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Falling for Innocence: Episode 1

Meet the man who lacks a moral compass and whose dictionary doesn’t contain words like empathy or kindness. It’s a hard-as-nails businessman whose life we’ll follow for sixteen episodes in JTBC’s newest melodrama Falling for Innocence as he attempts to regain everything he lost as a child. His ambition knows no bounds and there’s nothing that Kang Min-ho won’t do if it means getting closer to his ultimate goal.

What Min-ho lacks in emotion, our titular heroine makes up for in heart. And she isn’t afraid of going up against the big man either. They say life is what you make it, and Min-ho will make sure that he squeezes every penny he can before his time is up.

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EPISODE 1 RECAP

As an ambulance races down the streets, its bloody passenger narrates in voiceover: “God, fate, miracles. I didn’t believe in things I couldn’t see. I’ve lived a life much too heartless and cruel to believe in those measly emotional notions.”

The man with the head wound being wheeled into the hospital is KANG MIN-HO (Jung Kyung-ho), who slips in and out of consciousness as his friends react in shock to see him in the ER. “The only thing I can do is to calculate and be prepared for the day my heart stops beating.”

The camera pans over to a neighboring gurney holding another injured man as Min-ho finishes his narration: “But on that night… God began toying with us.”

We turn the clock back to seven days prior to meet our heroine KIM SOON-JUNG (Kim So-yeon), running down the streets dressed like Elsa from Frozen. While her appearance draws attention from curious passersby, Soon-jung hurries back to Hermia Group’s headquarters, where she currently works as the chairman’s secretary.

Soon-jung is both fastidious and competent at her job, as she orders the other secretaries to round up the board members and keep the inquisitive at bay about this emergency board meeting.

In the boardroom, Hermia Group’s CEO Chairman Kang (Park Young-kyu) is displeased at the hot-button issue of an ingredient found to be harmful to humans allegedly discovered in one of their skincare products.

Legal affairs director LEE JOON-HEE (Yoon Hyun-min) interjects just then to inform the room of a more pressing issue: Gold Partners, a major bond investment firm whose consulting services Hermia sought two years ago about securing foreign capital has recently bought a large quantity of Hermia bonds. He suspects this recent incident may be tied to a desire to become Hermia’s largest bondholder.

Chairman Kang is quick to declare that their company should sue Gold Partners if they did indeed breach contract by collecting intel and buying up bonds on the sly, but Joon-hee believes it won’t be that easy—not because of Gold Partners itself, but because the man they have to deal with.

As if right on cue, Soon-jung enters to notify her employer that Gold Partners’ bond investor James Kang is on his way here as they speak. With that, Joon-hee does the honors of a full breakdown on the “corporate serial killer,” which we get to see via montage: a cold-hearted, calculating businessman who would do practically anything for money.

Described as a sociopath without a conscience, we see multiple examples of a heartless investor at work—in his refusal to risk profit to help the poor, readily taking over businesses which are indebted to him, and smirking at furious protesters. And that man’s name is Kang Min-ho, otherwise known as Chairman Kang’s nephew.

Min-ho and his entourage pull up to the building just then, and damn—would you take a look at the glory shot of that evil bastard? Soon-jung collects herself moments before greeting the visitors in a calm, clear voice.

Getting asked to see a visitor’s pass leaves Min-ho insulted, and it seems that Soon-jung’s unyielding reputation precedes her. Soon-jung remains professional, however, as she turns away the visitors who demand an audience without first making a prior appointment.

She’s just following protocol, she explains, and she reserves the right to turn anyone away — even the President — if they do not have an appointment. And to prove that she’s not kidding around, Soon-jung readily sets off the security alarm when Min-ho takes one more step.

Incredulous, Min-ho scoffs at her audacity, but that’s when Joon-hee intervenes to break up the confrontation and lead their visitors inside.

As Chairman Kang happily shares an embarrassing memory about his nephew whom he last saw twenty-five years ago, Min-ho recalls that peeing incident as one his father praised him for. Even though Min-ho knows he’s ruffling feathers by insulting his uncle, he doesn’t stand for being talked down to because of his age.

In fact, he’s quick to remind the disgruntled board member, as well as everyone else, to repay their owed bonds to him on-time, lest he sell them off as bad investments. Chairman Kang believes that his company doesn’t owe Min-ho a single penny, reminding his nephew that buying a client company’s bonds violates their business agreement.

Amused, Min-ho returns that Gold Partners is the world’s largest investment firm, making it near impossible to know every department’s affairs. But Chairman Kang takes that as a blatant lie and excuse—how could one be unaware of what goes on under his own roof?

“Why doesn’t it make sense?!” Min-ho demands furiously. In a raised voice, Min-ho fires back that even within their own family, he apparently had no idea about the matters concerning his own parents.

After collecting himself from the outburst, Min-ho explains that his deceased father, who was known for his philanthropy, was charged for embezzlement after his death. And in a mysterious twist of fate, all those shares were later transferred to Chairman Kang, not long after his CEO nomination.

Chairman Kang is willing to get in the ring with Min-ho, though he reminds his nephew that setting business goals rooted in avenging the past will only end up in his own demise… just like Min-ho’s empathetic parents. But Min-ho has a sharp tongue of his own—even a murderous king’s reign only lasted fourteen years, which means his uncle’s end is long overdue. Ooh, them be fightin’ words.

On his way out, Min-ho hangs back to ask Soon-jung how she knew that he only drinks cold beverages. That’s because Soon-jung remembers the “young master” enjoyed cold desserts as a child, and the address pings Min-ho’s curiosity.

It doesn’t take long for him to remember his late father’s secretary’s daughter, but this is no happy reunion for him. He tells Soon-jung that he was so enraged at the news of her father’s death that he hardly slept afterwards. To think—that he’d run into that traitor’s daughter in these halls!

He remarks that it’s like father, like daughter in their disgusting loyalty to his uncle. Why, he should expect that her father’s betrayal gene was passed down to her. Soon-jung holds her tongue, replying instead that she chooses to live taking after one’s parents good traits and not the bad.

Min-ho is willing to test that life principle of hers and suggests that they meet some other time.

Soon-jung takes to the roof to release that pent-up frustration, a habit Joon-hee is well-aware of. He has to remind her that there’s no one around before she drops her speech down to banmal, and it’s evident that the two are good friends.

Soon-jung understands where Min-ho is coming from, but Joon-hee’s concern for her remains the same. Even before she says it, Joon-hee promises that he won’t tell her boyfriend about what happened. She doubts that a date to get her mind off of things will help, since her violent crimes detective boyfriend has been on stakeout for days.

Well it looks like the detective isn’t on stakeout anymore when we see MA DONG-WOOK (Jin Gu) chasing a criminal through the streets and up to an outside parking lot. He tries stopping the guy by standing in front of the stolen car, but the perp guns it and zooms off a few hundred feet before slamming into another car.

The confrontation that starts off as a fist fight escalates when the perp starts swinging a golf club at Dong-wook, who stays relatively calm until the guy barely misses hitting his expensive watch.

Taking it off, Dong-wook says his nickname is “Peter Pan.” But the guy only has eyes for the watch when Dong-wook throws it into the air… then goes in for a punch before hurling the guy’s head through the window. Oh, and the nickname? “Because I’ll beat you until you bleed.”

Dong-wook doesn’t have time to see the crook off to the police station, as evidenced by his partner telling him to run along so that he won’t be late. Later that evening, that same female detective (who also happens to be Soon-jung’s friend) and another detective drag Soon-jung off the streets and into a personal interrogation in a darkened room.

Soon-jung is charged of stealing a man’s heart and has the right to a personally-chosen attorney. Cue Joon-hee, who immediately declares her guilty and the friends walk off.

The lights flicker on just then, illuminating the stage and a crowd forms behind Soon-jung. Dong-wook launches into a serenade to Yoo Hee-yeol’s “Whenever,” as the lovebirds’ romantic story plays out before us: they’d known each other as children which later blossomed into young love. Heh, Dong-wook’s prank of marking Soon-jung’s face as “Dong-wook’s” is adorable.

At the end of the performances comes the highlight: “Soon-jung, my lady. Will you marry me?” He swears his allegiance to be good to her, and she returns the salute. He offers up the bouquet, and ha, she tries to have a go at him before drawing him in for a hug.

The friends gather around to congratulate the newly-engaged couple and send them off. Joon-hee, however, casts another look at the couple before throwing away the meds he picked up for her. Aww, way to break a girl’s heart, man.

Dong-wook takes Soon-jung to see her dream house—a two-story house with a terrace and garden. After regaling her with the story that he met the crabby owner because he was caught for public urination, Dong-wook gifts her with a butterfly hairclip.

He knows it’ll take years until he’s able to afford this kind of house, but promises that they’ll move in here before their first child starts school. It’s the sentiment that really counts, but Soon-jung happily starts dreaming about how to fix up the place. The thought of a happy married life together brings tears to both of their eyes, and Soon-jung asks if there isn’t a ring. Ha, my kind of girl.

Dong-wook tries to gloss over the issue in his Gyeongsangdo accent, and Soon-jung jokingly says the engagement’s off then. Their bickering is downright adorable, but it also catches the attention of the annoyed grandma inside and the happy couple runs off.

Following a gratuitous shower scene (thanks for keeping your promise, Yoon Hyun-min!), Min-ho stays up in his hotel room recalling painful memories from twenty-five years ago: At his father’s funeral, his mother was convinced that it was Min-ho’s uncle who embezzled funds, not her husband.

“Do you have any proof?” the now Chairman Kang had asked. He’d encouraged her to face the truth—that his older brother and her late husband deceived them all. Min-ho and his mother had been denied access to the building the following day, and his mother was shocked to learn that her husband’s secretary was now the vice president.

The betrayal cut deep, and Min-ho’s mother could only shed tears in court while Soon-jung’s father testified that he learned of the late chairman’s tax evasion issues when the man was in a coma. He confirms that the transfer of shares to the late chairman’s brother was also approved prior to the man’s death.

That’s how all of Hermia ended up in the present Chairman Kang’s hands. To cement an already tragic childhood, young Min-ho had returned from school one day to find his mother hanging from the rafters. Good god.

Now we know where that callousness stems from, and Min-ho coolly dismisses the woman who cozies up to him out of his hotel room. When she asks for one kind word, he tells her, “You’ll be my last woman.” She packs up her things in a huff, and it’s after she leaves that Min-ho sighs that it’s true.

Downing a pill with a glass of wine, he tells himself: “Just a little longer. Let’s hold out for just a little longer…”

In Chairman Kang’s office, Joon-hee reports back that they must try and postpone the announcement verifying the harmful ingredient found in their product lest the company’s bonds are left up for grabs. The responsible party for the tainted ingredient has mysteriously disappeared as well, which begs the question of whether Min-ho bribed them off or not.

In any case, Chairman Kang resolves that they need to keep their bondholders happy and at bay, then asks where his wife is right now.

The answer is in bed with another man, whom Soon-jung sends off on his way. She’s already prepared the mourning clothes Madam Min needs for the funeral later that day. When the chairman’s wife asks why Soon-jung isn’t dressed the same, Soon-jung replies that she has a very important appointment to keep today.

Min-ho’s latest medical tests result in grave news: he’ll be lucky if his weak heart lasts him another month. His dilated cardiomyopathy must be genetic because the late Chairman Kang suffered from the same condition, and Min-ho flatly accepts the news as if being told about the weather today.

If time is ticking against him, he’ll need to work harder, unusual words for a dead man walking. His doctor suggests that they wait for a donor, but Min-ho has long accepted that he wouldn’t make it past his 35 years of age. “There’s a one percent chance of finding a donor match, and I won’t risk the rest of my life on that measly one percent,” Min-ho argues.

Min-ho receives an irate call from his business partner HAN JI-HYUN (Gong Hyun-joo) the next day, demanding to know why he’s suddenly selling off the Hermia Cosmetics central factory when they haven’t even become Hermia’s majority bondholders yet. Min-ho isn’t all that concerned because he’ll do that and sell back the factory within a month’s time.

It just so happens that Dong-wook’s father works at that very factory, and has already guessed from his son’s excited calls that the couple is here to announce their engagement. Dong-wook’s father considers this good news in the midst of the rumors that the factory will be sold off soon.

It’s sweet how Soon-jung has such an amiable relationship with her future father-in-law, and warm towards Joon-hee’s father—who works as a security guard—as well.

Min-ho is surprised to see Soon-jung at the factory and takes it upon himself to introduce himself to the workers: “I’m the late Chairman Kang’s first-born son, Kang Min-ho. It’s me, the nine-year-old child that was abandoned after you all inducted my uncle as chairman! That’s me!”

Soon-jung protests while his men appraise the factory, only to be told that the first thing that needs to go are the employees who sit around collecting their wages. “Human butcher,” Soon-jung returns. “The moment you start putting a price on people, you become a human butcher. Those were the words of the late chairman.”

She turns to the frightened employees, declaring that anyone who cooperates with Min-ho will face the consequences. But that only amuses Min-ho, who has a proposal of his own: anyone who remains in this factory after three minutes’ time will be first in line for restructuring.

Rather than being a scumbag, Min-ho considers himself more along the lines of a garbageman cleaning up the trash. His lofty speech is interrupted when something hits him from behind, and Dong-wook grabs him by the lapels and asks if everything here belongs to him then.

Min-ho dusts off his shoulders, taking this emotional outburst as a prime example why he has no choice but to sell it all. That earns Min-ho a taste of Dong-wook’s fist, and Dong-wook gets another couple of punches in before getting pulled off.

I find it amusing that Dong-wook isn’t at all sorry about what he did or scared of Min-ho’s threats when they’re at the police station. He shrugs off the suggestion of reaching a settlement, even when a hotshot prosecutor comes to Min-ho’s aid.

Dong-wook recognizes the prosecutor, asking if he still accepts money under the table from the victims. Then when Joon-hee pulls aside the prosecutor for a chat, Min-ho mutters at what a small world it is. “They all know each other…”

Both Joon-hee and the prosecutor acknowledge that they’re both uncharacteristically involved in such petty matters. Agreeing to drop out if Joon-hee takes care of the settlement, the prosecutor remarks on how Joon-hee’s loyal service to Chairman Kang is common knowledge in their legal circles.

When Soon-jung attempts to convey her apologies on Dong-wook’s behalf, Min-ho sees no point in issuing his forgiveness or overlooking this incident. But like the savvy businessman he is, he would entertain the idea of striking a deal.

There is one thing he does want, and when she asks what that is, Min-ho bends down and answers, “You.”

Soon-jung is distracted during Joon-hee’s explanation that they have no choice but to try and reach a settlement. She excuses herself from hanging out with the boys, and Joon-hee sends Dong-wook to run off after her.

Min-ho’s offer of making a deal if Soon-jung calls him later that night weighs heavy on her mind as she trudges up the hill back home. She whips back around to Dong-wook (who’s been following her like a puppy) and orders him to offer up his head.

He adorably obeys, but instead of giving him a noogie, she softly pats him on the head. She does, however, pinch his cheek, and Dong-wook returns that if this is some attempt to get them to break up, it won’t work because he won’t ever let her go. Aw. “There’s no such thing as ‘farewell’ in my dictionary.”

She has no intention of letting him go either, though adds that him being her boyfriend could be cause for trouble. Soon-jung covers up that comment with a scolding, and then Dong-wook pulls her into an embrace, telling her that he loves her and that he’s sorry.

An exhausted-looking Min-ho returns to his hotel to address the news of tomorrow’s Hermia bondholders’ meeting. He isn’t surprised since losing even one supporter on Chairman Kang’s side would make Gold Partners the majority bondholder. He orders his secretary to attend the urgent meeting set up to discuss tomorrow’s meeting in his stead, waving off his secretary’s concern for his health.

Soon-jung waits until Dong-wook leaves before calling up Min-ho. She climbs into a taxi just as Dong-wook doubles back to see her leave. She pulls up to Min-ho’s hotel and travels up to his suite.

She presses the doorbell a few times before Min-ho’s voice finally answers on the other side. He opens the door — his face looking pale — and falls right into Soon-jung’s arms.

 
COMMENTS

I thought I’d seen it all when it came to stony-hearted characters in dramaland, and then there’s Kang Min-ho, because he is an ass. But I suppose I can take comfort in the idea that Falling for Innocence kept their word in delivering a ruthless corporate shark to our screens. I admit I was nervous looking at the show’s promotional materials, because the light-hearted meta teasers and bright posters pointed more towards a romantic comedy than the melodrama it’s touted to be.

So I’m relieved to find that Innocence has dramatic depth, both in its characters and storyline. Despite being a merciless asshat, Min-ho’s arc is interesting enough that it keeps me from writing him off, and that’s even before the upcoming heart-swap comes into consideration. He’s got nothing to lose (but time) and his business motive is simple: he doesn’t do anything that reaps no profits, and does practically anything that will. While the revenge angle against his uncle is nothing new to k-dramas, we can see that the grudges run deep and that his rage continuously bubbles just below the surface. Min-ho had been given the short end of the stick as a child, so I can understand where his bitterness is coming from, though of course it doesn’t absolve him of all his cruel actions.

Which brings me to Soon-jung’s insult of calling Min-ho a “human butcher” at the factory. I should clarify that while it isn’t fully the first definition one thinks of (i.e., someone who literally chops up humans) there’s still plenty of scorn contained in those words. Butchers were once considered the lowest of low in terms of the social order, so to be called a butcher of humans hits upon the despicable kind of lifestyle Min-ho leads. Furthermore, Soon-jung touches upon Min-ho’s lack of seeing value in people with that following line, in that putting a price on people like slabs of meat to be sold only shines a spotlight on his own inhumanity.

I do love our heroine in Soon-jung here and appreciate that she isn’t afraid to speak up when the occasion calls for it. I hope we continue to see that feisty side of Soon-jung, and I rest assured that Kim So-yeon can carry us through both the humorous and dramatic moments of her character. It’s evident that Soon-jung’s ties to all three men (Min-ho, Joon-hee, and Dong-wook) go back for years, two of them back to when they were children. At first, it seems odd that Min-ho and Dong-wook wouldn’t know each other, but it could easily be that they knew Soon-jung at different times of her life, like when she was the chairman secretary’s daughter and then unexpectedly became the vice president’s daughter. And plus, if the men knew each other, it would only insert more truth into Min-ho’s mutterings about just how small this dramaverse already is.

Furthermore, I’m intrigued by how Min-ho is already interested in our heroine, and sure—while his intentions probably aren’t well-meaning since he believes her to be a traitor’s daughter, his piqued interest makes far more sense than an uncaring fellow who’s suddenly head over heels in love with her because of someone else’s organ. Despite falling into her arms in a sickly state, I’m sure Soon-jung will continue to find Min-ho insufferable while he has a weak heart… and perhaps his new one as well.

I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t bursting at the seams with excitement about the Heartless City bros reunion in Innocence. It practically pains me to watch Jung Kyung-ho and Yoon Hyun-min be pitted against one another in this show, especially since their off-screen bromance is so very real. But I just love it when these two actors are on screen — both separately and when they’re together — because they do illuminate my screen with their stage presence. Leave it to Jung Kyung-ho to play the cold-hearted businessman and Yoon Hyun-min to chase after my own heart with this:

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Yay! Impatiently waiting for subs to come out! :)

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I watched it on Viki. Check and see if it is available in your region.

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So happy DB is recapping this show! ^_^

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I do so like what I've seen so far. Yes, MinHo is an ass. But JKH plays him so well that I just can't help but root for him.

Also. Dong wook is so adorable ! The "peeing to mark his territory" bit was so cute.

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I agree, Dong Wook is a cutie, Im already nervous for him though :"(

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Thank you for the recap, this drama definitely on my official to-watch-list now :)

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Thank you for recapping, I was hoping I could read some more opinions about it!

This drama reminds me so much of Junsu & Zhang YiLin's Timeless MV (featuring Siwon and Hangeng) with the heart tranpslant and muscle memory stuff!

Aww and I wish we had our Jung Kyung Ho and Yoon Hyun Min bromance like in Cruel City!

Here are some more of my thoughts on organ donation!

https://picadrama.wordpress.com/2015/04/05/falling-for-innocence-aka-beating-again-a-jumpstart/

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That brings me to an unrelated point: Why does Han Geng

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That brings me to an unrelated point: Why does Han Geng always die in such gorgeous looking love triangle? Why?

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I'm super happy!! Thank you very much Gummimochi for the recap! I always like to read the recaps, i love to read other opinions and perspectives that may/may not coincide with mine, and also you guys don't miss any detail, so, thank you for this. ♥

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My pleasure ♥

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YAY! ♥ U, woman for starting this one.

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I agree Cafe! Though I haven't actually watched it, reading the recap is almost as good. DB writers are just exceptional. I've never commented until today, but I do love to follow the discussions. Hopefully this will change going forward :D.

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thanks for the recap, gummimochi! love your opinions!

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it was such a good start! I tired to keep my expectation low, but even the first 30 mins I can see how I might be enjoying the show. But lets not jinx it.

but yeah, so far i really am liking the characters and storyline.

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Glad that DB is picking this show up. Thanks so much, gummimochi.

Is there anyone who notices that Min-ho's scenes are shot in muted colors, as if his world tends to be less saturated than any normal human? On the other hand, in Dong-wook's scenes the colors seem to be so bright contrastive: black against gold against red, etc (a symbol of his childlike view of the world?)
I also love that Soon-jung are often clothed in white, in whatever background she is in.

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I dunno, I thought the writing was pretty good and I liked the tone of the show. I'm interesting in the story. But truthfully, I felt like all the characters except for Min Ho were pretty boring. Of course, his nastiness is interesting, but he also had depth and real emotional stakes. Revenge plot-lines usually aren't my cup of tea, so that aspect of his character is not that interesting to me. But his revenve in the face of this ticking clock, that is interesting. He just seems like the only character written with any depth.

It's a shame too, because this cast is stellar. I love Kim So Yeon; she's such a nuanced actor and she can do so, sooo much more then what they've given her to do so far. Of course, it's only the first episode, but I was expecting... more, I guess. With a cast like this, I was definitely expecting more. I haven't watched the second episode yet, so I'll wait and see what they have to bring for the other characters in the coming episodes before I make my final verdict.

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Hmm, I actually have a similar sentiment. However, I've decided to drop the show after the first half hour. I get that the male lead doesn't have 9 incense sticks this time, but going around telling people of family tragedies and that he's a victim is super unprofessional.

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YESSSS. I was hoping and my hopes have been realized. I love the show so far, like you said gummi i totally see that the show lives up to its melo description. the teasers really threw me off the scent and id ont usually do melos EVER but i will forge ahead with this one for the love of Paksa and Soo and Kim So yeon of course. Can't wait to read the rest of these recaps :D

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Yay! Thanks for the recap!
Will download and hope the subs are up.

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I can't believe this is labeled 'melodrama.' Hahaha, all the teasers led me to believe this is a high-toned romcom. All the laughs and hilarious flavor into it.

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So excited that Falling for Innocence is being recapped - Thank you Gummimochi! The chance to spend time with Jung Kyoung-Ho, Kim So-Yeon, & Yoon Hyun-Min all together in a drama - hard to pass up.

JKH, KSY, & YHM have given us some of the most memorable & iconic characters. For many of us, after all this time they still hold a place dear to our hearts...
♥ NK Spy/Agent Kim Sun-Hwa
♥ Baksa Adeul/Doctor's Son (aka Jung Shi-Hyun)
♥ Bromance of Kim Hyun-Soo (aka Cutie Soo) & Baksa

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Awww, I don't want Dong-Wook to die. After this episode, I want to watch another drama about Dong-Wook and Soon-jung's love.

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Pretty good for the first 2 episode. Jin Goo character is the most outstanding for his chemistry with Kim So Yeon so perfect. So sad it's seem he appears just 2 ep. I do love KSY character too. Cool and professional secretary when she works but turn to be cheerful and lovely girl in ordinary life. It's looks natural.

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***Jin Goo character is the most outstanding for me.

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already watch 2ep and im really like it.. this drama have a potential 'story'

i love Dongwook in here.. his love for Soonjung really touching me. and yahh im still waiting for triangle love of Minho, soonjung and Joonhee next week!

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I knew I probably should skip this one:

I don't like the K-drama approach to revenge stories, because they are simply too petty and meaningless, and most of the time the combination with a romance plot destroys any kind of consistent character design.

(I also still dislike corporate world nonsense, but that's petty from my side, considering that the portrayal of ANY profession - journalist, medical, psychological, law, business management, police, teaching, scientist, ... - in K-drama is nonsensical or plain stupid.
Problem here for me is that it is difficult for me to follow the plot: Am I supposed to assume that Min-ho is just great at blackmailing people even when he has no real power - like in the factory scene - or am I supposed to think that holding some bonds grants him executive rights in the company? Etc. pp.)

However: I liked the character constellation in the first episode.
They didn't give Min-ho any kind of excuse for his despicable character.
He really is an ass - there is zero heart of gold hidden anywhere, even though he thinks he has a good reason to destroy thousands of lives just because his father played a dirty poker game and lost.

Soon-jung is not that kind of Mary Sue character, she is pretty interesting so far. She clearly must be aware of what monsters she is working for, but she is all professionalism. She's also not shying away from shady business, as seen with her compliance to Min-ho's blackmailing.

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I am glad that DB is part of this. Lets pray that god gives him all the guidence he needs. My heart will be with those who stood against me and with me. Forgiveness is given to me and those who wronged me. Everybody deserves a chance at life.

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Lol, what a happy coincidence. Just finished ep 1, and itching to discuss this drama when you posted it.

Oh, well...
This drama so far so (really) good. Well casted actors with well written character. And I think its impossible for me to write some coherent comments except fangirl ramblings.

I loooooovvvvveee everyone in this screen. Yes, even the (evil) Min Ho and his uncle, because they acted it well with screen charisma to the boot. I'm intrigued with their story and want to know more about them.

Can't wait for ep 2 sub and praying this drama keep doing good joob till the end.

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Yay, you're recapping this! (Or is it just a one-off?)

Fell in love with this show about 5 mins in, after Jung Kyung-ho and Kim So-yeon's first scene together. Pretty sure my screen was about to catch on fire from their antagonistic chemistry. And there's just SO MUCH PRETTY. The oppas, I just can't...

So I'm in it for the long haul, even though the light rom-com tone of the previews vs. the deeper, darker tone of the show itself is giving me flashbacks to My Spring Days and how that show ended up not going to the happy place I had expected. Ah well. It's worth it for this cast. And I'm totally intrigued by the story.

Because yes we've seen the revenge plot n number of times before, but I feel like the setup this time is different enough to make it really interesting. The way the hero is pretty much irredeemably morally bankrupt and his death sentence only makes him more so instead of turning him into a saint; the fact that the leads have a NON-romantic history as children; the heroine being pretty badass despite being named Soon-jung.

I do wonder if his new heart will give him a moral compass, or if he'll still be an asshole, just inexplicably in love with Soon-jung.

Thanks for the recap <3

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Oh no, I'm in it to win it. :)

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YESSSSSSSSS. :)

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Also thanks for sharing YHM's Instagram. I'm having a crisis in my determination to never get an account. I may have to get one after all just so I can follow this oppa...

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Solid episode much to my surprise. I am a bit sad to know that Jin Goo's character is only apparent for the first two episodes. He is such a charismatic character that I will surely miss him. His love story with Soo Jung is sooo adorable that I might have a hard time shipping Soo Jung with Min-Ho. Min Ho is an ass but a hot ass. Hahahaha

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So happy you are recapping! Thanks for all the time and love for the show.

I read everything I could find on the interwebs. Opinions are all over the place - which I understand when the story isn't anything new and doesn't seem to want to be.

But I am like Laica - the scene between JKH and KSH sold me immediately on the potential. Having Jinjung Soo on my screen will make for 16 lovely hours + rewatch time, too.

I can see a lot of plot points coming, but I am looking forward to them rather than dreading them. I hope MH's turnaround takes a really long time. I don't want SJ falling into his arms until after he has worked super duper hard to win her. Maybe ep 14?

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Just like others, I fall in love within few mins of the show. Marathoning ep 1 and 2 in 1 sit, and now I can't wait for Saturday to come fast!

Thanks for recapping this, Gummimochi!

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Fell in love with the show within 10 minutes into the first episode. I am glad they didn't beat around the bush with too much flashbacks instead established the major plot points and characters right away. We know who is what, possible motives driving them and their personalities. I also get why they made Min Ho such an ass whereas Dong Wook is a lovable childish guy. Once the cellular memory stuff kicks in, they need to show the difference in behavior. I love all the characters. Only wish is to see at-least a little bromance between Joon Hee and Min Ho now and I will be a happy soul.

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I'm so glad you guys are recapping this show. Thank you...

I loved the 1st 2 episodes...I just wish Jung Kyo Ho would stay badass till the end...as nobody does badass and sexy like him.

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Thanks for recapping. I watched the first two episodes without waiting for subs and enjoyed both the acting and fast-paced plot. Can't wait for next week's episodes =)

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Same here, not a huge fan of the revenge/corporate kdramas since they all seem to have the same plot but still holding on to it, to see whether it serves up something different.

But damn, Jung Kyo Ho's badassness is sooooooooo sexy and his hairstyle... I hope they stick with the current hairstyle, it makes me wanna run my fingers through them (sigh)

Thank you gummimochi for recapping it, loved your insights on it. <3

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Jung Kyung-ho looks too innocent to be believable in this role. And his acting is not powerful enough to make up for his cute, innocent face. Plus, he looks 25 (that hair color is not helping at all) and she looks 40 (no idea what their real ages are). The story seems interesting, although some parts are totally OTT. Shame! I love myself a good melo! I haven't watched a good melo since "That winter....... Still waiting!

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Jung Kyung-ho (the male lead) was born in 1983, and Kim So-yeon (the female lead) was born in 1980. Just in case you want to know. So no, he's not 25 and she's not 40.

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Your comment extremely over!!!

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Actually, JKH looks more mature here compared to his previous works. For instance, when you compare with his looks in Sorry, I Love You which was produced around 10 years ago, he believably look 10 years older now. I just prefer the current hairstyle than the one shown in Ep 3 preview.

Kim So Yeon looks like a 30-something lady which suits her role as an experienced, proficient secretary of a big corporate firm. Building a name and reputation in one's career takes time, so in terms of appearance (and acting skills) KSY is a fine choice.

Though I can relate with the feeling that KSY feels a lot older. I think it's because she was in All About Eve which was among the pioneer drama of the Hallyu wave and unlike Bae Yong Jun, Song Hye Kyo or Won Bin, she has is constantly seen on tv since then.

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Good show

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I've fallen for Dong-wook and his satori, but we all know where he's heading. Andwae!!

I wish I can just marathon the whole show already. Lovin' it so far.

I'm ready show, I've got plenty of tissue boxes to plow through.

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The human butcher term threw me at first as well, but I realized there's a western equivalent: hatchet man. As in, when a corporate raider comes in and fires a lot of people, which is exactly this situation.

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My new crack drama. Jung Kyung Ho is so underrated. Awesome actor with great chemistry between all the leads.

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So sad Jin Goo just being cameo. He should to be male lead.

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I was super excited for this show because of the 3 main leads. I just finished this first episode, but it didn't thrill me or leave me wanting more. However, I'm gonna keep watching and see how it goes.

Min Ho's character was the most interesting one so far. His tragic childhood definitely made me sympathize with him. But I'm curious how he will change with the heart swap. Is it going to be drastic? I'm just thinking ahead a bit too early. If Soon Jung falls for Min Ho, I want it to be for his true self and not like lingering feelings for her boyfriend...

The Dong Wook+Soon Jung couple scenes were adorable, but I couldn't enjoy them that much when I was dreading the impending tragedy.

The shower scene was not impressive. What a tease. xP

Thanks for sharing Yoon Hyun Min's IG! Didn't know he was on it. I was already following Jung Kyung Ho. Their RL friendship is great to see.

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Me likey. I'm so thankful this drama airs twice/ week.

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Like it...must watch

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It's funny that jung kyung ho is playing as a man who receives a heart transplant...last yr sooyoung played as a girl who also undergoes a heart transplant operation.
wha ta fate~~They are meanto be <3 ofmg

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Min Ho's doctor, does anyone know who the actor is? I've seen him in some drama but I can't remember where.

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a drama similar to "The liar and his lover" .

i don't know the drama is chinese or japnese or thai but it is similar to the liar and his lover and the manager of the hero (femal) offer a part time job as a interpreter during the shooting(i don't know what they are shooting ). there is a beautiful scene in the drama in which hero and heroine both are sitting in the snow.
i think he is singing in the street like old time.

both main lead are lovely and good looking.(not a korean drama.)

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