109

Orange Marmalade: Episode 2

I’m happy to report that not only is the second episode of Orange Marmalade as good as the first, but in my opinion, it’s even better. We learn a bit more about our characters and their pasts, and discover some surprising connections. A newcomer to school shakes things up, and Jae-min will have to elevate his game if he wants to win the girl… but first he’ll have to make her notice that he actually, you know, exists.

EPISODE 2 RECAP

Jae-min walks home from the cafe, thinking about Ma-ri and her beautiful song. Teacher Han had made a comment that a voice like that would be perfect for a school band, and Jae-min is moved enough to tell Han that she goes to their school.

A news show plays Shi-hoo’s interview, and he doesn’t watch the program, but Ma-ri’s father sees it and looks nervous. Before the show is even over, the Vampire Control System (VCS) calls Shi-hoo. Uh-oh, he’s in trouble.

Interesting… when they ask if this is Han Shi-hoo, he says that sure, that’s his name this time around. The faceless voice at the VCS reminds Shi-hoo that they control all interviews and information regarding vampires, and they mention something about underage activity punishments and that they’ve prepared him new documentation.

Shi-hoo knows where they’re going with this, and says he’s definitely not going back to school again. The voice tells him that until he complies with the VCS’s decision, his SPA (Sun Protection Ampule — an injection that protects vampires from the deadly sun’s rays) will be discontinued.

Even with his face blurred for the interview, Shi-hoo seems unstable and volatile. Definitely not good for the vampires’ image. As he watches, Ma-ri’s father takes a delivery that turns out to be his family’s dose of SPA. This must be one way the VCS controls vampires, since without it, they wouldn’t be able to go out during the day.

Jae-min reads alone at school, and he hears the chords of a guitar. His attention is drawn to the window where a curtain billows enticingly, and behind the curtain sits Ma-ri. She smiles warmly, but suddenly everything goes black. In a dark room, clawed hands run up Jae-min’s bare back, and a predatory-looking Ma-ri appears behind him.

Back in the schoolroom, the Ma-ri behind the curtain is suddenly dressed to kill, and she slinks towards Jae-min and aggressively pushes him into a chair. She sits on his lap and leans towards him, their lips moving closer and closer… and in the dark room, Ma-ri’s eyes glow vampire-purple, and she sinks her fangs into his neck.

Lying in their beds, both Ma-ri and Jae-min startle awake from their respective dreams Ma-ri looks terrified to have dreamed of biting a human, and Jae-min looks — well, pretty pleased, actually. Ma-ri wonders why she keeps thinking of that person’s blood, fearing that it makes her a monster. And Jae-min has to wash his underwear, heh.

After that embarrassing teenage moment, Jae-min looks at the latest guitar from his mother and remembers Teacher Han’s words that he used to be a legend in middle school. He remembers practicing his guitar as his mother played piano, and she’d been impressed and proud of how good he was. They seem to have had a warm, loving relationship when he was younger.

The next day at school, the kids crowd around to watch the video online of Shi-hoo’s interview, but the video suddenly becomes unavailable as, I assume, the VCS blocks access. Ma-ri feigns disinterest and furtively takes a small blue bag from her locker. She tries to go to the roof but it’s locked today.

Jae-min visits the old school band room, which looks nearly abandoned. He picks up a discarded guitar and plays a few chords, but quickly decides this way lies madness and gets up to leave. He has to hide behind a desk though, when Ma-ri walks unexpectedly into the room.

She starts to open her blue bag but instead, picks up the guitar that Jae-min was playing. She accidentally knocks a vase off the desk,and Jae-min catches it by reflex. HA, his cute little, “Nice catch!” is not nearly as smooth as he probably thinks.

Ma-ri looks like a startled rabbit, and when Jae-min asks why she said she didn’t play guitar, she runs rather than answer, leaving her blue bag behind. Jae-min just huffs in frustration at her strange reaction to him. He picks up her bag and heads back to class, but she finds him and they play keep-away for a moment with the bag.

Jae-min asks if Ma-ri remembers what it is she owes him an apology for, though he’s glad at least that she knows who he is now. Ma-ri is fixated on getting her bag back, offending Jae-min’s delicate feelings that she hasn’t answered any of his questions.

When Ma-ri at least says that it’s not like that, Jae-min changes tack and asks if she’d be interested in joining a school band. Ma-ri only stares at him, and he haltingly says that if she’ll do it, he’ll think about doing it, too.

But Ma-ri just snatches her bag back, and says she’s not doing anything like that. Poor Jae-min, he’s so used to being the most popular boy in school and having all the girls fawn over him, he can’t even fathom that Ma-ri isn’t interested in being around him.

Ma-ri takes her blue bag to the restroom, and drinks one of the packets of synthetic blood she’s got stashed inside. She thinks about Jae-min’s offer to join a school band, and says to herself that actually, it sounds like fun.

Jae-min tells Teacher Han that he’ll be part of the school band on one condition — there’s a particular voice he wants paired with his guitar. Teacher Han smiles to himself with satisfaction, but his face falls when he gets a call from the VCS. Wait, what?

At his home, Shi-hoo is in pretty bad shape, trying unsuccessfully to hide from the sunlight streaming in through his curtains. Looks like the punishment of withholding his SPA to protect him from sunlight has gone into effect. He’s on the floor, weak and gasping, and a stray breeze ruffles the curtain open to allow a ray of sunlight to sear his shoulder.

Luckily, Teacher Han’s call from the VCS seems to have been an alert regarding Shi-hoo, and he arrives at Shi-hoo’s place in time to close the curtains and pour him a bolstering cup of synthetic blood. Han mentions that these sorts of injuries don’t heal quickly, and reminds Shi-hoo that he needs the support of the VCS to live in normal society.

Shi-hoo hasn’t lost his spirit, and gripes that Han is always trying to teach. Han informs Shi-hoo that he’s going back to school, and gives him a shot of SPA.

Ma-ri’s mom also gives her daughter her dose of SPA, then Ma-ri quickly runs out to school. Her father follows her out to give her the forgotten blue bag of synthetic blood, and ohmygoodness, these two are so adorable and quirky together. Dad asks if something’s bothering Ma-ri lately, and reminds her that she needs to drink the synthetic blood at least once every twelve hours.

Teacher Han thanks Ah-ri for her father’s donation of new instruments for the school band, and he asks if she’s friends with Ma-ri. He asks Ah-ra to persuade Ma-ri to join the band, letting slip that Jae-min offered to join only if Ma-ri also joins. Predictably, Ah-ra doesn’t look one bit happy about this.

The class hurries to get ready for a scholastic competition at another school, and Ma-ri is ushered into the car without her blood to drink. Ah-ra is still in the classroom, and she notices that Ma-ri accidentally left the padlock on her locker unlatched. She pokes around but sees nothing of interest other than what looks like some tomato juice packets, and before she goes, she resets Ma-ri’s padlock to a different combination.

By the time Ma-ri gets back to school she’s desperate for her synthetic blood, but she can’t open her locker since Ah-ra fiddled with the padlock. Weak and disoriented, she stumbles down the hall and outside, seeing everything through a haze of vampire-purple.

Jae-min sees Ma-ri about to collapse, and when he comes close, she catches the sweet scent of his blood. She leans into him and he clutches her tightly, confused but unwilling to let her go. She leans into his neck, closer and closer, but at the last moment Ma-ri remembers her dream of her monstrous self, and wrenches away before she bites him.

Nearly the whole school (including Ah-ra) is watching by now, scandalized by what looks like a public display of very intimate skinship. Ma-ri collects herself enough to give Jae-min a glare and tell him to get away from her, and she runs past him and right into Shi-hoo’s arms.

Shi-hoo scoops up Ma-ri when her knees finally give, and coolly carries her to the nurse’s room as the students wonder who he is and what’s happening. Jae-min watches this strange boy carrying away the girl he likes, then walks right past a distraught Ah-ra.

Alone in the nurse’s room, Shi-hoo provides Ma-ri with some synthetic blood — the way they talk to each other, it’s obvious that they already know each other. Shi-hoo asks what she would have done without him, and for the first time we see his beautiful smile as he fishes for her gratitude.

It’s been a long time since they’ve seen each other, though Shi-hoo says that they shared blood once before, so of course they recognized each other. He leans in very close and says they were even in the kind of relationship where they drank from the same bowl.

Aw cute, they were just little kids when they knew each other, and we see Tiny Shi-hoo adorably sharing a bowl of synthetic blood with Tiny Ma-ri. Back at school, he brushes a drop off her lip, and thinks that with her here, going back to school won’t be so bad. The way he looks at Ma-ri betrays a crush that’s already long-established.

The gym teacher doesn’t buy Ma-ri’s excuse that she can’t get into her locker for her gym clothes, and he’s super-nasty about calling her a liar in front of the class. Ah-ra actually sticks up for Ma-ri, so the teacher tells her to go check Ma-ri’s locker. Of course she changed the combination, so she gets in, and changes it back to Ma-ri’s original code before taking the gym clothes back to class.

I have to admit that it does look pretty bad, since it looks like Ah-ra was able to get into the locker with Ma-ri’s regular combination. The teacher punishes her with laps, and Shi-hoo sweetly joins her to keep her company. He compliments her on her ability to act human, but warns that it looks like she’s been made the class outcast. Luckily, as a vampire, she can run laps all day without getting tired.

The rest of the class see Shi-hoo running with Ma-ri, and the rumor mill starts churning immediately. The girls sigh over Shi-hoo’s fine face and form, and squeal even louder when he touches Ma-ri’s face as they run. It looks pretty intimate to grumpy Jae-min, though in reality, Shi-hoo is wondering how Ma-ri managed to fake sweat.

He exclaims at her level of preparedness, since she’s carrying a small bottle of water to dab on her face to mimic sweat droplets. He stops to put some on his face, and from Jae-min’s angle, they look extremely handsy and close.

In class that afternoon, Ah-ra opens her locker and screams to find her gym clothes covered in what looks like blood. It’s only tomato juice, and Ah-ra plays the innocent wronged victim as her friend accuses Ma-ri, since now she can “mysteriously” open her locker just fine.

The girl smirks that she’s seen Ma-ri drinking tomato juice, and the juice on Ah-ra’s clothes can’t be a coincidence. She wants to compare the “juice” in Ma-ri’s locker to the juice on the clothes, but Ma-ri quails at this — if her blood is discovered, she’ll be run out of school again.

Of course, Ma-ri’s refusal to open her locker only makes her look more guilty, especially since Ah-ra is so popular that nobody else would do this to her. They think Ma-ri is retaliating since Ah-ra was the one who opened her locker and brought her the gym clothes. Ah-ra makes herself look even more saintly by taking the blame and saying she should have supported Ma-ri, and told the teacher she couldn’t open the locker. Oh gag.

Ah-ra’s friend actually gets physical and tries to shove Ma-ri aside and force the locker open. Their loud struggle finally prods Jae-min, who’s been trying to ignore all of this, into standing up. Shi-hoo also stands, and the two boys exchange a loaded glance.

Interestingly, Shi-hoo nods his head and cedes the field to Jae-min, who calmly asks Ah-ra’s friend why she’s treating Ma-ri like this. He says she has no right to search the locker, and the girl insists that if Ma-ri is innocent then she’s got nothing to fear, but she seems more bravado than righteousness now.

Jae-min points out that just because Ma-ri has tomato juice doesn’t make her guilty anyway, and nobody had been alone in the classroom all day. It’s kind of useful, how his intense observation of Ma-ri makes him qualified to defend her, since he knows exactly where she’s been every minute today.

Another girl asks who else would do something like this, and Shi-hoo finally pipes up. He pulls a packet of “tomato juice” out of his pocket and says he likes it too, then pulls out another packet, this time of grape juice. That breaks the tension and the kids all laugh.

Shi-hoo saunters lazily over to Ah-ra and gets reeeeally close, and murmurs that he’s sorry, but she’s pretty when she’s angry. That’s genius, since now the class thinks he did it. As he wanders out the door, Ah-ra asks if he really did this and why, and Shi-hoo just breezes that he likes her, even adding in a sexy little snap of his teeth. Well, that’s one way to diffuse a situation — I know I suddenly can’t remember the last five minutes.

As the class settles back into their seats, Ma-ri finally, truly notices Jae-min (well, as something other than the guy who smells delicious). She waits nervously for him after school, but because of Shi-hoo’s behavior around her, Jae-min now thinks they’re an item and stoically ignores her. Ma-ri watches as Ah-ra asks Jae-min to the play one more time, and this time he accepts.

Shi-hoo finds Ma-ri zoned out, and offers to take her home. She’s still distracted on the train, but she denies that she and Jae-min are close. Shi-hoo remembers that he once met someone named Jung Jae-min, and we flash back to a young Shi-hoo with a guitar, leaving an outdoor wedding and congratulating his uncle.

He’d seen young Jae-min hiding, looking very unhappy about the wedding, and he’d followed Jae-min to see him take refuge in his guitar. Shi-hoo had silently tried to play a song with him, but after a few harmonious moments, Jae-min had stopped to tell Shi-hoo a scary secret. His mother had married a vampire today.

We see the newlyweds, Jae-min’s mother and Teacher Han, and suddenly so many things make sense. Teacher Han is a vampire himself, which explains why Jae-min dislikes him and why he’s angry with his mother. And Shi-hoo is Teacher Han’s nephew.

Ah-ra chatters to Jae-min in the car, asking him to join the band since her father donated the instruments. He deflects which causes her to go on and on about how he needs to seize the moment or he’ll miss out, which doesn’t exactly have the effect she’s going for. Instead, Jae-min asks the driver to pull over, and he jumps out with an apology to Ah-ra.

Shi-hoo trails behind Ma-ri as she walks home, and she finally tells him to go home and they’ll see each other tomorrow. He pouts that he’s not following her, it’s just that she’s going the same way he’s going. Right, sure. She peppers him with questions about where he lives, but they both stop still to see Jae-min leaning on the wall outside Ma-ri’s house.

This time it’s Ma-ri’s world that stops, though it’s interesting to note that Shi-hoo doesn’t even look upset, just resigned. He almost seems to know what’s happening, and as Jae-min approaches Ma-ri, Shi-hoo just walks away and gives them space. He can’t help but turn to see what they’re doing, with the saddest expression of longing in his eyes.

Jae-min asks one final time if Ma-ri really doesn’t remember why she owes him an apology, though this time there’s no challenge in his question. She doesn’t answer, so Jae-min asks quietly, “Should I make you remember?”

Before she can answer, he swoops in to gently lay his lips on her neck, in the precise spot where her lips touched his skin on the train that day. Ma-ri’s eyes fly open, and for a brief moment, they flash vampire-purple.

COMMENTS

For a show that’s about teenagers, Orange Marmalade is surprisingly provocative. From Jae-min’s sexy dream about Ma-ri, to his final reciprocation of her intimate neck-nuzzling, we’ve gotten more skinship in two short episodes than some adult dramas offer in their entire run. Not that I’m complaining, perish the thought! I just wasn’t expecting this level of outright sensuality between our lead couple. But I find it refreshingly honest, and welcome it, since the vampire myth is deeply steeped in and intertwined with sexuality. Throughout history and in just about every culture, the vampire has been linked with seduction and intimacy. What could be more intimate and personal than our blood, the very thing that gives us life?

And yet, the show manages to maintain it’s feeling of young innocence, a delicate balancing act that’s really working so far. The sensual moments seem to stem less from sexual desire, and more from a sort of awakening on the parts of Ma-ri and Jae-min, though for entirely different reasons. Jae-min, of course, is feelings things for the first time on a very human level, so of course he’s having sexy dreams about the girl who’s rocked his world. He’s a teenage boy, and I’d be more surprised if he didn’t (though I’m thrilled to see a drama actually acknowledge that teenagers have desires!). But for Ma-ri, it’s more about being drawn for the first time, not to a person, but to living human blood. Something about Jae-min’s blood is different, for Ma-ri, and I really think that her reaction to him has been purely hunger — up until the final scene, at least. Jae-min was nothing more to Ma-ri than a delicious cake that’s sitting there, tempting you, when you’re on a diet. You know you shouldn’t eat it, you know it’s bad for you, but it just smells so damn good. But in Ma-ri’s entire life, nobody has ever stood on her side against the people who persecuted and rejected her, and so when Jae-min put his popularity on the line for her, she finally realized that he’s someone to be noticed.

I still feel like this episode was mostly setup, because I’m still not really sure what the show is about, having not seen the webtoon myself (though I intend to correct that soon). But it doesn’t bother me at all, because the world is so rich and the characters so complex, that I’m happy to sit back and have the show take it’s time telling it’s story. I was glad we got the questions filled in about their relationships, and how they are connected. It’s interesting that Jae-min, Shi-hoo, and Ma-ri have all known each other since childhood, though they may not all know it yet. In fact, Jae-min and Shi-hoo are technically family, since Shi-hoo’s uncle married Jae-min’s mother. I’m curious as to where little Ma-ri fits in, and how she knew Shi-hoo years ago. Given that he’s clearly gone on her already, they must have had more interaction than that one shared bowl of synthetic blood.

I’m just fascinated by Shi-hoo, to be honest, because he seems to be one giant mystery. He’s young, yet jaded and hurt by the world enough to rant like a lunatic in an interview about the human/vampire treaty. This isn’t the first time he’s acted out, since he seems to have had several names in the past and only his youth has protected him from more permanent punishment by the VCS. He has a very strong shield of coolness and sarcasm, but when he met Jae-min at the wedding those years ago, he seemed to be caring enough to see another boy in pain and try to connect through music. He obviously likes Ma-ri, but without hesitation he yields her attention to Jae-min not once, but twice. I feel like he tries to erect a veneer of insensitivity, but he’s actually the opposite — a soul that’s so sensitive, that the least bit of injustice or unfairness wounds him deeply. I’m looking forward to learning about his character the most, I think. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how well Lee Jong-hyun is playing this role, that we can see all these layers to Shi-hoo so early in his character development. He’s not been previously known as one of the more talented idol-actors, but I’ve been a fan of his music (CNBLUE was my first kpop experience, and is still one of my favorite bands) for a long time now, so it makes me happy to see him really knocking this one out of the park so far.

All in all, Orange Marmalade delivered with it’s strong premier week, giving us a rich universe to explore and strong, complex characters to fall for. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes and where the characters take us. And if there are lots more kisses to share, neck or otherwise, then bring it on, Show! I’m ready for whatever you can dish out.

RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , ,

109

Required fields are marked *

i'm first!..ohhooo~~this one is better from the webtoon version

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree with all the commentary here. I think this episode built on the last and was even better because it started to reveal more layers. And also kudos for the show portraying a realistic level of sensuality for teenagers. I was pleasantly surprised by that as well. And so much love for Ma-Ri's dad. I just love him in everything and they're so adorable together.

I'm still more sold on the guys than our lead, but it was the same for me in the webtoon. She's pretty blank in the beginning, and a pretty singing voice doesn't win me over.

Still bummed they cut her forming a good female friendship.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Has ny 1 read d web toon

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I havenread the webtoon! I love it! I love the show for it self but they took out one of the main characters from the webtoon which IDK how they did that cause that character is like Mari's life coach and motivator...waiting to see how it plays out

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I meant I have read it

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've read part of it, haven't finished it.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This episode was def stronger and there was more background story. I love all the characters, this show looks like it will be an amazing one, can't wait.

I've even started rewatching those 2 episodes already :D

thank you for the recap :)

0
11
reply

Required fields are marked *

Turkish Rose, Hello again,
Me too, me too, I rewatched these 2 eps too.

By now, I'm in Seolhyun's corner. Her acting is better than Not-bad IMO, and her singing voice is fantastic for that one song that I hear so far.

Shi Hoo is a haunting char. He is rebellious to VCS, yet a good guy. I love the little tilt of the head he gives to Jae-min, to say if he's going to intervene on Mari's behalf. And the way he sees JM waiting for Mari in front of her house, then walks away nonchalantly. He seems way cool. For Lee Jong Hyun, I now have to go and check out some CNBlue music.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I totally agree as well. As much as I love Yeo Jin Goo, I have to admit that so far, Jong Hyun is stealing the show for me. Even though it's fairly obvious that Ma Ri is gonna end up with Jae Min, I actually would love to see her end up with Shi Hoo instead (why do I always like the underdog relationships more?). He has so much more to his character and their chemistry seems a lot more natural. Oh well, guess it's the curse of Kdramaland :( The main female lead almost never ends up with the second male lead who always loses her to the other guy... Overall, Orange Marmalade was definitely the underdog drama among Producer and 3 Meals a Day yet I'm enjoying this very much. Excited for the upcoming episodes and more story/character development!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi TurkishRose and KDaddict,

Yes, I agree with what both of you say and with LollyPip's assessment. So soon we get to sense that there is much depth to each character and that there's so much more to discover about them. It's so great because we are at the beginning and have so many things to look forward to.

Oh,... KDaddict, among the idol groups, it was CN Blue that got my attention because they really play and sing their own songs (as well as others' songs) and do not depend on looking good or dance moves. Yes, do check them out. :)

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi there GB,
A friend wanted me to go to a CNBlue concert w her a couple years ago. Tix were sold out in less than 10 mins, 8 to be exact. No go.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I LOVE CNBlue and I like Lee Jong-hyun's voice more then Yong-hwa. I was able to see them briefly when they performed at the 2014 Asian Games Closing Ceremony in Incheon. Umm with Big Bang! So basically for a short time, it was like, I died and went to heaven!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

He is on the current seasib of we got married and they are so cute

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hello TurkishRose! Great to "see" you. :)

Like you, I want to rewatch the episodes already. I still can't get over Jae-min's "I'm good looking" line in the shower scene. What was the writer thinking when she/he wrote that scene? And the JM's wet dreams in this episode cracked me up. I last saw it in Reply '97 drama. :D

Waves at @GB & @KDaddict ^^

Thank you LollyPip for the recap. ?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi @ Giegie!!

Waving right back at you! Good to be spazzing with you again! :D

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wow, so many familiar faces! Hi gals!

Glad to see that many are enjoying this show as much as I am. I'm completely sucked in (pun intended heh).

With this and School 2015, KBS is on a roll with their highschool dramas!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi Turkish Rose???

Glad to see you here again in DB and i think we have something to camp again after Healer hihihi...this is daebak, truly awesome and the "feels" again hahaha...i love YGJ eversince his childhood performances such a versatile actor even in his early teens! Oh how i like his deep manly voice, really got a crush on his voice!!!

just 2 episodes and i am already hooked..cant wait for the next eps....i love all the characters, and their background stories. LJH is just too hot to handle hahahA???

Waves to @GB @KDaddict@gigie

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Kdaddict, @Giegie, gb, rigby, @omomo **waves excitedly** omg I can't wait for this show to progress more, and we have more to squeeeee about lol :D

And I'm on the same boat as you guys with Jong Hyun, doing an amazing job with his vampie-esque loving him to pieces right now. He has a phenomenal chemistry with our lead girl ;)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree, this episode was even better than the first one (and the first one was good).

Excited for the rest of the show!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the recap. i am sticking to this drama for now,i hope it remains good till the end.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm loving Shihoo as well..only I don't really want to because I have a feeling the show will end up killing him off..(hope I'm completely wrong!) The world they set up for this drama is pretty interesting and I'm excited to see how everything unfolds! Just a bit bummed that it's once a week though..

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was going to skip this one but fortunately, I didn't! I totally agree with what lollypip commented about the drama. It's surprising (and refreshing?) to see a teen drama having so much skinship, but its totally inevitable since we're talking vampires here.

Will totally stay tune until the end! Oh, and I totally love Dad--in everything he actually does. :)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

As someone who couldn't finish the manwha (too cheesy, for me) I must say I'm rather enjoying the drama.

However, I really need to know what happened to her aunt (mother's sister) and the two best friends she's suppose to have (the tomboy and the other one). They were among my fave characters in the manwha. Their characters were also responsible for some "major" plot movements in the manwha.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well to be precise they were so many dramas on my radar this month like Producers ,ex girlfriend, divorce lawyer , jeju island and orange marmalade but strangely most of the dramas were over hyped and it was wrong to expect so much as for me first two ep decide whether I will be watching them or not but after watching very first ep of ex girlfriend I am being put off and warm n cozy seems to be slow paced for my taste and some of the scenes were utter time fillers (snake one) and I havnt seen producers yet and read the recap which I found not too exciting but surprisingly divorce lawyers n orange marmalade have gotten me hooked ! This proves at least for me that buzz can actually be a mirage!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Two words: wet dreams. I couldn't believe KBS, who are notorious for being trigger-happy, allowed that scene to air. No complaints from me; I appreciate the realistic portrayal of teenaged boys.

Besides not being able to resist bad boys, I love Shi Hoo for always having Mari's back. His quick thinking against Ah Ra was swoon-inducing. I'm relieved Mari has one vampire friend at school. Mari's whole family is adorable, especially Dad. I wish her parents would be more firm about her skipping meals, but at least Shi Hoo can share his stash of blood. Jae Min sure did fall awfully hard awfully fast, but I guess I'll chalk it up to love at first sight... which is my feeling with Orange Marmalade. Thanks for the recap, LollyPip!

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Heh heh, I think it was a crush at first sight, and love and lust at first almost-bite. Having someone you're secretly attracted to start kissing and nibbling your neck all of a sudden would be a pretty powerful aphrodisiac-- especially for a teenage boy. And yeah, kudos to KBS for showing a teenager having a wet dream.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I watched the first two episodes with a couple of my student assistants (all girls) during our break and when it came to the dream part and Jaemin looked under the blanket and groaned one of them said "Oh, he peed himself?" and I was like "no no he didn't..." and they were like "then what? he must've peed himself, look he's washing his underwear." But when I blurted out "he had what is called a wet dream, okay?" they went "oh okay we get it now haha."

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I had the same reaction. For a teen drama this one has way more skinship in the first half of a kdrama mini series. And in those regular one for the first skinship it's not even to that degree as a kiss on the neck but I guess the vampire thing justifies that.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am not at all into the vampire franchise (yes, I am one of those weird Twilight non-fan or for that matter of Vampire Diaries etc.) but I was strangely fascinated by the very short lived ABC series, Moonlight. This is the only one since then, which has piqued my interest. BTW, idol or not I think the guy, who plays Jae Min has a very sexy voice. He should work on his voice to acquire more voice related skills. I have always liked deep, resonating, male voice (think Kim Woo Bin, Choi Jin Hyuk et al.)

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ asya
Yes, Yeo Jin Goo who plays the role of Jae Min has a great 'manly' voice for an 18 year old! He's in the acting department, not one of the idol singers.

Lee Jong Hyun and Kim Seolhyun are the idols and have great singing voices.

I like Choi Jin Hyuk's voice too!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

He's only 17, so he tries to make his speaking voice higher than it actually is! He said so in an interview that he tries to make his voice higher, because it's so deep and so unusual for a teenager - every second question he gets asked is about his voice actually :'')
(Not that I'm complaining, I LOVE his voice! Though I still have to remind myself that he is jailbait Q___Q)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me too.. (Sighs)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeo Jingu once said in an interview that he actually spoke in a higher voice while doing dramas so as to not distract the viewers.
And since I've heard how deep that voice can go and check out some of his variety appearances like running man or the more recent, Happy Together. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

P.s. Why do I feel like I'm advertising his voice?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wasn't expecting myself to enjoy this show so much tbh. Had the least expectation for this out of the many dramas airing this month, but so far this is the only one i rush to finish 2 episodes at a go and find myself wanting more. Not bad, not bad at all.

Anyhow, i totally adore dad, the interaction between him and mari is just so cute. Also, i am really loving jonghyun in this. Have never seen his other shows before so i am pleasantly surprised by his acting. Furthermore, his character is just so intriguing like i just want to know every single thing about him????

Can't wait for the next episode.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks very much LollyPip for a funny recap! I like what you said about Jae Min upping his game to win the girl ... "but first he’ll have to make her notice that he actually, you know, exists." LOL! Yes, absolutely ... at least she has to recognize him as a person and not merely as food!!!

When she loosens up and gets to introduce him to her family, I can just imagine her saying, "Meet my delicious friend, Jae Min. I love hanging around (his neck) with him. As long as I don't get too hungry, we're going to be friends for a long time."

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

We're only two episodes in and THEY'VE ALREADY KISSED EACH OTHER'S NECKS! And soon these precious wounded souls will be making sweet music together! This drama rocks!

Vamp Daddy is so lovable. I hope nothing bad happens to him.

I already can't wait for the next episode-- it's gonna be hard getting only half a dose of crack each week.

Thanks a mill, LollyPip!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

oh second lead syndrome setting in. Han Si Hoo is just so hot.
Jonghyun's acting has seriously improved from his AGD days. he seems more natural and he carry his character well.

that wet dream scene cracked me up so bad. lol Jae Min got it bad. he desires Ma Ri

i felt bad for Ma Ri. she just wants to settle quietly and graduate but now she's the center of attention

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Just two episodes in ... is it too soon to say, "We've got a winner here!" ???

We have:
-- Characters that are intricately interesting, likable, realized and still showing development....

-- Likewise the plot with enough setup and reveal and enough hidden and mysterious to keep us wanting more

-- An intriguing drama-verse with a different set of rules, and its own logic (that we'll surely check for consistency),... but still easy for us to follow.

-- And a story with 3 prongs - an interesting commentary on prejudice/racism? and on what co-existence means or on what is required for acceptance, ... a teenage romance and ... hopefully a story of the more universal union between different beings through music and other shared experiences.

So this time I have to be groomed into greater patience to see how it all unfolds slowly ... just one episode a week!

0
7
reply

Required fields are marked *

@GB

"Just one episode a week" IKR! As if a week long wait is not enough, ugh. I'll prepare myself for a weekly torture. :/

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@giegie

Hi sis, glad to see you here again☺️☺️☺️
Ikr one episode per wk is so agonizing????

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Good points, GB! Granted that I was going to watch this due to YJG anyway, but the 1st episode made me really interested (had hints of feels already). This 2nd episode had me hooked!

I am liking the narrative and pacing. And the music too! Would this be a Monstar 2.0, music-wise, I wonder...

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hey @Ottoke! Good to read ya!
Yes, the pacing is good and I'm starting to pay attention to the music. I'd love for this to be a high school with music as one of the side-players so to speak. I don't know what it is about young people (all that energy) and music and bonding in high-school that just gets me. I so wish it will have something of that while not neglecting the resolution between vampires and humans, which is reflected in the pairing up of our OTP. Although the marriage between Jae Min's mum and Teacher Han did not bring about greater unity between humans and vampires in the larger context, might Jae Min and Ma Ri do better??? :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi Ottoke

Happy to see you again???
Oh i am also liking the soundtrack, need to DL now if this is available already hihi!!!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi Ate, good to "see" you here!

Here are some youtube links for the ost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grzW47U_KU0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPlK7gWMGPY&list=RDgrzW47U_KU0&index=2

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

@GB

Agree with you this is already a winner!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I just remembered commenting about Jonghyun to get a taN because he can pass for a vampire...

Will try to see this when weekend comes. Thanks for the recap.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't think this is a Spoiler.

On one of the posters, Yeo Jin Goo is shown to be all battered and bandaged; he's been beaten black and blue; and he looks into the camera w those eyes of his that can cry like his world has ended. It already breaks my heart seeing him like that in a still. Now I begin to worry about what awaits him at the end of that rainbow of first love, with a vampire. Goodness!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Such sensual skinship!!
Is it even legal that I find Yeo jin gu extremely sexy, gosh i feel like a predator.
He's rocking it. This role is superb for a first leading man drama
Mari is cute too. She's bland but in a non offensive way. Her lips though can act.
I'm on board this all the way. It's the best out of the those broadcasting now. Second for me is producers for simply being freshly different. But it has yet to find the right groove completely while OM hits it right off the bat by ep2

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@Stardust

LOL! "Her lips though can act." !!! Yup and we have just the right neck to bring on those acting lips! Heheheh!

The way you feel about Producer is the way I feel about Ex-girlfriend Club. After 2 episodes, it still has not hit the mark or made me care, but OM got me interested within the first episode.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'd love to be able to subsist on packets of tomato juice. All the better if it is provided free of charge by the govt (VCS). It saves the hassle of having to make a living, and getting breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Why is this called Orange Marmalade? Given all the tomato juice being consumed, why isn't it called Ketchup or sthg like that?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

"Why is this called Orange Marmalade?"

Coz of the name Baek Ma Ri? That's what's implied by Viki's subs, for this ep. Not sure though as I don't speak the language. :-(

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It's from Jawoorim's song Orange Marmalade.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

All the leads can act + solid story line makes me enjoy watching it so far. This is the first vampire related story that I like.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thumbs up for this show! I had really low expectation because its teenage vampire--like how good could it be? Am glad am wrong! Am very impressed w the storyline, the acting, the tone, the music, everything!
thanks for recapping lollypip!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the recap, LollyPip!

I agree that this ep built on the first one and gave us more background on the characters. I was surprised to learn that Jaemin and Shihoo had met as kids and are even family though their mom and uncle respectively. That will definitely be interesting to see once they find out and I'm curious how their relationship will develop.

I suspected Teacher Han was a vampire since he was talking about vampires having "human rights" for his lesson in ep. 1.

Don't like Ahra, but I suppose she's just doing what any typical jealous girl would do. That grape juice moment by Shihoo was awesome and I love that he let Jaemin take the reins to stand up for Mari. Jonghyun is really nailing his role and I'm impressed. I'm more intrigued by his story than Mari's or Jaemin's at this point. Anyway, I'm sure they will all end up in the band together.

Can't wait for next week! In the meantime, I'm reading more of the webtoon. Keke~

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

So who actually did the dastardly deed (staining Ah Ra's clothes) then? Ah Ra herself? Doesn't make sense for the vampire kids to do it, it'll only call attention to them.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

It might be her. She tends to play off as"goody two shoes" when in reality she's quite bitchy. I hope they try to layer her and add some complexity to her character otherwise she'll end up as another second lead bitchy high school female, and I had my fill of that when watching Hi School Love On.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Given the way her friend was so aggressively and obviously trying to get Ma-ri in trouble, I'm pretty sure it was Ah-ra's plan. Assuming she used some of Ma-ri's fake tomato juice, the irony is that she really does have blood-stained clothes. Serves her right!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ patinalee, @ adal, @ risa

I'm thinking it was Ah Ra herself too... she saw the tomato juice and decided to use it to implicate Ma Ri.

It will be a pity if this story pits Ah Ra as the enemy and nothing else. Even bitches should get a more rounded character LOL! And to do this without giving Ma Ri a nice girl-friend to support her will be sad too.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ everyone ^^

I think it must have been Ahra's plan as well. Her friend was so aggressive at trying to get Mari to open her locker. Seems like they really wanna make her the outcast.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I ship Ma-Ri with Shi-Hoo This is like my 2nd time getting second lead syndrome after Persevere.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

watch all indian dramas
http://dramasbanks.com/

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oooh! This drama is so addicting. I've already rewatched both episodes more than once! It's got all the hallmarks of a great romantic drama - the angst, persecution, the skinship, the bad boy, brooding glances that steal your breath.... need I go on? And more importantly, it all feels very REAL and so natural.

It's so easy to get immersed in the world of Orange Marmalade, so you feel you're not watching the drama, but are participating in it, you feel the emotions of the characters, they pretty much leap up at you, which is so rare in dramaland. I do hope the remaining episodes keep up the momentum of this beautiful drama.

I've watched many dramas this year, I've liked some of them and dropped others. But this drama may end up on my Beloved List (though it's too early to tell) of which there are only two 2015 dramas - Healer and Kill Me Heal Me.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've read through the entire webtoon series and I rather enjoying this adaptation over the webtoon so far. Webtoon SPOILERS ahead.

My issue with the webtoon was there was way too much push-pull between Jae-min and Ma-ri in the beginning, like 40 chapters of "I like you...wait no stay away from me I'm a monster...wait come back...!"

Also Shi-hoo was introduced at the last minute! He actually doesn't appear in the webtoon until very late in the game when the main couple get together have already established their feelings. He also has almost hyper-aggressive, borderline-abusive personality as well. His relationship with Ma-ri is definitely not as adorable. He personality clashes with Ma-ris a lot in the webtoon and he enjoys drinking human blood...I'm not sure if they'll introduce in the drama but we'll have to see!

There is no VCS in the webtoon and I definitely enjoy that shake up. They're "controlled" by a system in the drama but in the webtoon, they all lead separate immediately family lives.

There's much more depth and conflict in the drama version so it's really refreshing to see all the issues from the webtoon addressed. I do miss Ma-ri's band friends though. She actually had really good friends in the beginning of the webtoon and I hope dramaland gets to that soon!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

As I was watching this, I was trying to figure out where I'd seen Jingoo before - recognized the voice. Realized I'd watched a Happy Together with Jackson from Got7 that he was also in - what a charmer! Then it was down the rabbit hole of youtube - there's one called Stars that will shine in 2015 that has a cute Jingoo interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myULwJqPXC0 Nice to see clips of him as a child actor.

Jonghyun has been fun to watch in his We Got Married segment as well. He's with the older sister from Heard It Through the Grapevine.

I've watched the first 2 episodes now of Producers, Warm and Cozy and this one, and so far I like this the best of the 3.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm going to pat myself for guessing that teacher Han is a vampire. Hehehe. And Shi-hoo is damn cool. Heck, right now he's way more interesting than Jae-min because he seems to be thinking instead of reacting (okay, in school at least). I do really wonder why Jae-min was even told the truth about Han though...

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

@osmanthus tea

Taking it from a trusting parent-child relationship,... I'd say that JM's mum decided not to hide the truth from him and trusted that he would either be mature enough to or would grow to accept that she married a vampire. There is no way to convince a child that a decision is right... time only will tell that the step dad is good or not.

So often we see drama elders taking the easy road of not telling the young ones some basic truths that they really should know (sometimes with the misguided view of protecting them). It will always come back to bite them (the elders) and rightly!!

In effect although JM is rebellious now, it is the wiser and more correct decision to have told him from the beginning, rather than to hide a very basic truth about who a step dad is which amounts to lying. Then it will be harder for JM to accept anything from mum as true, if she lied about something so basic.

I actually like this in this show and also admire both the parents for being honest with a child with the full knowledge that he would probably keep protesting and be rebellious. It's not even easy to bring up children who are not rebellious... but to have an angry child on hand for 10+ years and to be consistently fair to him and not resentful of his 'bad behavior' is no mean feat!!! :)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

True! I'm also quite amazed that Mom and Han trusted him enough to keep this dangerous secret. I'm really hoping he'll come round (not necessary about the step dad, but in his attitude towards vampires) sooner than later.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've got my second lead syndrome (again and never healed), I love Lee Jonghyun since 2009 when CNBlue debut, and I love him more at Gentlemen's Dignity. Now he nailed it!! Such a smooth acting. He's the real talented artist, musics and actings. You did a good job Jong Hyun-a....
Thanks for wonderful recaps Lollypip

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Intriguing! And damn it I already have second lead syndrome :'D Love Shi-hoo, he makes my legs into goo

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm confused about the airing schedule - there were 2 episodes aired last Friday and wikipedia is showing that there will be 2 episodes aired each Friday for the next 5 weeks, but the beans schedule shows only ep 3 this Friday and the comments are talking about 1 episode a week. Was the first week with back to back episodes an anomaly? Anyone know if this is 2 back to back episodes for the next 5 weeks versus 1 ep/week over the next 10 weeks?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

The bacl-to-back episodes were just for the first week. From now on, Orange Marmalade will be only once a week on Friday.

Life is unfair ?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! :(

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"I know I suddenly can’t remember the last five minutes"

Lol, LollyPip! That scene left me quite in the daze myself. Thank you Lee Jong-hyun for a very pleasant surprise! Really didn´t know you have it in you to make me forget utterly and completely whatever you tried to do in Gentleman´s Dignity! Hurray! What´s with the CNBLUE boys anyway? Jung Yong-hwa managed to pull a 180 on me in Three Musketeers and now Lee Jong-hyun, whom I used to consider a very pretty, but still a wooden stick acting-wise. Whatever it is, keep it going. I luuurve surprises.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

maybe they take an acting class, JYH and LJH really improved in their last drama

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Man, I thought US schools were tough, but I can't say I've ever heard of some poor soul staggering around, obviously sick as a dog, and the enter student body grinning, giggling, and pointing.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It was nice to see, among the locker decorations, that at least one of the students is a Chicago Bulls fan!

"Seething High School" is going to be a new variety show I'm proposing for Korean cable. Each week will feature contests and situations based on high school life as seen on TV and movies. Celebrity guests will include actors who've played bullies and victims on various shows. Standard characters will include "Quiet Hunk," Evil Beeyotch," "Fat Pervert", "Big and Stupid", "Quiet Sufferer", "Small and Rebellious,' "Morbid and Suicidal", "Evil Parents", "Smart and Easy," "The Sneer," "Hidden Talent", and all their attendant flunkies.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love the fact that the vampires stand for the underprivileged in society. Simply because of their race, ethnicity, origin, gender, age, handicap, socioeconomic background etc., they are defined as the other and despised and discriminated. But deep down, they are just people with the same rights to peacefully co-exist and to be treated with equality and dignity. This show is very thought provoking.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ PPasun
+10 True!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I hope they will really get together in a band. With Shi hoo also. Vampires, highschool, and music? Great combo, if I may say.
Does YJG sing? With that deep speaking voice...

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

+100 for that band and getting together - definitely must have Shi Hoo and Ma Ri singing together. I was checking out you tube and although YJG does not sing usually, he can. :)

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

It seems like they will all be in a band together, unless that little scene at the end of the episode isn't real. I see all 3 of them on guitars with the two leads on vocals.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks Brian! I hope so. :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It's all coming back to me now!!!
I can't really wait for another one.
Though there are changes still it I'm okay with it.

I really love how Jae-min did the exact same thing Ma-ri did on the train only his was, how shall I say it? Sexy? and has feelings (aside from blood lust) and makes me tickled pink all over.

I'm officially waiting for the third episode. So far so good for the first two episodes.

Thank you!

^_^

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i like it but we get it: you have to drink blood bc you're vampires. i wish the exposition could be spread out a little more.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

One other point: there would less quibbling about Seolhyun's acting if the script gave her dialogue to speak. In a lot of scenes everyone around her is talking, chattering, and moving their faces. She stands as an inanimate object because the director is having her sit and stare silently off into the middle distance.

From the other side, Mirae would be a lot less conspicuous as an alien being in many scenes if you she would just SPEAK like humans speak. You know, in words, phrases, and sentences. Even little things like "Sorry," "Excuse me" 'I did nothing", and "Stop that" would be helpful to her attempts to pass for human.

Or maybe they won't suspect her of vampirism, they'll just think she's brain damaged or manic-depressive.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Seolhyun looks so young and innocent here. It's quite the change. I'm so used to seeing her in the context of AOA performances to which the word "innocent" is not even remotely applicable... Miniskirt anyone?.... Oh my god.... Like sex on a stick...

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Someone should do a clinic on all the 20-ish overheated girl group idols who keep trying out--and winning-roles as high school girls. Trying to re-claim the middle-class youth they sacrificed to get to the top?

As for the producers who keep casting them . . . too much anime in their youth?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I seriously can't wait for episode 3! Why is it airing only once a week?! Anyway, didn't expect this to go well but I agree that episode 2 is better than the first and I just hope the coming eps won't disappoint. I'm loving the characters and the actors who play them as well as the world they are all in. Really different to know that there are these sun protection injections and how Ma-ri's daily dose of blood is diguised in a tomato juice pack omg
Definitely looking forward to this!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The first 2 episodes are great and I can't wait for more!

I've never read the webtoon before (or is it manga) so in a way it's good that I have nothing to compare this with. But so far, I really like the 3 lead characters.
Jong-hyun surprised me this time, he definitely improves in the acting department ;)

Is it just me or Ma-ri's mum and Jae-min's mum look quite alike from far?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

OMG me too! They both look young and pretty with oval faces...

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

wow this drama is nice... this is how a real vampire drama should be....
shi hoo is doing a great job...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

When is the next episode

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ jaessi
Dramawiki says it airs on Fridays. There are only 12 episodes. Wikipedia gives dates which seem to show that there are 2 episodes each Friday!!! I can't seem to access KBS World to check the schedule this time, so I am confused about whether it is 1 episode once a week, or 2 episodes on Fridays, or ???? :(

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hey. KBS world are gonna air one episode every Saturday night from 30 may (23:40 Korean time). According to their schedule.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I feel bad for Shi-hoo but I like that he is not in Mari's way maybe because he doesn't want her in any mess he's gonna start.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Whoa, what an opening week. Vampires aren't really my thing but I like how they're portrayed realistically here.

The mood is just perfect and the soundtrack is gorgeous.

All three main characters surprisingly grew on me even with just 2 episodes. Can't wait for more!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The webtoon was great! Really great, I tell you!

Some things on the drama but not on the webtoon: the vampire controlling governing body was not really mentioned, which is why I'm interested in VCS here. And yes, Mari is a deadpan character at first, but you'll love her character development later. If they go by the webtoon's pace.

Anyways, I really love this show and it's much better than any KDrama I've watched in this season.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Episode 2 got me thirsty. I need mooooore mooooore Orange Marmalade in my life hahaha I'm in love with that brat Han Sihoo. Is he supposed to be that handsome and charming and all? In the webtoon, he is kinda jerky but here he's like Prince Charming and I love that. I'm so rooting for him. For once, just for once, make the second lead get the girl. Though I think Sihoo will become jerkier as the episodes pass by. The Jonghyun acting surprise killed me. I was really really worried. All those negative comments he received upon casting him motivated him to do better and work harder for his drama. His acting is so convincing. I think he deserves a round of applauds.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *