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Marriage Contract: Episode 8

One thing that’s surprising about Marriage Contract is how fully formed its characters are. They have the texture of people who’ve been busy living their lives before the cameras rolled in, and that makes every one of them compelling, be they nice or nasty. Well, apart from The Harpist Who Must Not Be Named. She needs to go away. (And her little smirk, too.)

Our leads being separated for much of the episode allows us to spend time with all the other figures inhabiting their world, and though the hour passes quietly, it is a very full one.

EPISODE 8 RECAP

Ji-hoon crosses the space between them and embraces Hye-soo, but after a moment, she gently releases herself. Angry with worry, he rapid-fires questions at her about where she’s been, but becomes softer asking what happened with his father. She can’t have the surgery, he said, and she’s sad. Shaking off his arm, she tells him she wants to be alone right now. He watches her go.

Ji-hoon goes to meet his father. The chairman asks him if he likes Hye-soo for real. Sure, Ji-hoon says offhandedly, if using a girl and dumping her — like dear old Dad — is liking. Dad laughs scornfully. He assumes a desperate Mi-ran — who never did a thing for him — put him up to such a crime. Cut, he says he’s still her son, and as family, they should take responsibility.

But Dad has no time for such dramatics, and barks at him to get a divorce. Give her more money if necessary, and from tomorrow, he’s assigned back to company HQ. Ji-hoon’s face closes up, and he says that there’s no need for someone as useless as him to be saved — better let him be arrested. He leaves his father frowning after him.

Eun-sung helps her mom fold laundry again, and is worried that she can’t stop crying. It’s because she’s so dumb, Hye-soo says. Eun-sung, bless her little cotton socks, tells Mom that’s nonsense — she’s smart and pretty. It really helps to hear that from her, Mom says, smiling through her tears. Eun-sung: “That’s it, smile just like that, mommy, you’re pretty when you smile.”

But she dissolves into quiet tears again, and Eun-sung reaches over and wipes them away. Outside, Ji-hoon lingers at her door a while, before turning away.

Chairman Han comes to see Mi-ran. He greets her with the words, “Go and die.” Charming. He accuses her of first clinging onto him, and now clinging to her son. The look she turns on him when he asks if she isn’t ashamed is all but bared teeth, especially when he seems to suggest getting pregnant was her fault. She rightly points out that he fathered the child, and he was the one who said she was the only one for him.

She wants to know just one thing: How did he feel when he heard she was dying? Wasn’t he at all sad? The chairman: “Everyone dies.”

Mi-ran tells him that she was able to endure as a sinner so long only because she believed he had loved her. She’s in tears from his cutting words, and he spits out that it is sad, but not as sad as her clinging to Ji-hoon, while he risks jail. Moreover, Chairman Han has lost a ton of money for not being able to sell marry his son off as he wished. His cold consolation to her is that the hospital has been instructed to show her special care.

Crying, she grasps his arm when he’s leaving. A look of disgust crosses his face and he strides off, abandoning her.

Ho-joon discovers Ji-hoon passed out in a room stinking of alcohol. Ho-joon heard the surgery was approved and tells him his dad is looking for him. Ji-hoon refuses consciousness and tells his friend to go away so he can sleep more, although Ho-joon is more affronted that he polished off an expensive whiskey all by himself.

Still death-like, Ji-hoon asks Ho-joon why he hangs out with him when he’s trash. Laughing, Ho-joon says someone’s got to clean trash up. Scooching himself onto the bed, Ho-joon tells him he’s capable, and his dad always told him to stick around capable people. He reminds him of when he used to come around when they were in high school, and his dad thought Ji-hoon was so capable because he could down three bowls of rice.

Ji-hoon says that nothing he has is his — everything is from his father. He confides that he can’t even trust his feelings about Hye-soo, since she’s only by his side because he bought her liver — with Dad’s money. His phone starts to ring and Ho-joon scrabbles for it. It’s the chairman, but Ji-hoon angrily hurls the phone into a bowl of water.

Much later, it rings again, waking Ji-hoon up. Leaping up in fury, he fishes it, dripping, out of the bowl. Well played, PPL, well played. Dryly, he tells Dad he’s on his way to the police station to turn himself in. Barking, Dad orders him over.

Over dinner, Dad chews him out, although he seems perversely pleased by his son’s stubbornness. He plans to concede to him this time, but in a voice of casual reason, tells Ji-hoon to cut his mother out of his life completely.

It’s amazing how many expressions just passed over Ji-hoon’s face, but all without breaking his mask. Dad also tells him to clean up with Hye-soo, too, after the surgery — if she lets one word of this get out, he’ll finish her. Genially, he tells Ji-hoon live as he’s told from now on.

Taking all this in without a word (but a thousand expressions), Ji-hoon accepts the drink his father pours for him.

On Ji-hoon’s instruction, Ho-joon passes on a new phone to Hye-soo for the one she lost. He urges her to accept it, since she’ll be needing it, and tells her the surgery is on. Hope fills her face, and she asks after Ji-hoon. Ho-joon stutters that he won’t be around much anymore, being so busy at headquarters.

When she tries to call Ji-hoon a little later, there’s no answer.

Chairman Han’s derisive words continue to cut at Mi-ran while she’s alone. Her carer comes in jubilant with the news that the surgery is back on schedule — there must have been some error before. Huh.

At Casa Han, Madam Yoon (Jung-hoon’s mom) asks Ji-hoon if he doesn’t see her at all. “I’m your mom!” she insists. He apologizes, and explains that his relationship with Na-yoon was long over. Madam Yoon is upset at how it hurt Jung-hoon, and asks what the big secret is, then, that he and his father are hiding from her and Jung-hoon. She’s positive it’s about Mi-ran (“Does she want money?”), but he can only promise to tell her later. Does that mean he’s telling her to stay out of it, she asks.

Chairman Han answers that one, and tells her to butt out while summoning Ji-hoon to his room. There, he tells him that he has a meeting tomorrow with his destined bride, and wants to fix an engagement date. Ji-hoon controls his shock and acquiesces.

Hye-soo knocks at Ji-hoon’s darkened apartment on her way to hers, but there’s no one home. She tries him on the phone again, and is happy when he finally answers. But his answers are terse — yes, the surgery is going ahead as planned. Giving driving as an excuse, he hangs up, to her dismay.

Joo-yeon arrives with Eun-sung, and Hye-soo shakes off her fog to take care of her friend. But Joo-yeon tells her to relax a bit and tugs her to the couch, where she promptly snuggles up with her like a giant baby. Eun-sung finds the sight hilarious, and giggles. Joo-yeon joins Eun-sung to play, and Hye-soo sinks into a fog again.

Ho-joon crosses paths with Joo-yeon on her way out. Still totally smitten by her, he catches her arm as she passes, asking if she’s eaten. She gets it now, and makes it clear that she’s not into him, even calling him a grandad. Poor Ho-joon is adamant that he’s a (youthful!) bachelor, but she still turns down the chicken-and-beer invite, skipping off home (to her suuuper-strict parents). Hahaha.

Ji-hoon arrives at the restaurant to find his date and wife-to-be is none other than Na-yoon, and laughs at the absurdity and evil genius of his father. He asks her what she knows, but the chairman only told her that Ji-hoon would explain. He just laughs and laughs. Look at that body language, guys.

At home, Chairman Han sits his wife and Jung-hoon down and tells them what he’s done. He claims that those two still have feelings for each other, and they can’t afford to lose the business with Na-yoon’s family.

Jung-hoon is, understandably, wildly upset. He wants to know why it’s always Ji-hoon for Dad, when he’s the one who stayed and worked hard. But Dad is dissatisfied with his work, and tells him to do it properly. To add insult to injury before leaving, he tells him he’ll see him at the office tomorrow.

Madam Yoon bursts into Dad’s study to ask him if his business is really more important than his elder son’s pride. But Dad rails that he came this far disregarding his own pride and pain, so Jung-hoon should, too. She also asks why he always favors Ji-hoon — does he mean to leave the company to him? Dad won’t discriminate by birth order, he says, only capability. Tired of arguing, he sends her out.

Leaning forward, Na-yoon says she figured something more was going on with Hye-soo — they couldn’t really be engaged. He confirms that it was fake. She’s pleased as punch, and agrees that it made no sense for him to date someone like that. At that, Ji-hoon is ready to call it a night — he’s tired. Na-yoon still pushes for information, but Ji-hoon says he’ll tell her when things have cleared up. She promises to wait for him.

Hye-soo gives up on writing Ji-hoon a text, but thinking of him, a tiny smile crosses her face. When she comes out to look for Eun-sung, Ji-hoon’s house-lights are on. She lights up and immediately knocks on his door.

Ohmyguhh teeny kittens! Ji-hoon’s on the roof, feeding the babies, and he lights up when Eun-sung arrives. Bless. He asks how she’s been doing, and tells her he was away on a business trip. Eun-sung excitedly shares that her mom’s going on a business trip, too, for ten days. While she’s away, Eun-sung will be having a business trip of her own at Aunty Joo-yeon’s. So adorbs.

Hye-soo finds them both there, and she takes Ji-hoon away for a word. She asks what happened with the surgery. He can’t quite meet her eyes, and tells her that it’s fixed now (for the day after tomorrow), so she needn’t worry. He leaves her puzzling over his distant attitude.

Chairman Han calls when he’s back at his apartment, to check in on how he liked his surprise. Tone at odds with his words, he tells Dad he’s grateful (as he should be, Dad says). Dad will take care of the parents, so he can just explain his side to Na-yoon slowly.

The next day, Ho-joon takes Hye-soo out to tell her that her surgery absence will be explained as a trip to the Jeju branch, but she should come back to work when she’s better — they’ll hold her place. But her thanks should go to Ji-hoon, who’s a softie despite his rough words (we knoooow!). Hye-soo smiles bashfully.

A host of expensive cars pull up, and Na-yoon is the first out. She’s here for a work-party, but first takes Hye-soo aside for a private chat. A little too smug, she tells her that she knows about their fake relationship, but it’s okay because she’s seeing him again. Everything about this conversation is Na-yoon rubbing things in, but Hye-soo offers sincere congratulations — she knows it’s Na-yoon that Ji-hoon really likes. Nooo, why are you saying that?! IT’S NOT EVEN TRUE.

Back inside, the restaurant gets busy serving the party. Across the floor, Hye-soo stares at the glamorous women. Ho-joon intercepts Ji-hoon at the door to tell him Na-yoon’s here — did he invite her?

Na-yoon calls him over as soon as she sees him, not noticing his remarkable lack of enthusiasm. She proudly introduces him to her group as her friend, which they happily interpret as “boyfriend”, grilling her for details as she basks in their attention.

Seung-joo, angry at “that trash” Ji-hoon partying when his mom is about to go into surgery, drags Hye-soo outside and tells her to go home since she’s going into hospital the next day herself. Frustrated, he tells her he’s done worrying about her, so she can work as much as she likes, but he’s gone.

Seung-joo finds aunt Young-hee staring after a little girl who reminds her of Eun-sung. He takes her arm and says if she wants to see her, she should. Their arrival at her nail salon surprises Joo-yeon, who has Eun-sung there. Young-hee blocks Seung-joo from revealing her relationship and approaches the child, wide-eyed with awe.

Now ensconced in Joo-yeon’s apartment, Young-hee just can’t get enough of looking at her granddaughter. She notes how she resembles her father, and Eun-sung turns round eyes on her, asking if she knows him.

“I know him. I know him really well,” she says, smiling and tearful at the same time, “While your daddy was alive, I saw him lots and lots.” Eun-sung takes this philosophically, nodding.

Wiping her eyes, Young-hee tells Eun-sung to grow up quickly. That’s what Mom always tells her, Eun-sung replies, releasing a stream of chatter. Seung-joo practically pries his aunt away.

Hye-soo encounters Na-yoon in the washroom, where the latter praises the meal. Then, smirking to herself, she makes Hye-soo take her dirty towel in calculated insult. Ara can’t stop laughing and mocks her for setting her sights on Ji-hoon when he’s so far out of her league. But Hye-soo gets the last laugh, because she’s not cowed one bit.

Until she’s left alone, dirty towel in hand, and deflates. She sits tiredly outside, and the camera pans across to Ji-hoon, drinking alone inside.

Na-yoon approaches him, and her friend demands the real story between them. Ji-hoon: “What, should I make a marriage announcement?” Guhhhh Ji-hoon why you doing that?! They gasp and strike up a wedding march, because musicians. But what do they have their instruments at dinner for?

Ho-joon flees outside, confused about Ji-hoon’s game, and when Ara pesters him for the gossip, he chucks her back in. Jung-hoon arrives just then, much the worse for drink. He barges inside yelling for the jerk Ji-hoon and the room falls silent.

Spotting the couple, he makes his way over. He pushes Na-yoon out of the way and tells Ji-hoon that this isn’t even about her. Their household took him in when he was so pitiful, he sneers, did he forget all of that? He flings away Ho-joon (it’s okay, Chef catches him!) but when he raises his hand against Na-yoon, Ji-hoon blocks him.

“Let’s talk at home,” he says. Jung-hoon roars and shakes Ji-hoon by the collar. Ho-joon and Chef both leap in now to break it up, as Jung-hoon demands his brother get on his knees to him. He actually bites Chef to break out of his hold, but it’s too late as Ji-hoon’s already out of the door.

Ji-hoon stops when he sees Hye-soo, but passes on wordlessly. But Jung-hoon staggers behind and trips on her. She helps him up and he suddenly recognizes her as Ji-hoon’s supposed girlfriend. Clutching at her, he tells her to play with him, too. “How much do I have to give you?” he leers, trapping her in his grip.

Scared, Hye-soo pushes him away and he falls to the ground, which makes him even angrier. Getting right back up, he grabs her again, demanding how much, over and over. Ji-hoon’s had enough. He marches down and badass-kicks Jung-hoon away. Ducking his fists, Ji-hoon decks Jung-hoon himself. By then, Ho-joon, Chef and Na-yoon have come out, and it takes all of their efforts to keep the fighting brothers apart.

Later, Hye-soo spots Ji-hoon sitting solitary at a bench. About to approach, she notices Na-yoon. Na-yoon apologizes to Ji-hoon, and he brushes it off.

Ji-hoon goes to visit his mom that night. Sitting with his back to her, he says that he’s come to give his farewells, “I won’t come here anymore. I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again.” He tells her to live well after the surgery. Mi-ran guesses the chairman is behind this, but Ji-hoon soothes her, reaching around and clasping her hand.

Smiling slightly, he reminisces about his childhood, when it was just the two of them: “Although it was a bit lonely, we were friends and it was fun, wasn’t it?” He and Mi-ran both blink back tears. He tells her to make only make good memories after the surgery. An inch from breaking into crying, he extricates his hand from hers and sees himself out. Once in the corridor, he finally allows his tears to fall.

In her darkened room, Mi-ran sobs into her empty hands.

Checking that Eun-sung’s asleep, Joo-yeon tells Hye-soo about her mother-in-law visiting. Joshing her playfully, she complains about Hye-soo getting herself two husbands when she hasn’t even found one (take Ho-joon!). Hye-soo confesses that Ji-hoon makes her fluttery, when she thought she wouldn’t feel that way ever again. Joo-yeon thinks it’s a hoot and the girls dissolve into giggles, even waking up Eun-sung.

The next day, Hye-soo hands her daughter off to Joo-yeon for her long stay. The two women say goodbye with a close hug. Eun-sung nearly forgets to give mom a secret letter, and instructs her to read it later.

Sitting on the bus, Hye-soo opens it. Miniature adult Eun-sung tells Mom to focus on her work and not worry about her. “I’m really proud of you, Mom. You’re the best! I love you,” it finishes.

Hye-soo kisses the letter and holds it to her heart, eyes welling.

When she arrives at the hospital, however, Mi-ran’s vanished, leaving her hospital clothes folded neatly behind in her room — with a note tucked in. Hye-soo picks it up.

COMMENTS

So much to talk about and so few words! Well, squeeing is always a good place to start: Eun-sung, you old soul, you slay me. And I am not surprised at all that it was Jung-hoon’s attack on Hye-soo, not Na-yoon, that made Ji-hoon lose it. It’s rare to see that much unbridled emotion in Ji-hoon at all, but after an hour of repressively bland smiles, it’s all the more poignant.

We had some really shining friendship moments for both leads as we explored their worlds a little more deeply. These small scenes add so much to the richness of their characters, and their understatedness makes them all the sweeter. It’s easy, for example, to dismiss Ho-joon as the comic relief, but his moment with Ji-hoon (when he reminds him that he’s capable) showed so many things — how far back they go, how he has his back, how the jokey exterior of their friendship conceals a deep loyalty. I think Ji-hoon is every bit as loyal to him, too.

It’s much the same with Joo-yeon and Hye-soo, and the lightness of their giggly, snuggly scenes was also a really touching testament to their longstanding sisterhood that’s gone through so much. At first glance, it could seem like Joo-yeon brings more to the relationship, but as she herself points out, Hye-soo is incredibly giving. She’s so unselfish that it’s been rewarding this episode to see her allow herself moments of personal pleasure. More of that, Hye-soo!

But I am beginning to wonder if the surgery will happen at all (maybe by the time you guys read this, we’ll already know). There’s a really important reason for it not to happen — because their agreement does constitute a crime, how would the show then handle the two characters after breaking their morality compass? Because while Hye-soo’s liver remains intact in her body, the crime is only theoretical. But once it goes into Mi-ran, they’ve irrevocably crossed the line of the law. So in theory, I don’t quite disagree with Chairman Han’s opposition to the surgery. However — and this is vital — he’s just proven that for him, it was never ultimately about the law. While I don’t think he quite holds himself above it, he’s definitely a ruthless character whose compunctions are rooted in whether or not they turn a profit.

More than that, though, he’s shown a breathtaking meanness of spirit to just about everyone in his life, especially to Mi-ran. It would be pitiable if he didn’t wield such great power to hurt. He breaks Mi-ran and Ji-hoon, scorns his wife and elder son, insults Hye-soo, but what’s frightening about him is that he has no sense of the ways in which he crushes and oppresses them. Like the casual tone with which he tells Mi-ran to die or Ji-hoon to sever ties with her — he clearly doesn’t comprehend the gravity of his words, he simply requires being obeyed. Ultimately, it’s about control (it always is).

Notice also how throughout the episode, every time these family members occupy the same frame, there’s always a vast and symbolic gulf between them. It’s interesting from an ethological point of view, too, to see how each member manages their interactions with the Chairman. Madam Yoon and Ji-hoon are clearly the most practised, but Jung-hoon woefully lacks the sense and filter that makes the others adept at politicking. As a result, he portrays himself to his father as a liability — the worst thing he could be in his eyes.

That said, I think Jung-hoon is the author of many of his own problems, some of which would be solved if he were just a bit nicer. But he has a mean streak of his own, and compounded by his jealousy and disappointments, it makes him an unlikeable piece of work, though not unsympathetic. His mother is no less textured, and she’s much more than a two-dimensional stepmother, despite her seeming cruelty (to Mi-ran) early on. Even that takes on more meaning as we become further acquainted with all the characters, and it’s hard not to see both women as victims. Chairman Han hardly strikes me as a man seduced against his will. He had Mi-ran because he wanted her. But he only wanted her up to a point, and then he was done with her. Because rich man. Can do what he wants. And frame himself as the virtuous hero. In many ways, Madam Yoon is an admirable figure. I think it’s safe to assume her marriage with Chairman Han was political, but she womanfully takes on her responsibilities, even when that includes the child of her husband’s mistress. She’s not exactly warm, nor exactly likeable, but she’s very real.

So too is Young-hee, in her extended grief and determination to be her better self. I apologize for being impatient with her last time. (Sorry Young-hee! I suck!) It was incredibly moving to watch her struggle with herself and finally realize she had a beating heart in Eun-sung. I’m looking forward to her revealing their true relationship — both of them deserve that.

The quiet, thoughtful emotions of Marriage Contract remind me a little bit of Bubblegum, the introspection running strong in both. But in this show, rather than transmitting it in words, it’s carried in the acting — a lingering look, an unreadable expression. And this whole cast is so very good at wordless communication, just look at that fantastic farewell scene with Ji-hoon and his mother. Let’s all go watch this episode again.

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Thank you for the recap! I really loved the scene between ES and her grandmother. I cried during that scene.

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I'm only 1/10th intot the recap and I'm already blowing my top at the reminder.

NEVER DID A THING? NEVER. DID. A. THING?!?!?!?!??!

That batty old man is insane! What does he mean by Miran did NOTHING for JiHoon? Did he think JiHoon fed, clothed and educated himself for the first TWELVE (or was it seven?) Years of his life? When JiHoon was a mere babe, did he toddle to the shops himself to get milk when he was hungry?! What?!

Sure, Miran gave up and gave into fear halfway but she did so much before the grand old user of all users even realised he had another son. Bah! And add to the twelve years, 9 to 10 months of gestation - pain, restrictions and uncomfortableness (not to mention enduring that alone).

Mean stump doesn't deserve to think he's all that great.

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And that flashback sequence in episode 4 seems to suggest that Mi-ran had had no choice. From the neighbours' chatter while the paramedics were bringing her out of her house, I got the impression that she'd been busted as a mistress (and not the single mother that she'd professed to be), and perhaps thought that Ji-hoon would be better off growing up in a respectable family rather than with a scarlet woman like herself. And after leaving her son, she attempted suicide. So it was not as if she was dumping the kid so that she could lead a free and easy life.

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I know! I am so pissed off.

Damned grunt is a lying, pathetic cheaterpants!

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Yes I hate him so so much. What Saya said about him is very true:

"More than that, though, he’s shown a breathtaking meanness of spirit to just about everyone in his life… He breaks Mi-ran and Ji-hoon, scorns his wife and elder son, insults Hye-soo, but what’s frightening about him is that he has no sense of the ways in which he crushes and oppresses them… he simply requires being obeyed."

What really makes me angry is that he is so damned self-righteous, believing that everyone should do what he says, not just because he's powerful, but also because he knows best. That's why I love it when Mi-ran or Ji-hoon adopt that sarcastic tone with him (those two really are mother and son in that respect), e.g. when Mi-ran asks him why he's staring at the "nurse" when he's supposed to be paying attention to the patient he's visiting, or when Ji-hoon pretends to be surprised that his dad wants to see Mi-ran. Someone should make a gif of Lee Seo Jin's expression when the old bugger asks whether he's touched by his generous gesture.

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yep true old school jerk, pretty clear he seduced Mi-ran and lied to her about everything just so he could, will to put it crudely, get his leg ever, then blamed everything on her as if he didn't have anything to do with the child coming into being. I am guessing that he had some sort of feeling towards her, more than just lust, but seems he treats his own feeling [weakness] as harshly as he dose everyone else. But when he told her to go kill herself, that was going way too far as to be unforgivable as it likely just what she going to try to do. Near enough as to murdering someone with out getting his hands dirty as you can get.

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I get the sneaking feeling that long ago, Chairman truly loved Miran but had to end the affair and has been cold and bitter since then. Maybe we will get flashbacks on that time.

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When Young-hee is the name of your actual grandmother lololol

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"Grandma, did you bully my mommy?"

*snerk*

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Nayoon is making me so upset that I'm resorting to reading Master's Sun's recaps so that I don't end up hating the actress who, in all honesty and reality, is adorable.

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She is stuck up as a second lead/antagonist in most of the shows, but she is a good actress

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She is! I just wish she could better roles because I've literally seen her play this character about 3 times already.

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oh me too! And I do believe she's so capable of so much more! The same thing with the chairman. I've never seen him act as a good person, ever.

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He's good guy in What Happens To My Family. And I think he's character wasn't evil in Doctor Stranger and Ojakgyo Family.

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I know right!!! Her role here is the exact same copy of her role in Kill Me, Heal Me!! Where she is engaged to the hyung but still string the dongsaeng to maintain (in the terminology used in that drama) her fishery.. I really hate her when she plays these kinds of characters >:(

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*stringing

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She deserves so much better. Every time I start to hate seeing her on screen again, I just imagine how much the actress hated it herself. I wanna see her in a fluffy rom-com please.

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Ha. Is that a waterproof mobile phone PPL?? And here I think he tried to cut contact with his father that day. Tsk-tsk-tsk. New technology sure is a nuisance sometimes...

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Gosh, I want that phone badly . .
I actually noticed the same thing and awe for the phone in like a minuted

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Much awaited recap. Thank you so much for a great insight.
It is painful to see Ji Hoon in the submersive state. As if he is giving up his life and only did what he is told by his father, in order to make sure his mother is ok.
Cant wait for ep 9 and the rest...hopefully JiHoon will have the will to live and be happy thanks to the love of Hye Soo and Eun Sung. He needs them more than he can ever realised to put meaning to his life.

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I hope his submissiveness is a ploy for the long-term (go along with everything dad says, and then when he can, get out) instead of him actually giving up on his life. I dread that he's giving up on his life! No, be brave, Ji-hoon!

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Goodness me..... Man that scene at the hospital broke my already broken heart from earlier in the restaurant into tiny little pieces. It's been some time that I was so emotionally invested in a drama, the feels are strong in this one. Thanks for the recap

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Yes, hospital scene literally breaks us into tears... this drama is too real to life

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I was crying so hard when I watched that scene. For some reason, after only seeing Seojin in variety, it never occurred to me that he could be a good actor, but he killed that scene. Everyone is really stepping it up in this drama!

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And this drama is really torturing me over this past week.
Seeing those previews really made me want to see the next episode. I want those like episode right now! (T_T).
But thanks God, the next episode is tonight. yaayy!

At the beginning, i am not interested at all with this drama.
Because you know the age gap is 18th years!
But amazingly they can manage it, Lee Seo Jin and Uee and the little girls EunSung is so good.
Like really really good...
Superb!

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Congratulation saya! You're able to catch up with the airing time ;D

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Yep, Saya, thanks for getting us all caught up. Appreciate your efforts and LollyPip's, too. :-)

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yes, Thankyou Saya and Lollypip...

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+1 Yay! Thanks for the recap! I enjoyed to read recap more than watching this show/episode. Thank you again-it was really nice read.

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Thank you, Saya for your beautiful recap. You have such a way with words! It's quite touching.

Episode 8 broke my heart in a number of ways, chief of which is seeing how the Chairman alienated Ji hoon from his mother once again. It makes me wonder if Ji hoon's mother gave him up voluntarily all those years ago, or if the Chairman insisted on it and Mi ran just took the blame. We all know she attempted suicide when her son was gone, and by Ji hoon's own admission, although they were both poor, when they were together (just Ji hoon and Mi ran), they were happy. Mi ran genuinely loves her son, and Ji hoon returns her love, so it's sad to see him have to give her up, just to save her life.

I also dislike the Chairman's cavalier attitude against Jung hoon. People are not sandwiches, replacing one brother for another brother as a fiancé just to ensure a successful business deal is a recipe for disaster, and will breed all kinds of jealousy and discontent. And for Na yoon, to blatantly disregard the effect of her requesting Ji hoon instead of Jung hoon on the brothers' relationship, just points to her selfishness and self absorption. She ought to know she's making things difficult for Ji hoon, not that she would really care since she's getting what she wants, but unfortunately, the dude. is. just. not. that. into. her. He's got another woman on his mind...and in his heart.

And she returns his feelings. Yippee!!!

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@ Adal

That Chairman seems to have no clue at all what love and family is, or how to bring up his sons. He is doing exactly what is calculated to tear the family apart... so to add to all his negative traits, he lacks EQ no matter how 'wise' he might be in business. I cannot fathom how he an be so totally unable to empathise or be compassionate to the pain he is putting his own son through.

It's so upsetting seeing him use family as pawns without compunction, threatening even death and ruin for Hye Soo and telling Mi Ran to die as if he's god. It's no wonder that Jung Hoon raises his hand to do violence when he cannot get his way and why he insulted and treated Hye Soo with contempt. He had a lousy role model.

Even Ji Hoon pretends that he will follow his father in how he treats women, and Chairman finds that amusing, instead of an eye-opener as to how repulsive his behavior has been!

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Bravo, Saya! Thank you for the wonderful writing and for bringing it to life to be experienced again.

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So I was really trying to give Na Yoon the benefit of the doubt. See originally I didn't see the conversation with Hye Sun as rubbing it in her face. I genuinely thought Na Yoon was measuring whether or not Hye Sun was her actual competition. Regardless, the towel in the bathroom was downright nasty and couldn't be excused. Until that moment, I think you could've argued that Na Yoon was just desperate to get Ji Hoon back. The conversation with Hye Sun should've been assured Na Yoon that the field was clear to Ji Hoon. Too bad this actress seems to attract the bitchy second lead role too much. She does it well, I just wished the script had gone for some more subtly.

Can't wait to find out what happens tomorrow.

I hope that they don't go through with the surgery. Like Saya said they haven't done anything illegal yet. Also I had held out hope that the tumour was a misdiagnosis but since that is seeming less and less likely I'd really like to get on with her being discovered and the family falling in love and becoming a proper family before the, lets face it, probably ridiculously devastating ending.

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Dammit got the heroine's name wrong. Hye Soo not Hye Sun.

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Not for nothing, but I suspected that Na Yoon had a spiteful streak when the after that dinner with the three of them a few episodes back. Yeah, they aren't full blood brothers, but if it wasn't arranged; how bitter do you have to be to get back at your ex by dating and practically becoming engaged to his brother (without telling either of him)?!? She's a nasty piece of work. With this in mind it makes that sit down dinner posture even more telling. If he can't get out of it, he will be paying through the nose for the rest of his life.

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Thanks Saya! Your recap makes me want to go back to watch this episode again!!!

Each episode I'm so full of feels.

- Moved by the love between Ji Hoon and Mi Ran / Young Hee for Eun Sung

- Desperate for Hye Soo

- Embarrassed for Ho Joon

- Repulsed by Jung Hoon's attack on Hye Soo

- Irritated with Na Yoon (can't she be a 2nd lead in love triangle who is not bitchy-bratty?)

- Super elated and satisfied when Ji Hoon kicked Jung Hoon

- In awe with Eun Sung comforting her mum!

I'm going to watch the next episode live streamed tonight!!! Anyone care to join me? :)

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Best PPL ever!

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Aaaa ♥
Read your recap makes me want to re watch again

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Oops sorry.. I just want to make a new comment.. but I ended up in here
Sorry

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Saya - I love, love your recaps and comments! Very beautifully written. Thank you!

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How telling are Ji Hoon's reactions when Jung Hoon touches his two women, Na Young and Hye Soo... He can try to surpress his true feelings, but it is clear here...

Saya, thanks so much for the recap, you have great insight and talent with words.

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Yup, I love that Ji Hoon walked away when Jung Hoon was ignoring Na Yoon and fought him for his obnoxious behavior towards Hye Soo.

However, there was also the element of having to protect Hye Soo because not only was Jung Hoon extremely offensive and physical with Hye Soo, but he also has a lower regard for (looks down on) Hye Soo than for Na Yoon. Although he stopped before he slapped Na Yoon, he might not stop himself from hitting Hye Soo. I would have been very upset if Ji Hoon had not stood up to defend any woman so badly right in front of him.

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*treated so badly

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The prize is in the next episode. Everyone saw the kiss in the preview?

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Yassssssssss!!!

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This show has surprised me greatly. I usually don't go for melodramas due to sheer ridiculousness they usually have. But as Saya said this show has a lot of context and meaning in jesters and unspoken words. I went giddy when Hye Soo confessed that she got the hots for Ji Hoon. I am so ready for episode 9!!!

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I might be the only one but I'm looking forward to this more than DOTS. I just feel more invested in the characters!

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Me too! Me too! DOtS is great of course, but this is something more interesting with all those body languange and unspoken emotions from the characters. Love this show!

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You are not the only one. I wont bother to watch DOTS but with Marriage Contract, I watch & even look up the BTS!!

*virtual highfive*

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+1
I'm so excited that i'm not alone...
High five, all!!! Hahaha

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This drama has my heart. I love it so so much! ;_;

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Thank you for the recap, Saya!

This drama getting so much better with the new eps.
The actors and actresses doing a really good job. Like Saya said, so much wordless communication but somehow it hits the right spot.

Its been a while since i was so invested in a melodrama.
Great job drama!

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In this episode why jihoon accepted his father's wishes... why... ?it was so sad to see him like that... I mean,its obvious he has feelings for hyesoo but he is not in a position to oppose his fathers orders... anyway thanks for recap ??

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I think Ji Hoon is just playing along with his father so that his mother can have the surgery. He's probably smart enough to manipulate the chairman by pretending to give in until the deed is done.

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All these people just need to cut the chairman out of their lives somehow. He's ruined them all so much, it's no wonder his sons turned out that way :(

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Thanks for the recap, Saya~!

Gosh, that last picture of two of them in same screen but alone just with themselves and thoughts... It was so poignantly beautiful. Their aloneness in the mid of noises in the cafe are so touching.

As for ES, duh, poor JH falls deeply and madly in love with her. It would really break both hearts if JH and HS would not be together in the end. The sadness on their separation would be unimaginable.. *shudder*

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Ahhh, this drama. I started it totally hating the Mom. I just wanted her off my screen! But omg, why do this to me? You really can't judge people because you don't know what they've been through or how they became what they are now.

I just came here after watching episode 9 so will shut up for now. Will try to patiently wait for the next episode recap. Thanks to Saya and LollyPip!

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love it,

*i just want to comment, sorry

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Gosh I really love this series. Thank you dramaland!!

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Beautiful recap! Thanks Saya

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I was LOLing when Ji-hoon threw his phone into the bowel of water. Good shot!!! Thanks for the recap, good show.

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Thank you for the awesome recap - I love re-"watching" the drama by reading your thoughts on it!

& Awesome point out of the PPL, it was very clever of them, and in line with the plot too! HAHAH

Also, the last screencap, the two heroes separated by the restaurant wall, was so beautiful! It kind of reminded me of that folktale - the two lovers are separated by the Milky Way, and once a year the birds fly to create bridge, the two lovers can walk on the birds to meet each other once a year, and that's why the birds' heads are 'bald' because they provide a way for true love...(forgot the names of the lovers though), and the blossoms on the tree create that bridge for the separated Ji-hoon and Hye-soo.... this drama is so beautiful! Not only the actors, but the shots and framing as well <3

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Thank you for this awesome recap and all of the others I've been enjoying (while lurking) for a while now. I've become so attached to this drama, that I had to speak up. Reading through your review and everyone's comments definitely fill the gaps that are inevitable when you are just reading the subtitles! Looking forward to more of them!

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I can't with these three... I just. Can. Not. ?????

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