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Oh My Venus: Episode 8

If the previous episode focused on the cute flirting, this one is all about the sizzling chemistry, and how to go about starting a new relationship. Luckily, in spite of all the personal conflict occurring in the background, our leads are starting off with a solid foundation and a habit of actually talking things out, which will serve them well as they navigate new emotional waters.

EPISODE 8 RECAP

Getting in his car in the morning, Young-ho wilts when his garage door opens to reveal Manager Min with several minions waiting for him. He wants to drive himself to his meeting, but Min insists on driving for him. On the way, Min explains that they’ve hired this legal team just as a precaution in case word gets out about Young-ho’s taking over the company.

Young-ho is more interested in reading and re-reading Joo-eun’s text from the night before, thanking him for everything he’s done for her. So cute. He texts her that he’ll be late today, but that he wants to talk to her about something. She doesn’t see that text, as it comes in right as she’s entering the meeting room.

Both Young-ho and Joo-eun are shocked and surprised to find themselves at the same meeting, and Joo-eun has to leave to collect herself. She realizes that Young-ho’s seemingly-throwaway comments about being rich aren’t just jokes. He stops her before she can get on the elevator, and apologizes for surprising her like this.

After gasping for breath and brushing Young-ho’s worried hand away, Joo-eun voices her real concern, “You really were someone beyond the limits of my own world.” Soo-jin follows them to eavesdrop but Manager Min, bless him, draws her away before she hears anything.

Young-ho pulls Joo-eun into the elevator, calling Min to ask for ten minutes. Joo-eun is upset, and says that he lied, then he tricked her, and now he’s betrayed her. Did he think his being the director of Gahong would also intimidate her? Young-ho apologies for lying, and says that he was planning on telling her the truth about himself.

But he points out that he never asked her to marry him or gave her a ring, so why is she acting like this, ready to run away at the first sign of trouble? He wants to just keep on as they were, whether dieting or dating, “…because I’ve finally gotten a taste of the sweetness that life has to offer.” Okay, he’s good.

But Joo-eun says that withholding information is the same as lying, when the other person feels deceived. And she doesn’t date liars. And like he said, they never made any promises, so she’s just overreacting. With that, she heads back to the meeting.

Joo-eun spends the whole meeting ducking her head away from Young-ho’s laser-sharp stare, while he barely pays attention to the legal talk. Joo-eun tries to excuse herself from lunch, but Soo-jin tells her to tell the client herself, since they seem close. Young-ho wants to talk some more, but Joo-eun leaves instead. It’s only after she gets in her car that she sees Young-ho’s text that he’d wanted to talk about something with her.

After wrapping things up, Young-ho leaves alone, asking Manager Min not to follow him this time. Joo-eun’s not at his place, so he calls her but she doesn’t answer. He calls Ji-woong, and luckily Joon-sung knows that Joo-eun was planning to go home to Daegu today. Young-ho sits silently for a while, remembering the times that Joo-eun mentioned how she hates being deceived. His knee pains him, and he says sadly that he’s being punished.

Joon-sung does the photo shoot with Yi-jin, who uses the opportunity to get as close to him as she can. Ha, even her manager looks embarrassed. She bribes Ji-woong into leaving her alone with Joon-sung (seriously, if I were him I’d be furious by now… he’s got the patience of a saint) and then recites So Ji-sub’s famous dialogue from I’m Sorry, I Love You that’s basically a roundabout way of asking him out.

The poor girl looks about to explode with nerves, but her manager retrieves her before she gets an answer on any of those things. Not that Joon-sung has any idea what just happened. But he does laugh at her antics, which is something.

Joo-eun arrives at her brother’s new chicken place, which looks really nice and is bustling with customers. But her mother’s friends ask when she’s getting married, and Mom acts like Joo-eun and Woo-shik are still dating. She kindly lets Mom save face with her friends, and her brother’s fiancee, Eun-bi, gives her a little gift. Aww, she’s sweet.

Joo-eun arrives at her family home to find a meal set out, under a little umbrella. It’s her deceased father’s birthday, and she apologizes to his photo for forgetting. Mom texts her telling her to eat the food — diet or not, when you’re at home you have to eat “real” food.

There’s also a serious of nervous-chihuahua texts from Ji-woong asking if she’s coming home soon, and Joo-eun re-reads Young-ho’s text asking her to talk today. She sees that he called, and is actually a bit miffed that he only tried to call once. Cute. She jumps when she gets another text, but it’s only Hyun-woo.

Joo-eun can’t sleep, and wails to herself that she’s letting this get to her like she’s a teenager. She even cries a little, but a text from Young-ho, figuring she must be in Daegu, perks her right up. OMG he actually came all the way to Daegu, and he calls her out to talk.

Joo-eun prances around her room in confusion and excitement, and ends up running outside in her pajamas and catching a cab. She finds Young-ho on a bridge and awww, the way his face changes when he sees her. He says that she could come a little closer, since he came all the way from Seoul to see her (it’s about a three-hour drive).

And then he opens his arms wide, an obvious invitation. Joo-eun runs into them, and Young-ho wraps his coat around them both. They stay that way for a long time, then Joo-eun backs up and Young-ho hands over his scarf… aww, he’s got two, and they match. Couple scarves! Neither of them speaks, needing no words — their feelings are clear.

As they walk together later, Young-ho notices that Joo-eun is wearing makeup and not her glasses. Was she expecting something (like another kiss)? Joo-eun explains that her eyes aren’t that bad, but she wears them to look wise, and it’s now a habit. She says she’s not a loose woman, and Young-ho just takes her hand and puts it in his pocket, saying that she seems loose enough to him. How can he say stuff like that and it just sounds cute?

He gets to the reason he came, saying straight-out that he was very sick when he was young, and then his mother passed away. He was scared of his father and pitied his grandmother, and hid from the world. He doesn’t come from a happy family, and avoided them for years, but he ended up coming back to them anyway. Suddenly his earlier statement that he has a soft spot for weak and endangered people makes a lot of sense to Joo-eun.

He says that he didn’t keep this a secret because he didn’t want to tell her, but because it was hard to say. So can’t she let him off the hook this once? Joo-eun only asks if he’s okay now, and no longer in pain, and he actually lets her feel his abs to prove how healthy he is now. Hee, he earned that punch to the gut.

Young-ho drives Joo-eun to her mother’s home and there’s a moment of awkward silence, then they both agree that it would be strange to go backwards at this point. Joo-eun starts to go inside, but stops and turns back. She tells Young-ho not to take what she’s about to say the wrong way — she’s just worried about him. Does he want to sleep here, just holding hands?

The answer must be a resounding Yes, because Ji-woong reports to Joon-sung that Young-ho isn’t coming home tonight. Ji-woong takes this as their big chance to eat whatever they want, dragging Joon-sung into his plans.

And sure enough, Joo-eun and Young-ho spend the night together, holding hands and with their eyes wide open. Ha, with their chemistry, of course they can’t sleep. Joo-eun comments that driving sleepy would be dangerous, and Young-ho retorts that what they’re doing is way more dangerous. I’ll say, especially since Mom isn’t here tonight and they have the house to themselves.

Joo-eun asks why he’s not making her exercise today, and Young-ho admits that that’s why he had her walk to him. She scoffs, but he reminds her that her body is his, as he sweetly holds her hand. She asks if he really has to take over the family business, and he asks if she’s worried since she’s met a real prince.

She says she can tell he doesn’t really want to do it, and he admits that he’s more confident with his body than his brains. And then he slides right over to her side of the bed, pressing that confident body right up against her and offering to show her. RAWR. But we’ve previously estabished that Joo-eun is insane, and she turns her back on him primly. Which he takes as an opening to spoon. Good man.

Relaxing, Young-ho whispers in Joo-eun’s ear not to get sick — to him, being healthy is the prettiest and sexiest thing a woman can be. He snuggles right up on her and tells her not to turn off the light or things could get erotic — um, that’s your signal to turn off the light, Joo-eun. She doesn’t, of course.

HA, Joo-eun snores, and Young-ho sits up to wonder how she can fall asleep at a time like this. He turns her head to stop her snoring, and sweetly smooths her hair while she sleeps.

Soo-jin thinks about how Young-ho and Joo-eun reacted to each other, realizing that there must be something between them. She tries to call Woo-shik with no luck, so she leaves a confused How can you treat me like this? message before hanging up. She says to herself that she looks so different now, so how can he do this to her? She cries that she looks good now — she should have everything. So why has nothing changed?

Woo-shik is still trying to dig up dirt on Young-ho, and he finds out from Hyun-woo’s ex-husband that the house “John Kim” lived in is owned by Gahong Group. Also, even though he’s moved out, the home is still owned by Gahong. So wouldn’t that mean that John Kim is a family member? Woo-shik asks Producer Go not to release this information yet, at least not until he can verify the facts.

Young-ho decides to head home early the next morning, tucking in the still-sleeping Joo-eun. He looks around and notices the shabbiness of her family home, and leaves her medicine on her pillow. Manager Min drives him home, declining to comment, though he betrays a tiny smile.

At the driving range again, Woo-shik is informed by Uncle that their ace in the hole, CEO Choi, resigned when his slush fund was discovered. Uncle rants that Young-ho will become the new director, and he and Young-joon will be pushed out. Woo-shik tells Uncle of his suspicions that Young-ho is actually the famous trainer John Kim, and Uncle nearly cries with happiness. The shareholders certainly wouldn’t like it.

The boys have another “Kang Joo-eun Day,” laying around like slugs, and all three bounce upright adorably when Joo-eun finally arrives home. OMG they’re like three perky puppies, I can’t even. Young-ho holds back but opens his arms for his hug once they’re alone, but Joo-eun whispers that she’s too embarrassed in front of the guys. Young-ho tries to tease her into telling the guys about their new relationship, but Joo-eun manages to talk her way out of it for now. (Ji-woong takes the chance to tease Joon-sung about being asked out by Yi-jin, which ends up sounding a lot more like him mocking So Ji-sub using So Ji-sub’s dialogue. Young-ho even muses, “I’ve heard that before somewhere…”)

She goes to her room and hugs You Bastard, remembering how Young-ho looked the night before, inviting her to hug him. She falls asleep snuggling her sloth, napping until Young-ho comes to wake her to exercise.

I love that Joo-eun tries to flirt her way out of exercising, but it doesn’t work, as Young-ho declares their dating to be an entirely separate thing from her weight-loss regimen. Besides, he wants her to get healthy so he can enjoy “the sweetness life has to offer” for as long as possible. Why does that sound sexier every time he says it?

Now that Joo-eun has lost a lot of weight, they’re going to focus on muscle-building. Young-ho doesn’t cut her any slack, and it’s hilarious how their exercises are starting to look and sound more like… something else, lately.

At work, Soo-jin digs for details on Joo-eun’s relationship with Young-ho, mentioning their first meeting at the hotel a long time ago. I love that Joo-eun is all, You mean that time you and my ex were caught at a hotel together?, not letting Soo-jin get away with making her feel guilty. Soo-jin says that having a personal relationship with a client is inappropriate, but Joo-eun just says that her private matters are private.

Young-ho suits up, and enters the Gahong building with a full entourage. He’s introduced as the new director, but his expression definitely betrays that this is the last thing he wants. Uncle shrewdly clocks everyone’s reactions to the news.

Joon-sung calls Joo-eun at work to ask if she has time to talk, but of course he clams up when it’s time to use, you know, words. Joo-eun knows this is about his mother, and he says that he found her, but she doesn’t want to see him. But he’s worried that something seems to be wrong, and he wants to help her somehow. Joo-eun says that she’ll find out what she can.

The guys drive Joo-eun home, but they look unhappy when she says she’s found a new place to live and will be moving out in a week. It starts to snow — the first snow of the year, and Ji-woong is anxious to see if she lost five kilos so they can go camping. Joo-eun is sad, because she’s sure she hasn’t lost that much. So they decide that Young-ho probably hasn’t seen the snow, and they’ll pretend it’s not happening, to buy more time.

But when Joo-eun goes home, the snow is so magical that she decides it’s worth giving up camping to share the first snow with Young-ho. She sneaks into his room but he’s not there, so she calls him. His phone rings from inside his secret treatment room, and Joo-eun follows the sound.

She’s shocked to see the state-of-the-art equipment in the room, but even more shocked when she realizes that Young-ho is sitting on the floor, shaking and barely conscious. He gasps for her not to come any closer, but she steps into the room anyway. “DON’T COME CLOSER!” he roars, and Joo-eun stops still.

COMMENTS

Well, damn, that’s one hell of a cliffhanger. What’s wrong with Young-ho?? It looks as though he was trying to cut off his pants leg, so is he having some sort of relapse? Obviously he’s in a lot of pain, but I’m dying to know what’s happening and why he would scream at Joo-eun not to come any closer. And poor Joo-eun — what a frightening thing to see. I don’t know how I’m going to make it to next week.

It’s so sweet to watch Joo-eun and Young-ho’s relationship unfold so organically, just feeling like small, natural movements towards each other rather than some huge event declaring them Now A Couple. I love how they grow closer and closer as time goes by, becoming more comfortable with each other every day, and never denying their feelings. By the time Young-ho went to Daegu and opened his arms for a hug, it just felt like the most natural thing in the world for Joo-eun to go to him that way. No immature shying away, no fake-demure eyelash batting, just two adults who like each other and want to be together. They don’t even dance around the subject of sex — Young-ho has made his interest quite clear, and while Joo-eun obviously isn’t ready (I’m sure she and Woo-shik must have been physical in their fifteen years, but she’s only got experience with one man, so being with a different man would naturally make her nervous), they also know it’s something they’re moving towards. I love that their relationship feels adult, and that they don’t pretend the physcial chemistry between them doesn’t exist.

Just when I start to think that Woo-shik isn’t a bad guy, now he’s being all sneaky about trying to discredit Young-ho. What I don’t follow is how Young-ho taking over the company would effect Woo-shik in any way at all — he doesn’t seem in a position to benefit or lose from a change in directors. I can only guess that he’s been promised something by Uncle, though it would sure help the audience understand why Woo-shik cares so much (or at all) if we knew what the stakes were for him. I mean, we can make educated guesses, but some clear answers would be nice.

It’s really my only complaint about Oh My Venus, that while the romance is solid and interesting, I just don’t care about the family/company sideline. I get why Young-ho is opposed to being appointed Director — he doesn’t have the experience, training, or confidence that he can do the job — but all the machinations that other people are going through to make sure it happens or doesn’t happen just don’t make much sense. I don’t understand why Uncle is more threatened by Young-ho taking over than he was by Director Choi, because he also doesn’t seem to stand to benefit or not either way. Why does Uncle care so much who runs the company? If he had a job before, he’ll still have a job now. Ha, that’s a lot of commentary on something I said I didn’t care about. I guess what I mean is, I might care if I knew what the heck was happening.

But the highlight of this episode was Young-ho and Joo-eun acknowledging their interest and agreeing to date, and I love how real their relationship is. Even when they were fighting at the beginning, it was so cute how Joo-eun knew that she’d be hearing from Young-ho, and even grouched that he only tried to reach her once. It’s awesome that they know each other so well, and feel so comfortable even when fighting. I hope that whatever is going on with Young-ho (please drama gods, no relapse of his cancer, come on) doesn’t prove too much of an obstacle. The best part of this show is Young-ho and Joo-eun together, so I forbid the show to separate them!

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Thank you so much for the recap : D

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such a fun ride.
heres a vid for cheering: https://youtu.be/DOEs3Xud6x4

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Sorry to highjack your post, but here is the preview for ep 9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXmL6Sz86tY

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OMGGGGG. thanks for making my day!!! :)

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I'm in the minority, but I am actually quite interested in what is going on with Young-Ho and his father. I believe in a prior episode Young-Ho went to the bridge after meeting with his father. Again after seeing his father this episode, he has a psycho-somatic response. It's almost as if there are elements of ptsd or some other psychological trauma. What I find odd/curious is why his father would have such contempt for him. I am wondering if he is in fact a step-father, not biological. Just as Lollypip is confused about the uncle's stake in the company, I am confused about the father. I would think regardless if he's not the Director or blood related to Grandma, he would continue to maintain a relatively high position and his future financial security is not jeopardized.

This has been a banner year for discovering kdrama actors for me. First the Healer kid, then Lee Sang Yoon (Twenty Again) and now So Ji Sub.

This is my first So Ji Sub drama, is his show Ghost/Phantom worth checking out? I saw the favorable responses to Master's Sun but I could do without the ghostly characters :)

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Oooh. Master Sun is good. It kinda flagged almost at the end but it's still worth the watch :). As for the ghostly characters, they weren't scary really. And trust me. I am the one person who is terrified of anything horror.

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Definitely check out Ghost! There's no real romance involved, if that's your thing though. It's a great story though. Also, the ghost characters is Master's Sun may be a little off putting, but the romance is great!

I agree with you that Young-ho seems to have some trauma regarding his father. I think that his reaction to seeing Joo-eun while he is in that state is because he is ashamed/afraid because of it. I really hope that this time she comes to his rescue, so to speak.

As for what is going on with the company, I think that uncle hates dad for the way that he treats his wife and youngest son, and by extension he hate Young-ho. Though truthfully, he treats the younger son marginally better. I think uncle is trying to eventually take over the company in order to have his nephew eventually run it.

As for Woo-Shik, I think he has decided that uncle is the right line to get into. Although his initial motivation for doing so is not clear. Now, though, I think he has animosity toward Young-Ho because of Joo-Eun.

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I am surprise you find similarity with SJS character in Ghost and Master Sun as I find these two characters totally different. I would probably say Cha Seung Won's character in the Greastest Love is very similar to SJS's character in Master's Sun.

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I wasn't saying there is any similarity, just that I enjoyed both. :)

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My apology for taking it said differently. My bad! :)

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Any thoughts on why the "scandal" with Anna Sue is such a big deal? That part of the story is falling flat and forced for me.

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My guess is that Anna Sue made some advances to Young-ho and was turned down. In a fit of revenge, she manufactured the "scandal". Young-ho, being a gentleman, did nothing to tarnish her and tried to deal with it quietly. This would follow along with the drama's theme of beauty being what is on the inside, not the outside.

My guess is that when uncle and Woo-shik try to use the scandal, it will end up backfiring in the faces. Young-ho will probably end up looking like a hero, after an appropriate amount of drama.

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Yea I thought the whole Anna Sue situation was a bit out of place as well. The only reason I can think of is that it was probably used to bring Young Ho to Korea (to avoid the paps).

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I take it as they just needed a reason why Young Ho being John Kim would be so detrimental to the company and decided to mix him up in a scandal. In the world of the show, I think they say she is into drugs and has a scandalous reputation and he seems pretty well-respected, so I'm pretending it's as though Lindsay Lohan and Chan Yeol started dating after Chan Yeol got America-famous by working with Kelly Clarkson or something haha. I don't know, but I can understand why it would be considered a big deal for a while in the US and why it would be a really big deal in Korea if I imagine it that way.

Also, sometimes you just have to suspend your disbelief a little a lot for these things.

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Its because scandals in Korea are a much bigger deal than they would be in America, it affects the image of the company especially since it sounds like the shareholders in Gahong are very traditional and strict + Anna Sue has a Lindsay Lohan reputation so being with her + her bad rep will give him a bad rep too and the shareholders wouldn't like that (from what I understand from K-Dramas, see Protect the Boss, and K-Entertainment scandals)

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Makes a little more sense when you write Anna Sue has a bad reputation. I didn't pay attention to that in the earlier episodes. While that plotline remains forced to me, even with a suspension of disbelief, I appreciate the clarification.

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I get the feeling that Anna Sue is a Anna Nicole Smith type character. That's who she reminded me of in the photos they showed of her and the whole scandal thing.

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I didn't know about Ghost until now, but I will definitely check it out. :D

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Ghost is amazing... a must watch

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Ghost is a really over the top cop-murder mystery show. I mean, it's REALLY makjang but I enjoyed it. I marathoned the whole thing while laid up recovering from surgery.

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Phantom/Ghost is a must see. Every scene is nerve-wracking, you can't afford to skip. Just be warned that there is no lovelines between male and female leads though.

Thought So Ji Sub is a great actor. I am watching Road No. 1. I didn't find the first 4 episodes interesting. The emphasis on the love story was so intensed and didn't work for me. But it did pick up after 5th episodes. I am now half way through and it's getting better. Hopefully it's going to be consistently good to the end.

I still don't have the energy nor the interest to watch 'I am sorry I love You' and 'Something happened in Bali'. I am not sure if I want to spend time for this kind of melodramas.

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No lovelines is fine as long as the story and acting are strong. I really enjoyed Liar Game and that was devoid of romance. Sounds like Ghost is worth a try!

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please watch i'm sorry i love you... you will love sjs to pieces, you will cry bucks but honestly it's one of my top 3 dramas... and the best from sjs

i thinlk i watched all his availables dramas and movies and even if some are not that good, he's always amazing and lovable in them all

that said you can avoid bali, it was a good drama but i hated ha ji won and jo in sing ever since... it was´t sane

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I'm sorry I love you was uploaded onto KBS WORLD TV's youtube channel just the other day.

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"please watch i’m sorry i love you… you will love sjs to pieces, you will cry bucks", my top drama of all times and yes, de best from SJS.

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Ghost is amazinggg!! unless you hate dramas with no love lines.
if you like to cry watch I'm Sorry I Love You and So Ji Sub is dressed like a cool gangster in that drama. This drama is super old but its a classic
Master's Sun is super funny and cute! his character there is super lovable

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Master's Sun is one of my favorite dramas. I am a complete chicken about horror. I NEVER watch it, but this show drew me in completely, and I'm glad it did. The characters were so fantastic, and the complex ideas behind him made me love the Hong Sisters (a love almost ruined by Jeju Island Gatsby). They weave a complete story of each ghost into each episode, starting with scaring, but ending with meaningful and sweet understanding of the people that have passed on. Then, the larger story of the two lovers, coming together in tiny tiny moments - how skinship isn't related to sex, but to power and necessity, how touching is a desperate need for Tae's sanity, but how it makes her powerful and powerless in the same instant. Deep themes, deep love, quirky humor. It is so worth it! And the director tones down some of the ghostly scares by episode 8 or 9, so it becomes more focused on the romance.

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Good description. You described everything that I like about the drama. Although it stalled at the end, it is still one that I plan to watch again just for the feels.

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Always is one of my favorite korean movies it's worth to check it out. I was so surprised, when the main actor turned to be So Ji-sub ( I saw Master's Sun because of Gong Hyo-jin, she is an interesting actress to watch, like Kim Sun-Ah). He's aging well - the acting wise and in his looks like also for our benefit ;-) .

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You should watch 'Glass Slippers' if you have a chance, it's from 2002 but Ji-Sub is absolutely cute in that drama!! There's 40 Episodes, but So Ji Sub's character in that drama makes it worth marathoning it. I think his character from Glass Slippers is one of his best tbh. He's also very energetic and devoted to the girl in that drama.

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The ghosts in Master's Sun are adaroble .... You will love them and chances are you will be rewatching them ?

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@halo120, check out So Ji Sub's movie 'Always' as well if you like So Ji Sub. I became his fan from this movie not from the drama. Loooved Master's Sun... still my favourite... can watch it again and again fast forwarding few scenes :P
Haven't checked out I am sorry I love you and I don't think I will.

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I watched Always :) SJS does the quiet, pained look so well. Thanks for the recommendation.

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The Master's Sun is so good, there's no good enough words to describe it. You HAVE to watch it!

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I'd recommend his movie "Always". To this day one of my fave sort-of-romantic Korean films. Also, apart from all the big dramas he was in, I enjoyed 4 ep drama special "U-Turn" just as much as more recent web drama "One sunny day".

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Yes - Master's Sun is very good! Gong Hyo Jin at her best! It is a little slow in the first couple episodes before the romance really gets started but it is very funny and not stupid - only campy (but in the best way). You will start waving your hand in front of your face before telling people Goh Jo! (get lost!). Also Seo in gook is 2nd lead in it. 'Nuff said.
PS: Totes agree about daddy maybe being the real villain...or at least the real mystery. How did his mom die after all?

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I think his father rejected him because he wasn't "perfect". You know the type: I'm so awesome and perfect that all my offspring must be perfect, too. Also, I have to wonder if he was jealous because the mother spent more time with the son (due to his physical issues) and that took attention away from stern daddy.

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Wondering if the father blames Young-ho for his mother's death. We don't know how she passed and wondering if that will play into the storyline and help explain his complete detachment from his son.

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yes check out the masters sun, all of his dramas are awesome, the only one i have not watched is GHOST

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Did not particularly like the cliffhanger but I love that this couple actually talk to each other so I hope that this doesnt stop now - no misunderstandings, ya hear me show! Also, no relapse of cancer, please!!!!!!! There is a reason I did not watch the early melodramas.

I am loving the boys' relationship with joo eun and how she is getting them to just have fun..or in this case do nothing lol Their kang joo eun days look a lot like what i do every day heh

Thanks for the recap!

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At first I was worried about his knee really being messed up, but watching the earlier episode where he gets it checked out, they really underline the psychological trauma/psychosomatic pain aspect of whatever has led him to get it checked out, so I'm betting a panic attack/PTSD kind of thing. Which is a bad/scary enough scenario, but better than cancer or some awful injury thing.

Can't wait 'till next week... I'm so nervous!

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Yes, I wonder if that is the case, too. I love this drama, and it constantly surprises me by not taking the expected route - and this cliffhanger really rocked my views of the show! I mean, I was fully expecting a cute romance about weight loss and a chaebol family that didn't want a "nobody" as a wife for Young-Ho or in-laws that want to keep Young-Ho from running the company. I get that. I wasn't excited, but I was prepared for that.

Now, however, I feel that the writer is a bit a genius (hope I am correct about this). The last two minutes of this show turned it from the expected, to a completely different show for me. I now think that we've been set up for Mr. Nice Chaebol with Some Secrets, but a swoony swoony guy, and we love that EJ is falling for him without being influenced by his family money. And that set up, the perfect guy for the amazing incredible who-cares-if-she-isn't-the-perfect weight girl, is all leading up to...the he's got major mental issues that need healing setup!

Wow! I really wasn't expecting the nice guy with the tramatic childhood and some imaginary pain to actually hurt himself BECAUSE of the imaginary pain. If this show doesn't go for the cancer trope, or the chaebol take-down trope, then it is possibly headed for the "my perfect guy is truly deeply flawed, and it will take a lot of love to heal him" trope (which is not common)? I didn't realize that this might be the set up, but I love it! Now that I look back, I can see why Young-Ho is set up to be so nice, so sexy, so swoony. Who could resist him? But when the real problems make his imagined pain into a full on mental issue - wow! The problems that loving that guy will cause. Angst and swoons and worry. This. Show. Is. So. Fun!

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I'm so crossing my fingers for this to happen. Pay lip service to the chaebol heir storyline and make it about them as a couple healing each other. Oh, getting shivers.

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I recall one of the descriptions of the show before it started talking about "healing each other". Here is from the wikipedia entry, I think this is the description I'd read.

Kim Young-ho is a personal trainer to Hollywood stars. Despite his family's wealth, Young-ho suffered a devastating injury in his childhood. But he believes any problem can be overcome by patience and determination.

"Kang Joo-eun was once an ulzzang in her teens, semi-famous for her pretty face and enviable figure. Now a 33-year-old lawyer, she has gained a lot of weight since. After getting dumped by her boyfriend and being told by her doctor that she has health issues, Joo-eun hires Young-ho to challenge her to diet and lose weight.

As they work on her physical transformation, they heal each other's emotional wounds and fall in love."

So I'd guess that plot wise this will cause some problems for them but ultimately bring them closer together and balance out what has been an unequal relationship.

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Love that show, thanks for the recap Lollypip ☺. Is there a reason why dramabeans doesn't post the ratings anymore? I'm just curious about how my favorite show is doing.

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I love how Young-ho is very different with any other kdrama character in the past. He is very caring and kind and the same time hot and flirty.

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Exactly my thought. Wish there's like button.

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+1

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thanks for the recap!. I loved this episode. I'm really hoping that he doesn't get sick again

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@halo120, I HATE horror and avoid all movies and shows about horror, and the first episode of Master's Sun scared me and a couple others were a little creepy, but the story and the coupling in MS is worth the few chills.

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:) Someone else wrote that while the ghosts are creepy not too terribly frightening. It sounded like a good drama and I may watch it, just fast forward the ghost scenes.

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I have a theory that Young Ho is healed but he suffers from phantom pains every time he feels rejected or lacking.We have had three instances of his pain so far, each of them came after a perceived rejection (First meet with his father, when JE walked out on him and finally when he wanted his father to reach to his presence as new director and his father was cold).

The cure is him having confidence that he is worthy of love and not lacking. JE with her confidence and attitude is probably the only person who can get him there.

As far as Uncle goes, I assume he thought that YH would never return or be able to take over due to his health. The Grand Ma would pass the company to his nephew and since he would be mentoring him, he would end up having it all. Grand Ma's stubbornness, YH's return and his lack of heath issues has made that impossible now. I am assuming Woo Shik was planning to rise along with his mentor and that is not going to happen with YH taking over. WS's jealousy with the relationship between JE and YH is an another factor why he is plotting YH's downfall.

The only part I don't get is why everyone believes that YH's secret identity as John Kim will create a problem with his taking over the family business more so since Gahong is a medical company. The fact that he was so sick in his childhood and he managed to beat his sickness and become world famous trainer is an incredible PR opportunity for the company.

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I think it is the scandal with Ann Sue that will cause problems with the board. But if I'm not mistaken thats what the meeting with Joo-Eun and her law office was about. To take steps to make that issue void or at least make them not able to use it against him since a lot of companies have morality clauses. But I could be wrong!

Oh and also I love how everyone at the office is making Young-Ho into some kind of enemy and villain when they know nothing about him and how he is obviously doesn't care about the office politics.

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Same here. Not really feeling the issue. As you pointed out, rising from childhood cancer patient to trainer to the stars could be really good PR. And the so-called scandal with Anna Sue...they kissed, they may have gone out, but he's a grown man and she's a Hollywood star, why would anyone clutch their pearls over it when it is obviously over and he is back in Korea?

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I don't understand this "scandal" either. He isn't married and don't dramaland chaebols have their 'fun' before assuming company responsibilites?

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Don't forget that the doctor when he gave him his clean bill of health - told him at that time it was in his mind and he needed to get treatment! His childhood, cold father, mother's death, and his own painful surgeries all add up to his head/heart issues

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From watching other dramas with public/private corporations it seems shareholder confidence and support is still required to vote a chairperson in despite the amount of personal shares they may own. Being in questionably health or involved with scandalous movie stars is enough to shake confidence.

Like a previous commentator, I do wonder at the depths of coldness Young Ho's father has for him. It can't just be detachment from a fragile child undergoing painful treatment for a life threatening condition. Sometimes a child's memories don't reflect the true picture because adult motivations are hidden from them and they don't understand adult behaviors. Perhaps his father hid his distress and guilt and became the "bad guy" to cope with the necessary treatments. With the mother dead there was no countering tenderness. Young Ho took his father stoicism as disapproval and avoided him.

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I LOVE this show. I like how Coach-nim has seen almost every side of Joo-eun from her best to most embarrassing and vulnerable moments and now Joo-eun is going to see Young-ho at his most vulnerable. And I can't wait to see her accepting each side of him too!!
Not that I'm expecting it to go smoothly because it's obvious he hates showing weakness since he thinks his illness is(and could be right, we don't know much about dad yet) the reason he was treated so cold when he was younger. Which I also agree with LollyPip he is suffering from some psychological thing and dad is at the center. I wonder if we get to see next week what went down between dad and son in the office.
Oh and 3 little puppies waiting for her to get home is the best way to describe that scene!! And though she says she is moving out how can she bare to leave them!?!? I hope with her new found knowledge that even Young-ho has a weak side and needs A LOT of TLC will be enough to keep her there!

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Oh my god!Yes they are absolutely puppies. I was like, this is exactly how my dog reacted upon seeing me home after I left him alone for a day.Lol they are adorable. And how Young ho's eyes light up kyahhhhhh its so cute.

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Did I miss anything between the “You really were someone beyond the limits of my own world.” crisis and ”Why doesn't he call?” / jump into his arms moments?
Maybe I missed something, otherwise the whole thing is not really logical and out of (her) character.

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I think it was more about the lie of omission and being blind sided was what she was most angry about and not him being out of her reach. She was just throwing his words back at him she said that particular line. Plus she saw the text he sent before she even went into the conference room saying he had things to tell her. Plus he did tell her he was rich. She just choose not to believe him. Also her character is quick to anger but also quick to forgive.

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I don't think there was anything to miss. She had an unpleasant surprise sprung on her in the middle of work and had a knee-jerk emotional reaction to it—a totally understandable one, IMO. It might be nice to have a chaebol boyfriend—although based on kdramas it seems to be a pretty mixed bag, but I don't think anyone would enjoy discovering in front of their coworkers that the person they're practically dating is not who they thought. And Joo Eun has been clear that she doesn't like being kept in the dark about things.

But it's also pretty common to rethink an initially negative reaction to having unexpected news sprung on you. Joo Eun really likes Young Ho, she knows he's a kind person, and it's not like he actually lied, even though she clearly felt like he did at first. Like the viewers she can put 2 and 2 together from his text that he was planning to tell her. I can see her getting over the shock pretty quickly given all of that—especially since we've already seen how much they miss each other when they're apart even for a day. I think she was too proud to reach out first after everything she said to Young Ho but was hoping he'd make the first move to patch things up. It's overall in keeping with their interactions—they're refreshingly mature for a kdrama couple and haven't, so far, dragged out any misunderstandings.

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Well, I recall Young-ho telling her from the start that he's John Kim and Joo-eun refusing to believe him and giving him all kinds of arguments of why Henry had to be John Kim. He also told her that he's from a rich family. He has always been straight with her, and part of a relationship is discovering things little by little. It's not like you normally sit down with your new trainer and have him tell you every bit of his life story... Plus, once she did believe the John Kim thing, she already knew that he wasn't some Mr. Nobody.

If he had pretended to be poor or if his family is one that everyone in the country knows (I don't know, like the family of the Korean president), it might be omission by lying.

I can buy her being surprised, but he's not a liar.

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Well she did say a lie of omission is a lie if the other person feels they've been had. Even Young Ho knew his identity might cause trouble for them. He didn't intend for her to find out that way and they both had to work out how to navigate it. I thought the whole elevator scene was so wonderful and so unexpected. This is a rare kdrama where adults talk like adults and have conversations instead of tantrums.

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<Even Young Ho knew his identity might cause trouble for them

She already knew as much. I repeat: He told her his John Kim identity was a secret. He told her he was born into a chaebol family and that his father/grandmother would be upset if they knew certain things about him. She even knew of the Anna Sue scandal. (Plenty of details given they've known each other for a few weeks.) This isn't the sort of lies we had in High Society, where characters pretended to be something other than they were and other characters knew the truth and used it to deceive others while pretending they didn't know anything.

It's great (and indeed a rarity for a kdrama) that she got over her "you lied to me, you tricked me, you betrayed me" that quickly but beyond her being surprised that he showed up at the same meeting as her, IMO she never had anything to be upset about.

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@alua replying here as your last comment won't let me reply. You're right he did tell her the 'truth' but he knew she didn't believe him. Is that on her? Maybe, but I'm not arguing with you on that one. I think the thing that I liked was that her reaction paid service to her feelings which I think we miss when we focus solely on their words and not their words and actions.

I can see what you're saying but I feel like it was completely true to her that she did feel betrayed/lied to, because to me she was decieved. Even though he told her the truth, he had lied to her (about his identity previously) and she clearly told him when he revealed his 'true' identity that she didn't believe him and he let her believe that he was being hyperbolic.

In fact he revealed it in a way that was likely to be misconstrued by her as a lie, and then played on it, the way he likes to play with her. Again his actions and words are often at odds, particularly with her, so I think it's clear that he meant for her to not believe the truth of his identity. He realised he needed to come clean (since he was going to become the Gahong director) but didn't get the chance before the 'lie' (misdirection/ommission) was exposed.

I think that's they got past it quickly, because they responded to the emotion of the situation but then recognised the truth behind their actions.

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<Is that on her?

It's on them both obviously, since YH too had a choice whether to play along or walk out on the crazy woman that tried to assign him an alternative identity. (But I'll say that her insistence that he can't be John Kim, and that Henry must be John Kim was something I found rather incredible/silly – she was being quite stupid for someone supposedly intelligent.)

I'm glad she got past it quickly, she had no case. Where did she think the first class flight, the swanky suite in the swanky hotel and, most of all – since the first two an upper-middle class person could afford on a very, very special occasion once their life – the massive mansion she's been living in with the boys? If she was going to be intimidated and think that he's out of her league, she should have considered that the moment she stepped in that place.

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I mean, the question isn't so much whether he's a liar as why Joo Eun felt the way she did when she found out who he is. I don't see a discrepancy between initially feeling duped and then rethinking things after the surprise has died down. And it's not like Joo Eun's reaction was a total surprise to Young Ho, either—he was clearly upset she found out the way she did, too.

There's a big difference between someone being a big shot trainer and someone being the heir to a conglomerate. Joo Eun doesn't have just his wealth and status to come to terms with, but his family as well. At least in kdrama-land, chaebol families are pretty nasty pieces of work.

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Totally agree with everything you've said.

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Yeah I'm having trouble buying it too -I loved episode 7 but every scene here seems to have all the right things except for depth of feeling and is lacking a connection with the drama. I really didn't care how it turned out because the conflict seemed contrived and the actors like they were just delivering their lines...didn't find it cute or funny...chemistry can only get you so far and I think it ran out for me in this episode.

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Yes, she changes her emotions really fast. :)

I thought she was a bit more emotional than I would expect after being surprised by him and later too happy to run to him just because he followed her.

The writing is very weird sometimes in this show. I think if they were not charismatic actors it would be a show nobody would even talk about here.

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I'm beginning to get the feeling that if it wasn't those two actors playing the main characters I would not be watching this drama at all

I do not care about any of the side characters, nor the chaebol 'plot' and what I like about the main couple is mostly due to Jo Si Sub's acting and the insanely endearing way Young ho looks at Joo Eun

I like Joo Eun as a character but it's like her and Young ho are moving in a weirdly empty world

Which is why I need more episodes like this, just the two of them being adorable, though it seems like that time has already come to an end lmao

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This show does a great job about showing, that being thin doesn't guarantee happiness in life. Soo Jin is an empty pretty shell downing her (weight reduction?) pills with alcohol, chubby Joo Eun otoh is feisty-clever-confident, and Young Ho working his a** off in his torture chamber knows very well, that his life is lacking, too. As Joo Eun said, what does it matter if you exude sexiness, but your life is bland, the spices are missing?

(A statement I fully support. In my ripe age I see a lot of divorces among acquaintances and it really doesn't matter how you look, how thin you are, how pretty. In the long run your character is the most important ingredient for a successful, loving marriage.)

Also, Uncle wants the company for his nephew, the step-grandchild of halmoni. He needs the competitor aka rightful heir out of the picture.

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I feel like the whole drama is something like "what did I miss?". It's just something that is so wrong about it, maybe it does't have rithm, sometimes too fast, sometimes too slow, the relationship between the main characters is one step forward, two steps back, one step fast forward. The whole family company stuff is pretty ilogical, and there pretty much is no other storyline, or the other storylines are underdeveloped. The dad guy just stares and treats everybody bad. I don't even get why Grandma treated YH bad in childhood, or at least didn't help him much, and then she suddenly loves him. Oh, even the chemistry is odd, SJS and SMA both are great actors and can play chemistry even with a couch, but in this drama there is just smthg missind.
I feel so frustrated, I hoped for something better, but the are just commercials to the products the actors endorse (kanuda, marmot etc etc). Yes, and a tribute to SJS's Mianada...

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@inna - I have to say that I agree with you. I love So Ji Sub and Shin Min ah as actors but there is just something off about this drama…and I've said it before. Something doesn't make sense. I don't believe their relationship. It doesn't FEEL right. It might be the script - it might be the editing - just don't know what it is. The drama comes alive for me when the two sidekick boys are together - especially Henry who steals every scene. I will keep watching for the actors involved, but I agree with other comments that say it's ONLY the actors keeping them interested. Watch something like "Answer Me 1988" with barely known actors (except for a few of the parents) and you get hooked right away into the story.

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yeah I enjoy the main couple but the development of their relationship felt kind of janky, like I accidentally fastforwarded a few scenes and now he's poking her dimple and is in love

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This. Exactly.

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From the very beginning on, he was clearly interested. He always watched out for her, watched her leaving etc. let his eyes linger on her. He was smitten very fast and you could see it in his eyes. Great acting by SJS, who masters subtle emotions perfectly. Then came the dimple scene and in this second he himself realiized for the first time, that he is in love.

The relationship doesn't feel rushed to me, but I admit, that the signs were very subtle.

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i totally agree with you!
the relationship doesn't feel rushed.
it is true that they didn't have elaborate conversation on their feelings like some has pointed out as something necessary.
but what they had was 'action speaks louder than words' moments.
all those lingering look, small smiles sparked through their eyes and lips (So Ji Sub's especially), the change in their expressions whenever they were around each other just to name a few of the signs that they are totally smitten.
the signs are sometimes so subtle one had to watch real hard on their actions and expressions while watching.
i found it to be handy watching the show without sub for the 1st round just so i can focus on how awesome their acting (and hotness hahaha!) is.

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Another thing that I think needs to be taken into account is all of this has transpired since he got a clean bill of health from his doctor. He has been so focused on his illness, I think that now that the fear of the cancer coming back has been put to rest, he is able to notice and pay more attention to things around him. He is also seeing things differently, I think.

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Greed. That's definitely what's wrong with the Uncle. I believe he won't be satiesfied until the company is his. Funny tho, cos if it wasn't for his sister, he wouldn't even be in that company in the first place... but look at how he treats his sister. His arrogance and selfish self will not be getting any sympathy from me.

On another note, I'm all for the cute and sexy time between the two leads but perhaps, I feel that their relationship escalated too quickly.

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Thank you lollypip. Your squee lines are spot-on. We have real adults here getting into relationship. Somehow YH's lines are somehow apt for the likes of SJS, looking at his persona and status. SMN's JE is also befitting a lawyer - smart brains. Though as you said, quite crazy. I'd say she's cool. She knows her power. Why is it that i get the feeling that he's looking gaunt by the week is somehow related to his health condition in the drama? Eeoww, of all the kdrama tropes, this one is hate. I wonder if our OTP will go together for the Gahong anniversary? I look forward to the separate abodes. Nocturnal visits; friends with benefits?

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I'm totally enjoying this show! I've not squeeed over a drama pairing like this in sometime! YH and JE are totally adorable....I hope all is well with YH...I think it's more to do with his psychosis than the cancer...from what I understood he thinks he is in pain and hence feels it rather than something actually physically causing it right? So maybe when he is under immense pressure etc it just surfaces?

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You said it JE and YH are the best part of this drama, and their adult relationship is so refreshing and I am loving it.
I don't mind the company side story because I think the conflict between YH and his dad is the reason he is experiencing the phantom or psychological pain to the knee.
The uncle wants his nephew to ultimately run and take over the company so he can benefit from that relation. But we still haven't seen how the father feels about stepping down and letting YH take over, his quiet silent on it all. I hope YH and his dad work out their issues.
I think JE will not back away from him and realize YH is also human and weak and she will help him emotionally as he as done for her physically.

Thanks for the recap!!!

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If not my love for so ji sub and shin minah i wouldn't watch this drama TBH...i don't care about the weak plot and the empty side characters..and what the hell is wrong with the celeb girl that stalks snake guy she gets on my nerves with her bad acting Ughhh!!!

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In kdrama couples do talk..I told ya

And can I have my own gym instructor like seo ji sup..and I would like to exercise in the exact same way..no holding back

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This was my favorite episode yet!! They actually talk like people and not let a misunderstanding fester for 8 episodes or for years. SJS is so great and I love him! Now Drama don't you go all "I'm sorry I love you" on me!!! We will have words if you do! >:O
From using lines from that drama to the awful pain Young Ho was experiencing at the end ...it was giving me panic attacks from the "I'm sorry I love you" drama. That's where I first fell in love with SJS But cried BUCKETS watching that! It better just be pain from it snowing (since I know people that have a lot of pain when the weather changes to rainy or cold). No cancer relapse you hear? No dumb noble idiocy you hear me? This drama has been too mature and good for that!

And I agree I don't give a darn about the company machinations as there does seem enough reason to care. I do see the abuse angle being slowly built up and how Joo-Eun will probably break away from where she is working now and become an attorney for battered/abused women.

I can't wait for the next episode to see what happens to woori Young Ho & Joo Eun.

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Hi i love this series, im going to put my thoughts in spanish and then traslate.
Me encanta que en la serie no se andan con tonterías, ambos saben que se gustan y quieren estar juntos y van poco a poco, creo que el se esta enamorando mas fuertemente que ella.
La mala...pufff, me siento identificada, también se lo que es tener que batallar con tu imagen corporal y tu autoestima, y lo que es darse cuenta que al final ser delgada no es importante ni te lleva a ser feliz, lo siento mucho por ella.
Me molesta el ex novio de la protagonista, no entiendo sus motivaciones ni porque dejo a su pareja para al final ni hacerle caso a su nueva novia.
Espero que el show siga igual, dejándome una sonrisa en la cara...gracias por la recapitulación¡¡¡

I love that there is not a lot of nonsense in the series about the feelings of the main couple, they both know that they like each other and want to be together and then they go slowly, I think that he is falling in love a lot more that she is.
The bad girl... pufff , I identify whith her a lot, i know about having conflict feelings about your body image and self-esteem , and the horrible true that is to realize that being thin is not important in the end and it doesnt make you happy, i feel so sorry for her.
I resent the former boyfriend of the protagonist, I do not understand his motives or whi he left her and in the end he doesnt pay much attention to his new girlfriend.
I hope the show remains the same , leaving a smile on my face ... thanks for the recapitulación¡¡¡

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¡Me encanta que alguien exprese lo mismo que siento yo por este drama en mi idioma!! A mí también lo que más me gusta de este drama es la madurez que expresan la pareja principal.

Por cierto, ¿de dónde eres Tato?

I love it when someone expresses my exact sentiments in my language!! I, too, like the maturity with which the OTP behaves.

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Really liking the drama!

One gripe:
The entire episode was all about the potential shockwave in revealing John Kim as Kim Young Ho... and ... I don't get it? So he's a body trainer on the side, oh nos? I get that this is drama world... but even then, the deal breaker here just seems a bit trivial.

I especially found the scene where Wooshik asks Uncle what would happen if Kim Young Ho is exposed as John Kim absolutely hilarious. Feels like the scene was added to drive home the consequence... 'cause people are confused about the conflict. ahhaa

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Agreed - contrived conflict where there isn't one

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But I think in the context of Korean society and social rules, it's not okay to hold down any old job when you're a chaebol and it's not okay to have a dating "scandal." For me, as a Westerner, neither of these is an issue but I think there's a huge amount of societal pressure put on folks who are in the spotlight.

When famous folks "misbehave" everyone seems to have a say and their reaction is taken very seriously. Being a physical trainer--working in a gym!!!--would not be an okay job for someone who's going to now lead a conglomerate.

I think...

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Oops I meant *doesnt have any substance to the company thing. Oh oh! I can't believe I forgot to mention the 3 puppies waiting for Joo-Eun! That was one of the cutest parts of the episode! Love that they love her and she brings fun & happiness into their lives. Poor boys will be so sad when she moves out. I'll bet Ji-Woong will somehow make himself a regular visitor to his "ma'am"'s new place.

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I liked this episode bc of the skinship between the leads!! The best part of the episodes tbh was the I'm Sorry I Love You parodies.
Like when the CF girl was doing So Ji Sub's famous line in MiSa "You want to eat or do you want to die?"
Especially when Henry was mocking the CF star girl in front of the Snake guy and then So Ji Sub was like
"Hmmm..I heard that before"
Me: You said it silly!!

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The Anna sue bit is falling flat, really don't know ow what the heck is going on in that, but I think uncle is worried because of his nephew, he thinks that he is worthy of the position and they'll be ignored once jung ho becomes ceo. Since you know the dad is really just a son in law ( they don't really have blood ties) the other grandson which is the nephew isn't really related to the grandma.

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The Anna Sue stuff feels silly because the premise is that what counts as a "scandal" in Korea counts as a "scandal" in the U.S., when Young Ho's situation wouldn't be remotely scandalous. And that's on top of the eye-rolly secret trainer who turns people into celebrities stuff. Maybe that makes more sense in the context of the Korean entertainment industry.

It doesn't take me too much out of the story, though, bc it's mainly a McGuffin to keep the plot moving along. As long as Anna Sue doesn't become a major plot point or anything, I'm cool. I'm loving the story that's being told between the main characters enough that it makes up for the occasional weird note.

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I know that it is just me!!!

However, the writer(s) has flushed out Soo-jin's character more than our two leads. We have her past history and her ongoing thoughts and torment. She is written with a real life. I might have some issues with her actions, however I can understand them. I can relate to her issues, because in this day and age with who and what defines beauty - it makes sense. We have heard her thoughts and we have also had the flashback to round out the contour of her character.

I am waiting for that development in our leads. I assumed she became a lawyer due to her dad's death - but not for sure. We had the flashback, but the dots have yet to be connected.

Yes, we saw the child leave for the states(?) in a wheelchair and????? He is now a personal trainer, but he had no physical connection with his family for 20 years??? They have the resource to fly back and forth ...and ok...Dad is a creep...but the grandmom who visits and pray to her deceased daughter at the temple day-and-night never-ever travels to the state to see her one-and-only blood relative...or can they not connect somewhere between Korea and the US??? I am just wondering.

Soo-jin does not receive the screen time like our female lead, but the writer has spent more time telling us who she is and why she is.

"It’s so sweet to watch Joo-eun and Young-ho’s relationship unfold so organically," I think if you count the lines they actually speak to each other - it is not unfolding organically even in dramaland. The leads can deliver just like Soo-jin!

I am hopeful.

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The trio of puppies waiting for Joo Eun to come home was both hilarious and adorable. I really don't want her to move out of the house! Her boys need her.

Young Ho's pain is psychological (or so they've said), I'll be interested to see what happens. I doubt this will cause a hiccup in the relationship despite the fact that he lied to Joo Eun about his pain. She's too nice to hold it against him, and he's obviously hiding it to protect himself not to deceive her.

While I do think plot wise this show does leave something to be desired (please Joon Sung don't fall for your crazy fan!) I feel like the threads are finally coming together (except maybe the domestic abuse stuff but perhaps that's coming). With Joo Eun and Soo Jin now involved in Woo Sik and Young Ho's company stuff at least our leads and second leads will have a chance to interact more.

I don't know why Woo Sik is getting involved in the power struggle (maybe it's a devil you know situation) but the Uncle wants to ensure his blood nephew inherits the company and therefore cement his own power base and $$$.

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Joo Eun/Young Ho. Can I just say how much I love this couple? Again? Because I love everything about this couple. The conversation in the elevator was fantastic. I feel like Young Ho was a bit disingenuous with his 'Did I give you a ring? Did I ask you to marry me?' because if anyone was clear about what was happening between the two it was him. But he was very heartfelt with the 'having a taste of happiness' line. Joo Eun being honest about how she felt betrayed but keeping her pride and recovering enough to acknowledge his words and get back to being a professional was awesome.

One of the things I really like about this drama is that while there may be antics or situations that embarrass her she as a person keeps her pride. I often hate how dramas are so keen to have women emotionally bare themselves to their straight-faced male counterparts without any indication that their feelings are reciprocated (ie commercial girl can you hear me? You make me cringe). Young Ho, even though he says some stuff that is a bit off, his actions (and facial expressions) belie those words and make it clear that he cares. Plus he's so flirty with her, if there wasn't some ambiguity, I'd spontaneously combust.

For me the thing that elevates this drama may actually be what turns people off. Joo Eun and Young Ho have developed their relationship friendship not solely on their words but on their actions and sometimes that means that things get a bit murky and it takes a bit of work to get where they want to go.

That bed scene was also super hot, Joo Eun you have willpower I've never seen (I'd have turned off that light in a flash). But seeing So Ji Sub snuggle is a sight that'll stay with me.

How cute was Young Ho wanting a hug? So cute! Boy puppies, ugh!

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I love that when he mentions her big belly it's either matter of factly while exercising and/or referring to her health or, it's teasing and he uses it as an opportunity to touch said belly fat.

I love that she's confident enough that, even though she's not happy with her belly fat, she doesn't have an insecure meltdown that "you think I'm fat and unattractive!"

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Yes! It's totally adorable and again makes it clear to me that when he is saying things that I personally might find terribly offensive, he totally doesn't mean it. The way he constantly touches her in really intimate places (not necessarily sexual but to a fat person very personal) very casually is just so sexy I can't bear it.

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The skinship in OMV is definitely the best and IMO most naturally depicted (bearing in mind, kdrama) of any drama this year. And it's driving me crazy in the best way. Love it.

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Yeah, the way he touches her is forever swoonworthy.

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I hope Lollypip reads this one (I know there's a lot of contents and the cappers can't get to everybody):

I hope that if this character inconsistency is still around next episode that you'll address it in the recaps - JE's determination that if she puts her mind to something she never gives up. We see it in the early episodes where, despite being given a regimine (professional MMA workout) she can't possibly do, and despite being much heavier and out of shape at the time, she refused to give up.

But now that she and YH are dating, she wheedles to get out of a much less strenuous and more reasonable workout.

Is this character (writer's) inconsistency or just romantic shenanigans of the "push and pull"?

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Maybe because she is seeing the first positive results, she doesn't feel the urge to continue as determind as before?
Most dieters start very motivated and then lose interest, as it is such damn hard work to fight for such a long time (sometimes even to fight your genes).

So, I think her behavior is very realistic.

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Now, if I could have You Bastard to cuddle with...he's so adorable. Like everyone else living in the "villa".

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Thanks for the recap!

I really loved this episode although I'm scared for Young Ho. I don't know how this drama will go if his osteosarcoma relapses :(.

As for Woo Shik, I think it's pretty apparent he's becoming a bad guy. First, he cheats on Joo Eun. Then he acts like he has the right to "protect" her. Followed by his disgusting logic that her weight "destroyed" her. Finally, he clearly knows that Joo Eun is seeing Young ho. I wouldn't put it past him to believe he was "protecting" her by exposing Young ho as John Kim.

As for the uncle, it's pretty clear he's just a stock character greedy for what isn't his aka Gahong. President Choi was supposed to become the next president of Gahong to help Uncle and Woo Shik move up the company ladder. So Uncle would have had Young Ho's position. I do agree with some of the comments above that Young Ho could actually benefit the companies image if used properly but they have to handle Anna Sue first.

I just really hope that Young Ho doesnt become a noble idiot and run off into his chaebol hideout and not give Joo Eun the chance to choose to be with him; osteosarcoma be damned.

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OKAY this episode is so damn good in many ways

- 1st it tested how Young-Ho & Joo-Eun handled a curve ball in their relationship. Then after some DEEP THINKING & TALKING they have manage to solve it.

- i loved the way he teased her....by touching her belly/stomach (with Joo-Eun saying "HEY!") after Joo-Eun ask him if he still feel some pain and if he is ok now...

- that uncle of his (woo-shik's boss) is so damn selfish... like he wants to have the company for his sake and his nephew's sake... maybe woo-shik was given like a reward also if they managed to oust Young-Ho from the company. (too bad grandma doesn't like the nephew much)

- i think we will get to see more on Joo-Eun helping those with DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ABUSIVE status/cases....
since i kinda pointed out in the previous episode comment that I THINK JOON-SUNG will ask for her help about his mother (which i think that woman from the previous episode WAS HIS REAL MOTHER!)

- i do remember Young-Ho has this imaginary/psychological pain since episode 5 aka "psychoneurosis"
i am hoping he can beat this one together with Joo-Eun's help, love, & support....since the doctor said he is 99.9% cured from his rare diesease.....
DEAR GOD & ALL THE SAINTS IN HEAVEN, don't you ever make that cancer return okay? Cause i will be freaking mad if it did! :( (makes heart finger sign like Young-Ho does)

- i'm becoming sad cause Joo-Eun will be leaving Young-Ho's house since she doesn't like being like a freeloader on his house :( (the 3 boys will become more sadder than me)

i am guessing during the next episodes up to the finale i am guessing this will be a new challenge for Young-Ho & Joo-Eun's relationship, how he will protect once everyone in the world will know Young-Ho is John Kim, Joon-Sung's mom accepting him as her son, Young-ho's status with his dad is gonna be solve step by step, and many more (too many to mention...i cannot list all my observations!) !

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also when Young-Ho said he is CONFIDENT IN USING HIS BODY over his brain & can show it right now....
i am like YEAH GIVE IT TO ME I DON'T CARE! RAWRRRRRRRRR...... i will even turn off the damn light for it to happend!

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I love your summaries! great job! My only apprehension for next week's episode is that cancer is not an issue here although his knee looked really bad.... although his doctor has stated he is cancer free and symptoms may be psychosomatic, we still cannot rule out the possibility of what they call DTCs or disseminated tumor cells - cancer cells that are dormant and evade detection... the newbie writer is doing great so far - imho - more realistic than other kdramas and I hope she doesn't join the usual cliches of kdrama story line!

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Can you do a recap for virtual bride? pleeaase.

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Does any one know the title and artist of the song that plays during that scene between Ju-eun and Joon-sung?

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This is the fastest identity reveal resolve between a couple. Yes, they both don't beat around the bush and confidently become a couple. I think this will be Joo eun time to shine, to stay strong besides Young ho.

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Loved the episode, but I agree - don't care much about Soo Jin or the company drama.

One thing I am really loving about this drama is how the writers are turning the stereotypes of beauty-happiness on their heads. Soo Jin is gorgeous by Korean standards but is still dreadfully unhappy and unsatisfied in her love life. Joo Eun isn't exactly fit but is happy and assured of her happiness. I also love how the two leads talk things out and issues don't fester for more than an episode. Finally! An adult romance with a strong female character who KNOWS that her worth is not in her beauty!

Now on to the wishing and wanting - PLEASE drama gods, NO CANCER NO CANCER NO CANCER (maybe chanting will make it happen).

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????? I'm out of words to describe how much I'm loving So Ji-sub right now.

Can't wait until Monday!

Lollipop, the fact that your recaps are posted after the episodes have aired has helped me contain the anxiety of waiting until Monday.

Monday & Tuesday: watch episodes
Wednesday & Thursday: read recaps & comments
Friday - Sunday: watch Master's Sun reruns

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What a lovely program you have!

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Ohhhhh so that line was famous in MISA? I haven't watched it yet. Im planning to but I don't know which site to look for old dramas.

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KBS has been posting English subbed eps of their classic dramas, including I'm Sorry I Love You, on their KBSWorld YouTube channel. :)

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Oh thank you for the info! Will get to it later..I'm excited...loving So Ji Sub more than ever..

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Am I the only one not digging the story line, but sticking around because of the sheer chemistry and lovey doves scenes portrayed by leads? :(

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Nope. Me too. Proof that good actors can save a show when given a mediocre script. And who doesn't want to look at SJS?

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Thank you for your recaps, as it always helps me to fill in some gaps that I miss other wise.

I am so glad I am along for the ride on this kdrama! The mains, needless to say are great, even enjoying the secondary for the most part. They make nice back drop.

I think the pacing of Young-ho and Joo-eun is good, and it is kind of nice to have characters that everyday people like us the audience can relate to in their seeming normalcy. They are finding each other, and have not totally reached the point where they realize that they are each others port/strength in the storm of life. Some of their ‘baggage’ has been revealed to each other, but not all, to be what they really will be come to each other, that safe harbor.

He is hers now with her health that is effected by her weight, and how she is conquering it. He has not fully come to the point yet to realize that she is his, or can help him become who he truly is or wants to become. Uncle is trying to be evil, and wants all the toy on the play ground, or the company, thinking he is owed as his sister has been treated sooooo badly by her ’unfeeling’ husband. Woo-shik is along for the ride and the gravy that will fall his way.

Uncle’s plan seems to be to embarrass Young-ho and take him down, so he can fill the void as the hero. They mentioned the 61st Anniversary celebration, could that have been later in the day after his presentation to the board? Could this also be the reason he is found by Joo-eun in the state he is in? He admits he has the outward physical strength, but finds he is uncertain on the mental. Has this embarrassment at the anniversary celebration caused him to vacillate on the mental level effecting his phantom knee pain? He is not far enough along to realize he needs her. She will not fix, not correct (as in make right), not coddle him, but help him to find his firm footing, to solidify this aspect of who he is underneath his exterior self.

Fighting!!

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There is something off about this drama, i feel like this drama is not well-written. But still watching because I like SJS and SMA and they both have great chemistry. Looking forward to the better development of the story.

Plus, the female lead is strong and confident, which is a bonus.

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u r not the only one, the drama is not that captivating tbh, but with their chemistry and the cast it's still fun u know! and i'm just here for these two i've been waiting for a drama with these two for AGES i even ship them in real life lmao and i don't do real life shipping tbh but i couldn't resist ~ sigh! so i'll have all i can get and i'm happy with it! tho i still wish the drama was better but well we can't have it all ~ lol .. so we just got to relax and enjoy it as we can!

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Knowing the Americans, he probably lived with Sue Ann, for a short time but someone, is stuck! Just as long as he does not show up Joo Eun's office with Sue Ann and a prenuptial, I do believe it will make good scense as to what is going on, in the near future!

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Let the story line play itself out! It is the life of two star struck people with a symbiotic relationship, in the end! I think it is excellent!

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The best part of this show is Young-ho and Joo-eun together, so I forbid the show to separate them!

This!

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looove this episode, and LOOOVE the couple together
SJS? i just want to marry him
rest my case

thank for the recap so so much

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Longshot that Director Min is his biological father. Sure, they have little brother, big brother dynamic, but Min looks after him with such devotion and patience. I dunno, just feels like there's something else there.

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I replied in the wrong place. But I agree with you, I think there is a chance Father is not Young-ho's biological father. The thought also crossed my mind that Director Min could be the birth father (would this show really go there?) or at least has a more significant connection to him.

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Although I think this would be great, I don't see it going there. I honestly think that the dad is distant because he is resentful at the fact that he has been a placeholder in running the company until they brought his son, Young Ho, back to do it. He only received his position because he married into the family and now that is going away.

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It's stressed induced psychoneurosis. Phantom pain occurs when he's emotionally stressed.

His knee hurt when she got angry with him. He just did a day at work around people that don't want him there and this is his pain.

The uncle wants the other nephew to get the director position because that's his blood nephew. They basically want to take over the company by marriage. If YH gets the position his nephew and he will be nothing more then high powered executives but never the owners.

Dad is in the middle and I still can't figure him out. WS is a weird one too. The ex friend drives me bonkers. She needs to get over her fat girl issues and let it go already. We get it. There are thousands of fat girls in the world. Let it go already.

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I hope heroine's ex-friend has more that her fat girl issues, otherwise what a waste.

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