I completely agree on your issues with this drama. I'm alright with noona romances, but the age gap is big enough for them to be mother/son. While he might have a small crush on her so far, I'm hoping she won't feel the same about him for a long time.

I want to actually see where her marriage has issues before they start this "romance", because so far her marriage seems fine (although it's made to seem like she's the breadwinner of the family)

He doesn't have a girlfriend, she wants to be, but he just treats her as family... or did I watch wrong?

I loved Wife's credentials, so I'm sure I'll love this drama.

And your work this week: wow. Love it!!!!!

Thanks for sharing your art, Fanderay!

I liked, but didn't love, the first two episodes of this drama until the last scene with the homemade mouse-trap. Now I'm fully on-board!

I really, really enjoyed this PD's drama, A Wife's Credentials, also starring the fabulous Kim Hee-Ae. I'm hoping this is as good.

Amazing! Thank you so much for covering Secret Love Affair!

I'm really enjoying this drama, much more than I expected. The two of them in real life have no chemistry at all - I watched their press conference and photoshoots cringing. But the steam is practically coming off my laptop when I watched the first two episodes! I really enjoy how atmospheric the shooting is - and both characters are understated and pragmatic as of this point, which I very much enjoy. Hye-won is an amazing boss. I love how good she is at her job. I guess with a character that age, they can't rely of ineptitude and vulnerability to sell a character. Which I don't mind at all. She lives in a complicated world where no one is really in the right.

Credit: Koretic Weibo http://www.weibo.com/funstroller

Kim Hee-ae:
“ The script not only speaks to our generation. It is also a work that can enlighten the younger generation. This is a story about a woman who seems to live for the sake of appearing happy for the perception of others, not for pursuing her own happiness, and her encounter with an innocent man who will awaken her inner desire.

I often asked the staff around me the differences between the people in their 40s and those in their 20s. Since the setup of the story involves a woman in her 40s and a man in his 20s, I felt even more horrified. Now, regardless of the factors from appearances, I accept the current state and try to interpret my role.”

Director Ahn Pan-seok:

“Basically this is a love story between a 20 years old guy and a 40 years old woman. Of course, the society will not give a break for such a relationship.

If judging from the tradition and ethics established by our society, this relationship is a damnable crime. But if we see it from a different context, it is not necessarily so. Oh Hye-won is a woman, who always chooses a safe path with regard to eduction, career and marriage. But has she ever asked herself simple questions, like do I really love the man I am involved with? Is what I choose really what I want? Does the man next to me (i.e. the man I have been living with/married to) and I really love each other? For the most part, the answers for these questions are likely to be negative.
In other words, the majority of us in this society is living a calculating life and taking an easy way out. Oh Hye-won, a 40 years old woman, intends to follow a safe path to live her life. Until she dies, she will not have any chance to look back on the reality of her life. Once she commits the “crime,” ironically it is the moment when she examines her life and realizes that her “safe” self which presumably adheres to ethics is in reality one loaded with problems. From a social perspective, isn’t her predicament to a certain degree also the self portrait for all of us, who strives to have a deceptively easy and comfortable life?

Yoo Ah In:
“Different from the rebellious youth I often played before, Lee Sun-jae is a 20 years old young man with a pure heart. Sometimes, I would even question myself: Is this innocent personality my type of character?
I really do not understand why the older woman involved in a relationship with age difference should suffer criticism. A man who gets involved in a relationship with 19 years difference in age will be considered capable, while a woman involved in a relationship with 19 years difference in age is always discriminated, even regarded as dirty. I really cannot understand why, and this is the society we live in.

OMG, I love YAI for those words above. And I agree with it. Most of people here didn't care if Prime minister and Yoona had a huge age gap, and even shipped them, but...

This painting is seriously amazing. It looks just like a screen cap even when it's maximized. You are really talented.

I just finished Secret Love Affair myself. While I'm not invested in the romance (and doubt I will be in any great way), I do love the look of this drama. It truly feels like a work of art - the direction is very stylistic and it feels very heady and intense. I've noticed that it looks more high budget than any other jtbc show I've seen and it generally seems to be darker (in terms of lighting) than the typical drama. I like the way they're creating the connection between the leads. I like that their connection is based on something other than looks or attraction. I also think the leads are doing a great job expressing their reactions to their first intense encounter: Yoo Ah-In's giddiness and Kim Hee-Ae's wonderment and shock. I'm very interested in seeing how the show develops. As it is though, it's just beautiful to look at.

I also like that Hye-Won's not a perfect, selfless angel. She's certainly kinder than the people around her (man, does everyone else seem to despise each other!) but she's shrewd too and she knows how and when to play the game without taking things too personally. That's much more realistic and believable.

I find it interesting that you seemed to think Hye-Won's husband is all right. Several characters call him useless in just these two episodes (including his wife likening him to a child!) and they've certainly shown that he's entitled, petulant and unnecessarily antagonistic and demanding to his wife. I find him a tiring character to watch (not that that makes cheating okay) and am simultaneously fascinated, confused and shocked by the amount of internal politics happening within this art's school/foundation. I'm really curious why Hye-Won and her husband married though - was there ever any love there or is it all just strategic?

I don't dislike Seo Young Woo so much as I'm intrigued by her and wonder why she's so suspicious of everyone. It's definitely more than just a hatred or resentment for her stepmother that's fueling her but judging by her father's expert machinations, it feels like she could just be the product of growing up in a viper's nest. I also wonder where her husband is? They certainly don't make her like able though and I wish she'd realize that playing it cool in front of others and striking strategic blows is the better way to go about it (a la Madame Han's methods). As it is, she's just making herself look unstable and childish.

Sun-Jae's girlfriend seems cute though and I feel bad for her as it feels like he's already starting to shut her out.

Bravo and thanks again, Fanderay~ each week I look forward to seeing what has inspired you and what lovely creation you have to offer us. It's a nice way to cap off the week.

Seeing YAI peeking brings fond memories of a hiccuping Moon Jae Shin.

Affairs suck...in real life. But since this is fiction, Secret Love Affair is pretty terrific! I like the 20-year age gap. Oppas can do it, why not Noonas? I applaud any K-drama that goes against the tried-and-true, 100% cliche storylines. Do we need another "Cold chaebol meets plucky poor girl" or "First love reunion?" Been there, done those. I look forward to shipping a fresh, rarely seen couple. Plus, sexy times will be very interesting with this duo.

I think it's funny how a lot of people loved prime minister and I, but think that the age gap in this drama is a problem.

I always have a problem with affairs as well, which is why I didn't really have much expectation with this one. But I decided just to check it out and was pretty quickly captivated. The drama is really atmospheric and subtle and I thought all the actors were spot on. No one really seemed like a caricature. The musical direction is excellent, with most of the scenes playing out without any music except what might be expected naturally (such as the scene in the convenience store), so that when musical scoring DOES happen, it is really emotionally impactful. And on a purely personal note, all that piano music was really nostalgic for me because I grew up in a musical household and it reminded me of listening to my grandparents play their instruments, especially my grandmother who is a pianist. They both live far away now and play less anyway as they get older, so for me that was really moving.

I've always hated affairs, but this drama might just have to be an exception. As far as her marriage, their relationship seems pretty perfunctory and lacking in any intimacy. I don't think her husband is a bad person, but I also don't think he's very invested in his relationship, and the show has already taken care to reveal that he probably married his wife for some reason other than affection. These are not excuses, but knowing that there's no real trust or intimacy to be broken between her and her husband does make the pill a little easier for me to swallow.

As for the age gap, that doesn't bother, especially because as has already been noted before, this type of age gap would not be nearly as much of an issue if they genders were reversed. I make no judgment one way or the other on the appropriateness of such a relationship in any case (20-year-older man or 20 year-older-woman) but I do like a story that's willing to tackle taboo issues and make you experience them through another's perspective.

I fully enjoyed the first two episodes of this drama, and am eager to see the rest. The age difference between the two leads doesn't bother me at all, in fact, I think it's about time. The impending affair doesn't bother me either, especially if it propels the lead female character to leave a husband she doesn't appear to love, and whom appears to be using her to further his own ambitions. I do not believe the lead male character has a girlfriend. I believe she WANTS to be his girlfriend, but he appeared to treat her like a sister or cousin. I would like to see a happy ending on this, but am getting the feeling it is going to be a real tearjerker.

I like noona romances and I don't criticize this drama. I love the story so far and would probably stick to this drama because of the musical elements in it. No doubt, Oh Hye Won and Lee Sun Jae has chemistry and kinda relate to Sun Jae when it comes to a fact that you are so passionate for a thing but do not have a support, financially and emotionally.

This kind of story can happen in real life. Young men are prone to fall in love to women not their age coz they are more mature and can handle them. Sun Jae was kinda like that, I think, basing on the 2 episodes so far.

I'm expecting more for this drama and I trusted the PD not to disappoint me.

YAI is certified noonas killer. I endured JOJ just for him. Now in SLA he looks cuter and youngster. Oh Hye Won is interesting character with pride and integrity but Sun Jae will rock her world. I love when they play piano together. So intense!! The music also definitely a treat to my ears..

Thanks for the artwork Fanderay. It is an amazing piece. Sigh. I wish i had a talent for painting.

My view is that affairs happen not necessarily because one party or the other is bad. A lot of people make very 'unconscious'decisions in lfe and continue on that path, blissfulky ignorant of any ohter way of 'living'. Outwardly, verything seems fine and there is no need to question the status quo. Sometimes thou, something or someone comes along that shakes up that 'automatic' way of being and awakens something deep inside. It may not result in an affair but it may be that you coukd never live in the same way again. Of course, it may also result in an affair as we expect will happen with this drama. Who knows how we would have responded ourselves if someone comes along and fires us in such a way that we question everything we wer before?

And i will finish with the quote from one warm word " relationships dont go bad just because of bad people". - somehing like that( cant rmemeber exact words). :p

I tried watching it...I agree, 20 years is too much for me...30 and 50 I might change my mind but 20 and 40, too far apart for me...

I love this drama so much! The characters, the CHEMISTRY and the piano porn! Both KHA and YAI have excellent acting chop. I don't find the age gap is awkward or disturbing because it can happen in real life. Moreover, KHA doesn't look like 40s. And there must be something more and reasons why the affair happens. Give this drama a few more episodes to see the characters development. This is PD Ahn Pahn Seok's style. The husband, the sassy boss, and both main leads will unveil the other side of characters/themselves. It could be darker.

I wish there would be as much gnashing of the teeth over sexism in dramas as there is over adultery and age gaps.

The production value, the writing and the acting is what I want out of a serious drama. Realistic, provoking. The drama is not trying to enforce a belief on you, but to question it. If you are turned off right from the beginning, you are not the targeted crowd anyway.

Love your artwork for this week, Fanderay.

As for the drama --
I don't love Yoo Ah In in every role; the boy has a tendency to over-act when he's supposed to be intense (JOJ), but i have to say that he is killing it here with just the right amount of nuance and passion. It's nice to see him take on a completely different role from the ones he's played before. His body language, every gesture seems so natural to his character. His anxiety is so palpable i start to feel nervous for the guy.

Can we just take a moment to talk about that..piano sex they basically had? I don't think i've ever felt like i was being a peeping tom for a musical performance, but Secret Love Affair just went there. After they finished the two was bathed in sweat and heavy sighs.. Wonder what it was like to shoot the scene.

In terms of the couple, I am more on the neutral side. Not put off by this pairing, but not feeling the romantic chemistry either. There was a passionate kind of chemistry while the two played the piano together, but outside of that i do not sense the sexual chemistry. Some of that can be built in future episodes.

Also, the mouse-trap scene(sexual innuendo) provided for some laughter in this more serious show.

Kim Hee Ae needs to tone down on her moisturizer, she always over-applies, and it's really apparent in this show due to the lighting. I want to reach in and wipe off the excess oils off her beautiful face.
For the quote above from Kim Hee Ae talking about "awakening her inner desires" i've got to say she's perfectly portrayed that in scenes with YAI's character.

I have the same issue with the drama.
I watched Ep. 1 and it was alright but it had some pretty hard slapping and women beating each other. I don't enjoy such scenes. Adultery by the other lead was already shown early as to prepare us for what was to come ahead. I wanted to watch Ep.2 but it is just shelved for now.
Age difference with the concept of soulmate is... errr...maybe alright given a little bit different circumstances but here we have a married woman and young boy who will be her student eventually. So we have full blown illicit affair. Affairs motivated by desire, wants, physical attraction, etc is not my cup of tea. They may end up falling in love but again it feels so illicit and wrong on many levels.

From what I read in JTBC's character description and what I see in this drama, Park Dami is his vocational school's friend who has one sided crush on him.

Anyways, this drama is getting better each episode, story wise and ratings wise, peaked 5.3 during the broadcast of episode 2. I found it interesting that Korean viewers like it. But they also loved A Wife's Credential which brought almost similar issue. I figure SLA story will have the same flow. I will definitely watch where this will be going.

Fanderay~ some people are arguing about your post over at secret lover affair soompi thread. It's getting hot their, I think.

I enjoyed the first 2 episodes and im going to continue watching it... the story is so refreshing (good job to d writers for taking risks). Some may not like it because of moral issues and all (depends on ur taste) but man these things are happening in our society....have an open mind. good job to both actors. I super like kim hee ae...

AWESOME

You certainly know his lips like the back of your hand... loveeee it! And I also love the drama.

I've been finding it interesting to read about how many people are put off by the age gap in this show, but were gleefully squealing all over Prime Minister and I, whose protagonists are 20 years apart in real life (I can't remember if age was brought up in the show). Is it the tone of this show that makes a difference? Is it easier to forget about it when it's a fun rom-com rather than a darker, more "grown-up" show? (Am I just old? LOL. I am.)

I'm not put off by the adultery either because....well, because it's a show. With characters.

I'm enjoying it so far, and I love Yoo Ah In. I think he's a perfect choice for this kind of role.

This drama is so good. I wasn't sure what to expect. I liked YAI in SS and Antique Bakery but skipped his last 2 dramas because of bad reviews. The press photos for this drama made it appear that they did not have chemistry. I was pleasantly surprised to watch episode 2 and see the chemistry between Hye-Won and Sun-Jae. My only complaint is that Young-Woo so far is such a one sided nonredeemable character. I cringe every time she physically attacks someone.

I don't mind the age difference or the affair aspect because this is a drama and we need conflict to make it interesting. This is a nice change from the usual Candy story lines (poor virtuous girl, rich jerk).

I am sure that I am not the only one in college who had crushes on much older professors. It is easy to have a crush on someone who is accomplished, confident, and encouraging. Not that this should to develop into a relationship...it could be coercive on the part of the older party.

Now that I am older, I don't find it surprising when someone my age admires a young person who is full of enthusiasm and optimism (and of course youthful beauty).

It's really beautiful. Your painting. Good luck :)

Affairs suck. I dislike affairs to the bones but I separate dramaland from real life. Guess I have matured through the years. If in my teens I'll be hurling my strong opinion regarding affairs here.

So, I've got to admit that I tuned in to this drama precisely because of the age-gap romance. C'mon, aren't we all sick of the typical romances already? There are 1 million and 1 stories about typical romances. Already. So why not some irregular couples? They do exist in real life, albeit not common. So I would like to take a peek into the minds of these couples, at least through dramas.

That said, I have to say that I'm not too impressed with YAI's acting on the first 3 episodes. IMO he is overacting. He is trying to convince the audience that he is a young 20 year old by acting like a bumbling half-wit. Young and innocent is quite different from bumbling and having no-confidence. Instead of a 20 year-old I thought I see an 8 year-old. But do I see a hint of a difference towards the end of ep 3, the garage scene? Yeah, maybe he's trying to show us that the kid has grown up after his mother's death. But, still, the clumsy part is way too unnatural for him to morph into a guy with enough attraction to pull her into the world of sexual tension. And did he lose that little bit of weight on his cheeks from the garage scene? If it is, it'll be plausible he put on the weight for his portrayal of the innocent kid before the garage scene, to emerge as the sexually more attractive man.

I'll be overjoyed if he drops the bumbling act (of course he will but it's just not necessary in the first place!). Meanwhile, Kim Hee Ae is wonderful as the super efficient and confident career woman with elegance to make young guys get intimidated and fall for at the same time.

There are certain things I don't like about the drama. But ep 3 is promising enough. Will watch ep 4.

(P/S. I can't help but think how Lee Jong Suk will handle this character)

This drama seems to be moving fast. Emotions are running high and the Teacher is getting ready to go into territory she has not experienced. She is starving for affection from a caring male as a result of this dysfunctional relationship with her husband. Yet she is hesitant to try something new..until what is leading to now !What I find interesting is the emotion that is shown when they are playing music. It's as if they are on an emotional high. I am however concerned about the girlfriend of this young prodigy. How will he help her deal with the pain of losing him to an older woman ? She was there during his rough / hard times. Ugh.

At first I was like 'huh where's the art, I see only a screencap." Very nice!

I just casually checked this show out while waiting for Empress ki subs and surprisingly, I liked it. It does feel like a movie and the mood is dark. I like the chemistry between the 2 leads and the age gap is not a problem for me nor the cheating. This is a first drama for me with this type of issue. I've watched too many rich guy rescuing poor girl dramas.

I watched three epidodes, and I'm on a high for this show. This is my crack! I felt like, I was reborn... and that YAI had captured my soul. Curse you beautiful creature! I'm going crazy waiting for the next episode.

This is the best K drama of the year. It sets the higher bar for the other dramas to pass. Each episode is always better than the previous one. The story just flows so beautifully, it's very realistic, all the characters are not wasted, the cinematography does remind me of a noir film. YAI & KHA's acting just hit all the right chords. The storyline is thought provoking and yet well accepted in Korea. I'm hooked and will follow it till the end. Bring it on, baby!

I've watched episodes 3 and 4. This drama is so good, the kind I would stay up all night to marathon. It really looks like a mature sophisticated movie. Just beautifully done.

Episode 3 was intense and heartbreaking. I'm a puddle.