroken...why did they only have 2 female leads?

In the end it's San Cheon Po, the most lucky guy here..

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They've agreed to meet on NY's Eve of 1999, 4 years from Chilbong's departure. I think that at that time, NJ would have broken up with Trash, and her new love affair w CB would begin.
After CB leaves, she'd have the time and opportunity to find out that her feelings for Oppa are but a crush, and to compare which guy really makes her feel loved and treasured.

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n is the underdeveloped character...? chilbong..?

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Also, weird that for a drama supposedly about basketball, it became about baseball.... Such as love and life must be like baseball, etc.

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Another reason why I think CB is the husband. Why all the baseball analogies if Oppa is the husband.

Considering baseball is CB's thing, it would make more sense for him to be the husband.

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1. Her father is a baseball coach
2. Did you watch 9 ends 2 out?
In that drama there is a lot of baseball analouge. The main girl dates a baseball player at the beginning but ends up with an another man. The baseball analouge is because she learnt a lot from that relationship. (and probably the writers love baseball)

In here wether CB is the husband or not, NJ did learn from her relationship to him, he is also one of the person who changed her. (Also since in Reply 1997 the dad is a baseball coach as well, I assume the writers love baseball.)

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as much as i like Chilbongie like anyone else...please writer-nim...
DON'T make him into Park See Joo...Bongie-yah, that girl in just not into you.

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NJ may not be into CB at this moment in time, bcos Oppa already had a place in her heart before CB came on the scene. She and Oppa had many years of history going back into their childhood. So it was easy for NJ to carry those feelings of familiarity and closeness into her blossoming youth and regard them to be love. It has to happen. That'd give her a chance to grow out of that teenage sentimentality and become a young woman ready for her one true love.

When that time comes, she'll be soooo into Chilbongie we can hardly breathe! Fingers and toes crossed.

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That might be but at this point...our NJ just do not love C like how she loves T Oppa. We cannot be like a typical kdrama mother in law and disapprove of who she likes just because we think someone else is better for her. If the story makes a U turn and NJ falls out of love from T Oppa and develop a deeper kind of love for C...then we all will be accepting of that and root the same way for them too.
Also, I think that when some people say that NJ's feelings for T Oppa is just her being confused for their closeness...is undermining our NJ. She's not a teenager or an elementary student. Maybe she's really experiencing her first love. That doesn't mean also that she and her first love will end up together. But atleast maybe accept the fact that she really is having her first experience with that kind of love.

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"She is not a teenager or an elementary student."

She is 20, so very very much older than a teenager.

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still rooting for chilbongie! Show don't fail me now. Either way there will be broken hearts in the end...

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I think that the last point you made is very valid...CB may be a chiropractor (or something along those lines) later on... remember NJs bad back? NJ said that he is very good at this...could this be what the writers were setting up?

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i'm on team chilbong. but i've a feeling that she's going to end up with chilbong.

1> reply 97 was all about first love. right? the writers didn't want to have a repeat of reply 97 in reply 94. the narration for reply 94 is usually about hard work and perseverance yada yada. so maybe chilbong will get the girl? he's always persevering to get a bit of najung's love while oppa is just on the waiting end not doing anything.

2> the scene where chilbong told najung that would it be okay if they date the next time they meet if she's single. and they all promised to meet again on 31 dec 99. IS THAT A HINT?! since she got married in 2002 (if i'm not mistaken), they could date for 2 years since they knew each other for a long time, so its quite reasonable for them to get married after dating for 2 years.

3> during the ordering food part in 2013, oppa paid cause he's the oldest after hearing haitai and samcheonpo fighting (lol) but, it was chilbongie that ordered the food. wouldn't it made more sense that the owner of the house ordered food from their usual delivery shop?

i'm biased, so maybe i've been looking for some hints. no matter how small they are to prove that my ship will still sail till the end! #TEAMCHILBONG (but oppa is so cute with najung!, nooooo)

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The thing i really hate about the show is it seems well-written but it's not.

I like joon, chil bong, as a character because he is a good person, nice, polite, considerate, and just an all-around awesome guy. Yes, he is also persistent and hardworking, but he is a good and decent person.

I hate that his character is reduced to cater to the love triangle (even baseball that should have been his life outside of it is now made integral to the whole love triangle). I hate that he's going to do that, fight for something or wait for something, whatever, in order to keep the husband-mystery going. I hate it.

I do understand him, and try to cut him some slack, like when he said goodbye to nj maybe he was drunk? but I can't go over the disconnect. He's saying live well but you know in future blah blah. It seems he's giving up when he gives the cap with her future but his question about the future contradicts that.

I understand that he has nothing else to do but wait and it's ok to tell that to his cousin. But it seems really rude to say that to nj

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And even to trash, to tell him that he'll come back for the ball (and the girl?) it has been established early on, even trash said that he's a polite boy.

What happened? Did he have a personality transplant just so he'll keep fighting in the end?

If or when nj still gets married in the end, what message does it leave? Be persistent and work hard, but you know sometimes it will not work?

If or when no marries chil bong what message does it share? Even if people are in a relationship, don't give up, keep trying, and even let the girl and guy know that you're hoping/wanting a different future?

I get that this is a slice of life drama but I wish they'll try to leave good lessons to the viewers. But from how things are going, that doesn't seem to be the case.

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God please let this be true. Poor Chilbongie!

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I loved every scene with Oppa and NJ. So sweet and really shows the unbridled of happiness of the beginning of a relationship! After so many ep with NJ unhappy I was so glad to see her so happy. Finally! But there is always a sense of doom for this couple. What is up with the cousin? Do you think she is right? I cant help that CB is the hubby when they have couple phone covers in the present, but I have no idea how they are going to get together. Unless they skip to 1999 and they are the only ones to meet.

Poor CB....my ship is sinking, but that is okay. I just hope he finds happiness soon! But i really loved the scene between him and NJ and the restaurant. How sweet was that! That is why I love CB. He puts himself out there and he is the nice that guy that we should all like. I feel for him tremendously.

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The problem I've got with CB as the husband is, that I don't 'feel' the couple NJ/CB. They've got nothing in common. He looks at her with puppy eyes and that's about it. With Oppa she shares history, a very strong friendship, humor and laughter, a physical attraction. That is enough to last for a lifetime.

But seeing the Korean reactions toward MHIYD and how obviously the majority of Koreans wanted Seju to end up with Mi Rae, because he 'loved' her and being loved is what is important, I fear they'll sell us the CB/NJ pairing in the end.

How ever this story will go, they'll have to convince me, that after such a long yearning all parties of the love triangle were able to remain good friends. Because clearly CB didn't look happy seeing the baseball. Were it his flat, he'd know it is there. Otoh Oppa living in a flat would look different or NJ became the perfect
housewife, always tidying after hubby. ;)

Hated the timejump (strengthens the feeling, that the writer decided to work off certain actions as well as dates) and the clairvoyant cousin. Lame choice to build up the insecurity. And I fear, that all the different hints toward the possible two (or three) hubbies, will become a problem in the end. E.g. should CB be the husband, what reason would he have to look at the baseball like that etc.

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From what I heard, in South Korea Trash is the favourite.
In a recent article where they listed the breakout stars of 2013, Jung Woo is second (Kim Woo Bin is first). Jung Woo became really popular and a "hot" actor with Trash.

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Kim Woo Bin is first, you say?? *cheers and does a funky dance* lol

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yes, aside from the fact that jung woo is really popular in korea right now, trash as a character is the clear favorite for the husband as well.

ive explained this before but it does have something to do with oppa's very "kyungsangdo" man tendencies - such as the way he talks, his small but affectionate actions towards NJ, his hyung relationship with the other members of the homestay, etc. and most of all, they had no issue with oppas initial reluctance to return NJs feelings . This is because for the most part they understand his apprehension of family rejection and how important NJs parents' opinion is. and how he couldn't rashly act on his feelings even if he wanted to.

also another thing is that korean audiences tend to be way more conservative than american (not sure how other countries are) counterparts, and they feel that it is not appropriate for everyone to be ok with each other in 2013 when NJ once had a "deep" relationship with oppa. A lot of netizens noted that after having kissed oppa 'like THAT' (aka very passionate kiss) and loved him so much they dont see how it is appropriate for her to go to CB all of a sudden. they said that would make it a "makjang" drama.

obviously i'm first and foremost an american and ive been exposed to hollywood-type dramas for a while.... i don't necessarily agree with this conservatism. if anything, i think its totally fine to date someone else, no matter how deeply you loved a person before. the only thing i have an issue with is how they would portray NJs changing feelings toward CB if it were to happen. i just dont see any reason NJ wanting to end things with oppa that are not purely situational such as long distance, parental objection, misunderstandings, etc. i dont think it could be her just dropping her feelings for oppa and getting cold feet. and if they did break up over situational reasons and not because she stopped loving him, i feel that it would be difficult to ever go back to normal as shown in 2013.

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Now I want no to get married with someone else rather than oppa, ht, cb, or someone else.

That would be something different in dramas, a girl who is gasp, normal enough to have been into more than two serious relationships prior to marriage. I'm sure that's the case even in late 1990s Korea.

That may be close to impossible to happen though. Girls have to be pure and innocent and only be in one relationship their whole lives. Blah.

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Hmm. I agree and disagree. lolalanes, I'm not a child but I still take issue with Trash's hesitation in previous episodes - I understand his need to proceed cautiously because of family ties, but he was not honest with Najung, and put her through a lot of unnecessary pain because he would not be up-front with her about his feelings and the issues those feelings might cause. If she is truly a love-interest of his, then he needs to see her as an adult and treat her as one, instead of all the teasing, the blowing hot and cold, the refusing to respond to her confession.

The other big issue I have is with the show itself; they are sacrificing the truly great stories they have at their disposal in favor of an artificial and gimmicky love triangle that is unfair to the characters and also unfair to us. I am so annoyed with the writing, which is inserting clues and jerking us around like a bad murder mystery, that I don't care who she marries anymore.

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Actually, he's third. 1st and 2nd is the bromance couple Woo Bin and Jong Suk.

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when the cousin told oppa that his girlfriend would break up with him,I wondered if she just said it out of irritation... but his reaction to her "prediction" that he likes Na-jung more than she likes him makes me wonder if it won't become a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy... like, now that he has the idea that Jung is gonna leave him in his head, he's going to somehow subconsciously sabotage his relationship with her. :/

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Gan the recap is making me love this drama even more. The 2013 scenes are such a tease. Either way the 2 men have resolved their issues obviously if they're all sl comfortable towards each other.

Isnt there any clue either way where's it is going? I am so happy for Trash but CB makes my heart hurt.

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TEAM CHILBONGI FIGHTING

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it is weird that we're skipping over all the firsts in NJ and Trash's relationship.. I was confused that a full half year passed by… I don't want to get my hopes up because i'm a chilbongie fan but if I look at it from fans of Trash, then I would also be very worried because all signs are pointing to their relationship coming to an end soon.. UGH show you KILL ME!

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I feel like Oppa and Na Jung will break up, but that doesn't mean he won't be the husband. There are 6 episodes left and the show needs to keep us guessing. She can't be happy with Oppa for 6 more episodes, it wouldn't be very interesting imo. So they will break up and maybe drift apart. I have a feeling that the meet up at the end of 1999 will be where Na Jung really has to make up her mind between Opp and Chilbongie. Her and Oppa will have broken up and then she will see them both there at the end of the world get together and make her decision then. I'm rooting for Chilbongie and think there is still hope in that ship, but Oppa could also just as easily be the husband.

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chilbongie! i'll be happy with either husband but i look forward to her interactions with chilbongie more bc for me, the setup with trash oppa was just too late. i was already feeling chilbongie when oppa finally admitted his feelings. although i do like their moments together too.

i do want more haitai time though!

and in an earlier episode, when it is 2013, they mention that yoon jin found herself a rich husband (then a close up of haitai, just to throw us off later) but samcheonpo is in debt? was the rich comment just a joke setup earlier so the book title would be even funnier? idk.

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Okay, so this drama is giving me a lot of headache. I can't keep track anymore.

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At this point i dont care who the husband is. I really don't.

Show is starting to wear on me with multiple clues, red herrings, or whatsits that may or may not be germane to the story. I do like the concept of not having a second lead until the penultimate episode, but something is lost in the execution.

Sigh.

On another note, I can see them skipping the first part of the relationship if the narrative choice is to revisit it via flashbacks. Goat bleats included.

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Yes! as it is with 1997, It's very deliberate that they will skip scenes now for it to be revisited later and somehow it would make sense in the end.

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I think it'll be the CB-NJ scenes that'll be re-visited later. We've had these spectacular moments only our faces are rubbed with garbage-NJ scenes moments later. Other Chilbongie shippers and I WANT to know what NJ's thought process was after the New Year's confession and after the hug.

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That's true. That's one of the many reasons why I liked AM 1997, that they did not forget to show us the follow up to the scenes that I thought they just left hanging. And that, somehow, for me at least, brought greater satisfaction in the end. Although, I have to admit that was a lot frustrating, too.

Also, there's one thing I'm certain about AM 1994, it's better at frustrating us when it comes to guessing who's NJ's husband. Because right now, I'm MIGHTY frustrated.

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Right. AM 1997 got me rooting for yoon jae for the beginning (since the signs were not as vague as the one the writer throw at us right now), so the frustration is not quite as much as I have right now with AM 1994. Though as a chilbongie-na jung shipper from the very beginning, I'm going to say "I will go down with this ship" *humming Dido's tune

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I can't take being jerked around by the husband mystery. I love the show and characters, but I'm just not on board with being so distracted and worried about the mystery, when they're obviously just messing with us. I'll wait until the end, then marathon it and savor the parts with whoever winds up being the otp! I don't like them skipping over things like the fallout from Chilbongie's confession, or the cute stuff at the start of Oppa and Najung's relationship. I still love the show, though!

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Take note of the date: 12/31/1999

If Joon-ah and Na Jeong were to reunite again, that's the perfect date to meet what with his first confession also being on New Year's Eve in 1994.

I also think it's worth noting that there are baseball books on the shelf as well. And some of the medical books have to do with muscles and the physical anatomy. So Chilbongie could have ended up being a chiropractor if his professional baseball career never came into fruition or he retired

That being said, I'm 100% sure Chilbong/Chilbongie/Joon-ah is the husband.

And I'm still bothered that there's been no growth on Na Jeong's part as a character, despite being in a relationship with Oppa. Her crying really pained me and struck a chord with me and not for good reasons. That whole relationship just rubs me the wrong way. I want to see Na Jeong doing awesome things again like being the math whiz that she is or even just a couple references to Sang min oppa. But all her scenes just revolve around the triangle. I'm hoping that in these next episodes her development will be expedited because she's starting to lose her charm and depth as a character. On a brighter note, just how beautiful did she look when she said Joon's name and that it was snowing? She dressed and sounded so much like a woman there. I hope we see more of that.

The farewell in the snow was anything and everything I could have asked for for my OTP.

On a less shippy note, Kim Cousins, how I love thee...two of you. I loved that Binggraee just knew right away what was bothering Chilbong. Chilbong's feelings were obvious to us but it was never clear if they were to the other boarders. So although ideally I'd love more cousin bonding, in the more fun sense, I think it's even better to know that they're perceptive about each other's feelings and will pull through for the other when they need it the most. Binggrae's "Chilbong-ah, I think I'll miss you."<33

And Binggraee!!! Baro nailed that crying scene. The circumstances are heartbreaking but I'm glad he eventually found his calling.

I love Hai Tai and all but is it so bad of me that I couldnt felpbu fastforward through his stuff? I swear I'll pay more attention to his scenes upon another viewing. x]

And oh Yoon Jin. Stop giving that girl alcohol lol. It never ends well!

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A few days back I came across this spectacular CB-NJ MV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct3zA-WCPZI

It already saddened me what with last week's brutality Chilbongie shippers had to go through. Nothing, could really prepare me for the emotional distress that E14 would cause me.

When will the writer give CB and us a reprieve?! Really, when?! I've become strangely detached from the other characters... I was glad that BGR was emotionally supportive of his cousin. YAYY, to somebody being there for him.

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Dude I LOVE that video, And I've watched it so many times that I felt silly for having only had the epiphany last night just how relevant and accurate the theme of Timing is with this couple.

I don't get why people are disregarding ALL the 2013 scenes. I feel like by making them too obvious, viewers will be more inclined to take them as misdirects when they're really straightforward and should be taken at face value. If this was your intention, writer-nim, then excellent job because you almost had everyone fooled.

Because what matters is 2013. That's the complete puzzle. And for me,the complete puzzle is Chilbongie. a1994-onwards is presenting us with the pieces. If Trash is the husband, all the CHilbongie hints can be potentially all be explained but it does require some suspension of logic and disbelief on my part.

I have faith in the writers that they'll be able to pull off a turnaround. It's obviously not going to please everyone but I'm going all in and placing all my bets on Kim ___ Joon.

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OMYGAWD exactly!!!

I love the fact that you mentioned that the narrative is not only moving forward but backward as well, so we must not disregard the 2013 scenes, but it frustrates the hell out of me that some people cannot see it, i guess we see what we want to see.

I guess that we have seen so much heartache/sufferings/sadness for Joon-ah because in a way that's the only logical thing to do in the writer's POV - experience extreme pain today and after this we will give you happiness.

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You guys are so funny; you think we can't see it? The show is basically a feature that started at the end and goes back to tell us how we came to be there and then when we travel forward to the future, we will walk our way to the finish line; it's just that this show keeps jumping forward to the ongoing future and back to the past or somewhere in the middle of both; make no mistake, we are all noticing the future because that's where clues are presented and then the flashback happens to explain it why that is.

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So agree with this. I more team CB then team Cb/NJ because I'm not a big fan of her character. But all this foreshadowing has to have some better resolution then fizzling out, like oh, its just not meant to be, like they did with B leaving school.

Obviously, in real life, NJ would probably tell CB to get lost because she's in love with the other guy and in a new relationship. But this is not real life. This is a drama.

I think to resolve the issue she needs to consider his feelings seriously. Whether just in passing in the future. I don't care if she rejects him. But it has to be addressed in a major way. Cuz I'm starting to think CB is too good for NJ.

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Whether drama or not, she doesn't need to consider his feelings at all if she doesn't feel anything. The point is, he likes her and she likes someone else; The only resolution left is her rejecting him or something happening in the future that causes her to develop feelings for him.

And what's with the "being too good for NJ" comment? Just because you like someone and they don't notice you, does that mean your too good for them? it is just something people say insecurely to make themselves feel good about being rejected.

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"cuz im starting to think CB is too good for NJ"

I've read quite a few of comments like this already, so it's not the first one.
Really? Sigh.
CB fans.
Sorry, but i've picked you to just voice my thoughts on this whole thing even if there are other comments like this just to get it out there, so you're not the only one i'm targeting.

Saying he's too good for a character like na jung who's currently experiencing all the ins and outs of first love at the ripe age of 20/21 -- you make it seem like she's undeserving of his love (which, lets face it, is obviously implied).
And here we go again with the whole idea that some people don't deserve the love they receive. Okay. You can probably say that about all those crappy dog owners that may abuse their dog's unconditional love (going off on a tangent for a second here).
But Na Jung is as young and inexperienced as you can get in love(the romantic kind). She didn't ask to be loved by chilbong in THAT way. Just because she had someone else occupying her heart doesn't mean she doesn't deserve whatever else life gives her.
You guys should think of Chilbong's love for najung as something of a great gift that will forever be cherished, buried, and locked away. His first love was the same burning passion he had for baseball, perhaps even more. It was nice to watch all of this unfold at the beginning, but now that trash and na jung are together as a couple, you should try to be optimistic for the future -- that chilbong will be able to find someone who loves him the way he loves.
I do understand that CB fans need to let off some sadness, steam, and anger, so i've mostly kept my mouth shut. But now we're at the bitterness stage, and it's getting old..
Some of you are at the acceptance stage, so kudos to you.

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how many times does the sentiment have to be explained that no one owes anyone any feelings especially women in this position since people seem to shove the blame onto them. it's not fair to her or him, he doesn't deserve anything out of pity (i don't even like him that much but really this just makes everything ridiculous accepting a person just bc theyre ~good~ too good to you.)

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"I don’t get why people are disregarding ALL the 2013 scenes. I feel like by making them too obvious, viewers will be more inclined to take them as misdirects when they’re really straightforward and should be taken at face value."

I agree with this. I don't know if you watched AM1997, although the endgame couple was pretty obvious in that series, if you look at the hints in the 2012 scenes between Yoon Jae and Shi Won, it was really quite obvious that they were the couple there.

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Thanks for posting that.
Now I know where to go when I want to feel an incredible amount of hope mixed with pain. Over and over and over.

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Your comment made me realize that CB-NJ have had these amazing swoon-worthy moments. NJ had 'em w/ Garbage early on in the series but in recent weeks her skinship scenes with him while being sweet don't make me go HOMGG!

Here's another MV (which I've posted before but it's just that wonderful): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lpizQhTOeU

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Thanks for sharing that, Saima. This episode just wring my heart for CB when he was saying his goodbye to NJ (in the snow). That was such a beautiful scene. I was all choked up and just cried silent tears when he held on to her hand, trying to smile and not make her feel awkward yet wanting to let her know that he'll be waiting. Aw, CB, why do you do this to me?

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But when did we find out that Chil Bongie's surname is Kim?

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J (CB) and his cousin BG has the same surname. Their mothers are sisters that married men with the same last name.

When BG was filing for temporary leave from school, his name is there, Kim --- ----. And BG's brother is Kim Dong Woo.

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Hunh, I must have missed that - was it in the ep with CB's mother's remarriage?

Thanks for the reply!

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It was pretty early on (maybe episode 3) at one of the group drinking sessions. Someone commented about their names being similar and assumed that they were paternal cousins and they said no, their moms were sisters and both married men named Kim. It's either the episode where CB's mom remarried or the one right after because we already know is name is Joon at that point.

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I can't take your review seriously since you're obviously NJ/CB biased and anything she does with Trash doesn't interest you. This is why I don't like the NJ/CB ship because they can't seem to enjoy the show because their ship aren't together. NJ likes Trash and just because someone else likes her doesn't mean she will ever come to like that person even if he buys her an airplane; it's just how the heart is. [Spoiler be gone! -jb]

I have resigned myself to enjoying the show and no longer care who she ends up with; I know who she loves now, but if she were to end up with CB and nothing happens next week to indicate that she likes him in that way at all, then, I don't think that putting them together for the final two weeks will make sense at all episode wise, but timeline wise, that's a whole different story.

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But it's true: NJ with garbage becomes this girl who's inundated with self-doubt and is unsure of herself. She has put Garbage on a pedestal and being with him has reduced her self-worth. Case in point: she's a shadow of herself on the group date. On the other hand, whenever she's with CB she's an equal. Yes, he's this amazing baseball who's super good-looking but she couldn't be bothered either way.

There also has been no discernible change in their relationship, save for them being physically intimate, when they were oppa-dongsaeng to now being partners. I just cannot get over how garbage treats her at time... I dunno. Whatever floats her boat I guess.

The difference in her date w/ GB (where she's overwhelmed) and w/ CB is palpable. Am I the only one who thought that a friend be this concerned the way she is (heck she even talks about undergarments and she tries to talk him into speaking with his parents - when we've never seen her do the same w/ garbage)?!

This week I came to realize that I am firmly Team Chilbongie in that I just want him to find happiness.

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The thing is Najeong LIKES Oppa. People can make all the arguments in the world about how Chilbong is the better husband, and I'm not saying he's not a good guy, but Najeong has always treated him like a friend. She doesn't get all batty-eyed with him, or think and talk about him all the time the way she does with Oppa. Chilbong is a great guy, but at the end of the day it's about who Najeong's feelings are for. Right now, it's clear her love is all for oppa.

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Lulz, and how is my comment even indicative of the fact that I'm against them dating. I just don't feel it... as a viewer I'm allowed an opinion, right?!

From the last sentence in my previous comment it's pretty clear that I could care less about NJ herself (she seems to be happy w/ garbage). All I'm concerned about is Chilbongie and his happiness. If he's happy with NJ then I'm happy for him... if he's happy with some random girl I'll be happy provided we're given some context about said girl.

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Also this is a drama where there will be character analyses by the viewers. We're a part of said characters' journey through 10 weeks... it would not bode well for the writers if we'd not care if the characters were stagnant, making progress, or regressing. Nobody here is saying CB is better for NJ. We're just comparing CB with GB. The heart wants what it wants, ne?!

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The question is: Do we really know or are we really clear about what Na Jeong feels towards Chilbong? Because for the past few episodes, all we've been having are cuts to very important scenes and non-reactions. We don't know what went down after Chilbong's confession nor we've been allowed a look at Na Jeong's thought process during the goodbye scene.

For me, silence is not a "No", guys. And neither is continually agreeing to hang out with someone (with just the two of them even if one know that the other has feelings for the former and the possibility that you might be stringing him on) .

Chilbong made the confession but Na Jeong never said 'No'. And we know how she is. She's stubborn, direct and straightforward. Heck, she didn't even hesitate to call Joon stupid. And yet she doesn't say No. So really, are we sure about what Na Jeong feels?

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@eetsuko

Very well said! The writers are holding out on us regarding NJ's reactions. She's certainly not indifferent to him. And you're right, it's all still very vague at this point (which can be misconstrued by others as noninterest on her part).

I know the show will be flashing back to those scenes to show NJ's reactions to CB's kiss and hug and I can't wait to see it. Ah, Show, put me out of my misery already! I have real world problems, too, but with my love for CB's character, his problem is becoming my problem. This Show. Tsk. *shakes head*

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She's meeting his friends for the first time, ofcourse she will be nervous and for your information, she's not nervous and less than herself when she's with Trash, except when they first started going out, but who wasn't like that when you first start dating! If she had been out with CB to meet his friends for the first time as well, she would have been uncomfortable as well, so please be reasonable.

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I totally agree about Na Jeong development. I didn't like the first scenes after the kiss I was like, "why is she acting like a five-year-old." I kind of get the freaking out in the lobby, but then he takes her hand and she literally shuffles out the room like a toddler (I've got a toddler, I know well of what I speak). Then she stares at the table all through dinner and then just bursts out crying. I get that she's in a b it of shock because she expected to be getting her heart broken but still, pull yourself together! You're almost 22 years old at this point! Why is she the only one not allowed to grow up?

And yes, I want to see her excelling in class (I think they have yet to show her in an actual classroom, though she has made it to campus a couple of times) and I want to find out in 2013 that she invented Korean Google or something like that. I want her to be a grown, adult person, especially since both of the men vying for her affection are afforded that luxury.

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mmm yea i guess it just depends on your personal experience of love? cuz even if she is 22 you have to understand that oppa is her first love. she has absolutely no prior experience with dating or love. i can see how she can be overcome with so much emotion after FINALLY finding out that the person you thought was a crush is actually reciprocating ur love. plus she was prob just so nervous cuz she only liked oppa, she didnt go so far as to think about how things would change once they went from oppa-dongsaeng to lovers. she was just embarassed about how she was supposed to act. and as the episodes progress, u can see that her relationship with oppa as a bf is becoming alot more natural now.

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Still, you gotta agree that she's woefully underdeveloped compared to the boys. 14 episodes in and all we know about her is that she used to like basketball and she loves her Oppa.

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yes how is that an oppa problem and not a sligh on the writers. the story is now heavily romantic, but not the fault of anyone but the writing. it seems now that most of them (the "triangle" aren't much without their other counterparts which is a shame.

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Na-jung is reminding me of the way that Kim Ha Neul's character was written in A Gentleman's Dignity, although it was even worse there because she was supposed to be a professional woman in her 30s. I know it is partly to keep us all in the dark and keep up the suspense and dramatic tension, but all this dithering, and this lack of character exposition and character growth for the leading ladies makes them seem like teenagers.

What does Na-jung do all day? Play with her stuffies and think of Oppa?

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Yes! I totally agree about Na Jeong's character and also Baro's nailing of the crying scene.

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Aah...that turn of the millennium, a lot of negative expectations but it turned out to be just another eventful turn of a new year.

I'm on the edge already waiting for NJ's story and her reaction or non-reaction at Chilbongie turn Bong-ah turn Joon-ah confession, followed by an undated invitation to date. What did she say?? I suppose they choose the make her story the last as what she says is the endgame.

If this drama made CB the husband, it will be the first to me that second lead is given the girl. For many reasons, I am very hopeful.

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I could not bear to watch this episode knowing the pain that chilbong is in...thats how invested I have become in this show! So thank you girlfriday for this awesome as always recap! And like you, I am also still holding out hope for chilbong and for this reason I have also skipped episode 15 and just waiting for recaps and spoilers..
Aaack show, stop messing with my heart and just tell me already...its better than another 6 episodes of pain, no?

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Dude, there are all the more chilbong reasons to watch it! That parting scene was beautiful! I literally cried because it was just so... heartbreaking. and the scene with bilgerre and his father was nice, too. Overall, I really liked this episode, it was filled with the contrast of happiness and sadness, happiness of NJ/trash oppa and sadness/hope of chilbong, bilgerre and even hei tei. Love this episode <3

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I cannot tell if the husband secret is this shows best strength or downfall. In '97 it was very clear who would end up being the husband, there was no mystery there at all. BUT I liked knowing the person I was rooting for would get his girl in the end. Here I have no clue which guy will end up with Na Jung, and it almost huts to take a side (go Chilbong!) because the second you do NJ end up with the other guy. This show hurts, but I do not know if it hurts good.

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I agree, this show is actually starting to piss me off with all these mysteries around the husband! They might as well not bother to show us the modern day with its so called "clues" they aren't even clues! They give us one hint and then shows another to throw us off. I hate getting trolled like that! At least in 1997 by episode 11 or 12 we already know who she ends up with! I'm no longer watching this show, just reading the recaps now.... I'm so annoyed with this. Yes I like the family and friendship parts, but now I'm just too frustrated to continue on watching!

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are you for real? where's the "report" button?

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My favorite scenes had to be everything with Oppa and NaJeong! Those two are just too perfect together. They may not be all heart tugging romance to some, but that what I like about them. They feel normal. Like two friends who have been together for years that you are secretly jealous of their relationship and bond and honestly can't imagine one being without the other :) my heart melted when he held her and let her cry and apologized!! I was beyond fangirls giddy at how attentive he was during their date with his friends. I admit that Chilbong is the more atypical swoony kdrama lead. But I love oppa's the little things romance and how imperfectly perfect he is. I am one of the few that remains but I am team oppa till the end and will go down with this ship.

Thanks for the recap.

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i am with youu sista. oppa 4eva!

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imperfectly perfect. i like that description of him :)

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Me too! I am a steadfast Oppa-NJ shipper. Even I felt giddy over the scenes between these two post-Oppa confession. They were so preciously cute and well, it really disappointed me that the episode didn't just stick to showing their love and happiness while they dated. Like, I just needed one episode to not feel that sense of impending doom for them.

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I am with Team Oppa, look at how Episode 15 still they are such a cutie, I don't feel cb is being the husband, all the camera. all the stories they shared focusing on the two... but maybe they will break up and nj will necome mature then they will meet and reunited again? i feel so worried bec of cb rooting for being the husband, it seems no chemistry for me :/ sorry

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I may have a small problem w sb who wipes his face and hair with the bathmat in front of the communal bathroom. It scares me. ;)
Isn't it germy? And he's a doctor. Nothing personal.

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Oppa!!!!!

The writer(s) are messing with our heads with the psychic cousin. So much teasing and if CB doesn't end up as the husband that'd be so mean to his die-hard fans.

Chil-bong's not really a contender for me but I do like him and if he's the husband that's fine as long as he's Na-jung's choice.

I wiki'd Seo Taiji for some history during the years 1995-96. Band break-ups, secret marriage, divorce, marrying again. Heh. He married Lee Eun-sung (Yoo Eun-jae in Mixed-up Investigative Agency) last June 2013. Hope she'll be in another drama again. Loved he in MIA.

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haha yeah the psychic girl is making me soo confused... argh! i can't tell if she was kidding or not..

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But then again, I think that the writers wouldn't write about a couples' development like this for 15 episodes, and abruptly pull the plug and write about who she actually ends up with for the remaining 6.. It just seems to tasteless for don't you think?

I am a definite NJxGarbage shipper, but I like Chilbong's character too. We can just all like the show and try not to hate on what we don't ship. 'Cause really, I don't like to see Chilbong hurt this much. I guess the good thing about guys (Asian culture particularly) is that they have the liberty to choose who they want to woo, not so much with women. So seeing Jong-ah this happy with the person she absolutely loves is too fulfilling. :)

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how i love Chilbooong,he's so cute and sweet, i really hope that he is the end game

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My heart is aching and unsettled for Chilbongie. BUT I'm still hopeful that in the end it is him and Na-jung.

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Not trying to be rude, but it would have been nice to put a spoiler alert.

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"Maybe it isn’t the fairytale, but sometimes there isn’t enough credit in this world for the selfless, dependable, grown-up choice to live for the people you love." this, right there... such an amazing scene and that comment says it all.

As for the teams, it break my heart HOW MUCH I root for Chilbongie that if they dont end up together I'd really feel cheated. There's one thing to make your second lead loveable and another to constantly torture us with how he'll get his chance, only not to do so. And if we're completely honest here, the CB/NJ moments have way more heart than the Oppa/NJ ones, I love them as family but I really dont feel the romance!!

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Thanks for the recap:

I LOVED NJ's reaction to the sudden news that Oppa loved her back. It was incredibly realistic. For their first date to culminate in unbridled tears made perfect sense. After all those years yearning and yearning and hoping, for him to respond with that much passion? It would have floored anyone.

Loved HT's scenes with the crazy Seargent. The fact that he passed gas in his face was disgusing and funny. I know Son Ho Joon is the king of NGs because he keeps laughing at his co-stars, so the torture on his face is genuine. Who is the comedian anyway? have seen him before. Is he on SNL?

Chilbongie will end up being one of my favorite all time characters no matter what. I am not sure if he is actually in love with NJ as much as the idea of NJ. Unless somehow he feels real conflict behind her rejection. I don't feel it. She likes him, and maybe loves him, but she doesn't like him like him. How could she when Oppa consumed her?

All the hints from 2013 of CB being the husband seem like complete misdirects to me. There are too many pointing to him rather than Oppa, so I can't believe any of them. Does he live very closely with her family? Yes.
Is she happy with him around? Yes.
Do they have to be married to be that close? No. And that's all right with me.

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I feel like one of the reasons they put the psychic in was to prepare Oppa shippers for the next few episodes. Rather than it just happening without warning, they want to (blatantly) foreshadow what's to come.

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Realistically, If I were Na Jung I would dilike Chilbong, why? Cos if i was finally in a relationship with a guy that i have liked and loved for a long time, I would hate it if when we started dating some other guy that's somewhat closer to us keeps putting it in my boyfriend's face that he likes me and still challenging him. He should keep his feelings to himself and don't bug other people's relationship. Realistically, any girl in Na Jung's shoes would not appreciate Chilbong's character the way fans do. Guess that's why it's a drama.......

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she cares for him and he is her friend, that's why she even feels bad, but it's far from dislike for her, she feels awkward and uncomfortable, but she doesn't dislike him! Even when you think chilbong is a little pathetic, it is still pretty admirable for a guy to be so persistent and hopeful despite the chances of success being 0 to none. He waits because as of right now he can't do anything else. There is some sort of beauty in such things, it reminds me of the quote, "the art of love is largely the art of persistence." and even if you think, he should give up and move on, but when you are so much in love, it is sometimes even more painful to move on therefore some people just hang on and hope! and I don't think it's such a bad thing, after all the whole world run on hope. and I think chilbong will keep holding on to that hope till the very end and that makes me sort of happy!

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I'd say take me back to 1994 just so I can steal Chilbongie, but that'd make me 2 years old. Damn.

Chilbongie :( I love Oppa but....chilbongie :(
Somehow, I'm now back on team Chilbongie. I just think he deserves her more than oppa at the moment. He totally tried to woo her the minute he found out about his feelings, straightforward. I like. Oppa was just plain confusing at the beginning. But I still love him.

I'm just making loops with my love for both of them now haha.

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Najung crying really struck a chord. I've been through a similar experience and I know how she must feel ;;;;;;;

What I really love about this drama is how relatable and slice-of-life it is. There is so much heart in this series that I can't give it up even if I'm beginning to get tired of the red herrings and guessing games.

I have a feeling in my bones that Chilbong is endgame, but I think I'm going to be severely disappointed when the husband is revealed, because the medical books in their house e_e UGH how can just one tiny detail make me writhe in agony

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it breaks my heart HOW MUCH I root for Chilbongie that if they don't end up together I'd really feel cheated. There's one thing to make your second lead lovable and another to constantly torture us with how he'll get his chance, only not to do so. And if we're completely honest here, the CB/NJ moments have way more heart than the Oppa/NJ ones, I love them as family but I really don't feel the romance!!

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I'm team Chil bong and it just makes me happy seeing that oppa reciprocate his feelings. I hate how the writer teases us with Chil bong. Lol.

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Aaaack, my ship is slowly drowning, isn't it? Must... remain... loyal...

All jokings aside, I am actually glad they gave Chilbong the farewell. It would have been weird and a lack of plot development if he remained in the boardinghouse. And as much as Na Jung and Oppa seem to be in a good relationship, I sense that their romance will end (Thank you for agreeing with me, Oppa's Cousin!). I want Na Jung to realize her hidden feelings for Chilbong, and if she does, she will make that happen!

As one commenter said, the farewell scene was outstanding. Thank goodness he left without any strained ties. As I feel Oppa and Na Jung's interactions are full of familiarity and does not give the squee effect, Chilbong and Na Jung's interactions just... I don't know, so sweet and filled with hints of romanticm, full of tiny bits of underlying inner feelings. I wish both of them good luck in their (romantically inevitable) future, and congratulate them later on their future endeavors.

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1. The writers deliberatly giving clues to all the guys thus all 100% sure comment is entirely from bias. It is possible of course that your bias ends up as the husband, but not because everything points into that direction.

2. Jung Woo recently had an interview where he told that at the creators waited first to see what is the respons to N/T from the audience, and it was not decided until the show started airing. And I read in another interview that the first ten episodes scripts were done before the show started airing. It explains why did it took so long for Oppa to accept NJs feelings. Well the responses were really good, Jung Woo became the breakout star of 2013 with Kim Woo Bin. It also shows that not everything was decided at the beginning (I think including the husband), that the showrunners are influenced by the responses, and changinging the initial script.

2. That aside I relly felt for both BG and HT in this episode. It felt like the title was more about them (the people who change us), than the main triangle. I was really happy that we learnt more about them and their future. That BG is a succeful doctor. That HT decided to choose a secure job. For BG it was his parents that changed him. And for HT it was the officer. I really hope we will see more of them, because I love both guys.

3. Where were the parents? I reeaaaly missed them. They were in a few scenes. But that is not enough. ANd it seems like they decided not to search for a roomate for SCP. And now CB goes abroad. That means two empty space at the boarding house yet no mention of possible new boarders.

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I def agree that no matter who the writers originally were going to make NJ be with it might be Trash solely because of his popularity in SK.

I do feel like the clues have been predominantly directed toward CB being the husband though.

But my ship sailed because it is SCP and Yoo Jin :) IMO their relationship is much more interesting and feels more real to me then NJ and whoever.

Trash's wishy washyness being carried over into telling her parents about their relationship has kind of destroyed his character for me. I get why they would wait. But it a red flag to me with all his other behavior. I think he and NJ are cute together but he just feels off to me.

And I don't even like NJ that much because she just seems so immature. All she sees is this crush of hers. CB is a bit the same way but he is still focused on baseball and is very independent. And I think she's kind of unaware of how other people feel. I guess Yoo Jin is the same way but she seems more sure of herself and confident in what she wants then NJ.

Yah, I kind of wish YJ and SCP were our OTP.

I agree with you about H. I love his scenes and story about the military. Its not something they usually explore in dramas or they skip it. Kind of like pregnancy. They skip that a lot too.

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Ahhhh, I dunno... the past couple two episodes - the ratings peaked during CB scenes. Oppa was great at the start of the show but his character has plateaued in the past couple of weeks. JW is great and I'm glad that this is his breakout role. On the other hand, a lot of what makes CB relatable is YYS's doing - his tear-filled eyes get to me and break my heart.

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And how is that indication?
I mean I don't know when will be a *insert character name* scene when I am watching a new episode of a series.

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Interesting how you mentioned JW's popularity but when I mention about ratings peaking during CB's scenes you question me. :S I believe your question is rhetorical so I'm gonna leave it at that.

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^
I was just asking how is that showing the prefernece for NJ/CB pairing, how would actually that show in a live broadcast?
Since you don't know when a certain scene will come up, how can you say OK I will switch because in 8 seconds there will be CB and then switch back
because I don't care about HT and BG.
If you can explain me why in live broadcast (again where you as a viewer don't know what scene with which caracter comes up) it really shows how NJ/CB is more popular (or it could just mean that the NJ/CB fans skip other parts of the show, that wouldn't mean they are more than NJ/T fans. ), then do so.
Aside from that there are certain time slots where probably more people will watch it (because at other stations there is commercial break etc, which doesn't have anything to do with the preference of the actual scenes.)
Because from what I heard, on polls Trash is the clear favourite.

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@ghanima
I wondered the same thing.

People wold have to have picture in picture in picture
on their TVs in order to jump that fast to another station.

But I figured it out, it is during these scenes that they DON'T switch channels.

The audience is at the highest because there is nothing making them want to stop watching a scene, however, when stations airs a commercial, or a character that everyone hates, viewers change the channel. Ratings drop.

There is my guess.

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^
Doesn't that just mean that the NJ/CB shippers are the most immature ones? Since they ony watch their scenes while other viewers watch the other scenes, and switch to other shows during other scenes (wtf) ?

I think if the writers would make it into the NJ/CB show they woud loose way more viewer (you know the once who don't change chanels through the other scenes, and there for all the characters, for all the show), than the amount that would stay for the NJ/CB scenes.

To me the best part was BG and HT. And their sories had nothing to do with the Love Triangle at all.

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Personally, i find it ridiculous to use ratings as a means of arguing who an audience prefers. Gonna have to back up ghanima in this.
Ive even read some comments from certain fans that the show dropped in ratings recently bc now the favor has shifted to trash and of course people don't want that.
Yet, trash is undoubtedly the more popular one in S.korea.
You don't see anyone saying "ratings dropped because maybe people are sick and tired of the mystery and just want to know already"

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About being late I feel that way about any possible NJ/CB ending.
There is not many episode left. No sign of romantic love from NJ towards CB.
I feel they missed the train to make it seem like NJ would genuenly love CB and not choose him simply as a "settling for him", or "easy choice".
(BTW NJ confessed to T in the same episode as CB to NJ.)

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"Jung Woo recently had an interview where he told that at the creators waited first to see what is the respons to N/T from the audience, and it was not decided until the show started airing"

Where did he say this? That's kind of sad; I wish drama writers would have a story in mind and not be so dependent on audience reaction.

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Yeah, i hope all writers never have to be swayed by the audience, but in the end you really just want everyone to be happy and not get run over by angry fans. Plus they have to be careful since the AM series is so popular.

Based on all the interviews i've read with casting, Jung Woo was always an actor they wanted on their show. Trash was pretty much custom tailored to Jung Woo. You can tell that the writer really loves trash because of all the development and serious moments dedicated to his character.

They originally already chose the husband from the onset (which is what shin PD said directly from his mouth), but they were OPEN to the idea of the audience perhaps not liking trash as a character and perhaps preferring chilbong, a more common character. That's why shin pd also mentioned the husband can change along the way.

If you think about it, that worry makes sense. Where can you ever find a male lead like trash anywhere in dramaland? This is the first, actually. That's why people are so taken with his character, because his character defies all stereotypes of your typical hero. He's not the arrogant mean selfish type with a soft underbelly, and he's not the nice boy only. He's so much more than that.. and in ways represent what a REAL busan man is. I think they were probably 70% on trash, and once his character's popularity took off it was 100% trash endgame. Right from the onset trash stole the show. The man that starts off building a solid foundation (no matter how the pendulum swings back and forth) is almost always the man that you end up with.

That's why to me (i guess i'll believe what i will) in their heart it was always trash, but if the audience didn't accept him, they'd undoubtedly have to choose chilbong since that's what would make majority of viewers happy.

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If they said this: "but they were OPEN to the idea of the audience perhaps not liking trash as a character and perhaps preferring chilbong, a more common character."

Then why is there a question about the husband? So he already said who the husband was originally intended to be?

Or did he just say that they chose it onset and the rest is your conjecture? I'm a bit confused here.

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I just find it a little weird in the 2013 scenes how she calls oppa oppa but then she calls Chil bong joon. Troll to the max writer-nim.

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GAH. Have to find somewhere to watch this like right now. Or else I'm gonna spoil it all by reading this recap.

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Viki!!

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one small scene that I really liked was the one where chilbong gives najung his hat because it's snowing
maybe it's the sentiment that even though she rejected his confession (and he knows that she's probably in a relationship with Trash because of drunk!YJ) he still gives her hat because he cares for her and wants to do nice things for her even if it doesn't changer her feelings for him. very opposite of the typical "nice guy" attitude of being nice to girl until she rejects you and then being a complete asshole to her. I'm probably rambling at this point but chilbong as a character gets all my love. I hope his character finds happiness in a real, meaningful way (aka not having a random girl character love interest half assedly written in)

also happy binggeure that finally decided to go back to school. he was starting to make feel kind of worried for him

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I read something sadder in the hat give-away.

Because he wore that hat to give himself luck during games as he held on to hope she would like him, giving her the hat means he gave HER up, too.

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Thanks GF! I feel you, and I know that there will be more angst, more confusion as we head to the final stretch of the drama (thanks Psychic cousin). Although at this point it's tiring for me to keep guessing who the mystery husband is because it does drive me batty! But, considering how everyone is still friendly in the present time and all seem happy and I'm sticking around for how they got to that point. This drama though with all it's symbolisms, it was the rings in AM 1997 and now it's the darned baseball. There's no indication that Chilbongie is playing baseball in the present, so that last scene may be a clue that he had to give it up somehow.

I love the reveal of what is everyone else doing now, I am so happy for Binggurae and that he finally chose to go back to school and led him to where he's at. SCP writing a book is funny, he does seem like those self help gurus, how to achieve success kind of person which is even funnier considering how his book did not do so well.

On to the final stretches of the drama!

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Oh, pls show my heart is acting up, and am still so young and have never had any history of heart problem. Chilbongi has to be the husband for the sake of my heart cos I don't give a damn about NJ or oppa I just want CB to be happy. If he's not the husband then the scene in 2013 where he looked kinda sad implies that he's not completely over her when he's supposed to be happy.

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hahaaa and aww! Yes, writer-nim please let CB be endgame so that Tura's heart doesn't act up.^^

IF CB's not endgame and is not over NJ in 2013 - I'll personally go to Korea and kiss YYS senseless beat the crap out of the writer. geeeshhh, stahp it already!

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And I will be right behind u @saima even if my hearts been broken into pieces and am supposed to be in surgery putting the pieces back together. CHILBONGI MUST BE HAPPY

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Go Ara was really adorable all spazzed out and nervous with those breathing exercises. My heart felt for that, with all the butterflies and nerves and whatnot.

Did kim seul gi lose weight? I recognized her the second i saw her, but she looked different from many angles. (I just loved her chubby cheeks in FBND, which is why i noticed).

I've got to admit, i'm starting to fast forward a bit with some scenes that are much longer than they should be. I noticed from some mini shooting spoilers that they're really starting to catch up -- with the live shoot system i mean. It would've helped if AM1994 decided to cut off an episode at 19, or stop churning out the hr & half it gives us week after week. (I still love the show, but it's starting to lose some of the addictive magic from the beginning).

On the upside, trash and na jung are the most adorable thing ever.

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I really think Na-jung has feelings for Chilbong, she just didn't realize it yet. Remember how she reacted a couple of episodes ago with the mall scene crying and how she's so caring of Chilbong on their drinking scene in this episode. I think she is more infatuated with Oppa than actually loves him. She liked him for so long that I think she might be too happy and infatuated right now to realize that she might have outgrown her feelings for Oppa and realize her feelings for Chilbong. You know that feeling of wanting something for so long you eventually get it, you're happy for a while because you finally got it, then realize that you don't want it anymore? Does this even make sense? Or maybe I'm just too hopeful? Because I still cannot forgive Oppa for the pain she caused her and for making her wait that long. And I think they are better in a sister and brotherly relationship.

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Agree! and nope, somehow your theory makes sense. Even if her feelings for chilbong are not deep as the ones for oppa might be, but there is definitely something in her heart for chilbong. I hope we get to see that side of her soon! I feel it, too. Or, maybe I'm just too hopeful, too. lol

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When CB was going to Japan, all she did was to sleep.

She didn't seem bothered.

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It's the week for my heart to break for all my drama loves.

Chilbongie needs a hug too!!

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ahh this drama seriously , breaking my lil' heart ....
it's cool that najung n oppa is doing real well , but i just cant be fully happy for them knowing chilbong is on the side wif a broken heart . Like why would they make chilbong such a charming character only to cast him aside ?
at this point , it doesnt matter who najung ends up with anymore to me , just give chilbong a happy ending with someone pls , he deserves it .

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awwww the scene where oppa takes NJ to introduce to his sunbaes is sooo adorable. its amazing how such a simple scene with simple actions can makes such an impression...:') like him holding her hand and rubbing her thumb for reassurance.. switching drinks so she wouldnt have to drink as much... just making the atmosphere nice and comfortable for her. bahhhh so cute. its very a natural way to demonstrate his love and concern for her.

and yea i feel really bad for CB. u can really sense the desperation in his eyes. i may be a trash oppa/NJ shipper but i really hope he gets the ending he deserves. hes such a hard worker and i think itd be so messed up to take baseball away from him. it's his passion and plus hes so good at it! i hope the writer has some good things in store for CB.

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I think they've let this "who's the husband" mystery drag on for waaaaaaay too long. At this point I just wish they'd just reveal who it was so that people who ship either side can relax and just enjoy the drama without constantly having to worry about their ship.

Like, it's hard to enjoy the Trash/Na-jung moments when there's the dark cloud of "Is he the husband or isn't he?" mystery still hanging around them. The same goes for Chilbong. I mean, if he isn't the husband then that's fine but let him move on and find happiness somewhere else instead of constantly giving people who ship him and Na-jung hope via the "psychic" or the scenes in 2013. It's unfair to that character and fans of that ship.

Lastly, I don't understand why so many Reply 1994 fans have to constantly bring down either Trash or Chilbong in order to prop up their own ship. They're both flawed but ultimately genuinely sweet and good dudes. You can have your ship of preference but there's no need to make up, what I frankly think are, ridiculous reasons why Trash/Na-jung are the better ship or vice versa. You can like one ship more than the other and that's fine, there's really no need to waste your time trying to prove why that ship is superior to the other one.

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I agree, though I see CB shippers doing it more than T shippers to be honest. When things are well for T-NJ I read so many negative comments about it, but when things are well for CB-NJ I don't really read many negative things about it, I see many T shippers okay with CB being the husband, but CB shippers might die if he isn't the husband and ''hate'' the drama for it. I just don't get it to be honest.

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It's quite smooth-sailing for T shippers at the moment as the present time is leaning more on T and NJ compared to CB and NJ. If the opposite happens and there is more romantic development between CB and NJ compared to that of T and NJ, rest assured that the claws will come out from most of those who ship T and NJ. I think it is safe to say that if T doesn't turn out to be endgame, many who are on board that ship will disown the drama for it too. We are all of us very emotionally invested in our OTP. No need for generalizations.

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Not really, there are many hints in 2013 CB is the husband, and oppa and NJ getting together this early and CB ''it isn't over, yet'' makes Oppa ship not that safe.

Plus I really saw many trash fans that don't mind CB ending with NJ. But most - not all - really seem to not want Trash to end with Nj at all. If Cb can't win, Trash shouldn't too.

Plus, I don't know you, but I'm afraid what will happen if NJ and CB get together, I bet I'll see so many CB fans rubbing off this on Tfans and saying CB deserves NJ more and hard work makes people love other back...

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Agree. If they already established a good foundation with trash in the first 4 episodes, then you would assume there are alot of trash fans already. But when eps 7-12 came rolling around, the favor shifted substantially to chilbong but we didn't see no gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair. Granted, both sides have their own baggage, but an active minority of chilbong fans/shippers really got a kick out of making a long list of why trash wouldn't work out. Among the best reasons: trash is gay. Yeah, you find lists of why chilbong wouldn't work out either, but those only started happening AFTER trash declared his feelings. Trash shippers finally felt spurred into action in defending the hubby since there was so much hate to pass around.

Aish and then reading the viki comments.. It's gotten to the point where i have to turn OFF the comments, which is a shame really since some of them are really funny which aids in the enjoyment of watching. Especially when you know the majority that have a word to say are chilbong shippers/fans. Because they are so passionate.

You read lots of "ewwwww" during the kisses. Really mature yeah? "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Ugh TEAM chilbongie. No chemistry at all." The all caps really does it for me. Who wants to be screamed at when people just want to enjoy the moment? Will definitely be turning off time comments from this point on.

I also find it funny how intense the shipping wars got to the point of the main AM1994 soompi thread getting shut down because there were crazy fighting going on. Now both teams have settled on their own threads where they can be happy (lol).
I'm sticking strictly to DB comments now -- granted there are still a bunch of comments i face palm at, but by large there are generally more leveled headed people here. Or we try to be.

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LOL seriously? I'm team Chilbongie myself, but I hate it when fans get all rabid and ridiculous (do that by youself, man; it's embarrassing for other members of the fandom...).

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Yeah some fans get so crazy to the point of overstepping their own boundaries but I've met some levelheaded chilbong fans that help keep things sane.
Either way, there's going to be some truly dedicated fans with a character that is loved by all.
Every time an insane chilbong fan rolls around and spits out some nonsense you can see all the collective sighs from team chilbong saying "ugh, quit embarassing/ruining it for the rest of us."

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@liz u are right about the CB fans hating the drama or dying (unlikely) if CB is not the husband. Am a diehard CB fan and CB is the only reason am moving with this drama. B4 CB was introduced as a contender I was not into oppa being her husband cos it felt too much like incest, and I loved them as oppa-dongsaeng. I would rather she married someone else even if its not CB, it would feel weird to me if she marries oppa, so what am saying is anyone but oppa,cos I was really pissed when they revealed oppa wasn't her real brother. Me being pissed had nothing to do with CB cos it was revealed before CB even came to the house. B4 CB got there I was just hanging on for the sake of R1997 but as soon as he started smiling like a fool around her my love for this drama skyrocketed so wouldn't be weird if the reason I love this drama was gone and I still love it? Am going to be sincere I don't love the show as much as I love chilbongi and if he isn't happy and I mean blissfully happy even if he's not the endgame by the head of this series then am going to really really really hate this drama. Just saying what I feel

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I love Oppa but I really get this feeling about the show that this is Chilbongie and Na Jung's story. Is it crazy?

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1000000000.time thankssssss

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That camera thing when Bing and SCP were talking was so odd! I was like, what are you trying to tell me? Is this somehow symbolic? But then nothing happened except that I was totally distracted the whole time.

So glad that Bing went went back to school. I always had a feeling that he would. It was nice the way that he did it out of his own volition without a smack down with his family, though. Also, that kid totally looks like he could really be his brother. Great casting.

I am hoping that Bongie going to Japan means that we're in for another time jump and my sweet Haitai can come back from his exile. He's already learned his life lesson, so let's get him back.

Finally, I really hope that they stop making drunk Yoon Jin the Plot Movement Fairy. It was funny/painful the first couple of times but now it's just plain painful. At least it looks like the gang has learned how to shut her up quickly in the future.

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yeah, that camera thing was really distracting. The cinematographer probably really liked the shot but then got a little carried away with it. Once would have been fine but they kept doing it and I couldn't concentrate.

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CHILBONGIE LOVE!!!! Please show!!! Don't make my heart ache so. I just want Chilbongie to be happy. XD

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I'm worried about the timing of the rest of the episodes. I understand them doing a fast forward of 6 months to January 1996 because they only have 5 episodes left and they can always do flashbacks. They need to get a move on it with the story.

I'm expecting Oppa and Na Jung to break up. Not sure if it's because of Chilbong--more likely because of parental opposition and I see Na Jung potentially dating Chilbong. I'm just not sure if that means CB is then endgame or she decides she loves Oppa more. I suppose I wouldn't be extremely upset if they brought someone in for Oppa if CB is endgame but it woldn't make sense for me. In 2013 they all seem happy so that means everything turned out well for everyone.

The whole husband thing has gotten old now. And everything else has been placed on the back burner. I'm kind of frustrated but I will continue to watch.

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I really love Oppa, but I still feel like this in Chilbongie and Na Jung's story. Am I crazy?
I think one of the reasons they fast-forward the beginning of their relationship is ultimately to show that Na Jung and Oppa are in different places right now, with different needs. Sometimes you have to try something to realize is it's right or not. And sometimes, no matter how much you want it, the person you love is not the right one for you.

Is this where the story is going or am I imagine things? Seems to me that maybe Na Jung and Oppa are a nice, good dream but not necessary a long term reality.

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yes. but maybe because we see j (cb) as he goes through falling in love and heartbreak, being hopeful and then being a man and stepping aside. there's that progress?

same with nj, with her crush to t and then being his gf.

it's also alarming that in nj and t's scenes, there doesn't seem to be much change except for the romantic skinship, which from the perspective of t's fans, existed already when they were not yet together and t has not yet shown the viewers and nj that he likes her in a romantic way?

i refuse to consider the skinship prior to t acknowledging his feelings as more than platonic because looking at it as romantic then (when t's feelings are not certain and they are literally just somewhat brother-sister) as doing that will just open a lot of gray areas i'm not willing to go into.

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I feel like on a structural level there have been so many hints that CB is the endgame that if he is not I won't get it. Why do they have the psychic girl, quotes about not giving up, telling NJ they can date in the future? These are not issues about the placement of stuffed animals or those potential red herrings; they are fundamental components driving the central plot, the central story question. I can see how with B just sort of fizzles out and he ends of being an MD. Kind of anticlimactic, but I get it and it is consistent with his character. Plus, he's side character.

CB? Main plotline. My issue really not about shipping one OTP or the other but rather story structure. And I really think the clues lead one to have a NJ/CB endgame. In fact, they might not be the endgame but I do think NJ should waver or something.

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Hmm, I really disagree with you here. The emotional storyline has clearly been oriented towards Trash from the beginning, and 15 episodes in, Na jung has been consistently in love with Trash, and consistently romantically indifferent to Chilbong. Furthermore, the NJ/T relationship has been the locus of change, development, and both one off and structural angst (ie, the psychic cousin's prediction, CB's continued persistence after rejection, the question of parental approval, etc). Trash himself is a more developed and nuanced character than Chilbong, both in terms of his personality, and his greater presence and defining role in relational dynamics within the boarding house family. Add in the kiss and there's no way CB can be endgame without destroying the emotional integrity of the show. Moreover, 6 episodes is not enough time to turn that ship around without destroying the structural integrity of the show in itself. Here, try to think about this as a normal rom com, and consider both Trash and Chilbong within the role of male lead. It becomes fairly obvious which one fits and which one doesn't.

I'm fairly sure the quotes about it not being over till it's over and the psychic's predictions are just a way to cast doubts and misdirect viewers, so as to imperil the T/NJ romance. They're not there to give Chilbong an edge (and if they were, they would be extremely tone deaf and gimmicky devices with which to do so). Those are not really structural questions, though, and I'm definitely not getting CB as the main plot line.

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This comment so much.
Trash shippers, the voice of REASON.

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6 episodes in a normal drama is the average time for falling in love at least by one character. And timeline isn't 6 episodes but around 6 years. A lot can happen. If they go with Trash as the end game...it will be almost the same as in 1997. One couple. Childhood friends. Meeting after some time and dating. Getting married. And all those voiceovers about not giving up and hard work. I think they would just give us viewers a slap in the face if they don't tie them with the story. It would be like ''Why the hell even use this voiceover?'' Chilbong worked hard, but then what? he didn't get the girl. His hard work didn't pay off. It's better not to work hard at all. I think that as a character Trash is more developed, but I like him more as a Najong's brother. They kinda loose the magic they had when they are in a romantic relationship. Although all the kisses and hugs are cute. I don't feel that aww factor.

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yea thats why i sincerely hope that CB succeeds x 10000000 for his baseball career. because that way the show can demonstrate that yes, hard work CAN pay off tremendously at times with certain things, but with love, is not always a foolproof tactic. and i think thats relatively true in reality as well.

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6 years may be a long time in reality, but not in dramaland, and certainly not within the episodic context of the show. (then there's the simple fact that this show's pace is slow as molasses, which leads me to believe it couldn't turn this ship around without it being a complete half-assed disaster). Using that kind of justification to have events happen is a sign of poor writing, and a betrayal of the emotional integrity of the show. At this point a CB ending would entail destroying the build up of the first 15 episodes. I might be one of the few Trash shippers who will hate the show if CB wins, because I see it as not just an issue of ship, but an issue of structure and story integrity.

Again, I feel like they used the voice over to sew doubt (and I guess in a more sadistic interpretation, raise hopes. Though remember that Trash is more popular among S Korean audiences, which would privilege the first interpretation). Na-jung can't happily date Trash for 6 episodes, and without a time jump or some sort of manufactured separation, Chilbong would not pose a threat at all. Having him in the background saying that kind of thing, and challenging Trash, are ways of keeping relevant to the NJ/T storyline. Hard work does not equal love; love is not earned, it is given and received. Even Chilbong's scenes with Na-jung and Trash in the past few episodes reek of second lead justification, placing himself in the running for her heart (or constructing this false idea that he lost her to Trash, when he was never in the running at all). I'm forcibly reminded of My Girl, when second lead thought he had a fair chance with Yoo-rin if he found her first after the time gap. I fully expect something similar to happen: she and Trash are separated, because Trash is Trash he loses touch and neglects her, and then they all meet later. She's gotten over him a little bit, and Chilbong comes in like a viable contender, but in the end that gets Trash off his ass and it's always going to be him anyway.

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But in real life first love rarely is the last love. I know love isn't earned it's given, but if couple doesn't try to tighten their love and just date half assed then they can easily break up. So effort also matters in love. But love is one big coincidence. It's as character from playfull kiss has said ''It's a miracle, two people loving each other, at the same time and place''. I don't think it would be a bad writing if they do it in a sensible way. There are so many kdramas where the girl dates somebody, but ends up with her best friend or boyfriend with his friend. I'm a sucker for ''childhood friends becoming lovers'' stories, because I loved my friend, but in the end it was a sad unrequited love. Still I don't want this pattern in this story. Chilbong slowly growing on Najung would be such a refreshment and plot twist that isn't as shocking as let's say BingGreGre-Najung ending XD PS In the first episodes I was hoping Baro would be the husband, but he doesn't stand a chance now XD

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But this isn't real life--it's a drama. And even if we're considering things in terms of real life, I find it far more unrealistic that Chilbong would still be into Na-jung after a couple years separation, when they weren't even in a real relationship, than that Na-jung and Trash would end up together. Also, there has been literally no indication that Chilbong has grown on Na-jung except as a friend--she has been consistently into Trash and Trash only for 15 episodes.

Also please please don't quote Playful Kiss at me, because taking things from that drama is probably the least conducive way ever to making a point. Haha I just hate that show for all sorts of feminist reasons I won't get into, sorry. But anyway, what I'm saying is that there is no sensible way to put Na-jung and Chilbong together at this point without a) destroying the first 15 episodes of emotional build up, b) destroying a far more nuanced and developed relationship, c) sending the fundamentally disingenuous and harmful message that love=hard work, and d) radically undermining dramatic structure with narrative gimmicks. Seriously, how can the main pairing be born of moments like "It ain't over till it's over" and psychic predictions and objectifying and obnoxious ball metaphors? Trollish narrative set-ups that say Chilbong when the show's emotional content says Trash are only compounded by Chilbong himself continually asserting himself as a contender for Na-jung's heart, to the point that he even states that he lost her to Trash, when she was never his to lose in the first place. If Trash is not endgame, this show will have become a victim of bad writing and its audience, a victim of gimmicky and absurd emotional betrayal.

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Well...If a writer is good he can do any trick he wants and I can assure you It wouldn't destroy the story. Only if the writer is good. And why not quote? if the quote is good why not use it? Just because the show is bad, doesn't mean it never contained anything worth remembering. Even if plot sucks to the bone in some dramas cases, lines can be wonderfully written. If I was given time to think and wasn't so engrossed into figuring out the whole mystery I would have written it by myself pretty well from this set up to Chilbong being the end game. Human fantasy is really amazing so I don't think you should belittle the writer(s), because you don't see what they see. It's their story, their head and it's bound to be liked by some and disliked by some. I for example don't like Harry Potter, but many people think it's a great book. Just because you think the ending will be totally bad and horrible if Chilbong ends up as NJ's husband doesn't mean that others will think the same. I was really dissapointed in Inheritance's ending, but I still thought it was a wonderfull book and didn't feel cheated. It could have been written better, but such an ending really gave off the feeling of completing the whole story. Just enjoy the show, whatever the outcome is. ~~

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Haha sorry, I guess my reaction to that quote was a bit much. I just hate that drama so very very much when I see anything even related to it, it sets me off.

I'm not trying to belittle the writers. I'm just saying that a CB ending would be bad writing because it would destroy the dramatic structure of the story. Is this my opinion? Yes. But my opinion is based in an entirely valid critique. This really isn't about taste; it's about standards. Like, bad writing is definitely not a myth, and it's not about liking or disliking something either. It's about quality. I don't know, the idea that I should just enjoy other people's work without reserving the right of critique, because the creator always knows better, is pretty condescending. It's completely valid to build up a critical understanding of someone else's work, and it's also totally okay to dislike and criticize their work for no good reason.

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I love that the writer is firmly in control of the show. Yes, I'm being jerked around, but like a ride that whips us around at an amusement park, that's what I'm here for--the thrill of not knowing what's around the next turn, the dip that leaves my stomach in the air while the rest of me is hurtling back to Earth. I love that about this show--it is not a predictable merry-go-round where I've seen it all on the last dozen times I've circled around and seen the waving parents. There is a fresh new scene that I didn't see coming and when it's done, I'm left hungering for more. To get back in that long line to ride again is akin to counting down the days til the next episode, even from Friday to Saturday (really, Team Viki, you are awesome!).

With this episode, I feel satisfied--that Team CB has been given a reprieve of hope, a lungful of air as we were drowning in despair. The little clues, the threads that we are grasping at -- that the baseball ends up on the shelf with all the medical books--give me confidence that the writer is meticulous and deliberate in weaving this story.

That Oppa could show us a side of himself that was vulnerable in his reaction to the mention of the baseball was something new. He's the Oppa, the one who could hit them upside the head when they messed up at the dinner table, who could take the puppies, build their confidence, and be the dependable leader to help them overcome. That's the role he's had thus far, the one who takes care of them all, attending to details that only we, the viewers got to see as he cared for Binggurae as well as his heart rending attention to his patients. But seeing him on a date with NJ in the presence of his peers was a treat. He was attentive and endearing to her, knowing her fears and insecurities.

ChilBong did not fail to deliver, either. He may have lost the round, but he's not down for the count. That impresses me. He's being gracious in not begging or denying the place that NJ's heart SEEMS to be, but also does not back down in making her aware of the fact that he's not given up. He put it to her so gentlemanly as well--IF they found themselves single when they met in the future, then he would date her--foreshadowing? Just like in the game where he was doing badly because she was not there, he dug in and made a turn around, eventually winning the game. It ain't over til it's over resounds in this character, but in a quiet, refined, determined way. The fact the NJ was in awe of the fact that he's such a celebrity living so normally in their midst gives an insight into why she may have thought of him as unattainable? The two of them sitting together was like the closest thing she's had to a real date--the awkwardness of having that person's full attention, prattling on and on out of nervousness, feeling like a lady--I love that she gets to have that grown up kind of conversations when she's with CB. He doesn't mess with her head literally and figuratively (like pat her head, pull her cheeks, tease about her make up), he just fully attends to what she's saying, revelling in the fact that she's right there across him. He also doesn't exert his feelings on her, but let's her know what they are in a reassuring kind of way. The baseball hat -- the hat that he always wears--leaving that prize with her before he leaves is what will confine to link them, especially that moment when she finds her picture there. He still has that prized baseball...

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"The fact the NJ was in awe of the fact that he’s such a celebrity living so normally in their midst gives an insight into why she may have thought of him as unattainable?"
This is very interesting.

Her greatest love and obsession - the face that covers her bedroom walls - IS an unattainable STAR athlete who intimidated her so much she wasn't able to talk to him over the phone.

And she witnessed CB's star power first hand at the championship game victory.

Her current lover, on the other hand, is just a guy with messy habits that she feels very comfortable with. She has no illusions about him at all and has seen him on the toilet.

So is her real love for Oppa illustrating that CBie isn't really her type? She likes the ordinary guys better?

OR is it that CBie is a combo of both men? A gifted athlete who really is just a good guy at heart?

Molla!

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These are some excellent insights.

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LOVE!!

THIS is the reason I'm taken with him. He's level-headed, persistent yet been respectful of NJ's personal space all this time (viz the opposite of GB). That handshake was mighty awkward but yunno the fact that he didn't initiate any physical contact with her made me love him that much more. He follows her lead. I can imagine how painful it must've been for him to be in close proximity with NJ when she's been dating GB for close to 6 months... but he'd rather take this than be on the outs with her. He's just a straight-up guy. Part of the reason that he confronted GB was because he'd seen how giddy NJ was for their 'date' and the fact that GB yet again didn't make it must've frustrated him (for hurting NJ again). He's done everything in his power to have NJ notice him and then there's GB.

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"persistent yet been respectful of NJ’s personal space all this time"

THIS THIS THIS a million times! I'm so tired of seeing comments (a little bit here, a loooot on viki) of people saying they think chilbong is annoying and that he should just give up. it's so dumb, because 1) if you've ever had a big crush on anyone you know that you can't just stop liking them just because you decide to stop, and 2) he isn't even the annoying kind of meddling character that's all too common in dramas. he's just quietly waiting for her to notice him and not at all actively trying to break Garbage and Na-jung up.

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I feel the same way. Especially the scene after the building collapse we see NJ have tears in her eyes and CB looks at her not knowing what is going on. He doesn't ask her what is the matter but reflects that pain in his own eyes. Then he holds her to comfort her. I think that is why there are so many CB fans. He gives back as much or more than he recives.

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Seriously, your insights only prove why I think Chilbong is so much of a better man than Oppa. As many have mentioned before, he is so straight up and honest to her in how he feels but also so respectful of her space and feelings.

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Bad enough we're arguing who's the better guy for na jung, but now we're debating who's the better MAN.
Of course, i think if you separate the two out and analyze them as individuals, trash is THE man. Chilbong probably had the edge if you considered him with na jung (hello, perfect guy here, how could he possibly lose), but Trash is the one changing the lives of those around him, not just na jung. His life doesn't really revolve around a girl inasmuch as Chilbong. Chilbong is that puppy currently experiencing first love with a dogged determination people love so much. But to me, trash was always the one given better material to work with -- hyung to a confused binggeuri, last advice from a mother with a terminal illness to her children, taking on the role of son to nj's parents, looking after pretty much everyone without making a big fuss. So trash, to me, is THE man. But to each their own. its kinda like beauty is in the eye of the beholder.. except in this case its man is in the eye of the beholder..

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I am pretty sure that oppa is the husband. Almost 99% sure that oppa is Kim Jae Joon. From the previous episode, the one with the oppa's oldest brother wedding, oppa's brothers name are Kim Jae Young, Kim Jae Suk. Also, when oppa grabs his wallet on the table, that also reminds of the scene of Na Joeng threw her husband wallet in earlier episode.

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oppa's wallet was shown to be plain black though in this episode?

in a previous episode, the wallet nj threw to the husband when he ordered the guys to buy beer is brown/dark brown with white stripe.

different wallets?

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le gasp!

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Yeah, that selfless surrender of his dream reminds me what all those university/college graduates have to do too, to put aside the future they've been working towards in their degree and take up another job in order to make money. We can't have it all, though maybe it isn't goodbye forever. Both the cousins had to let go of their dreams in this episode, out of love and respect for their family/friends.

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Jumping in for my first AM 1994 post!

Firstly, BIG THANKS!! to everyone for introducing me to this drama!! All the insights on the OT really piqued my curiousity, and I just had to check it out! Now I can't believe I waited this long.

I was thinking that I'd miss out on all the nostalgic cultural references etc, but the show is so much more than that - am loving it to bits!!

I haven't caught up on all the episodes yet, though, and I'm reserving my opinion on which ship (still scarred from Mirae's Choice!) - my personal preference would be Garbage Oppa, though. It's just a chemistry thing :)

Lastly (but not least), really touched by girlfriday's last comment about the decisions you make out of love for your family (pigtookie, you said it so well - thanks!).

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