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Discovery of Romance: Episode 7

It’s a fast descent into confusion as our leads make baffling choices, causing us to wonder if anyone even deserves to be together. Is it really okay to hide important parts of your life, or make someone suffer because they hurt you in the past, or take pleasure from someone else’s pain in the name of love? I used to think I knew the answer but this episode makes me wonder, as everyone seems to be living in Opposite Land lately when it comes to romance.

EPISODE 7: “This is your first one-sided love, isn’t it?”

Standing in her workshop, Yeo-reum tells Tae-ha that even if he likes her again, they can’t turn back time. He says with confidence that she’ll come back to him, but she counters, “Maybe if the sky falls, but I’m not going back to you.” She turns to go and he grabs her arm, saying almost angrily, “That sky will fall. You can count on it.”

He continues that he’s a lucky man and things usually go his way, but Yeo-reum insists that this time he’ll learn that the world isn’t that easy. She says that she knows which man she wants, but Tae-ha haughtily asks if she’s so certain of Ha-jin, without even a tiny doubt.

Yeo-reum is distracted by a burning odor, and they run to the kitchen to find a smoking pot of ramyun, and Tae-ha quickly stops Yeo-reum from grabbing it and uses his bare hand to push it off the stove. Yeo-reum holds his burned hand under the water, fussing at him for touching it, and Tae-ha just enjoys her concern.

Yeo-reum bandages Tae-ha’s hand, clucking like a mother hen, while he just stares amused at her. Suddenly he leans in and plants a quick kiss on her, and she stares at him for a long moment before smacking him and telling him to leave. Yeo-reum complains that he hasn’t changed, only thinking of himself, but Tae-ha just supposes that if he asked her to dinner she’d probably decline, and he goes.

Ha-jin drives up just as Tae-ha is leaving, and they both stand awkwardly looking at anything else but each other, as they remember their night of drunken noraebang bromance. They make awkward small talk until Yeo-reum comes out to meet Ha-jin, and she makes a point to hold his arm possessively while she shoots eye-daggers at Tae-ha.

Ha-jin came to take Yeo-reum to dinner, and he invites Tae-ha, expecting him to politely decline. Tae-ha accepts just to watch Yeo-reum squirm, then “remembers” he has plans. But he invites Ha-jin out to dinner some other time, just the guys. Tae-ha watches Ha-jin and Yeo-reum go inside and snarls when he sees them kiss through the window — Yeo-reum sees him watching and thinks that he doesn’t know anything about love.

In the car, Tae-ha tells us that he never said the word “love,” just that he started liking her again. He says love is a noble feeling and shouldn’t be spoken of lightly. Yeo-reum complains that his idea of liking someone doesn’t even have an ounce of wishing for the other person’s happiness, but Tae-ha just thinks that if she’s going to be happy, she should either be happy with him, or just be unhappy, is all. Well, aren’t you sweet.

Yeo-reum asks why Ha-jin invited Tae-ha to dinner, and warns him not to get too close to him. Ha-jin says he just couldn’t think of anything to say, and admits he doesn’t like them working together. They joke about how unattractive Tae-ha is and wonder how any girl could fall for him, haha.

Joon-ho comes to the police station to pick up Sol, who’s sitting next to Eun-gyu looking utterly humiliated. It’s so sweet how, before anything else, Joon-ho goes to her and tells her to hold her head up. She’s there for throwing the rock through Eun-gyu’s window, having been caught on CCTV. Eun-gyu says he’s sick of all the calls and texts and of her following him around, and Joon-ho grabs him by the collar and declares that he’ll go to jail with Sol – he won’t let her go alone. Awww.

The policeman says they have to settle or she’ll be charged with property damage, and Joon-ho says, “Add an assault charge to that,” and punches Eun-gyu, hard. But it’s funny how thankful he is to Eun-gyu for settling as they all leave the station, and Eun-gyu just tells him to make sure he never sees Sol again.

Joon-ho wonders what Sol ever saw in that jerk, and she starts to cry for real. He takes her hand to head home, but Sol says she doesn’t want to go home tonight. Joon-ho freezes, then drops her hand and says that if any other girl had said that, he would have felt amazing. You’re not fooling anyone, buddy.

He takes Sol to a club where she violently gets her freak on, and they end up having a great time. They go for smoothies and Joon-ho offers to do everything with her that she did with Eun-gyu, and she deadpans that he said that ten years ago too, when she got dumped by another ex-boyfriend.

We go back to the night after Yeo-reum followed Tae-ha to the island, as Joon-ho and Sol discuss how she just got broken up with. Sol doesn’t think the guy meant it, only that he was nervous because he was about to go to the military, but she doesn’t seem all that upset.

Joon-ho offers to do everything with her that she wanted to do with her ex, even making a pinky-swear. He teaches her to ride a bike and freaks out when she falls and gets a teeny scrape, and she seems to notice him in a more-than-an-oppa sort of way as he doctors her up and apologizes over and over.

Back in the present, Sol assumes Joon-ho’s forgotten all about that and gripes at him for being just like Eun-gyu. He takes offense, pointing out how he even punched the guy out in the middle of the police station for her, and they’re soon back to their familiar contentious friendship, yelling at each other for being all sweaty and stinky (and Joon-ho had better learn when to stop or he’s going to lose an ear).

Tae-ha thinks about how Director Yoon told him there was no accident reported on the day that Yeo-reum’s father died. Still with Joon-ho, Sol tells him that Tae-ha is asking for his number, and he yells at her when she sends it to him. He immediately gets a call from Tae-ha, and he’s all sweetness and light as he agrees to meet right then.

Yeo-reum invites her mother over for a beer, then tells her to take the 1900 won for the beer out of her debt, HA. She gives her mom her bankbook to pay her off in full, having gotten her deposit from the project with Tae-ha. Mom tells her to use the money to get married instead, but hilariously says she can just pay her back after the wedding.

Yeo-reum confesses that she lied to Ha-jin about her father, and that she’s been feeling badly about it. She doesn’t tell him everything (like her debt to Mom), and she doesn’t think she should have to, but she also sometimes feels like a fake. He seems like someone without any worries, and she wants to look the same so he’ll like her.

Tae-ha and Joon-ho meet for drinks, and Joon-ho mentions that he and Sol didn’t know about Yeo-reum’s father dying until after the funeral either, and that they were also told it was a car accident. Tae-ha asks about Ha-jin, and Joon-ho says he’s a great guy who does anything Yeo-reum asks of him. Tae-ha mutters that it looks like he’s got a girl, which shuts up Joon-ho.

Ha-jin’s mom cleans his place and finds his photo of himself and Ah-rim from the orphanage. She tells him she’s taking it so Yeo-reum won’t see it, and he says that he wants to tell Yeo-reum the truth. He tells his mother that he found Ah-rim by chance, and she asks if she knows it’s him and what he’s going to do. He says she’s having a hard time trying to work her way through college, and he just wants to help her.

Mom asks if he still feels guilty that they adopted him instead of Ah-rim, which wow, that could explain a lot. She says that it was just their fate and that he should end it before Ah-rim finds out who he is. She tries again to take the picture, but Ha-jin says he’ll keep it and hide it somewhere.

Still at the bar, Joon-ho insists that the girl is nobody, but Tae-ha asks why Ha-jin would be hugging her if she’s nobody. This is news to Zipper-Mouth Joon-ho and he forgets to keep his mouth shut, blabbing about Ha-jin’s search for a girl with a scar.

The next morning, Ha-jin goes all out making breakfast and setting the table for two. Ah-rim excitedly delivers his juice, but Yeo-reum catches her hanging the bag on the door and they recognize each other. Ah-rim speaks first to say that Yeo-reum misunderstands the situation, and that must be why she came to her workplaces. Yeo-reum denies misunderstanding anything and tells Ah-rim that she saw her and Ha-jin eating together.

The door opens, and the way everyone is positioned, Ha-jin only sees Ah-rim there. He invites her in for breakfast and when she hesitates, he pulls her inside and slams the door, leaving Yeo-reum standing in the hall in shock. Oh no — I’m already cringing for the beatdown he’s about to receive.

Inside, Ha-jin smiles as he tells Ah-rim that he made breakfast for her, but she stammers that his girlfriend is outside. The look on his face would be funny if this weren’t so horrible. He’s frozen in fear as Yeo-reum lets herself in and finds him and Ah-rim standing there together, and they couldn’t possibly look more guilty.

Yeo-reum walks right past them as Ha-jin starts to make a weak apology, and goes right for the table set very obviously for two. She says matter-of-factly that there’s nothing for her to eat, and she takes the empty space and invites them to sit.

Ha-jin decides obedience is his best bet for survival, and practically shoves Ah-rim to the table. There’s a long awkward silence, then Yeo-reum orders them to eat. She tells them to have their usual breakfast conversation, and they both insist this is the first time, which really doesn’t sound any better.

Ah-rim uses school as an excuse to leave, telling Ha-jin to stay and clear up the misunderstanding, and literally flees the scene. Alone now, Yeo-reum accuses Ha-jin of cheating, which he hotly denies. He says this is all nothing, but it only seems like something because she thinks it’s something and oh please stop talking you’re making it worse. He admits that he cares for Ah-rim because she’s lived a hard life.

Ha-jin promises not to meet Ah-rim alone anymore, and Yeo-reum holds out her hand… but she wants his cell phone, not his hand. He passes it over but says he changed the code, explaining that it was to keep Joon-ho out, which just makes Yeo-reum suspicious again. She gives his phone back, even though he urges her to look and see how innocent he is, but she says she would rather not look so she can keep being suspicious.

Ha-jin drives Yeo-reum home and follows her in, and Yeo-reum softens enough to apologize for making a scene in front of Ah-rim. She asks him not to be so nice to other girls, including the nurses and patients at work, since it gives them the wrong idea. He agrees and kisses her, happy to be off the hook.

Yeo-reum calls Director Yoon to tell him she’s taking some pictures at the wine bar, and Tae-ha has him stall her until he can get there. He runs out (stealing Yoon’s lunch, ha) and races to the work site while Yoon asks for more photos to keep her from leaving.

We get a small flash-forward to see Tae-ha lying forlornly on the floor of his place, telling Bunny Yeo-reum that he was crazy for going to see her without a plan, but that all he could think was that she wouldn’t see him otherwise.

Back in the present, Tae-ha finds Yeo-reum at the site and pretends that he didn’t know she was there. She storms off and he invites her to eat, which tips his hand that he came to see her though he swears he had no idea she’d be there. He finally convinces her to eat with him by claiming he needs to talk about work.

They sit on a bench and Tae-ha says he’s too hungry to talk yet, and jokes that if this were a drama her stomach would growl right now. Guessing the truth, Yeo-reum says she must seem easy to him for falling for his lie, and she walks off. Tae-ha follows and tells her sincerely that she’s not easy to him — she was when they dated before, but she’s not easy now.

He wonders why she was so easy back then but does whatever she wants now, and tells her she should have been like this before. She was so good to him then, it hurts to even think about it. She accuses him of toying with her then, but he denies it, and asks how she can talk about their five years together like that when they were so happy.

She says that she’s not the old Yeo-reum anymore, and that if Tae-ha keeps acting like this, she won’t see him anymore. She knows he came here to see her, and she warns him to look forward to being surprised at how smart and mean she can be in the future. Tae-ha invites her to be as mean as she wants, because he just thinks it’s cute. She asks if this is his first one-side love, and pretty much invites him to Bring It On.

Ha-jin can barely focus on his surgeries for the day as he thinks back on the confrontation that morning, while at the same time Ah-rim watches her phone during class for a message from him. She finally caves and sends him a text asking if everything is okay, and he answers with an apology. For an innocent man, Ha-jin is awfully jumpy, and deletes the texts in case Yeo-reum does decide to check his phone.

Joon-ho wanders by and breezes that he saw Ha-jin delete a text, and Ha-jin makes him swear not to tell Yeo-reum. Joon-ho tells him that eeeeveryone knows about him hugging Ah-rim (even though he’s kept his mouth shut, of course), and Ha-jin has a small freakout. Joon-ho threatens to tell Sol too, knowing she’ll tell Yeo-reum, unless Ha-jin takes all the night shifts for a month. Hee.

Yeo-reum frantically searches the spot where she and Tae-ha argued, and calls him to ask if he’s seen her camera bag. He pretends not to know anything even though he’s got the bag, planning to use it to see her again.

Producer Bae staggers into his messy apartment to be met with a woman’s voice demanding to know where he’s been for the past week and where he’s been sleeping. He answers the persistent voice but it only gets worse, until he begs his deceased wife’s picture to stop nagging him from beyond the grave.

Ha-jin’s mom wakes in the morning to find yet another note on the fridge from her husband with his dinner order, and vows to find a way to make him talk to her. At their support group meeting later, she says that she took everything in the fridge and left. After the meeting she gives two suitcases-worth of side dishes to Producer Bae, HA.

Producer Bae takes the food to Yeo-reum, Joon-ho, and Sol, and they all chow down until Yeo-reum’s mom comes in. She asks why he didn’t take the food home and he complains that his wife makes a ruckus. Mom tells Sol and Joon-ho that Producer Bae talks to his dead wife like she’s a ghost, and snipes at him for taking food from a married woman.

Sol notes that Mom and Producer Bae are weird around each other but Yeo-reum denies that they’re dating, saying her mom is too cold for him. Joon-ho says her mother is an attractive woman, even going so far as to say between the three of them, he’d date Mom before he dated Yeo-reum or Sol. HA.

Producer Bae offers Mom a ride home which she declines, and explains that he got the food from a woman at his meeting and it doesn’t mean anything. Mom argues that a woman giving a man food means she likes him, which kind of tickles him, and he admits that she’s pretty.

Tae-ha brings Yeo-reum’s camera to her workshop, and she’s forced to thank him even though she suspects foul play. He tells her he’s meeting Ha-jin for dinner, and invites her to come along if it makes her nervous.

Ha-jin gets a call from Ah-rim at the end of the day and doesn’t take it, but when he leaves work she’s there waiting outside. She’s there to talk about the surgeries he promised to perform, but it doesn’t look so innocent when Tae-ha arrives and sees them together yet again. He laughs when he sees Yeo-reum pull up in a taxi, having taken him up on his offer to join them for dinner.

Ha-jin sees Yeo-reum before she sees him, and grabs Ah-rim by the wrist to duck behind his car. Tae-ha waves at Yeo-reum, and casually points to Ha-jin and Ah-rim with a totally straight face. She doesn’t pick up what he’s putting down, so it takes a few more points and ridiculous faces to get her to walk around the car. Ha-jin and Ah-rim creep the other way, only to come face-to-face with a delighted Tae-ha.

He brightly asks what they’re doing here, just as Yeo-reum sees them together. She takes in their guilty faces and Ha-jin’s hold on Ah-rim’s wrist, and she demands to know why they were holding hands and hiding. Ah-rim accidentally calls her “unni,” which doesn’t help Yeo-reum’s mood, and Tae-ha can barely hold in his mirth.

Yeo-reum asks Tae-ha to leave but he refuses, his face clearly showing how much fun he’s having right now. Ah-rim asks if she can go, and Ha-jin agrees, but Yeo-reum forbids it. Ah-rim says this whole misunderstanding is too much, and Yeo-reum says they’re too much, but when Ha-jin tries to speak up she just tells him to shut his mouth. All the while, Tae-ha is grinning like this is the best thing that ever happened to him.

COMMENTS

Mark this down as the episode where absolutely everyone started to get on my last nerve. And we’re not even halfway through the drama. But seriously, I’m beginning to not like any of our leads, and I’m conflicted about that.

I already complained last week about Yeo-reum’s vow to make Tae-ha miserable once she learned that he likes her again. I don’t take kindly to people who hurt others on purpose, and I can’t get behind a leading lady who viciously and purposefully sets out to make someone suffer just because she can. I still haven’t seen any evidence that Tae-ha hurt Yeo-reum on purpose back when they were dating — granted, neglecting the one you’re supposed to love is pretty bad, but it’s not deliberate. Forgetting to be loving and attentive is not at all on the same level of badness as shoving your current relationship in the face of someone who cares for you, just to see him hurt.

I understand that Yeo-reum was deeply hurt by Tae-ha in the past and I can even understand that whole “I want him to feel what I felt” thing, but she’s being mean to him every time he tries to be sincere with her which is just plain bitchy. And when he calls her on it, and even expresses that he respects her more now that she’s strong, she just tells him that she’ll get a lot worse. She’s got a point in that his attentions are unwelcome and he should respect that, but I still can’t help but feel for him that he’s only trying in his bumbling way to be close to her. Being as hateful as she possibly can isn’t really the way to handle the situation.

Tae-ha’s behavior is starting to bother me a lot too though, and he’s far from off the hook. It’s plain that he likes Yeo-reum and wants to convince her to be with him but dude, you’re going about it all wrong. She’s got a boyfriend and is halfway engaged, and if she tells you to back off, you should Back. Off. If you really want to try to convince her you’re the right man for her, the way to go about that isn’t to maneuver her into situations she didn’t agree to, like being alone with him on the job site. I do think he really does care for her again, and might even love her this time when he didn’t before. But it’s like he has no idea how to handle these feelings, so he escalates his usual teasing behavior and it becomes just plain meanness. I hate how he provokes her then makes fun of her for being upset. It’s like people who make mean “jokes” then say you’re being over-sensitive when you get upset — it’s manipulative, and it’s not a way to convince someone to date you.

And this new thing he does where he thinks it’s funny when Ha-jin gets caught with Ah-rim… just, I can’t even. I think that in his mind, every time Ha-jin gets in trouble they’re one step closer to Yeo-reum breaking up with Ha-jin so she can be with him, but there are so many things wrong with that. First of all, it doesn’t work that way. If Yeo-reum and Ha-jin break up, that doesn’t necessarily mean Tae-ha gets her. Besides, Tae-ha taking pleasure in Ha-jin getting busted, is pretty much the same thing as him taking pleasure in Yeo-reum’s pain. She’ll be terribly hurt if she thinks Ha-jin is cheating on her — is that what Tae-ha wants? I don’t think it is, but his emotional response to the situation is so immature, it’s alarming.

And as for Ha-jin, I’m just completely baffled at his behavior. Why for the love of puppies is he hiding his relationship with Ah-rim, even from Ah-rim? If she’s his sister, or even just his dongsaeng from the orphanage and he truly has no romantic feelings or intentions, why keep it all a secret? He’s looked for her for years, and I don’t understand why he finally finds her and is so determined to keep it all to himself. We got a little glimpse of what happened when they were kids, when his mother said they adopted him instead of her (and I wonder if that’s significant, that she said they adopted him instead of Ah-rim, as if they chose between the two), so if he’s feeling survivor’s guilt and has fear that she’s angry with him, that might explain things a bit. But she told him when they had dinner that she’d been looking for her brother and hoped to find him someday, so obviously she’s not angry. I just don’t understand him, because hiding their relationship is only making things worse when a simple “she’s my sister/old friend from the orphanage” would clear everything up.

I’m still hoping that the show is making everyone supremely unlikable for a reason, and that all this is going somewhere. Hopefully there’s an epiphany, or a lightbulb that will go off somewhere, or something coming up soon to redeem all of these people. Because right now I’d like to just chuck Tae-ha, Yeo-reum, and Ha-jin out a window and watch Joon-ho and Sol go clubbing for the next four weeks. Please Show, you started out so strong, prove to me that you have a plan and a direction and that you aren’t just making me hate all the leads for no reason?

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Dear Ha Jin,

You never choose someone else over your girlfriend, especially if you were caught red-handed. EVER.

Kthanksbye.

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I agree 100%.... I REALLY wanted to reach into my screen and give HJ a good smack in the head for being so careless
AND KT for being so smug about himself.

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@Cingdoc

You think it's only you, but I can't wait for DB to post the next episode. These two Orphaned characters (Ha Jin & friend) are seriously deranged. You're meeting with some chic without the knowledge of your girlfriend and always stating that its pure. He is coming across as being so simple; I can't stand it. What can be so end of the world to tell someone you came from an orphanage? Or you know SOMEONE from an orphanage?? And THAT Giiirrrll!!!!! I can't stand her 'oblivious act'! You've found out he has a girlfriend, but yet you continue to come to his home to leave trinkets of affection and appreciation??? For what?? Buying a bicycle at your shop? Helping you keep your job? Life just stops there and you idolize everyone who does some good deed in your life?? Seriously drama you want us to believe this BS??? I can't see any thing under God's heaven that can redeem the actions of these two people. They are just really despicable! And why I use such a harsh word to describe them is because they are 'knowingly' hurting the girlfriend playing mind-games. They know their actions are wrong and do it anyhow, and when Yeo Reum calls them out on it (she can see clearly that they have feelings for each other) they try to convince her otherwise. That kind of thing can send a person nuts. They're lucky she was driving the vehicle they were standing behind.

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I almost forgot..

Thanks DB for the recap! :)

signed,

Still Very, Very Angry

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I couldnt agree with you more. Ugh I am so angry at Ha Jin and Ah Rim too!

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Me too!!!

I have lots to write about but i will wait after the recap of ep 8. Grrrrr.

I can't believe HJ and AR. Showed their pure and innocence but actually so despicable especially AR. She already know that Hj had a girlfriend and HJ is super nice to her. Can't she felt guilty and back out. Instead she answered to YR as if she is not guilty. Arghhhh.

Deleting the message etc after promising her to not to do..

And I have come to LOOOVEED this drama sooo much but this week narrative plot and development has made me questioned about my love. Aha!

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Totally agree but honestly, I'm quite tired of all the lies in this drama, namely Yeo Reum. I actually ship Ha Jin and Ah Rim and Joon Ho and Sol, while caring less and less about Yeo Reum and Tae Ha. The pride, piecing together the past and mind games are getting exhausting. I think Ha Jin and Ah Rim are really adorable together; the way he lights up and smiles around her is far better than the misunderstandings and the kiss and make up with Yeo Reum. I just don't understand why both men are pining over her because while Ha Jin is in the wrong for how he's handling things with Ah Rim, Yeo Reum is too when it comes to Tae Ha, but what's worse is that she always makes it Ha Jin's fault. I can't wait for next week's episodes to hopefully see a shift in romances because right now, it's becoming repetitive and tiresome.

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@Ella

I understand your frustrations.. but Ha Jin and Ah Rim you find adorable? What's so adorable about them? I really don't see it. Everyone is just about getting on my last nerve, but those so-called cute-as-a-button-makes-me-want-to-hurl wannabe OTP Orphan Duo are a hot mess! I don't find them both pretty boring, and their sprouting love a barren wasteland. There! I've said it! lol

I'm sorry I'm just trying to get the disaster and disappointment of these last two episodes off my mind. I really have high hopes for this drama and I do not like the road its taking so far. Here's to hoping next week will be better.

:)

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Correction.. " I find them both pretty boring, and their sprouting love a barren wasteland."

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I don't find HJ adorable at all with AR. They are annoying as heck!

The point is even YR didn't tell the truth about her past but she is honest with her relationship and feelings with HJ. But how can you say that she made it all HJ fault. When they have problem it all because the TWO of them and not TH fault. TH is just a plot device between them too. They should work everything by themselves.

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@Anastassia

Agreed! I actually got a good laugh at Tae Ha's gloating when Yeo Reum caught Ha Jin hiding. Why? Because Ha Jin was very confident and territorial when it cam to YR; but look at him in this episode.. caught being deceitful.

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I can understand the sentiment in HJ to want to redeem and everything with AR and their past but as a grown man he should know not to lead a girl and *SPOILER* choose another woman after a misunderstanding like that. It just cruel. I loved this drama for its realistic, flawed and relatable characters. But somehow this week episodes doesn't make sense.

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Late to the party. Watched 6 eps this Sunday followed by this week's eps.

I agree w Ella 100%.
I totally ship the roommate pair, and HJ w AR. JH and Sol are behaving like a married couple already. LOL. HJ and AR are adorable together. I just wish HJ would come to the realisation soon that he actually loves AR, n has been for a long time.

I've a soft spot in my heart for this actress since AG'sD. She is so bright eyed and bushy tailed. AR deserves much happiness after the tough hand that life has dealt her. And she has been waiting for her Oppa to find her, insisting that she won't get her scar fixed, so that he can recognise her.

Sung J has puppy-looks. Is it cos he is young and cute? Who wouldn't fall for a guy who looks like that, is kind, considerate, educated, n to top it off is a well-off professional too? That he is such a nice guy but is still willing to see AR despite it upsetting his GF should tell him sth about where his heart lies. Silly silly guy for hiding his identity fr AR.

Eric is manly and does a good job playing a guy who is a bit of a bad boy. He delights in toying w her. A guy who will sit home and clean his cameras while leaving his GF to wait at the train station for hours in humiliation in front of her friends needs to be dumped Pronto. He says he has changed. I haven't seen any evidence of it; that's why I don't ship him w anyone.

I haven't watched Jung Yumi before and it took me a while to warm up to her. By the end of ep 6, I was seeing some resemblance to Grace Kelly in some shots, depending on her hair. BTW, don't get why of late they like to make K actresses wear their hair like that, shoulder length and tied up in the back like a toilet brush. It started in Sly Single Lady; I see it again w Park HS in Temptation, here, and a couple other shows. It may be trendy, but it sure isn't attractive.

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Totally agree about Joon Ho and Sol. I love how their relationship is built on friendship and how they've seen the best and worst in each other through the years. They've stuck by each other and have always wanted the best for the other. It's really great.

I also loved how Ha Jin prepared breakfast for Ah Rim. Right now he justifies his actions as someone trying to make up for lost time and because of the hardships that she endured, but I too can't wait to see when it'll click for him that it's not that simple because he's already aware that his actions borderline cheating like deleting text messages and obviously lying. And I think Ah Rim brings out the best in Ha Jin and he can finally have healing and closure.

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Grr..

He doing the breakfast is not NICE and CUTE at all. He keep leading her on (!!!!!) and make her fall in love with him when he didn't tell the truth and know he had already has a girlfriend.

BOOO

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BTW, don’t get why of late they like to make K actresses wear their hair like that, shoulder length and tied up in the back like a toilet brush. It started in Sly Single Lady; I see it again w Park HS in Temptation, here, and a couple other shows. It may be trendy, but it sure isn’t attractive.

Oh, KDaddict...the toilet brush comment was a good one. I just had to laugh. I've noticed it as well and each time I see it I ask why? why? why? Touché about this hairstyle trend being unattractive and unflattering on beautiful women like Jung Yu-Mi and Park Ha-Sun.

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@KDadddict - careful with the toilet brush comment, you never know, they might just bring back the bowl cut in its place!

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oh wow his lying about his past actually reach this episode. They really drag that secret too much.

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@Mikan

I know right?! Drama gods please stop! This love between young children going beyond the test of time is getting pretty old. I'm not feeling it, and I can't really appreciate it under these circumstances. It's not like Ah Rim is doing poorly. The girl is in college, working and taking care of business just like any other hard working Korean. What is so bad about that? Ha Jin has become a doctor; did his rich parents just buy him a hospital along with a white coat and tell him 'here you go'? NO! I'm sure he himself had to go to school and work for it also! *(then they probably gave him the hospital lol) But what's so dire about Ah Rim's situation that the writers want us to understand such commitment he has for this girl? I do not follow. I love me some Sung Joon, but I must say his simple-minded character Ha-Jin is on par with Jae Kyung in MLFAS. Both have made themselves extremely irrelevant in that I don't care what happens to them. THEY GETS NO LOVE.

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I guess they're putting this in a love square to make a more depth characterization for Ha jin but it is so disconnected for me that it doesn't deserve such importance.

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+1

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Right now, if this drama was about Sol and Joon-ho, I would actually like it a lot better.

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totally agree can we change the whole story and focus on Sol and Joon-ho... The leads and a.k.a 2nd leads role are driving me nuts *super frustrated* to the point that i'd rather watch the side love of Sol and Joon-ho for me to able to watch the show...
*cringe to the max* for the leads....
please guys you should have done better than this kdrama...
my gut feel was right i shouldn't even started to watch any episode of this kdrama...
*wasted time* but i do like Sol and Joon-ho..

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Couldn't agree more

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That's my wish at this point, and it wasn't at the beginning.

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Unfortunately, the "creative" team behind this drama is out of its depth. They begin with an idea but soon they reach their creative/artisanal limit.

This is yet another drama that should not have been produced in the first place or that should have been developed whole lot more before it went into production.

There have been too many of them of late.

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DOR is I Need Romance 4, written by the same scripter that wrote 1, 2 and 3 with the female lead from INR2 and the male lead from INR3.

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Yes! I can't wait for these 2 to realize they actually love each other.

BTW, where's the Thumbs UP button?

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they're my otp actually. The guy secretly liked the hopeless romantic girl lol

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TOTALLY!! (where's the thumb's up button?)

Starting this episode everything just turns weird. I don't understand for the life of me why HJ hides it from everyone including AR. The way he leads her on, just WRONGGGG!!

However, I don't get angry watching these 2 episodes…which I find weird…why wouldn't I be angry? Ahh, it turns out..it's because I'm NOT at all invested with any of the characters. Like…"really? he does that? eh…"

I've been watching TH with this amusement on my face. Haha. That's funny. Even when it's supposed to be infuriating, or any other emotion I'm supposed to have…I find him funny.

Jung Yumi, the creases above your eyes are just beyond cute. But I wonder…why wouldn't writers write more coherent characters for you? You know, one that we can whole-heartedly root for? Cause it's like you were moved directly from INR2 right into this one. Why?

Anyhow…I'll keep watching, cause…well…just cause.

ps: thank you for the recap LollyPip!!
pss: Jang couples, I forever miss you.

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Yeah! I love Sol and Joonho! They're adorable. I'm almost tempted to skip everything but their scenes. It really frustrates me when I love the secondary couple more than the MC because I begin resenting the MC for taking up so much time. I want more Sol and Joonho!

They're both individually adorable but they're awesome together. We're already seeing that Sol may have some feelings for him (I really like that we see her feelings first because she has the stronger personality). But we haven't seen much from Joonho. He's an amazing oppa but nothing romantic so far.

In fact I'm a little worried that the show will make him gay... So far, he hasn't shown any interest in girls and the girls are WAY too comfortable with him.

But I love my beta heroes! I really hope he and Sol gets together!

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Rom-com never fails to disappoint and this is the latest example. Each episode has been increasingly awkward with scenes and stories that just don't make sense. I feel bad for Eric since his last drama also started out strong and fizzled quickly. But I dare to say that the Spy one makes a lot more sense than this one. Time to quit.

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This is Spy Myung Wol II. What do they have in common?

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All hotness of Eric, what else?

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Hahaha….but yeah, he's hot as usual….LOL...

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@Yama

I agree. I haven't seen any of Eric's most recent work, though I did love him and Yumi in Que Sera.. I was hopelessly looking at this as sort of an extension of that story. But this is turning out to be a mess. I don't know how the writers intend to turn this around. :(

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I can’t even. I think that in his mind, every time Ha-jin gets in trouble they’re one step closer to Yeo-reum breaking up with Ha-jin so she can be with him, but there are so many things wrong with that"

Nope, if Taeha were to take advantage of the situation, he would had let Yeoreum see Hajin & Yeoreum hugging each other a few episode ago already. He didn't.

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opps, I meant Taeha would let Yeoreum see Hajin & Ahrim hugging each other a few episodes ago already.

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Um, this time, he led Yeo Reum to catch Ha Jin and Ah Rim, so he's an opportunist taking action now. He cares about Yeo Reum and didn't want to see her get hurt but now he's taking opportunities to win her back.

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opportunist? if Hajin was straight forward with Yeoreum & Taeha when asked many times about Ahrim, he wouldn't be in the situation he's in now would he?

If I were Taeha, seeing Hajin keeps seeing Ahrim behind Yeoreum's back is enough reason to tell Yeoreum.

It's funny some people calling him stupid for not letting Yeoreum seeing Hajin hugging Ahrim in front of his clinic. Now he does, people are not happy either. He can't win eh? XD

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I wasn't part of the people that said Tae Ha should or shouldn't let Yeo Reum see Ha Jin and Ah Rim, and while it's clear that Ha Jin should've been honest, I'm commenting on the sheer fact that Tae Ha did lead Ha Jin to get caught this time around, and making his intentions clear by delighting in it. Ha Jin did wrong and Tae Ha pointed it out, but it wasn't just for Yeo Reum's sake. It's fine that he wants to win Yeo Reum back, but let's recognize that he hasn't been honest or honorable about it either.

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@Ella, letting Yeorum see Hajin with Ahrim is naughty but I don't see anything wrong with it. If I see my friend's BF with another gal like that, I would do the same thing that Taeha did. Just happens he wants to pursuit her, make it a not honorable thing?

If it were Eun Gyu & Sol, and Joonho pointing it out to Sol, would people have a the same reception?

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@Phi pointing out the wrongdoing isn't bad, but the fact that he delighted in the moment and found it funny to see Ha Jin in a pickle says a lot about his intentions. Joon Ho has been playing the middlemen and have bailed both Ha Jin and Yeo Reum out countless times so I don't think he would let that situation happen. All I'm pointing out is in agreement to the italicize comment from Lollypip's recap.

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@Ella, Joonho bailed Hajin out before because he didn't think Hajin is cheating on Yeoreum. You recall how surprised Joonho was when he learned that Hajin hugged Ahrim?

I honestly laughed when Hajin got busted lol just because the situation was funny. Taeha's so-called 'delight' may be amused at the situation as well. It's like catching a kid taking a cookie out of the jar... Yes it's it's naughty / a little sly but I don't see all the hooo laaa with that scene. Again, just how I feel, bias or not.

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I disagree.. How many times is he gonna let that *Junior Achiever (Ha Jin) off the hook, masquerading around with some girl behind Yeo Reum's back?? Ha Jin has made it clear to him (TH) that it's not what it looks like and that he should stay out of it. Well if it's not like that, then why hide? I don't think he's being an opportunist, he's being real. He likes YR and he has made it clear to not only Ha Jin but to Yeo Reum as well. I honestly felt in the beginning he was lying to himself more so than to YR when he said he didn't have any interest initially. But he has made his intentions more than clear now so it's Ha Jin's bad decisions that has gotten him in this mess, not Tae Ha.

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Sometimes ppl can't find the courage to consciously do the right thing, like breaking up w their existing significant other before embarking on a new relationship, so they sabotage subconsciously. I think that's actually what HJ is doing. Get in trouble w his GF more and more, she will become more distant and he'll be free to spend more time w AR. I'm not saying it's a plan, but the subconscious (or the heart) can know things before the conscious (mind) does.

I'm sure that's a sequence of events that TH wouldn't object to.

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I think Ha Jin is being subconsciously drawn to Ah Rim and away from Yeo Reum too. But I wonder how many more times his meetings of Ah Rim behind's Yeo Reum's back can be justified, without being called out for two-timing. Moreover, Ha Jin's being nice to Ah Rim makes Ah Rim confused too. He needs to be more aware of how his actions affect the two girls.

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I didn't even finish this episode after the first scene where TH kissed YR. I was just like, 'nah, i'm out.' Everyone's so infuriating in this show, except Sol and Joonho. There wasn't much of a plot to it anyway, and it was a bit slow in the beginning for me. But I thought it would be a fun, light drama to take the edge off. I can't tolerate any of this though gahh how disappointing

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@Leejunki

You can't be serious! lol That was one of the best parts of this entire episode; besides Tae Ha chuckling to himself in mischief. I loved him at that point! My heart leaped when that kiss happened. I totally ship Eric & Yu Mi as actors as well as characters (my apologies if either of them have spouses). I think we can all agree that the plot development is a travesty for various reasons but I can't imagine not rooting for the OTP? But to each it's own, though I hope you continue to watch since this drama has it's viewers so divided. We're ALL in the same boat trying to understand what the hell is going on. :)

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I still find the story to be entertaining. All the main characters of this show are flawed in more ways than one, that you cant tell who is the main or second lead or who gets the girl in the end. Wait and see...

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Totally agree.

I think the situations are getting more interesting and the writing/dialogue is very entertaining and not soap-opera-ish like so many K-romcoms.

I like that the leads are flawed and that they can act selfish - makes them interesting.

Even Mr. Nice-guy Ha-jin gets into the action of acting selfish.

Joon-ho and Sol continue to crack me up (but I don't want to see them get together - would ruin their wacky friendship).

Even the Producer Bae/Mom story line is getting interesting.

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Even the Producer Bae/Mom story line is getting interesting.
Ya, except I find the actress playing mom to be a one-note actress. She is and always looks the same, which mom she is playing. It usually doesn't matter much, cos those moms are just there to be annoying. But this time it does matter, cos this mom has a life, incl. a love life of her own. This actress doesn't deliver.

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Exactly. I am loving this show more and more and finding the characters and situations all the more interesting because they are flawed and dislike able, basically they feel real and relatable.

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I never mind a flawed character (see Hyun Bin in almost anything), but their actions need to make sense within the context of their flaws. The lies in this show don't make sense ... they are not the result so much of who these people are, but rather to move the plot in one direction or another.

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Thank you AJ. Totally agree with everything you said.

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@AJ

Agreed!

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I love how flawed they all are, though I find Ha-Jin the most baffling. I don't really hold drama characters up to standards which I expect from ordinary people in real life. I mean, where's the drama in that???

So I would say, it makes thing more interesting that Yeo-reum is mean/bitchy, that Tae-ha isn't going to be gentlemanly and step aside, and that Ha-jin is withholding secrets for reasons that currently allude us. It's what makes for good conflict and I don't get why the recapper is so pissed that Tae-ha was concealing his mirth at the last scene, because I found that "showdown" in the carpark pretty darn funny myself.

I know it isn't clear yet, but I definitely think Ah-rim is just a dongsaeng from the orphanage and not Ha-jin's actual sister. I feel the writers are definitely pursuing a romantic line for the two of them, and it would just be too icky from me if they turned out to be siblings now that Ah-rim's beginning to crush on Ha-jin.

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mte. many of the characters behavior and actions are flawed as hell but it's real and relatable. for example while I don't agree with HJs behavior I can understand why he's doing it and know many guys who do this and don't understand or see why it can be considered border line two timing. the same with TH...

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I see another Mi Rae's choice ending...YR won't choose. Anyways only thing I care about at this point are Joon Ho and Sol. Too bad they don't get much screen time together. I really don't get the deal with HJ and AR. Why the secrecy? why can't he just tell YR that AR is the sister/friend he's been looking. YR would sure understand that especially if it's truly a platonic thing.

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there're still fun moments if you look at it without judging eyes. The script is quite good with all the sharp lines. I'm in to see how this fares out since up to this point and even the next episode, it's 50/50 who Yeoreum would end up with or may be none at all.....

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I don't think she's recapping with judging eyes but the flaws and frustrations are quite obvious. Perhaps you're watching it with biased eyes so all is good, especially when it comes to Tae Ha? The drama isn't bad, but it could be better especially if they operated like adults and stop deceiving their so-called loved ones. At this point, everyone is selfish and could learn a thing or two from Joon Ho.

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There would be no conflicts (interesting situations) if everyone acted like "adults" all the time, and frankly, that is how many adults act (pretty much everyone has selfish moments).

The writing/dialogue is fun and snappy and the situations/dialogue are not at all soap-opera-y like so many K-romcoms.

As K-romcoms go - this is definitely one of the better written ones (much better written than YFAS and "Secret Garden" which somehow won all these awards, including for writing).

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Dramas and characters can still be adults and interesting without resorting to lies and manipulation every episode.

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@ella, maybe you should stop watching this drama because it's not your cup of tea.

I found no problem with this drama and love every scene of it because it feels so real.

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100% agree with nitnotz. @Ella, you should stop watching this drama…You seem to give your deep emotion in this drama that makes me worry about your health….hahaha…..

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@nitnotz @september just because someone disagrees or has quibbles about a drama does not warrant you to suggest what they should or shouldn't watch. Just because I have these thoughts doesn't mean that I don't enjoy other aspects of this show because I do.

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At least the lies and manipulations here are feasible (not to mention entertaining) - which is unlike most K-dramas where the lies and manipulations (not to mention silence) have absolutely no sense and little regard to coming to some sort of ending that is plausible.

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huh, I'm not saying recaper is recapping with a judging eyes. Just saying there're cute & funny moments among frustrating moments. You don't like it but I do, what biasing has to do with it?

And adults will be all perfect at what they do? They have to flesh out the imperfections & conflicts among the leads. And the intention here is for these people to learn what true love is.

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I'm also conflicted by the leads.Honestly I definetly prefer Ha Jin to Tae Oh. Tae Oh just gets on my nerve with his, you WILL like me. And also manipulating her, teasing her, etc. It doesnt seem like a joke to me, just mean. And being so thrilled for Yeoreum to see her boyfriend in suspicious circumstances was just cruel. Also telling Yeoreum he liked her better when she was mean, seemed like he was mocking her. Though WTF is with Haejin and not teling anyone that Ah rim is his sister??Im going to be pissed if theres no reason behind him doing that and they just did it to move the plot foreward and create a conflict. Thats just lazy. Honestly got to say, i care more about Sol and Joon ho then the rest. This show seems to be heading in the nice-second-lead-gets-dumped-while-jerk-gets-the-girl, way. I will watch a few more episodes to see if i can continue watching.

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I don't think Ahrim isn't his sister. And nope, Taeha isn't a jerk. He doesn't cheat or harm any one.

If I were Taeha, it's is funny seeing them getting caught like that. It's none of his fault. Them 3 put themselves in that situation.

Taeha saying like a 'mean' Yeoreum isn't a mocking. He just mean he like how she's frank now compare to the old Yeoreum... in fact Yeoreum told Taeha she's bitch to him now..

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Yeo Reum is in a relationship and Tae Ha knows it but he's getting in the way and forcing himself upon her.. I'd say those are some jerk-ish moves and intentions. She may not be married but he needs to have some respect. Just sayin'.

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Yeoreum said she's not interested but we see she's showing her feelings. Like the way she tended his burnt hand.... It's just my guess, but Taeha could take those as yes she still loves me.

It's NOT immoral to pursuit since none are married, and especially it's out in the open, ALL parties know he's interested in her. He doesn't do it behind Hajin's back.

If I have a BF and some ex-GF showing interest to get back with him, it sure feels hella suck. But if we're meant to be then we're meant to be. If not, I rather let him be an ex-BF now than an ex-hubby some years later. Now I'm saying this in general term, not referring to the drama.

Not saying you're wrong but that's my view. We obviously don't see eye to eyes, so it's better to stop here. :)

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Yeah we're definitely not seeing eye to eye which is fine. I don't mind differing opinions but I guess it doesn't sit well with me that even though she's not married, she's still up for grabs. Yeo Reum and Tae Ha lied about their past and Tae Ha started his pursuit before it became obvious to Ha Jin. I'm not putting all the blame on Tae Ha because Yeo Reum is equally responsible if not more. I understand all the miscommunication and misunderstandings but I guess a part of me is eager for them to 'fess up and move on.

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but shouldn't no mean no? just because she tended to his hand doesn't mean shes secretly in love with him tbh... her general attitude towards him in this ep consisted of her trying not to engage with him at all, but h kpt seeking her out anyway and forcing meetings, first by rushing to the wine bar when he heard that she was there (which on its own isnt necessarily a bad thing) but then he lied to keep her there even though she clearly didnt want to be... and then he lies AGAIN with the camera bag so she has to see him again...

that he continually forces himself upon her without considering her feelings is what makes him a jerk. i get that he likes her and wants to win her back or whatever, but he's going about it the wrong way.

its not just him though; all of the characters are pretty flawed.. actually i kind of think some of the characters' behavior is starting to veer away from "character flaws" to "obnoxious" :/

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@ella, you meant Yeoreum & Hajin lie (actually more like not disclosing) about their past? since I don't see Taeha lying about his past...

I don't think Taeha was seriously pursuit Yeoreum right away. It was a bit of teasing (yes, may be annoying to some) but not actively pursuit YR till he see Hajin with Ahrim. And actually if he's an opportunist and not think of Yeoreum's feeling he would just tell Hajin he's her ex (well will see if he'll still keep it hush as the drama goes)

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@bean, unfortunately some times 'no' doesn't always means 'no'....

Yes, it would be nice if Taeha just back off and let her come to him instead when she has a fall out with Hajin over Ahrim. Actually he did asked Dir. Yoon about how much it would cost if he is to break contract with Yeoerum's company... May be the thought is there, can't fault him for pouring it to her.

Lying about the camera isn't a big deal to me since they're meeting each other working on the project any way. Yeah love does stupid things but I see all harmless so far.

But yes in the last few episodes, the writer makes me wonder if Taeha loves YR or not since they have him do things as if he does, then they have him say some mean things next when he's in the interview.

Not sure if you see EP.8, Yeoreum's feeling for Taeha may be a bit clearer... not saying she'll jump back to him but she has getting softer to him. Will see how the writer takes us.

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forgot to add, in EP.08 Ahrim already knows Hajin has a GF, yet she still wants to continue this feeling she has for him, continues to meet & contact him despite knowing it'll bring him to sticky situations with Yeorum.

How is her situation compared to Taeha? If she loves Hajin, I'll all for her to pursuit her oppa, as long as all parties are aware of her intention.

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true that. Ugh, lol. I'm so annoyed with Ah Rim especially she just continues posing as the most innocent person ever

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@Meimei

Firstly, who's Tae Oh? I don't think him/her is in this drama. Secondly, you'd prefer a man who blatantly lies, screams at you in public over some unknown woman, doesn't have the balls to stand up to his mother to tell you he's adopted? Oohh... and who prepares breakfast for said unknown woman? Yeah he sure is a CATCH!

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for some strange reason i loove this show, i think the characters are human for once, everyone make mistakes and that's life, i like that everyone has it flows. And i love yeo reum, she is different from your typical heroine she is the boss and she is kind of a bitc@ but i like it!! I'm totally going to see the end of this.

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i completely agree with you.
at the recapper- i sometimes wonder if we're watching the same show. the reactions we have are completely opposite...

ok, so obviously there has to be a bigger reason as to why ha-jin doesn't reveal his identity to ah rim or tell the truth to yeoreum, that goes beyond a complex of being an adoptee. ah rim is obviously not his blood sibling either, since she's got a full-blown romantic crush on him even if he currently has no romantic feelings toward her, and it would be weird for the show to be all like, she was pulled to him because they're actually siblings, ta-daa, and just end it there.
the way i see it, ha-jin values his relationship with yeoreum so much that he can't bear this misunderstanding to come between them but he's still not quite ready to reveal his secret for complicated reasons that we as viewers aren't made aware of yet. similarly, yeoreum knows that revealing her past relationship with tae ha will cause ha-jin to become terribly jealous (remember that image she had of him in her mind?) and she doesn't want that to ruin their relationship, which she similarly values very much. tae ha is not even worth mentioning to her, not worth the temporary damage that might be caused to her relationship with ha-jin. after this project, they will have no reason to see each other again anyway, so all the more reason not to tell, in her mind.

Forgetting to be loving and attentive is not at all on the same level of badness as shoving your current relationship in the face of someone who cares for you, just to see him hurt.
>>he, at this point, is making unwanted advances on her. she is merely acting affectionate as she always does with her boyfriend. it's not like she only engages in public skinship when he's around. this is so he gets a clue, to back off because he doesn't get it and even goes so far to kiss her at this point. we're still don't know the mystery behind her father's death, but we know that yeoreum called him repeatedly and he just cut her off with something like "i'm busy" and ignored her calls (or did he pick up at all? i don't remember). some people were saying, why couldn't she just say it then when he picked up? but it's possible that she was in such a state of shock that she could only eke out the words, "can you come?" not only that, but she remembers the hurt that came from being the one who was more emotionally invested in the relationship, and the fact that he also knew this as well. he was much colder and distant, e.g. his disgust when she ate messily near the end of the relationship. there is, in my opinion, plenty of reason for her resentment and overall negative impression of him.

i think it's refreshing that the characters are all flawed. they're made human. think about how boring it would be if ah rim were the main character instead, or if yeoreum was also made into a similar character, what with her seeming lack of money and all, with a...

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Yes he should had come when she calls many time. Though, she was crying it wasn't distressed for the other person knowing it was as serious situation. And when you call some one repeatedly yet not saying the reason, the other person would think it's nothing serious.

And have you wonder why Yeoreum didn't tell her friend Sol & Joonho that she didn't tell Taeha and he didn't know about her father's death that make them thought Taeha was a jerk for not coming to the funeral? There're a lot more to see than what's showing us so far....

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haha i wrote too much, it got cut off:
think about how boring it would be if ah rim were the main character instead, or if yeoreum was also made into a similar character, what with her seeming lack of money and all, with a perfect rich boyfriend and arrogant ex. tae-ha wanting yeoreum to be happy with him or else unhappy may be childish, but honestly, who would like seeing the love of your life being madly in love with someone else? nobody. he's just being honest in a human way, instead of in a flat, second lead way. there isn't a single character i dislike actually, except for ah rim. i almost feel like she's meant to be satire, and the show is poking fun at candy-esque pure, nice heroines but maybe i'm overthinking things.

i certainly don't think is a groundbreaking drama that will mark its name in the history of dramas forever and ever, but i don't think its as illogical and shitty as some make it out to be. i'm confident that the show will provide its answers in due course concerning ha-jin's reluctance and yeoreum's father...otherwise, yes, it would be an illogical drama. and i also think that yeoreum is more than just a *bitchy* character.

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"certainly don’t think is a groundbreaking drama, but i don’t think its as illogical and shitty as some make it out to be"

My sentiments exactly. Agreed with most of what you posted, and the answers that the drama provides to these questions will be what make or breaks it for me. I don't love this drama, but I enjoy it and appreciate what the writers are trying to do in making it stand out. Someone brought up some of Hyun Bin's characters as being good examples of flawed characters, but "asshole chaebol who eventually becomes a sweetheart" is honestly an overused trope. It's nice to see something different for once.

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yup, i agree with u...i don't hate the characters, and i can empathise their seemingly illogical reactions to their situations. sometimes, love isn't so cut and dried...it is possible to like more than one person

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Taeha is forcing kisses and interactions...I don't want any part of that

Based on Hajin's Mom's words about hiding the adoption I think this might be a cultural issue because she said cut off any ties and guilt rather than tell her the truth of who he is

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"Yeo-reum is distracted by a burning odor, and they run to the kitchen to find a smoking pot of ramyun."

my only concern about this recap...is that you missed the BEST PART in the entire episode!!!

the homage to Eric's cheesy line from Firebird from like ten years ago. How could you not mention it in the recap?? TT^TT

And i think the fact that all of our main leads are hated on means that the characters are just that realistic, since these are all traits that real people carry, especially when dating. As annoyed as I am at all the shadiness going , I'm glad no one is picture perfect and I'm still left guessing at who's going to get with who.

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The parody of Bulsae's (Firebird) "do you smell something burning?" is the best part in that scene.

It's annoying at certain time but I do want to see how all this unfold and who ends up with who at the end.

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I was crackling like a witch at that line.. gadd i like this show. I know some of us hate lies or whatnot but it's just a makebelieve world..

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Omg, THANK YOU. THAT WAS THE BEST PART, EVER. Really sad that most people didn't get it...

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I am watching this drama for JH and Sol. I luff them. Everyone else, meh.

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"Mark this down as the episode where absolutely everyone started to get on my last nerve. And we’re not even halfway through the drama. But seriously, I’m beginning to not like any of our leads, and I’m conflicted about that."

-Unfortunately, this is something that has always happened to me with the I Need Romance series. Like, seriously, every single one! I always like PARTS of the dramas or I'll always like the characters at the beginning, but then, inevitably they'll begin making decisions that I can no longer understand.

It's like this weird thing where I'll always tune in to them because I occasionally enjoy the dialogue in certain scenes and I enjoy the flawed characters/modern take on romance to a certain extent, but if I ever try to watch all the episodes all the way through? I end up tearing my hair out. I was really hoping this drama would be different because of my love for the Que Sera Sera lovebirds :( I'll still probably tune in once the drama is over just to appreciate some of better parts of it, though because I really do still enjoy some of it (just like I do with each and every drama from this writer).

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wow what's with all the hate? Am i the only one whos enjoying this show?? lol comon guys watch it with a light heart... dont take everything too literal and realistic... it's a drama >.> i actually laughed out loud throughout this episode and the next one... love the i need romance series so this is good too!!! looking forward to ep 9 ^_^V

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I'm with you. Totally love this drama. But yeah, people has different taste. So, let it be....For those still enjoying the show...let's go....!!!!!

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yes, some take things so serious that spoil everything for what it is. Despite the a few moment of frustration the writer creating conflicts with the characters every once in a while, it's still cute, funny and watchable

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i enjoy the show and think its funny, but i dont understand the characters at all. i hate when shows create misunderstandings by having every character withhold information for no reason. some things im ok with, but i really don't get why joonho has to keep his relationship with ahrim a secret from yeoreum, and even from ahrim herself. like, seriously, what is the point of that?

anyway my point is a person can like a show and still criticize it. i don't really like the characters of the four leads rn (maybe because i dont understand their motivation) but i am still enjoying the show and laugh throughout the episode..

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I love this drama too. I think some people watch dramas expecting characters to behave in certain ways, and when they start veering from the "morally upright" or "socially acceptable" behaviour, the characters are no longer enjoyable for them.

I think they are all delightfully flawed and I am having a blast. To be honest, this week and last week were when this drama really picked up for me and now I am looking forward to the next episodes. I LOVE the conflict. Bring it on!

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I agree with you. I find myself looking forward to new episodes every week. Their problems are realistic and I very much like to know how everything is played out. I myself can relate to quite a number of things done by each character. Haha!

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I don't understand if the viewers suddenly quit/ complain watching the show/ dramas when they find the story becoming intrique. Even in real life, we couldn't find anything goes smoothly.

In my opinion, the show is really entertaining. The script is well written, characters are well developed and all actors are doing great job to deliver it.

For me, this is one of k-drama that I could consider very modern. No one is villain or no cliche flows. I just wondering how the writer will clean up all the messy of those characters.

In conclusion, I love the show to a very single bit. And if I could add one more thing, I like to watch Eric's beautiful face.

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i totally agree with you!

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IKR some people just want the usual kdrama rom com that they love..

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You mean the typical soap-opera-ish, kdrama romcom.

The best kdrama romcoms have been like this (along w/ "Coffee Prince", "Miss Korea", "The Man Who Can't Marry", "INR2012", "The Greatest Love", etc.

Witty, well written dialogue and full, well-rounded characters (including the supporting characters).

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I loved that little inside joke when Yeo Reum asks "Do you smell something burning?" (Eric's famous line from Firebird) and he deadpans "Are you kidding?" HA!

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I super love the show! It's realistic and the actors are doing a great job. I wish Ahrim will end up with hajin and Yeo-reum will end with Taeha. Everybody happy. :)

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We'll have 4 pairs in the end:
1. Yeo Reum_Tae Ha
2. Ha Jin-Ah Rim
3. Sol-Joon Ho
4. Producer Bae-Yeo Reum's mom

And…happy ending….*V*

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Lol....!!!! I have totally different view from the recapper. Anyway, I love this drama A LOT....!!!!

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The show is really getting on my nerve too. I totally have no idea what do the main leads want, esp HJ. Ep 8 confirmed my disappointment.

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I'm with the "still love" faction on this drama!! Yes, I do find the leads behavior inexplicable at times, but that's why it's called drama!! I like the slow unraveling of the story, the writer allowing the leads to be human/petty/silly/self-serving, and I like that the story is unpredictable!
I can't even decide which guy I want her to end up with!

I think it's a rom-com... not Tolstoy.

Have a little fun, enjoy the pretty men with pretty voices.

Live a little.

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yeah the=is episode was a little meh but the next episode is great. i nearly jumped ship but i stayed because of Eric and Yumi.

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yoreum is ffrustably annoying. i don't get it why she keeps saying how she deeply hurt by TH. Yes TH ignored her, but it's because he was busy and it's his early stage of career. If she can't understand that small thing, how come she would understand the other next stage of life. it's not like he cheat on her or beat her up like Kim Hyunjoong.

What Yoreum want is a guy that his life is centered around her. that a guy which always does flip, fall or crying if she asked him to. a guy that doesn't have his own opinion unless she wants him to. it's really annoying how she always complain to every small things.

that's why i am glad that HJ has a weakness. that at least she understand, nobody is perfect, or nobody can be a doll for her.

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Preach! everybody has a justification for doing what they do: Yeo Reum because she was hurt and neglected and Ha Jin because what he did in the past is the cause for Ah rim's current situation, etc.

But Tae Ha doesn't get a free pass, he is always depicted as a jerk when in fact the guy was in the verge of having a burn out, he was not only in the beginning of his career but he was also learning all the ins and outs of his father's company.

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Thanks for the recap.

I'm in love with this show though. I think the characters are much more realistic compared to normal kdrama rom coms. No noble idiocy (!!!) and people are actually selfish for a change. People tend to get more silly and selfish when it comes to romance anyways.

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I like this show..it's not ur typical k drama ..where the good ones are so Gud that I get a toothache or the evil ones are so evil that I want them to die anyway.. It's more near to reality..

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too bad that the recapper doesn't enjoy the drama she/he's recapping. I only read the recap and skip all the comments because I DO enjoy this drama a LOT..

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This!!!!!

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I have to agree with you LollyPip, that all the main characters are annoying and frustrating.

However, I'll like to add it's possible this is what the drama is about, that people have flaws and love can be illogical when influenced by unresolved issues where memories and perceptions of the individuals are askew to their own personal stories. It doesn't follow the path of how the brain thinks it should. And at this point, everyone of them are driven by their past pain, hurt and experiences where their minds have no control off and have been relegated to the back seat.

With Yeo Reum, she has convinced herself that she has every right to mistreat Tae Ha for all the hurt and pain he had put her through. I can get where she is coming from as she gave her whole soul to her first love only to end up feeling worthless, insignificant and powerless. So walls came up and she decided to play the game and be in control. I don't agree with some of her actions but sadly I can understand.

Tae Ha on the other hand didn't fully appreciate Yeo Reum's love for him in the past. I don't know if Yeo Reum was his first love but he did take her for granted. Even he admitted it. Tae Ha is more of a head person. Clearly we see that as he keeps contradicting himself trying to convince himself otherwise until he runs out of excuses before he finally admits to his feelings. For me, up to episode 5, he was a no-no but now since he has kind of stepped into Yeo Reum's past shoes, understanding her perspective with some inkling of what he put her through, I do see some light, though I'm still on the fence whether they should get back together.

As for Ha Jin, looks like he's someone who doesn't like to rock the boat and would rather back down than deal with confrontations. His shenanigans with Ah Rim may have been innocent at the beginning but it sure looks like it's heading to 'cheating land' with all the guilty looks, jumpy and sneaky actions, choosing to meet up with Ah Rim instead of Yeo Reum and flimsy excuses. The only way I won't think of him as a cheater is if she's his real blood sister (doesn't look like it though).

Yeo Reum and Ha Jin's relationship is being tested now. They had it good for 3 years by not being honest, upfront and playing 'games' on Yeo Reum's part and Ha Jin for being a giver by avoiding rather than solving.

Up to this point, I really don't mind if the writers end it with Yeo Reum not being with either men. But if she has to choose (most likely she does), with Ha Jin bordering on cheating, I would have to pick Tae Ha then.

I don't normally write so much, so sorry, but oh well...what the heck. :-D

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@ loveprevail
Please don't apologize...I actually enjoy reading your comments... Well written, objective and gave me a better/ different POV ...Thanks
To the other comments-
Yes, it's a drama and we all will enjoy for different reason and will feel differently as we watch it... It's ok for us NOT to agree...really!

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I totally agree with your point of view! But I am not yet decided as of Episode 8, if Yeorum should end with Taeha.

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Thank you @ Cingdoc for your openness. Really appreciate it. Cheers. :-D

In my opinion, so far if I've to link them all (and it includes Sol and Joon Ho) under one theme it would be DENIAL.

*Yeo Reum denies she still has nagging feelings for Tae Ha.*

*Tae Ha denies that he really truly loves Yeo Reum still.*

*Ha Jin and Ah Rim deny their attraction towards one another.*

*Sol and Joon Ho, probably afraid of risking their friendship would rather deny they have feelings for each other.*

This is akin to a bomb waiting to blow up. Don't they know what you resist, persist.

With that said, I will try to support their stumbles and realizations for the remaining episodes. :)

And @ PiscesDragon, though I haven't decided as well but I'm leaning towards Tae Ha at the moment and that is only if Yeo Reum really has to end up with one of them. Ha Jin to me is only one step away from falling into the 'cheater' zone and I'll admit, I have very low tolerance for unfaithfulness. Urgh...my bad.

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Where's the "Like" button? Want to give loveprevail a thumbs up =)

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THIS! I was hoping for Yeorum and Hajin to work it out but after watching episode 7 and 8, I am on the fence. Taeha was immature many years ago and he SEEMS to have realised that. He still has some leftover conceit though, and with the new Yeoreum, it could work, or it could not. Both are hot-headed. Taeha is passionate and sexy and manly. Hajin seems more kind and gentle. I don't know. I like to see how it ends. I like this idea that I do not know who she might end up with. Or with no one at all. Great insight loveprevail!

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Thanks @kw02 and @light

From what we know, normally the leading lady and leading man most of the time end up together at the end except for a rare few like Mirae's Choice whereby we don't know who she actually ended up with ( an ending that I actually liked but I know I'm the minority, so don't hate me!)

From my observation, how the writers are setting up Tae Ha by giving him realizations to aid him in his growth in the love department, does point to their reconciliation at the end. I might be wrong. Will have to wait and see. :)

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It's very exciting to find out whether this drama will go down that road of pairing up the so-called leads.

No I don't hate you for being in the minority who loves the Mirae's Choice ending. I was a different person then and now. I was a different minority though back then: I hated that ending and I believed Mirae ended up with Sejoo. Haha! I now think the ending is fine. Sometimes you need to find out about yourself before committing into a relationship and I find that I understand Mirae now. Because she let the idea of who she will marry control her life/future.

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You know until this episode I was rooting for Yeo-reum and Tae-ha to get back together, now I'm kind of rooting for a giant anvil to fall from the sky and squash all three of our leads.

That said I think they can be redeemed so in a way I guess I am rooting for Tae-ha and Yeo-reum's reunion as I think their path to redemption is easier than Ha-jin as his willingness to lie about something that could be cleared up with the truth is a problem. Makes me wonder how many other little things he's lied about.

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Count me in, with the "giant anvil from the sky".

Was not shipping Tae-Ha, because I also keep wondeingr if there's part of him igniting his 'love 'for YR because he now has competition.
And if they do get back together ... that neglect was real - and she "was lonely by herself, even in a relationship". How long before Tae-Ha takes her for granted again?

I was late joining this drama, and just caught up on 4 episodes on Sunday.

Until then, it was entertaining and hilarious at times (even the brotherhood karaoke scene) ... even if fluidity between scenes sometimes was choppy.

Now it's just frustrating, past ep 5? 6?

What's wrong with some COMMUNICATION, and boundaries? (like hey backing off if you know someone's attached?). I get that some things are awkward being honest about, but c'mon - YR's been dating this dude 3 yrs.

Getting tiring watching all 3 manipulate, lie and creep around non stop.

As for Ah-Rim ... they're orphans, doubt they're blood siblings. The orphanage 'SECRET that must not be told' is irritating. Especially since Ha-Jin's digging himself into bigger and bigger holes being the escapist nice guy. If it's that big chut-sarang thing that Kdramas of yore liked to hype up ... the childhood oppa thing, well it's still not convincing me.

The actress playing Ah Rim irritated me at times in Gentleman's Dignity ... her bright eyed bushy tail act is also irritating me here now.

I ship Sol! 'Spinach' Joon Ho seems more or less in the same niche as the role as he was in Witch's Romance.

Sol the actress is also in Surplus Princess, as that supportive roomie who does the internet food site, and just as hilarious there.

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It's not turning out how I expect which might be great, I haven't decided. I like absolutely none of the characters. They all peeve me to the point of no return. In so many ways thats fantastic. Shows sometimes draw such clear lines in who the audience should love and not love. It's different but I have no one to root for in this show. Again, don't know what to think about that. I kind of want them all to be unhappy because I'm sick of them.

So to sum it up I'm confused. I wonder when they will start to grow as individuals/couples. When the secrets start to spill? When Ha Jin gains equal footing? When Yeo Reum has the bitch stick removed? Or when Tae Ha finally learns that he's a tool? I don't know.

Thanks for the recap.

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Tae Ha already knows YR use him to get back at Ha Jin

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I meant that he as a person is a tool.

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As much as I adore Sol & Joon Ho, I'm still more interested in finding out how 4 main leads will be with all the conflicts they're creating. So yah I'm still in!

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If you were to pluck these characters out and put them in reality there's no doubt you will find people exactly like that.
Some people have lower tolerance levels for characters that are flawed in ways that would infuriate them, so all the ranting about their actions I understand. I was practically yelling at my screen each time Ha Jin appeared on screen.

I'm starting to wonder if there's such a thing as wanting your characters to be perfectly flawed. Or rather flawed in ways you could approve of, maybe even respect. But definitely not flawed in ways you'd get annoyed at. There should be a category in dramaland where you sort out the "good" flaws and the "bad" flaws. Surely you can't please everyone.

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Agreed. My thoughts exactly.

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Great comment. I think the character flaws are not so ridiculous, because people can be very flawed in their romantic relationships. I found in strange that some felt it was unacceptable for Yeo-reum to be mean and hurt Tae-ha on purpose, but seriously, sometimes people can be so mean in romantic relationships and it is not because they are naturally malicious individuals, but because relationships can bring out the worst (and also the best) in people.

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Very well said.. +1

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well said, another +1 from me too

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For me, with this show, it is not so much about needing characters to be perfectly flawed -- although I like the way you put that and I see what you mean -- and I did a gut check to see if maybe that was my problem with the show.

But it really is more that I think that the flaws should come out of who the character is and how they became that way. Even illogic is a form of logic and even bad decisions have a rationale. Flaws should make some sense within the reasoning/emotion/experience/current situation of the character. I don't think that's happening here with our OTP and I think it's because the writer is using character flaws as devices to delay or progress plot points.

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Firstly, I would like to thank recapper, despite she seems not enjoying this episode, she still give her time to recap it for us.

I'm the one who still enjoying the drama (at least after 8 episodes). I like all the characters because of their dynamics (Emotion, feelings, and opinions).

Tae Ha-Yeo Reum moments in her workshop at the beginning of episode was favorite. The scenes explain of how actually she still has feeling for him but we need to respect her because she tried a lot to deny since she's in relationship. When Tae Ha got burn, she reflex helping him, showing how much she still care him. And that stolen kiss. I shouldn't like it, right??!!! But I do. Because it's clear Yeo Reum didn't give any reaction for a while just another proof that the girl still in love then she realizes her status and asked Tae Ha for leaving soon and of course not forget to call him 'a jerk' for one more time (and this time I totally agree with her…LOL…)

Sorry for a bit spoiler but after watching episode 8 I start to ship Tae Ha-Yeo Reum and Ha Jin-Ah Rim. There are honesty I could see when they're pairing like that . And it's just wonderful to watch.

I do love Joon Ho-Sol couple, but if this pair become the main focus of story, I have feeling the show will getting bored. Because it's just a typical of k-drama. Childhood friend that fallen for each other. No dynamics… However, for the story side, of course 100% enjoying their interaction...

Sorry for long comments… And I hope everyone would continue enjoy the show just like I do..^^

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Thanks for the recap!
I'm with you as well as I find the characters annoying, but not that unbearable. These people are flawed and I still have hopes that they will get redemption at some point.
But as much as I have things to complain about Tae Ha, Ha Jin and Yeo Reum I'm also equally annoyed with Ah Rim. She clearly has romantic feelings for him and she deliberately pursuits him (asking him out on dates, etc.) and that is all fine. But she still does things that are quite intimate with him AFTER she learns that he has a gf. And then she keeps on saying the misunderstanding is too much. Ugh, come on!

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Count me in

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I'm skipping all main leads part and just watching Sol and Joon Ho parts. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. They're the best stuff in the drama.

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I've been waiting for the recap, LollyPip, and as usual your remarks captured so much of what I've been feeling about the episode. I too found every one of our main 4 infuriating and unlikeable in this episode. But I kind of appreciate the show even more for that, because I am honestly impressed that it has managed to make me feel so strongly (even if it's strong annoyance/frustration) about the characters and their very real human behaviour. Not many dramas manage to do that (the last one that did was Can We Get Married?).

If it was the writers' intention to make all our leads equally exasperating so as to subvert the whole thing of there being a clear, predictable OTP to root for (and to undermine the whole second lead shipping thing at the same time), then they are doing an excellent job and I applaud them for it; it really breaks away from the typical kdrama romcom mould. If that wasn't their intention, well, oops, I guess. But I'm inclined to think it was.

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I just want to root for somebody but can't. I wanted to root for TH but him horning in on a good relationship was not cool. I wanted to root for YR but her making me feel like she is already two timing kinda scratched that idea. Lastly, I wanted to root for HJ (and I really wanted to) but some of his actions are just plain dumb. Hiding the truth about AR doesn't make sense to me and I feel like the writer is forcing a misunderstanding to balance out YR's infidelity and to give TH a clear conscience when he starts stealing someone else's girlfriend. I'll probably still keep tabs on the show but mostly fast forwarding to Kim Seul Gi's parts. hehe

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i just loved this drama for its reality....
its damn true about all the characters.....

where usually kdramas will be like a disneyland for romance once for all its great to see the REALISTIC REAL WORLD characters and i am loving it

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I have to say that I am baffled at how many folks seem to think that the four main characters are behaving badly, but Sol and Joon Ho are not. Really? Yeah, they're cute, and I enjoy watching them, but I don't find their behavior admirable in the least. Like the four main leads, they are lying to themselves and to each other about their feelings. They also lie to the other characters (covering up for their buddies). They treat each other with disrespect, etc. How is biting someone cute? Her behavior with the guy who isn't into her is seriously obnoxious and delusional--she really did cross a lot of lines! but I have yet to see anyone criticize her in the same way they criticize Yeo Rum. Whatever, I guess it's a matter of taste, but if we are going to be pissed at the inconsistencies or flaws in one set of characters, why not with all of them? Having said that, I'm enjoying this show a lot because I like seeing conflict that arises when people behave the way we behave IRL---not always at our best, blundering around, making mistakes. Reminds me of my younger days, LOL.
Without spoiling Ep 8, there is a significant shift in some of the characters' understanding of each other that shows that they may actually be learning something. I look forward to it.

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thank you for this! I also enjoy watching Joon Ho and Yoon Sol but cringe whenever I see Yoon Sol's stalker antics. The guy she was crushing on was mean to her, but she really took it too far. Joon Ho has been covering up and then betraying everyone. I actually find that amusing, but he's no angel.

I am also enjoying this show for the same reasons as you are :)

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Well every character in this drama has flaws but it is more realistic. Am eagerly awaiting for the next episode

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I really, really like this drama so far!

The characters are flawed, their behaviour is flawed, they have nasty/selfish sides BUT aren't we all, as humans?

Contrary to the review (i love dramabeans and really look forward to all reviews!), i feel that the characters are so much more believable this way, because in love, sometimes, the worst side of a person emerges (think people who cheat despite having loving spouses, people who break up after 20 years together despite kids, jealous pple blah).

The chemistry is out of the world- kudos to Jung Yoo Mi. She aces it with both male leads and i've loved her since Que Sera. Very pretty in a quirky off-beat way and her acting is awesome, bringing the character to life! (and i actually like the bushy tail look haha!)

Eric is super hot and sexy, the second male lead adorable, housemates very cute and funny, mother sexy-- great cast.

Pace is good, and the story unfolds messily but in a very entertaining way much like real life.

Don't know whether i will like it as much as the series progresses, but still looking forward to every episode for now!!

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I get that this drama can be called KDRAMA CHARACTERS BEHAVING ODDLY AND/OR BADLY, rather than Discovery of Romance.

But I am enjoying this drama immensely.

Here's why.

1. None of the characters are perfect. Good. Unrealistically pure and innocent and noble characters piss me off (in general, not always).

2. Some of the characters behave irrationally. Good too! I also do things irrationally. I once stood in the longer line at Dunkin Donuts, even though I KNEW it would take longer because I chose the line and I didn't want to admit to myself that I had chosen the wrong line. I waited an extra 30 seconds or so for no reason.

3. Every character lies through their teeth. Good thrice! It makes for more interesting conversations when you know that the other party is lying, and they probably know that you know, but you may or may not know that they know that you know.

4. Eric Mun is finally showing some complexity! Good x4! After the streak of one-dimensional characters, I am happy to see him grow, even a little bit, as an actor.

5. Sung Joon is playing the foil to Eric Mun! Well, this is not a good or a bad. Sung Joon is clearly more emotive than Eric, so to play a foil means that you are limited to the emotiveness of the principal, and Eric hasn't learned to do more than smile or frown yet, but he's getting there! Eric hwaiting!

6. Kim Seul Gi is a FREAKING HOOT. Her comedic chops are awesome and I love that she came out of SNL Korea. Good on her.

7. Jung Yumi's role is not to be liked, but so much the better. Why does the audience have to fall in love with Han Yeo Reum? She's not particularly likeable. I happen to LURVE HER character, but even I agree that she's not particularly likeable. So what? Much better to have a complex character to puzzle through, than a one-dimensional angel who gets hurt all the time by rich former gf bitches or mother-in-law-to-be's.

8. Yoon Hyun Min's character of Do Joon Ho is clever! DoL is pretty complex, and is sort of cheating by using the "interview" technique rather than constant voice-over narrations. That said, this is a drama about relationships and intents, and so not everything can be an interview narration. Enter Do Joon Ho, the guy who cannot keep a secret, to keep the plot moving forward. Except he is well-paired with Yoon Sol, and is a complete hoot himself.

9. As for the why didn't Nam Ha Jin just say, "Uh, so, like, I have this orphanage younger sister-esque girl I've been searching for my whole life since I swore to protect her but then got ripped from her hands, literally, and so now that I've found her again, I am trying to help her out...." well, I think more will be revealed as episodes unfold.

I think a part of the reason is that Nam Ha Jin doesn't want Han YeoReum to know about the orphanage and his lack of family background. I think (not quite sure), that this is the reason why Ha Jin has been...

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All your reasons for liking this drama is why I like it too. Expect, I don't think Eric is as bad an actor as you describe nor do I think Sung Joon is play foil to him (I have seen all his dramas and boy plays the same roles and acts like this expect in 'White Christmas'). Anywhoo I like this drama because the characters are flawed, lie, cheat, make mistakes, and are unlikeable at times but I always feel relatable/you can understand where they are coming from. Your comment what a hoot to read, please do keep em coming as the episodes/recaps roll out.

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I am with you on Eric and SJ more on that.

I am in love with the drama myself. I do not need characters to act according to any frames to judge them on likeability. Their actions are understandable within their constructs and that is what make them relatable for me. We do not live in a world where everyone is nice and sensible to each other and get along splendidly, lets let art imitate life for once in a K fluff.

SJ can technically emote well and be more than sufficient in individual scenes, but he lacks a thorough grasp of his character the more seasoned actors like Eric and Yumi is capable of, approaching their roles. More often I savor the read of actors on their characters, what their understanding and interpretation on what's written with their analysis and input, rather than appreciating techniques.

I think Eric is spot on here with one of the most welcoming K romantic hero I have seen perhaps since forever. His character is a revamped prideful alpha male Guy1 meshed with a friendzoned Guy2 who is not a sucker of his own ego, less than fantasy perfect on paper, much more aware of his inadequacy, eager to learn and change, responsive to push and pull from other characters, as in he knows he is not the center of any universe. He is growing for the better on his own terms, not just tunnel-visioned on the agenda of getting the girl. In one episode he has stop the strutting behind a facade in front of that interview camera and be much more forthright with his own vulnerabilities he is not proud of.

imo HJ's regard of his relationship with AR is stunted, frozen as 12 and 7 year olds. IF SJ can somehow get that point across he is this 32 year old man trapped in that memory of his 12 yo self whenever he is with AR, stripped of all the innuendo and fluttering of a man towards a woman I label as flirting, it would work better for me, but as is, all I see is a 32 year old attached man going out of his way charming a 20 sth single woman and he is ignorant of it.

I am not here to defend HJ, of course, I do not think any of the characters need defending. They knowinglymade their own beds and they have no squirms to sleep in them. They all have flaws, but where a certain choice or action is coming from is seldom deluded from us for long, it is just not as neatly served on a plate as most.

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Agree w/ everything aside from Han Yeo Reum being an unlikable character.

I like Yeo Reum b/c she isn't that super-sweet, sickening nice or a total wallflower like so many K-drama heroines (tho, I guess she kinda was, at least being the wall flower, when she was dating Tae-ha.

The fact that Yeo Reum remarked to herself that Ah-rim did have one thing better than her (aside from being younger) - in being nicer, made her that much more endearing (aside from Jung Yumi's great expressive facial expressions).

Thus far, Ah-rim has been pretty much a total bore until recently when she started to stand up for herself, but Yeo Reum has been the much more interesting and entertaining female character.

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Oh! and i m not baffled by the second male lead. It is very very possible to be very in love with your gf, but feel immense guilt/responsibliliy/fondness for another-- particularly if u think the latter needs a lot more love...

Just my take! :)

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I think a part of the reason is that Nam Ha Jin doesn’t want Han YeoReum to know about the orphanage and his lack of family background. I think (not quite sure), that this is the reason why Ha Jin has been suppressing his past and his true background.

Like it or not, Korea is still a relatively conservative place. Concepts like dowry and family background are really important to Koreans, and it matters whether you can fulfill those things.

DoR is now a favorite drama (for now) and I am happy to see a change of pace from the usual rom-com fare (misunderstanding, followed by love contract, followed by battle with rich former gf, followed by push-pull with nice but not OTP rich friend, followed by battle with rich evil mo-in-law, followed by 3 years overseas, etc.).

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Hey samsooki! Always nice to see you here! In addition to your comments in #9, I would add that Ha Jin is definitely attached to his mother, and his mother is dead-set against him revealing anything about his background. He would also feel guilty about his relationship with Ah Jin because of her - and that would be another reason to hide it from Yeol Reum, because she also talks to his mom.

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Hi Skelly!

Always happy to see you here!

*wave*

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"DoR is now a favorite drama (for now) and I am happy to see a change of pace from the usual rom-com fare (misunderstanding, followed by love contract, followed by battle with rich former gf, followed by push-pull with nice but not OTP rich friend, followed by battle with rich evil mo-in-law, followed by 3 years overseas, etc.)."

Ha. This is exactly why i've dropped so many rom-com shows. From the start of 2014 till now the only show I've watched upon completion is It's Okay,It's Love. The jaded k-drama addict in me is wanting anything but the the typical cliche-filled rom-com. The second noble idiocy lasts for more than 1 episode I drop it like hotcakes, and that goes for evil mother in laws and bitchy 2nd female leads. Dramaland is running out of ideas.

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I think if it is well-done I don't mind.

If they just roll over and mail it in, then I mind. big time.

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Deng this drama is a roller coaster ride. Just when I'm totally getting on the Nam Ha Jin-Han Yeo Reum boat, they go off doing stuff that make me get off it. And I say THEY because as a couple, they're definitely cracking up their relationship shell simultaneously. They're at that stage when they're only hurting each other, despite their obvious adoration for each other. Perhaps it's the doubts that's slowly breaking them up and I still want to see them get over their doubts. What can I say except that I'm a sucker for working relationships anchored on conscious love? I still see that they can work as a couple except that they have a mountain of obstacles to work through.

I absolutely dislike Kang Tae Ha for Han Yeo Reum---he was being selfish and he still is being selfish, although he's slightly shedding that off, i still don't agree so well with men who drag the women they love around.

This drama is so-so for me. Fun for most parts but just purely annoying on other parts---like why are these people so filled with games? but well yeah, perhaps dating is as such.

P.S. is there anyone out there bothered by the mom-writer and director love angle?

Best part of the drama has to be the anchovy head doctor and the girl who doesn't flush after she poops. Now that's a perfect couple---even though my description of them isn't so appealing, i love them.

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I had suspected that Ha Jin's being so tight-lipped about the nature of his relationship with Ah Rim had something to do with a stigma attached to adoption in South Korea. Yesterday in another thread Kisa shared a link to a really good article that explores just how strong that stigma is and sheds light on why Ha Jin (and his mom) would be reluctant to let people know that he's an adoptee:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/09/09/346851939/in-korea-adoptees-fight-to-change-culture-that-sent-them-overseas

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Thanks to both of you for sharing this link. The article, and the comments, are really worth reading, and help put this relatively light-hearted show in a deeper context.

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Yes...i do think Ha Jin actually not telling YR about the adoption coz his mom want everyone to think that he is her biological son so i kind of feel sorry for him in this context. But he should get YR involve in his intention to help AR so the misunderstanding can be clear off.why hide when they can help the kids together...?

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Add me to the list of viewers still enjoying Discovery of Romance [aka Discovery of Love]. I'm fine with Kang Tae-Ha, Han Yeo-Reum, Nam Ha-Jin, Do Joon-Ho, Yoon Sol, and An A-Rim being flawed and imperfect characters.

Did I miss something? My impression from the small details and information divulged up until now is that Nam Ha-Jin is hesitant to say anything about An A-Rim because:
1) He is being a filial son. He is abiding by his mother's wishes to not mention or delve into his past history with the orphanage.
2) The fact that Ha-Jin is adopted is a sensitive subject matter for his family.
3) His mother seems to be worried and of the mindset
that if others discover or find out that Ha-Jin is an adoptee he might face difficulty with his marriage prospects.
4) Stigma of orphans and adoption in Korea has a deep impact.
5) South Koreans’ cultural values and traditional emphasis on family bloodlines and reluctance about adoption.
6) Guilt over the fact that he was adopted instead of An A-Rim. (Pure speculation: the scar on A-Rim's arm and subsequent hospital stay may have impeded/hampered and eventually diverted her adoption process.

Some have expressed that the main characters in DOL are coming off as annoying, irritating, bitchy, dodgy, shallow, and engaging in jerky behavior. Then consider yourself fortunate (extremely LUCKY) if you avoided tuning in to watch the drama Temptation.

The issues expressed concerning how the characters communicate and respond, treat each other as couples in a relationship, and their interactions, reactions, and actions toward one another...then DOL is small potatoes compared to Temptation.

Talk about a drama to flip out about and characters behaving badly - Yoo Se-Young, Cha Seok-Hoon, Na Hong-Joo, Kang Min-Woo, Han Ji-Sun, and Im Jung-Soon in Temptation - take the cake.

"When you walk through the fire (***cough Temptation cough***)...the flames will not set you ablaze.(***cough DOL cough***)" Maybe that's why - so far - I've been immune to having or experiencing such strong negative reactions to the characters in DOL.

By the way, I mentioned Temptation as a comparison because for the last couple of weeks it has been a Monday-Tuesday competitor for Discovery of Romance.

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heh, Temptation reminds me of a Mexican telenovela, and I say that with love.

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Joon-ho and Sol FTW :) love those two... i kinda gave up on this drama from episode 4... i only watch for Joon-Sol

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I'm really enjoying this drama too! I'm so glad to see Eric and Jung Yumi again. (Que Sera, Que Sera is still my all time favorite Korean melodrama.)

I too get agitated with some of the characters not being honest with their partners or the person they are interested in. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I do want Tae Ha and Yeo Reum to end up together only because it seems that there was no closure and no valid reason to break up. (Not telling your partner a parent passed away and expecting them to figure it on their own is a poor excuse to leave a relationship.)

I do agree with LollyPip that Yeo Reum is becoming mean (almost bitchy) because she does not seem to care about other's feelings. I do hope the writer is doing this for a reason too. Overall, I'm going to watch it till the end! (I hope!)

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This is the most awkward episode ever!

From TH and YR conversation at the beginning. Suddenly, when its the climax, there are something burning.. then the kissing and then TH inviting HJ to dinner?? To add on into that, the awkward meeting of AR and YR in his house.

hen about Tae Ha laying on the carpet. What the heck..So awkward. Then the mother and daughter conversation even more awkward, then the last scene.

I have LOVED so much the past episodes and the writing but this weeks episode very frustrating and disappointing. It is so poorly written.

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DoR introduced me to one actor that might be underrated in k-drama industry (don't know exactly, since I'm not familiar with him before this drama), Eric Moon (Mun?). Randomly reading some comments and recap from DoR in the first episode and most comments saying Eric is hot, sexy..bla..bla...bla...and still can't figure out from those recap how sexy he is (which makes me curious) but.... dang!!!!! When I see episode 1, I couldn't agree more!!! There is something from this guy which really appealing. His manly face with bad boy aura, charismatic and very masculine. What I like the most from this man, he doesn't over act. When watching his acting, it looks like he's conversing with someone else...very natural. He can be cute, flirty, jealous and all those emotions were performed in just a proper way like our daily life. His chemistry with the female lead is awesome. Even without skinship but just starting each other, I could feel love is the air...

Another actor I like is Yoon Hyun Min. He's cute, witty and handsome too. His wittiness always bring fresh air in the intrique environment of DoR story. His chemistry with Kim Seul Gi is so adorable.

I like Sung Joon, but when long dialoques come, he looks like reading his lines which totally distracted me. Still worth watching though., so no problem.

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Eric mun, a man who looks way better in motion.

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