91

Age of Feeling: Episode 8

If someone’s not getting beaten up this hour, it’s likely because they’re getting shot up, cut up, or smashed up—you name it, and someone’s probably done it. But this show continues to do what it does best by never giving us a dull moment, even if it means that Jung-tae must continue being everyone’s punching bag and/or pin cushion… not to mention the world’s most well-meaning boyfriend, the world’s most loyal gangster, and the world’s best brother. What’s not to like?

Ratings went up to 8.9% for Age of Feeling this episode, drawing ever-closer to that elusive 10% milestone. Remember when the gold standard was twice that? Ah, memories.

SONG OF THE DAY

Jaurim – “Icarus (이카루스)” [ 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 8 RECAP

In order to help Jung-tae learn how to fight against swords, Boss Hwang takes him to the gibang to meet Ajusshi Choi. Though Jung-tae’s known him for a while, he seems unaware of Ajusshi’s past as a guard for the Korean Empire (which ended in 1910 when Japan annexed Korea).

So Ajusshi Choi takes Jung-tae under his tutelage, and despite what I thought, Jung-tae isn’t trying to learn how to use a sword, but to fight unarmed against one. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but… why wouldn’t he want to use a sword even just as a shield instead of relying on his squishy human flesh for protection?

But Jung-tae answers that question by learning Ajusshi Choi’s lessons with lightning-quick accuracy, and in the end, wins the fight with his fists. Ha, and he apologizes immediately after punching Ajusshi in the gut—he is his elder, after all.

While they rest after the fight, Ajusshi Choi asks Jung-tae whether the man he’s planning to fight is stronger than him. When Jung-tae says yes, Ajusshi sighs, “Then you’re going there to die.”

He claims that going against a stronger enemy is a death wish in itself, but that all isn’t lost—he knows of one man who won a fight where the odds were so severely stacked against him, and that was Jung-tae’s father. “Make sure you win,” Ajusshi advises him. “You have to want to live in order to win.”

After Jung-tae gets a shirtless training montage using Mother Nature as his gym, he pays a visit to his mom’s grave with the letter Chung-ah left behind. He’s never been able to bring himself to read it, too afraid of its contents, so he buries it near the grave for Mom’s safekeeping.

“Later, when I meet Chung-ah again, I will read it. Let’s all meet then with a smile.” Before he leaves, he gives the grave one last longing look.

Ok-ryun hides away a music sheet Soo-ok must’ve given her when she sees Jung-tae as if she feels guilty for it. Jung-tae pays that no heed as he asks her out for a whole-day date tomorrow to make up for all the hours he wasn’t able to spend with her on their missed dates, which, aww.

She’s rightfully worried that something’s wrong, but she’s also not foolish enough to pass on the opportunity. She agrees.

Their day of adorableness starts with him biking her around while she sits behind him, though Jung-tae takes it to that next level by offering to teach a reluctant Ok-ryun how to ride one herself.

They’re just so cute, especially when she starts freaking out about him letting go. He keeps promising, “I didn’t let go, I didn’t let go,” all while secretly letting her go once he feels confident that she can do it. And thus, she learns how to ride a bike.

Next up is a picturesque day shopping at the market, where they have fun making each other look silly (Ok-ryun’s really determined to get him to start wearing hats, isn’t she?) and stuffing cotton candy in each other’s mouths. C’mon, this isn’t even fair. The Puppy Bowl looks like Pieta next to these two.

While Jung-tae heads to Ilgookhwe’s side of town, Kaya rummages through Shinichi’s things to find a picture he’s kept secret of him as a young boy with her mother.

When Shinichi catches her, she confronts him with the picture and demands answers—instead, they end up fighting over the picture until it’s torn neatly in half between them, therefore separating Mini Shinichi from Idolized Mom.

He looks like he’s about to cry, but Kaya couldn’t care less and orders him to tell her how he knew her mother. He ends up taking out his anger on a nearby table instead of her as he roars, “I refuse that order!”

They’re interrupted when Jung-tae arrives, declaring that he’s ready to “end this.” I can’t tell if he’s talking to her, Shinichi, or both.

One of Jung-tae’s Dobi brothers tells Boss Hwang that he saw Jung-tae go to Ilgookhwe, which (of course) is something that Dissenting Opinion Gangster didn’t want him to know so that he wouldn’t help Jung-tae.

But after a long moment of silence, Boss Hwang orders the men out so that he can make an important phone call. (Geeky aside: I’ve praised the directing in this drama a lot, but it’s a rarity to see good directing just do its job without begging for attention. Notice the use of the Dutch angle when Hwang is making up his mind. Perfection. /endgeek)

We finally meet one of the ajusshis from the show’s poster, SEOL DU-SUNG (Choi Il-hwa), as he warns Il-hwa that their haven in Dandong won’t be safe if Ilgookhwe takes over the border town of Shineuijoo.

What’s more interesting is that they both seem to know Jung-tae’s father, since Il-hwa comments on how impressed he was after their fight: “Like father, like son.”

Ajusshi Seol wants to protect Jung-tae and entreats Il-hwa to help him if the situation should ever arise, which prompts Il-hwa to respond just as cryptically that he’ll do it because he owes a debt to Jung-tae. Curiouser and curiouser.

Turns out the call Boss Hwang made was to Il-hwa regarding Jung-tae. Guess Il-hwa will get his chance to help Jung-tae after all. But why does Boss Hwang look so sad? (Please tell me he’s not going to die. Oh god, that’s what this is about, isn’t it?)

After Boss Hwang bids farewell to the boys (and is unknowingly tailed by Poong-cha), we return to Jung-tae’s standoff. Kaya has no idea that the two men have made an agreement to fight, and Shinichi doesn’t help by telling her that his instructions are simple: Jung-tae came to them on his feet, and he’ll leave in a coffin.

Jung-tae and Shinichi begin the fight unarmed, and each time Jung-tae takes a hit he remembers the lessons he learned from his previous fights with Poong-cha and Il-hwa. As soon as he remembers them he applies them, which puts him on surprisingly even footing with Shinichi as they exchange blows and body slams.

Shinichi is faring worse than Jung-tae soon enough, and Jung-tae reasons that it’s because Shinichi is so used to fighting with swords that he’s probably never experienced a beating like this. Whereas Jung-tae’s spent his whole life getting hit, and knows it’s what he does best.

“You said protecting Kaya was your duty,” Jung-tae says. “I just wanted to make Kaya laugh… because seeing her laugh made me laugh, even though I didn’t know why.” Kaya’s face softens at his words, just as Jung-tae asks if it was such a sin to dream about making her happy.

To which Shinichi replies: “It is a sin, because you dreamed of things you shouldn’t have.” Now this fight’s getting personal, though I guess it was fair for Jung-tae to ask why he’s being targeted.

We know it’s time for the final round when Shinichi finally grabs his sword, though he keeps to his word and instructs his lackey to let Jung-tae go free in the unlikely event that he wins the fight.

When Poong-cha finally reveals that he’s been following Boss Hwang, it’s in a bleak and empty forest. (And what Poong-cha doesn’t know is that he’s been followed by one of the Dobi boys.) This scene is unsettling in so many ways, because no one’s saying what’s really going on, but the two longtime friends are acting as though Hwang made a deal with the devil and is going to pay his due.

And for all intents and purposes, that could actually be what’s happening. Boss Hwang’s attempts to get Poong-cha off his tail are futile, and Poong-cha considers him for a long moment before knocking his friend unconscious.

Tears fill his eyes as he states his wishes for Boss Hwang’s future—like getting married and putting a lid on his gigantic bleeding heart—in what sounds like a loving, but very final farewell. I have no idea what’s going on, but the Dobi boy reveals himself, causing Poong-cha to leave Boss Hwang in his care. He’s going off to die in his place.

Shinichi starts slicing at an unarmed Jung-tae, and our hero manages to hold his own. He avoids getting gutted by getting close enough to Shinichi to engage him in hand-to-hand combat, but he starts to lose his footing when he has to block Shinichi’s sword with his bare hand.

Luckily he turns it to his advantage by stealing Shinichi’s sword, but Shinichi pulls out his backup sword… and stabs Jung-tae right through the gut. Oh no. No no no nooo.

Shots of an oblivious Ok-ryun are juxtaposed with a bloody Jung-tae, even as he uses the close proximity caused by Shinichi stabbing him to punch his opponent in the face. (Repeatedly.)

It’s only when Shinichi yanks his sword out of Jung-tae’s belly that Kaya steps in to stop the fight. Shinichi needs only to remind her that disobeying direct orders will get her banned from Ilgookhwe, which would mean an end to her revenge. Is she prepared to give that up for Jung-tae?

She hesitates, and seems to be leaning more toward “No” as Shinichi’s lackey prepares to deal Jung-tae a death blow. If Kaya was going to intervene, she loses her chance when Poong-cha breaks down the door. Alone.

Though he’s surrounded by sword-wielding minions, he makes it over to Jung-tae: “I’ll save you no matter what. Just hold on.” Then he covers Jung-tae with his jacket. (No, I’m not crying already. It’s just been raining. On my face.)

“I came here to die today,” Poong-cha announces fearlessly, before he takes on the whole group of samurai guards.

At the same time (or in a flashback), we see Il-hwa’s moment of decision as he chooses whether or not to help Jung-tae and the Dobi Gang. It’s not just personal—if he doesn’t try to stop Ilgookhwe’s actions in Shineuijoo, he knows they’ll come for him in Dandong next.

But his eventual decision to go to Shineuijoo isn’t just based on practical matters, since he reveals why he’s indebted to Jung-tae: the man who saved him from the Japanese soldiers who killed his mother was none other than Jung-tae’s father. That man sure gets around.

Blood drips from Poong-cha’s mouth as he sizes up the few opponents he’s left standing. He even manages to kill another with nothing more than a neck-breaking vice grip, but that’s when Shinichi’s lackey finally intervenes by slashing Poong-cha across the torso.

Poong-cha still manages to stumble to his feet and knock the lackey out, just because he’s awesome like that. Once it’s just him standing among his fallen opponents, he addresses an impassive Kaya and Shinichi: “This should be enough now.”

He’s barely hanging onto life as he desperately tries and fails to pick Jung-tae up. “Wake up,” he chokes out. “Let’s go home. Hyung will take you home.” He’s all but crying blood into Jung-tae’s chest. Is he really dying? He can’t, though. He just can’t.

Poong-cha: “Jung-tae… I really liked you. In a world where people pretend not to notice a rotten corpse in the street, you’d be hurt by the smallest wounds. I liked that about you. So we have to go home. I’m sorry… Hyung and I… love you.”

And then, after one last labored breath, Poong-cha dies.

Kaya’s so moved (I’m guessing) by Poong-cha’s valiant death that she orders Jung-tae’s life to be spared. Oh cool, so one word from her could’ve stopped all this, buuut she didn’t invoke her position until a bunch of people died? What changed from the beginning of the fight to this moment that will save her from getting banned for defying orders? Ilgookhwe is the most arbitrary gang ever, I swear.

While Jjang-ddol gets caught by the police with smuggled whiskey, Soo-ok presents a freshly-composed music sheet to Ok-ryun so that they can hum an early rendition of the Tums theme song together.

Soo-ok is reluctant to drop Ok-ryun off at home, but she doesn’t give him any opportunities to draw out their time together. She enters the gibang to find it unusually quiet, but the sound of a slap and her mother’s scream draws her and the gibang maids to the guarded room where Mama Kim entertains their shady guest.

The customer’s guard shoves Ok-ryun away from the door while Mama Kim argues with the Japanese officer inside (the same one Aoki threatened), since he thinks he’s at a brothel and refuses to take “No” for an answer.

He sets to beating Mama Kim while her daughter is again shoved away. But Soo-ok comes to save the day, and takes care of the guard while Ok-ryun rushes inside to find the officer trying to rape her mom. He then slaps them both around because he’s a monster, and is only stopped when Ok-ryun smashes a bottle over his head.

Soo-ok feels for the officer’s pulse, but the verdict is uncertain. (Is he dead?) It’s Ajusshi Choi who ends up saving them from the officer’s gun-wielding guard, and he wastes no time in ordering the girls to pack. They’ve got to run away.

After enlisting Soo-ok’s help, Ajusshi Choi digs up his sniper rifle. The two of them go ahead to clear a path, with Soo-ok needing only to describe the position of the enemy in order for Ajusshi to coolly put a bullet in their head.

They go back to retrieve the girls while Ajusshi leads the way, gun in hand. I’d say Soo-ok is handling this pretty well. Almost too well. Methinks this isn’t his first rodeo.

At the same time, Aoki gets the artist’s approximation of the assassin, Ajusshi Choi, from Japan. He rushes over to the gibang alone only to find the dead(?) officer and his wounded guard, who managed to overhear that Ajusshi was headed to the river.

A gunshot from Aoki’s rifle rings out as Ajusshi helps the girls (plus Soo-ok) onto the skiff he’s prepared. The bullet lands in Ajusshi’s shoulder, causing him to entrust the girls’ care to Soo-ok so he can save them by distracting Aoki.

Mama Kim begs Ajusshi not to leave her, but he promises that he’ll find them no matter what. In the end, Soo-ok rows the boat down the river and away while Ajusshi leads Aoki on a merry chase.

The high brush temporarily hides them from view, but when they encounter an opening, they immediately start shooting at each other. Ajusshi gets Aoki in the leg and shoulder, while Aoki gets two shots of his own in.

Somehow they’re still able to stand, and they end up shooting each other at near point-blank range. It’s not clear where each bullet has landed, but both men collapse.

News of the skirmish reaches Denkai, who’s not concerned even though his men haven’t managed to find Aoki. Based on Aoki surviving for eight days as a child after his mother died, Denkai knows that his survival instinct is too strong for him to die so easily.

After Denkai gives the usual “conquer and destroy” orders, we find Jung-tae recovering under Kaya’s care. Ha. Why is this so funny after the stink Shinichi made about killing him?

Speaking of, Shinichi’s post-fight checkup bodes ill for his future—the internal wounds he sustained from Jung-tae are enough to kill him, and they likely will in the future. (Shinichi: “I’m not dead yet!”)

He finds Kaya tending to Jung-tae, but his eyes go eerily soft as he looks at her and tells her just how much she looks like her mother… to the point where it gives him chills. Phew. And here I thought he was going to say something creepy.

Il-hwa and his right-hand man, WON-PYUNG (Lee Joon-seok), arrive at Casa Kaya to respectfully announce that they’d like to fight. I love this drama’s world. You can just go to someone’s house and have your servant be all, “WE DEMAND COMBAT!” That seems so fun.

Despite Shinichi’s warnings, Kaya’s confident enough in herself to greet Il-hwa. And because every battle must have a wager, Il-hwa offers control of Dandong if he were to lose. But if he wins, she has to give Jung-tae to him.

The battle begins, with Kaya using her two jitte swords while Il-hwa chooses to remain unarmed. She manages to draw blood, which even seems to surprise Il-hwa. He knows that it hasn’t been long since she took up the sword, and comments that there’s such a thing as “genius” after all.

Il-hwa takes his kid gloves off, and promises that he’ll do his best from now on. “You can look forward to it.”

Kaya smirks as she tells him to bring it on. They rush toward each other for round two, with Jung-tae’s life on the line.

 
COMMENTS

I love that all the separate entities we could barely keep up with when the show began are now coalescing, because the story’s just getting better the deeper we go. One of the show’s bigger mysteries revolves around Jung-tae’s dad, and it’s really what they don’t reveal about him that makes him so interesting—we hear his deeds talked about in such hushed, reverent tones. Even though we’ve seen him (briefly), the image of him everyone paints with words is that of a superhero more than an ordinary man, which wouldn’t be too far-fetched for this drama’s world. I don’t quite know how he gets around so much, but Jung-tae’s lucky that his dad made some of the friends he did.

Speaking of fathers, Jung-tae couldn’t have done better with the ones who adopted him. The Dobi Family continues to be the best family, and they never fail to get me right in the heart. The good-hearted Poong-cha couldn’t have gotten a more heroic sendoff in saving both his hyung and Jung-tae, not to mention how he took down a small army before he finally succumbed. And how heart-rending was his final goodbye, even knowing that Jung-tae might not have heard any of it? And with “Hyung and I love you” as his last words? I can’t even. Poong-cha, you’re already missed.

The whole setup leading up to Jung-tae’s big fight with Shinichi used some wonky logic that’s not so unusual for this show, but even then, we did have to stretch our suspension of disbelief just a hair thinner. It doesn’t help that Ilgookhwe seems to be operating under its own brand of special lunacy, with rules which have little to no real-world application… in that I can’t see why their methods necessarily create stronger fighters, or better gangsters. All their rules feel so arbitrary if everyone gets to keep changing them, so there’s the added effect of making the stakes more eye-rolling than genuinely frightening.

For instance, Shinichi claimed that there was no way out other than to obliterate the Dobi Gang, yet he had enough power to use the you’ll-live-if-I-lose card. You could argue that he really didn’t expect to lose, which I’d buy, but then when Kaya gave a mild mew of protest before Jung-tae was almost killed, Shinichi told her that she had no choice if she wanted her revenge. He was giving her a technical choice, but it was either Jung-tae or everything she’s been working toward for… well, the last three years.

Enter Poong-cha, who kills a bunch of guys but doesn’t succeed in getting Jung-tae out. I can believe that Il-hwa is the eagle scout of gangsters and has a strict code of honor, but does Kaya? Does Shinichi? They’re much more unpredictable, but not in the fun way. Kaya took the opportunity to save Jung-tae because that’s what she’d wanted all along, but when Shinichi caved with a: “Okay… but just this once,” I felt my forehead hit my palm. I can’t take you people seriously when all you do is make empty threats and then change the rules so you don’t have to follow-through with them! It’s high time for them to shit or get off the chamber pot. In the meantime, I’ll be on Team Il-hwa. All the smoldering helps keep the winter chill at bay.


 

RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , , ,

91

Required fields are marked *

I soo love this site.. Ahhh. Thanks for the recap!!!

Episode 8 was so intense!! I thought I'd die after this episode.

Too many good people died. :(( Poong Cha!! That part was unbareable. Then that assassin ajushi!!

I don't feel good about the last fight either, Il Hwaaaa. You CANNOT die!! For heaven's sake!! I swear everytime he pops out of the screen my heart stops beating!! So sexxxyyy.

Cannot get over this episode. Ive watched it twice already. HAHAHA

0
10
reply

Required fields are marked *

PS: I read something last time about Soo Ok having a shady side. I think so too. Yeah, he may be bubbly and all with Ok Ryeon around, but there's something more he isn't showing. Its really getting better and better and more exciting.

And I just love how this drama keeps everyone clueless, and gives hints one at a time. Making you crave for mooooreee.

From casting (everyone shine with their character), to cinematography, script, set decorations, costume designs, film locations, music, it all woks together. Ugh. Bravooo.

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

I wouldn't call it shady, more like hidden or mysterious since he's for sure got to be on the good side.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeah but I wanna see a bad ass side of him. Hihi.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Lol I know..I'm waiting for it too!! Our wishes will come true ;-)

0

He did con that girl of her dad's money.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

She is probably the daughter of a rich corrupt bureaucrat who is not on the good side ;-)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Seriously I'm too attached to Poong Cha.

I have never wanted so badly for someone to not die in a drama before. The last time that happened was in King 2 Hearts near the end of that drama (I won't spoil it for those who haven't watched it). But I honestly I would have traded any side character to die instead of Poong Cha. He was one of my favourite characters.

but actually though omg I was fucking sobbing and whispering screaming in my room and omg. I was a mess. I'm in denial that he's dead and I still hope that Boss Hwang woke up and found him and Dobi gang took him in and they're nursing him back to health.

Poong Cha's still alive, right guys? He's with the Dobi gang, right? There's going to be a Jung Tae and Poong Cha reunion next episode, right? Guys? Anyone? Please?

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Also I will forever hate Gaya. She had the power to stop Shinichi from killing Jung Tae and she just watched. And even after that, she still could have stopped the fight to save Jung Tae thus also stopping Poong Cha's death.

Gaya did nothing when Jung Tae was on the brink of death and then suddenly she makes a big fuss about saving him.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND GAYA. Does she like Jung Tae or not? Why did she pick revenge over love yet still save Jung Tae in the end? What???? Why did Poong Cha have to die like was that necessary for the plot? What the fuck is wrong with the writer?

UGH. SO FRUSTRATING.

Wednesday please come faster.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I wish pong cha din't die.Jong tae will feel more lonely without him.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Joy thank you for sharing your sadness with us. Now I don't feel so bad knowing someone else also cried for Poong Cha. He was an awesome character and I'm not sure how I will adjust to his not being there. His final tribute to Jung Tae had me bawling like a baby. Couldn't we just put him in a comma or something ? Poong Cha where are you ????

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Poongcha hyung-nimmmm T^T

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Poong-cha hyung nimmmmmmmm T^T

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Poong-cha, whyy?! Why did it have to be him of all people? He was one of the people I warmed up to first. Actually, I had spoilt myself when i went on OT right before watching this episode. Even if i saw it coming, i still cried along with his heroic death. He was one of my favorite characters in this show. Till his very last breath he tried so hard to pull Jung-Tae up and get him out of there. Ach. If they kill off Boss Hwang too I don’t know if my heart can take it.

How will Gaya defeat Il-hwa? I think il-hwa will be the winner here, but I was rather impressed she managed to scratch him up. Although, he didn’t seem to be trying too hard at first. For me, he’s the baddest mofo in this show. I get more shivers when i see him on screen than i do with Aka. And i’m so excited that he’s on our hero’s side. The fact that he’ll care for our jung-tae and feels indebted to him is reassurance for all of us who want our hero alive.

I’ve noticed that quite often for many shows of this genre i’m only invested in the hero and care about whatever happens to him. But in AoF i’ve noticed i’m starting to really care about all the side characters too.

I wanted mooar after this episode ended. This was very much a nail-biting episode for me. Lots of shit-hit-the-fan moments for all our characters.
As usual, all the cuter, lighter scenes in AoF involve Ok-Ryun. Something tells me Ok-Ryun loses both her parents in one go at the end of this episode. Ok Ryun, Fighting!

THANKS HEADS <3

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yep, I so LOVE Il-Hwa and couldn't wait for him to get there already. His voice/delivery is shiver inducing and even the slow-mo scene of his feet was badass..like step aside ya'll cuz the 'baddest mofo' has entered.

Episode 8 has officially made me not like or care for Gaya. I'm not going to try anymore because I just don't understand her. It's really too bad the writing of her character/story sucks and Im Soo-hyang isn't doing much to give her dimension. There's something seriously wrong when the side characters have more character than her.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

In this drama, no one just dies. He has to give a Shakespearean monologue, lol! That being said, I am saddened by the loss of Poongcha. He is one of the best characters.

I too am glad that things are starting to come together; how the different stories will form a tight plot has been my concern.

I also think that there is more to Soo-ok than meets the eye. But I could have sworn I read somewhere that he was part of the resistance. I can't remember. Was it on this site? Lol!

And what is it with the random rules? I agree with you Heads. Thanks for another great recap!

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

lol i teared up for the death in the last episode as well as the death in this episode, but i couldn't help but notice as well that both men had to make a last minute heroic speech lasting about 1-2 minutes before their death. more of an emotional investment.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Haha, I agree! Both deaths/circumstances were sad for sure, but I also couldn't help but chuckle a little wondering if they were actually going to die.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

LOL at the "Shakespearean monologue," so true!RIP Poong Cha Ajussi, I hope we see you a lot more in future flashback.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This drama is getting better and better. Too many side characters died in one episode..so heartbreaking..especially one of my most favourite character Poong Cha .. ㅜㅜ..really like the brotherhood ship between dobi gang and Jung Tae.

Love the Jung Tae/Ok Ryeon's date scene too.love their chemistry. Am i the only who found KHJ's character in Jung Tae? the way he smile, his naughty side..

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Jung tae must have a death wish. In what world do you go after a man with swords with only your fists? What makes it so tragic is Poong cha's death which was so unnecessary! Makes me cry all over again. And Gaya just stood there and watched! Makes me growl all over again! To Shinichi's credit, he wanted to end Jung tae's suffering, which shows he's he's a different man than Aka who was cruel enough to let Kaya's father bleed to death.

Love the scenes with Jung tae and Ok Ryeon. It tells you how he feels about her to dedicate a whole day to her when he knows he may be killed the next day.

Finally, we know the connection between Il hwa and Jung tae. I do hope Il hwa wins this fight as I would hate to see him die so early in the game. Bring on the sexy! He's so hot! I liked him as Woon in Moon Embracing the sun. But here he's dialed up his hotness factor a ton! This kdrama is getting better and better. I wish next week were here already! I also hope the ratings continue to climb. This drama deserves it.

We saw Ok Ryeon's mom get shot. I hope she doesn't die. Too many people have died in this show already.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Agree with you,JT and OR lovely moment is way to adore them.I can feel that this will be sad and sweet as well love story.Sooooo in love with IG.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Jung Tae looks so adorabke behind Ok Ryon when he pretend to hold bicycle. SWEET COUPLE!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I hope they don't kill Il-hwa, I really hope so. Can't we kill Kaya instead!? She is so freaking annoying.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am hoping that Jung Tae heard the most emotional monologue from Poongcha when he died, somehow. Or may be someone would convey it all to him when we wakes up. I just want his fighting spirit to go nuts. REVENGE!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the recapped...it made me cry again...especially when Poongcha died...it's like a yoyo for me.... Like watching a fireworks when Jung Tae and Ok Ryeon went on a date...then made me depressed when one of the best Dobi Gang died....it was a roller coaster ride....but all in all...I will root for IG all the way.....:) still team JT and Ok Ryeon...and the rest of the good guys...Goodluck to the baddies...they make the show so much interesting.....IG Ajah!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

gaya vs leader mo can't wait

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think the death of Poong Cha and the running away Ok Ryeon signify the shift in story as it moves forward to the the year 1938 as described in episode when JT and OR will be reunited in Shanghai (I think it 's Shanghai).

I just can't wait for the next episodes. Thanks for the recap!

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

It was actually year 1936 on the start of 1st episode, which means 5 years ahead of where we are now.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Actually i wouldn't be surprised if somehow there is a time jump in the next coming episodes. In the preview Ok-Ryun seems to be living out her dream as a singer (with her fancy outfit) in a fancy looking place. We'll see.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes, it's very likely we'll see a time jump (probably to 1936, like the start of 1st ep) in coming episodes, especially judging by the preview.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

In episode 1, I mean.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I felt so desperate looking at the previews of episode 9 to make sure I saw Il Hwa. Please, Il Hwa...do not die.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

They'd be fools to kill him. He is the bees knees wings stinger and buzz. Totally totally Team Il Hwa. It happened in a second for me.

The little Aoki raft I was on passed Il Hwa's and I JUMPED over. There is something in his face behind his eyes I need in my life.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Lol it was love at first sight for me..and uh, I was already on that raft when you jumped over.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Maybe she figured the boys would be so evenly matched they'd tire out.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Help! Over here! Hey!

*climbs aboard Il Hwa raft*

I... *gasp* jumped... *wheeze* from Aoki... *cough* get here.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks a lot for the recap, Heads ! I'm enjoying it so much.

I cried when Poong-cha died. And, as I'm on Team Il-hwa, please don't kill him off (too soon).

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the funny funny recap.

But Poong cha dying shooks sobs out of me. Loud and teary ones. I know we won't see him much - I am counting on flashbacks to see him at all - so I am disappointed. I guess they are allowed to reduce their Hot Guys per Frame per Second, but not too much more, Show!

KHJ Rocky I + IV training plan. Had to laugh at his winter nakedness.

Is anyone counting the hits? Dead bodies?
I think I will work out what the hit to kiss or hug ratio is for the drama. Right now I am guessing it is about 1000:1.

Censors forbid I see a blade, though. It may hurt my sensitivities...to...something...sharp...or whatever.

Who is the audience for this show? Why do people want to show us all that fighting? Is it teaching me something I am not aware of? do I get smarter every time KHJ takes a shot to the skull?

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have a question about the "secret" relationship between Shinichi and Gaya's mom.

Why is it a mystery?
We know Shinichi swore to protect her with his life. Shinichi is constantly talking about how Gaya looks like the mom. So what if they were in a photo together?

It's not like Shinichi is her father, and so what if Shinichi is her brother? Is it that I don't care enough about Gaya to care about what she thinks?

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Surprisingly, I'm really liking this drama. And liking how things are coming together. Thus far, no fast forwarding while watching. (I've fast forwarded certain episodes of Miss Korea and You from another star.)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

And Show, please don't kill off Il-hwa. (It really wouldn't make sense for his character at this point in the story.)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Il Hwa will win because Jung Tae isn't with Gaya in the beginning of episode 1 and this is all a flashback. There is just the question of how much he has to work for the win.

Gaya wants to save Jung Tae anyway so there is a question of if she is going to throw the fight anyway

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

But she survives. So, it can't be a duel to the death.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

What an episode ! I already miss Poong Cha he is one of many characters I adore . The way he try to carry JT home made me cried. I love the brotherhood relationship in Dobi gang. The commitment toward each other like a family.

This episode we got to see JT smiled for the first time .His date with OR was lovely and let us see a different part of him. I love to see more the fun part of JT . I wonder how much his life would change after knowing that Poong Cha died because of saving him

As much as I try to understand Gaya's situation and her condition that brought her to this far. I still have some problem with this character. i want to like her more but still i do not like her enough. Hope I will like her more as the drama continue.

In the contrary I 'm more and more interested in OR character. Love to see what make her join the resistance movement.

Il-hwa, I like this character please don't let him died too soon. I like to see the friendship of JT-Il Hwa.

Can't wait for ep # 9

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I can only hope someone who striking similar look of Poon Cha would apprear later( pretty soon, hopefully). Those scenario has happened with another drama. This can happen. I love the actor who plays Poon Cha and his character as well.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

That would be rather cool. I wouldn't even mind the unrealistic cooincidence of that. Maybe a cousin? Long lost twin?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Mo Il Hwa, I...he better be in later episodes. I feel as many other his awesomeness. I've come to love him despite the short time he gets. Well not so short but in this episode we at least to hear that there is a connection to Jung Tae besides doing favors for the Dobi gang.

Loved the episode as things as unfolding.

Ah! I cried like a baby for Poong Cha. Loved him as well. Saving his hyung and JT. Le Sigh.

Thank you!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was also wondering why Jung-tae didn't learn using sword instead when he said he wanted to in ep 7..

Maybe he thought that it will be a disadvantage for him instead if he fights using a sword? Since it's not a skill he can learn in such a short time and for sure it will be impossible for him to be good enough against Shinichi's skill even if he did learn it.

I mean, he did get stabbed just seconds after he stole the sword from Shinichi and tried to use it...

But yeah, an unarmed man fighting against a man with sword is never ever a fair fight from the beginning.

And yes, pleeease win the fight and live, Mo Il-hwa.
I'm pretty sure he will though.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Poong cha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:'-(

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I really can't connect with Jang tae and Kaya two of the main characters. We have tons of scenes with Jang tae but the way he's portrayed is so cookie cutter. I have no interest in him. The actor has such a blank expression is having fun or just broody all the time.

Kaya- I just need more of her. Like what makes her tick because im not sure what is driving her revenge. If you wanted to kill jang tae father you didn't necessarily need to join a criminal organization to do it. Is she trying to revenge a mother she never knew? It's hard to connect with her. because they are not showing us why she is so passionate about getting revenge or what this has to do with being yakuza hime. So it all seems petty in the scope of things. Why don't you give up your revenge and live happily with jangtae or hey why don't you both go find his father seek revenge.

Then the only person she really interacts with is Shinichi the director needs to broaden her interactions

If I can't get behind the reasoning of a character then it's hard to sympathize with them.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I wholeheartedly agree.

The both actors are rather expressionless ,,, maybe for that reason, they are well suited together.

Kaya's character seems to be made this way forcefully. First of all, it is very unlikely that female heir back that time in Japan become so involved with the family matter. They would arrange her to get married to someone that the family consider trustworthy and adopt him into the family.There is a series of Yakuza drama where a female become a top Yakuza but I really think that it was not real. The writer can create anything that the she fancies but her portrayal is a bit too off for my liking.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"Poong Cha's death will be the biggest influence to JungTae's transformation into the God of Battles"... ¿revenge??? Can’t wait for ep 9.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I do not the rules of the Ilgookhwe. But I am going to guess. JT wants to end his love for Gaya because of no hope that he can be together with her. That is why he wanted to die in front of Gaya and free the Dobi gangster. Shimichi want JT dead because he saw the similarity between Gaya and Gaya's mother. The rule of the Ilgookhwe was if you come alive and you have to die so Shimichi invited JT to come the Ilgookhwe house to put both of them to corner and Gaya have to make to choice between saving JT or give up the revenge. Poong-Cha saved JT. I think the rule is if someone died for you. You can live. Since Poong-cha died so JT could live and Gaya will not have to give up her revenge.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

My confusion about Gaya stems from Shinichi this episode, so that's a small mercy since I haven't cared about him at any point ever and if I can blame his character for my confusion then I'm happy. Or just the entire gang in general and their tendency towards non-consequences.

Gaya's actions were pretty basic honestly, she didn't do much, but they made more sense than she has for the past 2 episodes. She doesn't know the fight is going to happen, it starts happening, Jung Tae is doing well so she's just standing there, then he's critically injured and she may or may not have gone to him, Looking at the scene it's honestly hard to tell, she was bouncing in place and leaning back and forward so she might've tried to help and then fixed her position later or just ditch him. Either one makes sense since it's Jung Tae and 3 years of work; not too much but not too little that I wouldn't understand either decision.

Then Poong-Cha- who she doesn't really know- comes in and is actually kicking ass and might get Jung Tae out and then he's taken down near the end of the fight and she sees it as the perfect chance to try and stop things and not risk her position with all her dead comrades and the chaos.

Shinichi's reaction to her request is the issue. Like he just goes along with it immediately? Doesn't say what the (i expected less severe) consequences are? Like what even? The entire gang is like that and I don't know if the writer is doing that on purpose. Are they just shafting their least favorite characters there and just arbitrarily picking actions for them to take or do they not know how to write a straight up bad gang and can only do good...?

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hello everyone! My first time post instead of lurking soo... Nice to meet you all! On to my thoughts: That's what I thought too, hipployta! That she decided to fight because she didn't really think she could win but this was a way for her to save Jung Tae from Ilgookhwae. At one point when Shinichi tells her he is going to have to report this and 'is she going to let him live?' The consequences of her decision to intervene hadn't changed (being banned-which i think probably = death) so for me I don't see any real discrepancy in the rules they're operating under. It didn't bother me anyway... Can't help loving all the awesomeness of this drama!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't think I can watch this drama I'm sobbing incessantly just by reading the recaps

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

about Shinichi let JT go after the fight and Poong-cha died. Get me think about death of Gaya's mother. They killed the mother but let the Father lived until Gaya turned 18. I don't know why. Hopefully, we will know later.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Did anyone not see that mum was shot!!!? She was bleeding through the white gown she was wearing!!! :'(

Oh man I love Poong Cha and could care less for Gaya!I would like a life for a life but since I know the show isn't going to kill her off, I'll take Shinichi's death instead. He better die protecting Gaya like Poong Cha ajussi did for Jung Tae. I know you will win this one Il Hwa!Fighting!

I feel like Gaya is the villain in this show!I just plain dislike her!!She is soo frustrating, she could have saved both Jung Tae and Poong Cha. What one earth was she just watching all the fighting for? To be entertained by a valiant death!(Insert scream here!)

Also random question, why do they call her Ong nyeonah-or at least that's what is sounds like to me, not Ok-ryeonah.

I smell a Jung Tae/Ok Ryeon separation coming....:'( Show, you are breaking my heart dude!Come on!

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

About the name, there are some grammatical rules to make the pronunciation easier.
in hangul is writting as 김옥련 (kim Ok Ryun), koreans find difficult to pronounce consonants together like ㄱ ㄹ due this, consonant ㄹ is often pronunced as n and souns like Kim Ok Nyun.

Hope it helps and sorry if there are mistakes (english is not my first language)

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Glass,

Thank you. I couldn't tell that English wasn't your first language. It isn't my first either :).

I thought ㄹ is pronounced something between r and l.Is it n ish sounding only after another consonant? I also notice in Queen In Hyeon's Man, they always called her Inyeon (which sounds like the word for bitch. Not kaejibe but nappeun nyeona or inyeona).

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeah you are right ㄹ pronunciation is between r and l and is only after another consonant that sounds like n.
About the other name is writing as 인현(In Hyeon), consonant ㅎ is pronounced as h, but when comes after another consonant is not pronounced, that's why it sound as Inyeon.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

You just solved a puzzle for me!Thank you!Komapta!

0

I don't know about you guys, but when Gaya asked Mo Il-Hwa what he would wager for their duel and he replied "everything you desire," instead of asking if that included Dandong, I would have asked "does that include YOU?!" Lol, I don't know why but I'm feeling the Gaya-IlHwa ship even though they're trying to kill each other right now. :D

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hahahaha!!!I love it!Except I think a duel is supposed to end when one of them dies.

Speaking of hot me to wager on, how lucky is Kim Ok Ryun? She has kissed Jun Tae and Gaksital in one lifetime!Some people were just born blessed!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was wondering about that myself. Is the duel a duel to the death? I really hope not, because we all know Gaya won't die, and by process of elimination ... well the odds wouldn't look good for Il-hwa. Please don't kill him off, writer-nim!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Both are going to come out alive (this writer's gonna think of it somehow like how Jung-Tae managed to survive the last duel). I think the duel is gonna be fight until the other gives out, not fight until death. Or they might be disrupted by Jung-Tae waking up. Who knows. All i know is, they're not gonna off a main lead, and they're not gonna off a really awesome character who is crucial in the story and barely gotten any character development. Like Jomo said, they'd be fools if they killed him off this early.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Jung Tae will not let Gaya die. He'll wake up and interrupt.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

So Gaya's about to lose and Jung Tae wakes up and stops the duel to save Gaya? I'm fine with that, as long as Il-Hwa stays alive. They've already killed off so many awesome side characters that Il-Hwa needs to survive! Otherwise the writers and I. Will. Have. Words.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I really hope you're right, but song jae rim is signed up for a movie set to start filming this february ("tunnel 3d" or something like that). I hope this doesn't mean he's being killed off/written off from the show soon!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loved Shenichi in the beginning but now he is getting annoying. I'm willing for his character to get offed - unless he gets back in sync with Gaya.

I'd like some clarification on why Aoki is so important in the Yakuza. And I'd like Ilhwa and Gaya to turn out evenly matched and then marry and have lots of fighting genius babies.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

First, I LOVE THIS DRAMA! Second, Kim Hyun Joong's acting has gotten better. Third, can we just kill Gaya's character off. I mean she's really annoying. I won't mind OR giving her a beat down or two. I'm really hoping the writers don't put Tae and Gaya together. I think if that happens I would just read the recaps instead of watching the show. I can't take the heartbreak. lol.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

ah, tried to watch, just don´t get it. they fight. and it is important, cause...? I don´t feel that importance. I can´t manage to care.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't know what episode you start watching if you start from the beginning you will understand better the reason why they fight.

However we probably can not compare the reason whether or not they should fight the situation happened in 1930 era to the present time.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

First time to write a comment.. so please bear with me...

Can't wait for the next episode..Heartbreaking scene when Pong Cha deid. Can't over with it..

But this is my hunch.. Gaya will likely lose to leader Mo.. This is the way she could save Jung Tae from death.. Remember Sinichi told Gaya she had to decide to Jung Tae as soon as possible. If Gaya lose to Leader Mo they have to give up Jung Tae to Leader Mo ALIVE!!.. Somehow she will trick Sinichi in order to save Jung Tae from death.. hmmm.. (Crossing my finger tightly.. )

Btw. HATS OFF to dramabean for the good review and recaps..

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I ssem to be in a minority but I like Gaya's character very much and I think for now it's not a big deal if the actress seems bland cause you know she's not suppose to have any feelings left.
Gaya's character even as a child was really bold, when JT saved her she slapped him badly and marked his face with a scar which in my opinion will resume their relationship :(
Gaya is the kind of character I enjoy hating, while OkRyun and her sugarish behaviour does not do anything for me!I don't hate her, who would ever hate her? " But what she is doing story wise leaves me " So What? We 're used to this kind of characters.
I am glad we explore another kind of story, another kind of a leading girl even if Gaya is not the one! T

He got this girl under his skin like litterally ! You know what? I decided to enjoy the ride because I know/hope that we will got the answers we are looking for!

As for the acting, yep it's not stellar but enjoyable! I was more invested with the children stroryline!

I m enjoying this show but some people in the viki thread should grow up!

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I started off feeling more connected to Gaya but then after her sudden transformation it started to wane.

I do agree though, some of the viki comments during Gaya's scenes are undeserved. I still like her as a character, despite not fully connecting to her.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Actually, Gaya is the only person in this story I'm curious still to see more of, and see what is actually going on. But only a bit. For now, I'm fed up with her empty threats. I like her as a badass fighting girl in a kimono.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

To me she's the most interesting even though I have problems connecting with her. I never ff her scenes like I do some people coughokryun/sook/jangtae cough
but I think they could do so much more with her character to make us empathize with her.
Look what they've done to Dooko. He's a horrible despicable character but I still want to watch him and see where his story is going.

at this point I find jangtae so bland that him and ok ryun and soo ok should form a band and travel far away.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

love gaya.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So we are 8 episodes in and one thing is clear. All the speculation about whether or not Kim Hyun joong is going to spoil the show with lousy acting. The only thing that is going to spoil this show is a story line to convoluted to follow and glaring inconsistencies in the plot. Otherwise the casting is great, and Kim Hyun joong is turning out to be more than just another flower boy.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Finally we get to see JT and OK date! Woot woot.. I still can't believe PC died. My heart is still aching from that scene. To others who can't tolerate all the fighting and killing scenes in these drama, i can't blame u guys coz oh well me too, i am not a fan of violence as well. But the thing is we can't deny the fact that these things happened in the past [ in this case it's the 1930s ] where gangs and poverty existed And fighting is the way to survive.This drama reminds me of Gangs in New York btw. Im loving this drama, and i hope the rating would go up to at least 10. Thanks for the recap.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Checked some episodes I thought I would hate Gaya after reading all this hatred on her character here but I guess again people has gone overboard especially when a ship is concerned. I agree that her storyline was not well handled by the PD but I like her because she does not cling to man. Gaya character life and raison d'etre does not revolve only around hero -unlike someone else. Plus she can fight and defend herself and doesnot give sh.t about being a woman in a man world.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So good!! I love this drama. It gives out an intense yet mysterious feeling, full of action yet sweet and romance. I managed to tear up twice, and that's a big surprise for I don't usually cry on drama. The scene of Yung Tae's emotional eyes thinking about his sister, and Poong Cha's dead got me alright.
Great job to all the actors, actress, and director. Thanks for the recap. It was very fun to read

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

*sigh* Too many deaths in one episode. Why, why did Poong-cha have to leave us?! It was too soon. His death scene was so heart-breaking; he could barely convey the words he's always wanted to say to Jung-tae without choking or spitting out blood. Gahhh, things just won't be the same anymore.

I honestly was a bit tad (okay, maybe I was very confused) when I saw Poong-cha knock Boss Hwang out unconscious. For a few seconds, I thought Poong-cha (and don't judge me, I know this is a stupid thought of mines) had betrayed his Dobi gang family and entered the evil side. But thankfully he did that just so he could rescue Jung-tae and save Boss Hwang's life. Poong-cha was definitely my favorite out of everyone in the Dobi Gang. He risked his life not only to save Jung-tae but also didn't want to worry Boss Hwang so he put him to rest. Like, why are you so awesome Poong-cha?! You were a true hero^^

Thanks for the recap HeadsNo2! :D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think Gaya's character is interesting. Gaya and JT will have their chance to develop their relationship. Gaya never takes the face value. when Shinichi say JT will die anyway in the future. Gaya answer that you don't have the right to decide other person's fate.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Little did we know that the date Jung Tae wanted to give Ok-ryun so she would remember him IF anything was to happen to him was also for HIM! Ok-ryun left him behind and no word as to where she will be. HE is also left with a warm memory of a great date with Ok-ryun. Oh God! I hope they find each other and I'm REALLY REALLY team Ok-ryun.

Poong-cha .... tears ... a million tears for this awesome man that was there til the end for Jung Tae. FAMILY!!! they are a family buuuuu.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Kim Jae Wook has left the building...literally.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Is there any recap for ep 9..?
I already watched it but I need to read the recap about it..? As there are some scenes that i didn't really get and i just love to read your recap... ^^

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The recap is so awesome! I haven't watch yet any of the episodes and started reading only from ep7, but the dying scene of poong cha made me tear up. It was so descriptive it seemed like i was watching it. Nice to know KHJ has improved tremendously in this drama. Thanks a lot for the great recap. KHJ fighting!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I hate men who covets the woman of another. Heed the Ten Commandment, Soo-ok, you ass hole. Heaven's wrath will be upon you.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *