Boyfriend: Episode 2
by LollyPip
Everything changes when fantasy ends and real life resumes, and problems that seemed not to matter in the magical glow of a sunset suddenly seem to loom over you in the brightness of day. Returning to day-to-day reality brings a lot of surprises for two people who never expected to see each other again, some good and some not-so-good, but it’s how they will face those surprises that will determine what happens to them next.
EPISODE 2 RECAP
During his job interview at Donghwa Hotel, Jin-hyuk had said that he likes the steep path that leads to the Namsan Library and how it changes each season. He also stated that he prefers books to gaming, because they allow you to go at your own pace.
He discussed his previous jobs, most of which were part-time labor, and how his father taught him that hard work stays with you longer. But he also graduated college with a major in hotel management, even though his primary interest is in humanities, because he feels like the hotel industry could prosper if based more on humanities.
Back in Korea after his Cuban backpacking trip, Jin-hyuk can’t stop thinking about Soo-hyun and how he learned that she’s the CEO of Donghwa Hotel. He shows up at his parents’ fruit store, and his relationship with his parents seems warm and loving.
He tells his parents that he has good news (Dad: “You seduced a Cuban woman?” Jin-hyuk: “That would have been better news…”). He announces that he’s been hired by Donghwa Hotel, and he promises to send them on a trip to Cuba with his earnings.
That evening Jin-hyuk hangs out with his friends Lee Dae-chan and Jo Hye-in, and he sheepishly admits that he spent the money for their souvenirs on something else. Dae-chan correctly guesses that it was a woman, making Jin-hyuk choke on his drink and change the subject.
Later, Jin-hyuk tells Hye-in that he doesn’t know which department he’ll be assigned to, quipping that he just hopes it’s not Human Resources (where she works). He asks about Soo-hyun and whether she’s the type to wander around alone without her secretary.
Hye-in says that Soo-hyun is known as the Ice Princess because she never smiles, and she has no personal life. She briefly outlines Soo-hyun’s life — she’s the daughter of the mayor, married a chaebol, and got Donghwa Hotel in the divorce. Hye-in changes the subject to herself, earning some friendly ribbing from Jin-hyuk, and soon they’re chasing each other around the playground.
Soo-hyun is back at work at her Seoul hotel, and it’s easy to see how she brought it back from the brink of bankruptcy as she inspects even the smallest amenities. She proves that she cares about her employees by remembering personal details about them, and even insists on personally writing the welcome letter for the new recruits.
When Jin-hyuk shows up for his first day at work (with a sharp new haircut), the first thing he sees is Soo-hyun arriving at the hotel. He panics and turns away, then wonders why he’s avoiding her when he was her savior in Cuba.
Still, he’s hesitant to look directly at Soo-hyun during her introductory speech. As she’s talking, she spots him sitting at one of the tables, and she falters long enough for everyone to notice the awkward silence.
Jin-hyuk eventually makes eye contact and flashes Soo-hyun a nervous smile, and she regains her equilibrium and continues her speech, looking directly at him as she concludes, “We sincerely welcome you.” Jin-hyuk’s smile widens, catching her message.
When she gets back to her office, Soo-hyun asks Secretary Jang for the resumes of all the new recruits, and Secretary Jang guesses that she saw Jin-hyuk. Soo-hyun checks out Jin-hyuk’s resume and notes that he’s twenty-nine, and she reads his little essay about growing up in his parents’ fruit shop.
She smiles, remembering his claim that he’s a fruit vendor. His essay continues that he attributes the health of the older people in his neighborhood to the fact that they hike barefoot on the mountain, and she marvels that he was telling the truth about that, too. He also talks about the little playground in Hongdae-dong where he grew up, which makes Soo-hyun thoughtful.
Jin-hyuk does get assigned to Human Resources with Hye-in, who looks happy to see him. His good looks catch the eye of GU EUN-JIN (Park Jin-ju), who makes a point to introduce herself flirtatiously. The assistant manager, Kim Han-gil, snaps that she wasn’t formally introduced to Jin-hyuk on purpose. Awk-ward.
Soo-hyun spots Jin-hyuk as he takes a break, talking animatedly to someone on the phone. She wonders out loud who’s making him smile like that, then snaps at Secretary Jang when she guesses it’s a girlfriend. Soo-hyun asks if she’ll seem pathetic if she asks him who he’s talking to, and when Secretary Jang asks if she can answer as a friend, Soo-hyun quips, “Don’t.”
On her ride home, Soo-hyun tells Driver Nam that she heard of a playground in Hongdae-dong that’s thirty years old. She mentions the garden in Cuba and how she could feel the owner’s wife’s love there, and she’s curious whether that playground has the same feel to it.
She declines when Driver Nam offers to take her there, but before long she’s sitting on the swings, taking in the atmosphere. Jin-hyuk shows up, surprised to see her there, and she cringes at having been caught.
There’s a long, awkward moment, then Jin-hyuk says what they’re both thinking — that it’s weird that they met as friends halfway around the world, but now they’re boss and employee. He clarifies that he didn’t know who she was then, and that he hadn’t planned out what became a beautiful memory for him, worried that she’ll doubt his intentions.
But Soo-hyun tells him not to worry, because she knows he’s not that kind of person. Jin-hyuk says that she’s in some of the pictures he took in Cuba, and he assures her that it was unintentional. He has the negatives and asks if she’d like to see them, growing excited as he says there’s a “light box” of sorts down the street.
He grabs her wrist again, then lets go and says, embarrassed, that he just got overwhelmed by memories of Cuba. He looks like he’s preparing to receive a tongue-lashing, but Soo-hyun just tells him to lead the way.
Jin-hyuk takes her to a convenience store where he uses a claw machine as a light box. He shows Soo-hyun how to look through the loupe to see the pictures, and she jokes that she looks better in person.
Suddenly, Soo-hyun asks if Jin-hyuk has any money, and he giggles a little at the reminder of their night in Cuba. She wants to try to win a toy from the claw machine, and he brags that he’s a pro at it, only to lose the toy. He tries again and again, eager to impress her, and eventually she asks to give it a try. Naturally, she gets the little stuffed owl on her first try.
Jin-hyuk pouts that he lost because she makes him nervous, and she asks if he means because she’s his boss. He says it’s because she’s a beautiful woman, then realizes that he is talking to his boss and cringes, but Soo-hyun just smiles at his embarrassment.
She gives him the stuffed owl she won, then notices Driver Nam waiting nearby (and looking tickled pink to see her with a friend). She can’t help herself, and she asks Jin-hyuk who he was talking to on the phone this afternoon at 12:42 p.m. He thinks, then says with a giant grin that he was talking to the woman he likes. Soo-hyun hides her disappointment and says she was just curious because he looked so happy, then leaves.
Jin-hyuk chuckles to himself that she remembered the exact time he was on the phone. He gives a little shiver and muses that he feels weird whenever he’s with Soo-hyun, but his expression says it’s the best weird feeling ever.
After taking Soo-hyun home, Driver Nam meets with Jin-hyuk’s new department director, DIRECTOR KIM (Kim Hye-eun). She’s happy that this current crop of new recruits is uncommonly attractive, particularly the one in her department (Jin-hyuk). Driver Nam snaps that he was a looker in his day, but Director Kim tells him that she was there and he’s lying through his teeth.
While in her closet, Soo-hyun finds the red dress she wore on that night she spent with Jin-hyuk in Cuba. She still has the sandals he bought her from the street vendor, and she wonders where the heels are that she was wearing that night.
Jin-hyuk still has them, and he arranges the stuffed owl Soo-hyun gave him on a shelf next to the shoes. Similarly, Soo-hyun puts the humble sandals in her shoe closet, on display next to all of her expensive shoes.
At work the next day, an already infatuated Eun-jin asks Hye-in about Jin-hyuk. Hye-in says that he’s nice, though he has a tendency to get hooked on something and focus on it until he gets it. Eun-jin just decides that she’ll be the bait, and Hye-in looks unsettled by Eun-jin’s predatory manner.
Soo-hyun gets a summons from her mother, so she goes to her parents’ house. Her father seems nice, if detached (he didn’t even know she went to Cuba), but her mother makes a nasty comment about Soo-hyun getting nothing but the hotel in the divorce.
She wants to know if anything happened at Soo-hyun’s ex-mother-in-law’s birthday party, since Chairwoman Kim has asked to see her. Annoyed by her mother’s insistence on calling Woo-seok her son-in-law as if they’re still married, Soo-hyun says she’s leaving.
Her mother asks if she offended someone, but Soo-hyun snaps, “Have I ever done anything to offend anyone? Ever since Dad started in politics, I can’t even yawn comfortably!” As she leaves the room, her mother yells that she doesn’t blame Woo-seok for divorcing her. Damn.
Meanwhile, Chairwoman Kim tells her son Woo-seok that he needs to get remarried soon — but not to the woman he’s dating. She wants him to get back together with Soo-hyun, whose father is running for president, and she doesn’t even give him a chance to say how he feels about it.
She tells Soo-hyun’s mother of her plan, and Mom simpers and says she’s already spoken to Soo-hyun as if they had a nice little mother-daughter chat. By the look on Chairwoman Kim’s face, she dislikes Soo-hyun’s mother, but considers her a necessary evil.
At a team dinner that evening, Eun-jin makes a special bomb shot for Jin-hyuk, who drinks it despite Hye-in saying that he doesn’t usually drink much. Before long, he’s adorably drunk and passing out hangover remedies to everyone, and the party breaks up when he starts spoon-feeding an equally drunk Han-gil one of the drinks, hee.
Jin-hyuk tries to make his way home, but he ends up leaning on a sign struggling to stay on his feet. Soo-hyun, who worked late, sees him valiantly attempting to stay vertical.
It begins to rain, and Jin-hyuk makes his way to the bus stop, where he plops onto the bench and starts falling asleep. Soo-hyun swings around to check on him, and he’s so happy to see her that he nearly dives headfirst through her car window.
She says that since he’s drunk, and she’s still upset he refused her offer of a first-class plane ticket, he should let her drive him home. He jumps in, cheerfully telling her that he doesn’t have the alcohol tolerance of his new team as he unzips his tie. Yes, I said unzips.
He tells Soo-hyun that he doesn’t know how to tie a necktie, and she asks if the suit he’s wearing is his only one. He says he also has a gray one, but that she’s only seen him while he’s wearing the navy suit, and holy cow he’s a cute drunk.
He’s fast asleep by the time Soo-hyun stops at his playground. When he wakes, he worries that Soo-hyun might get sleepy on her drive home, so he offers her some dried squid he stashed in his pocket. He actually tries to feed it to her, so she hurriedly promises to eat it on her way home.
Jin-hyuk stares at her for a long time, leaning over into her side of the car. But he’s just sad that she thinks the squid is dirty, and he randomly blurts out that he’d already seen that salsa show in Cuba three times, but saw it again because of her.
He insists on feeding her the squid so that her hands won’t get dirty, and he claps with joy when Soo-hyun reluctantly takes it in her teeth. I really hope he can’t remember this in the morning, because if he does, he’s going to be so embarrassed. Scratch that — I hope he remembers every humiliating detail.
He waves Soo-hyun on home, and she drives off a little stunned with the squid still hanging out of her mouth. She finally takes it out, and laughs.
In the morning, Jin-hyuk rides to work wondering if he’s going to get fired today. He’s distracted all morning, and he looks downright ill when reminded of his interview with the CEO, which is apparently something Soo-hyun does with all new employees.
He heads to Soo-hyun’s office, where he’s barely able to look her in the eye as he apologizes to her. She says that he didn’t do anything wrong and offers him some herbal medicine for his hangover.
He swears he feels fine, but she tells him that he shared his squid so she’s sharing her herbal medicine, which makes them friends. Jin-hyuk squeaks that he doesn’t dare call her a friend, but he takes the medicine and gulps it down.
Soo-hyun compliments him on his gray suit, and she asks if today’s tie also has a zipper. Poor Jin-hyuk looks like he wants to crawl under the couch, and Soo-hyun struggles not to laugh at his obvious dismay. She says that if he feels uncomfortable, then he can do her a favor — eat ramyun with her at a rest stop.
Woo-seok has dinner with his girlfriend, the one he left Soo-hyun for. She mentions that it’s been four years and asks how long things will be like this, obviously angling for a proposal, but Woo-seok has nothing to say.
Jin-hyuk wonders if he should wear a work suit to have ramyun with Soo-hyun, but he settles on something more casual. He still looks nervous and uncomfortable as Soo-hyun drives to the rest stop, so she asks him if he has any squid in his pockets to snack on.
At the risk of getting fired, Jin-hyuk snaps that she sure knows how to hold a grudge, ha. Soo-hyun surprises him by busting out laughing, which makes Jin-hyuk laugh and lightens the mood. She puts on a hat to hide her face when they get to their destination, and they go inside for their ramyun.
Noticing how daintily Soo-hyun eats, Jin-hyuk offers to show her how to slurp it properly. She jokes that he might fail like he did at the claw machine, but he performs the maneuver perfectly… then chokes when Soo-hyun quips that that was awful.
After they eat, Jin-hyuk offers to drive back to the city so that Soo-hyun can rest. She reaches across his lap to show Jin-hyuk where the button is to adjust the seat, and he goes very quiet with her face so close to his. Soo-hyun seems to notice how she affects Jin-hyuk, but she doesn’t say anything about it.
When they get home, Soo-hyun apologizes for monopolizing Jin-hyuk’s day off, but he offers to go with her if there’s anything else she wants to do. She says he must feel strange, having his CEO ask him to eat ramyun, but he says that if he worked somewhere else and they didn’t have any connections, he wouldn’t have been able to make her laugh again like she did in Cuba.
She wonders if he feels strange having her for a boss, and he fires back that she must feel awkward having him as an employee, but they both agree that they’re fine with it. Jin-hyuk writes his phone number on his hand, then uses Soo-hyun’s phone to take a picture of it, offering it to her with no strings attached.
She says warily that his girlfriend probably won’t like this, but Jin-hyuk says he’s not dating anyone. Soo-hyun reminds him that he was on the phone with the woman he likes, and he laughs that he was talking to his mother. Soo-hyun is surprised that he looks so loving while talking to his mother, but he says it was the Korean beef she said was for dinner that made his heart flutter, ha.
At her flustered reaction, Jin-hyuk calls her cute, then stops for fear he’s being disrespectful. But she says it’s better than hearing she looks old, and on that note, she leaves.
During a business lunch regarding the new hotel the next day, Soo-hyun’s phone suddenly blows up with calls from Secretary Jang. Secretary Jang tells her to check out the link she just sent and then call her back, dropping to banmal and calling her “Soo-hyun.” Soo-hyun does, and what she sees makes her jaw drop.
It’s a news article about herself, on a date at a rest stop. The article spreads through the hotel like a wildfire, and although Jin-hyuk’s face is pixelated in the photo, it’s pretty obvious that it’s him.
COMMENTS
I was worried that leaving the magic and romance of Cuba behind would undercut the chemistry between our leads, but I just love Jin-hyuk and Soo-hyun even more after this episode. Seeing them in their natural habitats explains a lot about them as people, and made me understand more about their behavior in Cuba. In particular, Jin-hyuk’s warm, loving family explains a lot about his carefree attitude, as he’s clearly been encouraged to be himself, Conversely, watching Soo-hyun with her family shows why she feels the need to be so protective of her emotions and true feelings.
But I love how Soo-hyun lets herself just go around Jin-hyuk — I imagine his emotional openness makes her feel safe to relax her iron control on that part of herself. He’s safe to show her feelings to because he’s just a big ball of feelings himself. It’s cute to watch him try to rein in his impulsive tendencies around Soo-hyun while at the same time, she’s struggling to give herself permission to open up and relax. So I liked that Jin-hyuk got drunk and lost control (and by the way, Drunk Jin-hyuk is officially my new favorite thing), which flipped things on them the next day, putting him in the position of being nervous so that Soo-hyun could be friendlier with him. I notice that every time Soo-hyun laughs at Jin-hyuk’s antics, she seems more relaxed and unleashes that wicked sense of humor even more, and it makes me look forward eagerly to the time when they truly see themselves as equals.
I knew that the social and financial gap between them would be a problem, but at least until the article was published, it seemed to be much less a problem for Soo-hyun than it is for Jin-hyuk. And so far, it doesn’t feel like a typical case of the more privileged being fundamentally too good for the humble commoner just because she was lucky to be born into a higher class — it’s more that Soo-hyun is Jin-hyuk’s boss, and it puts her in a position of authority so that he doesn’t know how to act towards her. Soo-hyun doesn’t seem to care at all, so the only issue between the two of them, at the moment, is how to balance their work dynamic with their growing friendship-or-maybe-more.
I wasn’t expecting Soo-hyun and Jin-hyuk’s relationship to be outed so soon, and even if he’s a relative nobody, at least one person, Hye-in, recognized him from the news article. I don’t think that Soo-hyun or Jin-hyuk feel that there’s anything to hide about their budding relationship (and although they haven’t explicitly discussed it, I think they both acknowledge that this is romantic in nature), but society is going to see a lot to object to about them. Pick your offense — they’re from two very different social strata, they’re boss and employee, and Soo-hyun is significantly older than Jin-hyuk. Add to that a pair of mothers with a political agenda, and I think Soo-hyun and Jin-hyuk are in for quite a storm. I just hope that their feelings are strong enough already to give them the strength to weather it and come out the other side together.
RELATED POSTS
- Premiere Watch: Clean With Passion for Now, Boyfriend, Memories of the Alhambra
- Dancing the Cuban night away for Boyfriend
- Fate turns to love in Cuba for Song Hye-gyo and Park Bo-gum
- Park Bo-gum and Song Hye-gyo explore Cuba in new Boyfriend teaser
- Jang Seung-jo joins Boyfriend’s star-studded cast
- Boyfriend sets premiere date and releases first stills of Song Hye-gyo
- Park Bo-gum, Song Hye-gyo in first script read for Boyfriend
- Song Hye-gyo, Park Bo-gum’s potential noona romance Boyfriend headed for tvN
Tags: Boyfriend, Jang Seung-jo, Park Bo-gum, Song Hye-gyo
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 Maia
December 1, 2018 at 6:16 PM
I love this drama. Bogummy and SHK really complimented each other and made this story heartwarming and special. Can't wait for Ep 3
Required fields are marked *
2 growingbeautifully
December 1, 2018 at 6:23 PM
Thanks @lollypip. Oh how I loved all that teasing from 'big sister'. CEO was such a natural, cheeky human being, having the upper hand and loads of fun at hoobae's expense. 😂 I was tickled pink. Boy had not clue a generous (and gross) donation of a piece of squid was going to get him in return.
I loved that they are getting together as two persons who are acquainted and who can be friends. Those clear, relaxed looks at each other at the rest stop are going to be about the last we might see for while though ... such a pity. 😔
My one word of advice to all who wish to hide their identities ... never sit facing outwards near a window!!! (Course 'Living Surreptitiously 101') 😇
Required fields are marked *
하데스
December 1, 2018 at 6:51 PM
IKR!!!
Required fields are marked *
Ally
December 1, 2018 at 10:29 PM
That’s the first thing I said too, and knew there would be pictures of them following.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 8:46 PM
That was, I admit too, very stupid. Eating ramyun by the window when she tried so hard not to be caught by camera. But then again, Soo Hyun has a hard case of not able to slip by paparazzi. This isn't the first time she does something stupid and made the headline (I mean how many times they took her picture attending her ex-mother-in-law gatherings)
In any case, I must say thank you paparazzi for sharing us those beautiful pictures though. She looked so happy and in peace, no wonder, that made the headline. Her ex-husband looked so perplexed prior to that scene. And I wondered, perhaps that was the first time he`s seen her with such beautiful expression on her face. And that maybe cheating on her was the only way he could think of to get her to react, but still failed. Seeing her pictures must have stunned him that she isn't a stoic as they all (him including) seem to think.
Required fields are marked *
Ally
December 1, 2018 at 10:30 PM
Those paparazzi pics were life! I loved them.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
December 2, 2018 at 7:56 AM
I am not sure if it was stupid, or she just does not care any more - or perhaps she is doing it on purpose to troll the Controlling Mother factions?
Required fields are marked *
raekaddict
December 2, 2018 at 1:32 AM
My one word of advice to all who wish to hide their identities ... never sit facing outwards near a window!!! (Course 'Living Surreptitiously 101') 😇
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Required fields are marked *
wapz
December 2, 2018 at 2:03 AM
That's exactly what I thought. You are hiding your udentity yet you chose to sit somewhere anybody can see you 😂
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
December 2, 2018 at 7:58 AM
On the other hand, wearing a black hat and face mask and wrapping your head up in a giant scarf does not look AT ALL suspicious. :D
Required fields are marked *
shach
December 2, 2018 at 10:24 AM
I love how they portray her as confident woman, after all she single-handedly build successful hotel brand, asking a guy on a date is small potato in comparison:)
The only feel I don't like is the remarriage plot, there will be a lot obstacles as it is with age and status difference, why add another one and not very realistic one too? I'm afraid that because of that plot become too stuffy and messy, and we lost on observing budding couple building their relationship, and instead writers will serve us crazy mothers hijinks.
Required fields are marked *
growingbeautifully
December 2, 2018 at 1:47 PM
I'm thinking too that there're going to be lots of chaebol interruptions of the OTP togetherness. Maybe it's good that I've got to be away and take a break ... I'll come back to read how the tale develops to see it it's too frustrating! 😉
Required fields are marked *
CS
December 3, 2018 at 9:48 AM
Yes! After Pretty Noona's mother hijinks totally derailed that show for me , I am giving these obviously delusional moms the side-eye. I'd hate to see another lovely romance get ruined.
Required fields are marked *
3 Myrna
December 1, 2018 at 6:23 PM
To be honest Encounter is Amazing Drama, am eagerly and excited to watched becoz of Goddess SHK, am her big fan from Philippines
Required fields are marked *
4 alua
December 1, 2018 at 6:30 PM
I'm trying to understand Soo-hyun's relationship with her secretary and driver. She's supposed to be lonely and "ice princess", but she's got at least two people by her side that clearly care for her and that she engages with in a rather casual rather than strictly professional way. They haven't explained anything about the secretary, but the way they interact makes it seems like she's Soo-hyun's best buddy from middle or high school. So is Soo-hyun really lonely and an ice princess? Or just choosing not to share her feelings with these people that are clearly willing to be her friends? She's not interacting with them in an "ice princess" way either. So I don't buy it.
I could also do without Jin-hyuk's female friend from middle school. I would love her to be just a great friend, but all the signs right now point to the clichéd female-friend-that's-in-love-with-the-guy-who-is-utterly-clueless-about-it (uhhhhh!).
Don't know if it's only me, but some of the dialogue seems quite artificial to me. Like Soo-hyun walking through the hotel and knowing everything better than anyone, like she's *the* hotel genius and the people who have worked for her for years don't really know anything much. Yes, she says things nicely (rather than the usual jerk chaebol in dramas), but the conversations still seems sort of unreal.
My verdict after two episodes is still that there is a lot of "fate" and many signs for clichéd narrative threads, rather than this drama walking down some newer paths. It's easy on the eyes (which isn't enough for me to stick to something) and an easy watch for now, but I'm not compelled we'll really get solid, fresh writing here. Giving it another 2-4 episodes...
Required fields are marked *
하데스
December 1, 2018 at 6:49 PM
The thing about labels/perceptions/names in the workplace is that they tend to stick even though they may not be true. It becomes worse it a person in power does it to someone without power or if people want to discredit someone, especially someone who is either really good and their jobs or who is in the way of another who wants to get their job. Also, as you said, they may know her work life, but they don't know her personal life. With the secretary for example, they're pretty professional-save a few small instances--while they're on the job, but as soon as they're off the clock, they're pretty casual.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 7:38 PM
I feel like her environment molded her as the ice princess. She is living the life she is expected to live. Jin Hyuk made her guard drop and be free that she forgot that she was a chaebol daughter who's lived a life under the lens of cameras and public.
Required fields are marked *
Lixie
December 2, 2018 at 3:42 PM
It's not just you. :) I thought the same but the dialogue improved from ep 1 so maybe it will keep getting better? It's like the writer didn't research her hotel ceo job properly so they came up with those strange acts, I was waiting for her to go to the kitchen and teach the chef.
I do think she could be lonely though, the driver is just friendly but not close and the secretary seems to be a friend but she is also an employee, they won't get together socially. I think her ice princess nickname came from acting so politely and distant in public.
Required fields are marked *
javinne
December 4, 2018 at 2:32 PM
A lot of fate, indeed. And definitively, the setting is for silly tropes they have used before in many dramas, like gossip people who envy them (her or him, secretly or openly), ex mother in law trying to control her, ex husband now trying to pursue her, because now yes, he is suddenly in love with her, stupid so called journalists writing wrong things about her, maybe even he believing the newspaper articles more than her (once they become a couple), etc... Maybe even the typical separation on episode 14-15, because yes we need that.... And so forth, an so on
I will be surprised if this drama makes things differently, but even if it is, not the case, still I may try to watch, so that I can see Park Go bum smiling once in a while 😂
Required fields are marked *
5 하데스
December 1, 2018 at 6:34 PM
Thanks for the recap @lollypip
By all accounts, this could be one of the most complicated noona romances. In my head I keep thinking, "and you thought Pretty Noona was complicated?" The odd thing about this drama though is that Soo-hyun is so relaxed about the whole thing. Usually it would be the noona who would be super hesitant. Hopefully that keeps up.
I think Song Hye-kyo is easily one of my favourite Korean actresses. She's sooo good! It's rare that I like the female lead more than the male, so I think I'll need that to help carry me through this drama.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 7:58 PM
RE: Soo-Hyun being so relaxed about the whole thing - I think it's because being with Jin Hyuk brings out feelings she hasn't felt before - happiness and not being afraid to ask or say something. I like that moment when she mustered up the courage to ask him who/what made him so happy over the phone. It's been bothering her, but if this was the Soo Hyun who shuts off from people's affairs, she wouldn't have cared less. But with Jin Hyuk, her curiosity of him made her do that.
All her life she lived was she was expected of her - as per ep 1 her world was so black and white. Jin Hyuk brings out colours in her life just by being with him and do mundane happy things like - walking on barefoot, eating ramyun.
I like the contrast they're showing here - she's older but she's like a child who needs to experience life. She forgets who she is when she's with him, that she doesn't even think of their status in public. He's younger, but he definitely has lived a life he'd wanted to. He's letting her experience all that.
Pretty Noona Buys Me Food is different in my opinion because the female lead has lived her life the way she wanted to before and after she met male lead (sorry forgot their names already!) Therefore she knows all these sorts of feelings - embarrassment, love, heartbreak, etc. Soo Hyun, on the other had, was stoic right from the start - she didn't learn how to be embarrassed, she didn't know self-awareness. Her life didn't allow her to live that way.
Required fields are marked *
growingbeautifully
December 1, 2018 at 11:29 PM
@hades Another reason that Soo Hyun is relaxed around Jin Hyuk could be that she not only did not bother about social status, but that she had had no intention to make him a boyfriend. He was a charming acquaintance, they had met again and they could be fun companions. That was probably as far as it went for her, and so there was no reason to hesitate.
However with the paparazzi calling attention to them, she will have to pause and take stock about what he would lose as well as what she might. Being the older person and the one with the 'power' in the relationship, she will have no choice but to take steps to protect the younger person, who is her subordinate. 😐
Required fields are marked *
Yuki
December 2, 2018 at 9:46 AM
Yeah, I think she is telling herself that she's only having some nice time with a cute guy, getting a bit of fresh air and harmless fun...but if things keep going this way, at some point she will find herself taken with that beautiful smile. :)
Required fields are marked *
growingbeautifully
December 2, 2018 at 1:52 PM
@yukies She probably is already taken with him and his smile, and now knowing that he does not have a gf, is likely to let herself go a bit. But reality has bitten with the publishing of those photos. So quickly she has to deal with the fallout.
Required fields are marked *
하데스
December 2, 2018 at 3:44 PM
I can definitely see the logic, but drama wise I'm hoping that they tackle this head on now. But, it's not going to happen, mainly because they're not a couple yet. But it does give them a feel for what's to come.
6 greenfields
December 1, 2018 at 6:35 PM
I really enjoyed ep 2. I love an office romance that must be kept hidden and I hope we'll get some of that in the coming episodes before their relationship is outed entirely. Also, I'm aware that this is massively problematic in real life, but the drama is executing it well & is fun - so I'm willing to look past it.
Required fields are marked *
7 teachermok18
December 1, 2018 at 6:40 PM
I came into this series with relatively low expectations despite the powerhouse leads; but much to my pleasant surprise, this turned to be a lovely premiere week and it looks like I'm going to be in for the long haul! Song Hye Kyo delivers the goods as usual, but it's Park Bo Gum which shines in these first two episodes. I love how the plot seems so simple and straightforward, but there's actually more than meets the eye. Methinks that this might be a good and lighter follow up to the tragic masterpiece that was HMSFTS/ TSHLYE, although I think this couple will bring on the tears, too. Let me enjoy the fluffy moments first!
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 8:26 PM
So far I love its simplicity! Everything feels too coincidental, but hey what K-drama isn't? That aside, I really like how it's just a story of two people who met in Cuba, had beautiful memories together and how their story continues on in their home country. Hope that their story progression gets me hooked to the end.
Required fields are marked *
teachermok18
December 2, 2018 at 12:20 AM
And I'm loving how these two people seem to be genuinely nice people, too <3
Required fields are marked *
8 lazy ~ gogo!
December 1, 2018 at 6:47 PM
the cinematography and directing is beautiful! so this is purely my own issue, but the chemistry between the leads still seems a bit awkward and forced. idk why, but that doesn't stop me from watching this because i'm in a huge slump rn.
Required fields are marked *
judepps
December 1, 2018 at 7:34 PM
i feel the same way too. Chemistry between leads still seems a bit awkward. anyhow i'll still give a go for few more episodes to see if the awkwardness is still there.
Required fields are marked *
iamdeb
December 1, 2018 at 7:44 PM
I agree about their chemistry being a bit off and right now it doesn’t seem like it’s because of the stage they are at in their relationship. It really does keep me from getting really immersed in the drama and without the beautiful cinematography of Cuba, I found myself checking my phone multiple times while watching this episode.
The preview for episode 3 made me a bit concerned too but I’m still curious as to how they’ll handle the backlash to the paparazzi pictures.
Required fields are marked *
po
December 1, 2018 at 7:53 PM
I think the writer intended it to be like that since their characters are not familiar with each other so there are some silences in their conversation along with both of them talking to each other in the formal way of speaking which doesn't really let you speak the way you want to. On top of that they realise that they are boss/employee meaning both of them wonder what is right to say and what is wrong in that particular situation.
Required fields are marked *
CS
December 3, 2018 at 9:56 AM
I think they're supposed to feel awkward and overly polite at this point. They hardly know each other and the social structure of Korea puts lots of roadblocks to them being friends. I was thinking about their lack of chemistry, but then remembered this. I think the still paparazzi shots give a hint of chemistry to come. That was the first glimpse I got of it.
Required fields are marked *
9 lemoncello
December 1, 2018 at 6:51 PM
A bright and cantagious smile might be one of Park Bo-gum’s charms. To be honest, I feel like I’m flustered when JH’s smile on the screen.
I love more and more his character....
Required fields are marked *
10 blnmom
December 1, 2018 at 7:05 PM
Bogummy makes a super cute drunk. When he stuck that squid in her mouth, I laughed so loudly. I'm glad he finally gets to have a drama mom.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 8:20 PM
I was cringing and laughing at the same time during that drunk in the car scene. He was showing off how awesome his tie is, and how he has not one but two suits! It's just that everytime he runs into her, he's wearing his navy suit. LMAO. I love Soo Hyun's reaction to his drunk antics. He's so different from her world, that everything about this guy is refreshing. I really love this reversal where it's the female lead this time who becomes curious of mundane things.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
December 1, 2018 at 10:05 PM
The zipper ties really put the capital B in "Boyfriend" 😂
Required fields are marked *
Dl
December 3, 2018 at 2:04 PM
From these 2 episodes, I'm seeing a pattern that makes me enjoy this now. At first, the dialog seems random and they pass you by. Then this writer throws the lines back at you in a later scene. We got to enjoy the drunk JH scene then we get to enjoy it again from another angle at the CEO-new hire interview. It makes you wonder what's coming next.
Required fields are marked *
BdxPelik
December 2, 2018 at 4:16 AM
"I'm glad he finally gets to have a drama mom."
Me toooooo. I've seen him in four dramas and three movies already and this is the first project where his mom is present. When he shouted, "OMMAAA!" My response was, "Yay, he has a mom!"
Plus... Park Bo Gum's mom passed away ages ago. :'(
Required fields are marked *
11 🍙 kimbap noona
December 1, 2018 at 7:06 PM
Half of PBG's screencaps this episode are of his contagious and radiant million-dollar smiles, and the other half is just sheer PBG's adorableness. Don't ever change
BogummyJin-hyuk!!I love love Jin-hyuk's answers to his interview questions....preferring books because it allows freedom to go at one's own pace....how a business would thrive if it is firmly rooted in humanities....appreciating the steep steps leading to the library because it offers him the opportunity to experience the seasons.....
*chews on dried squid to prevent swooning delirium*
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 8:12 PM
Bogum was gone for two years that I forgot how bewitching his smiles were lol. I was glued to my screen for two hours watching Bogum smile like that. It's dazzling, and the feelings from two years ago all came back. LOLOL.
But I`m actually glad that there's actually a story I can follow aside from being mesmerized by Bogum. Boy knows how to pick up a hit drama for sure (darn those ratings!) Hopefully the story will make me stick to the very end, but at the moment, I`m intrigued by how far can they take this noona-dongsaeng/CEO-employee relationship. I actually like that they took care of the big elephant in the room as early as 2nd episode - both don't care of their status and that they do want to hang out. Seems like the drama will be heavy on external conflicts with public/family/status trying to separate them together, rather than internal "but I'm older, he's young, I'm CEO, he's a new employee, we can't be together" conflict.
Required fields are marked *
DoubleFault
December 1, 2018 at 9:26 PM
That's one thing that I admire about Bogummy. Dude definitely knows how to pick his projects. I Remember You wasn't a hit as compared to his other projects but it really showcased his range as an actor.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 10:42 PM
I watched Remember You after falling for Reply 1988 hard. And I thought to myself, what did I just watch! From falling for Taekie who I loved so much to Min who freaked the heck out of me. He is such a versatile actor. He can be your swoony male lead or creepy villain, and all that makes you appreciate him more as an actor.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
December 1, 2018 at 10:01 PM
Absolutely, @13infamyss! (So glad we are watching the same drama again 😊)
I was delighted to see both of them just simply acknowledging that their employer/employee status just don't bother them enough to deter them to become better friends! Such a refreshing choice by the writer!
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 10:47 PM
yes same! glad to see your comment when I was scrolling down reading this page. Looking forward to your hilarious posts and insights on this drama! Also I`m glad to have found a drama to watch now with recap page I can spazz with beanies! hehehe
Required fields are marked *
Blue (@mayhemf)
December 2, 2018 at 9:04 AM
welcome back!! After the smile left our eyes after HMS, looks like PBG is filling the entire beanie world with his smiles ; )
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 9:41 AM
@mayhemf Nice to see you on this recap page! Hope to have meaty discussions with you again! It's really too early to tell whether this drama is worth dissecting for, but ep 2 made me come out of my comfort shell, so I hope that's a good sign that we`ll be in this drama for the long haul.
hehehehhehehehe I binge watched the 2 episodes yesterday, so haven't had the chance to check out beanies' wall post pages yet, but wow looking forward to be spoiled by lots of Bogum's smiles ^____^
bam 🐢🐌💖~
December 1, 2018 at 9:35 PM
Oi vey. *peers at my heart, which has somehow shifted out of my chest and into my outstretched hands*
For public safety, can we please tape his mouth shut? Or as Bok-Joo did with Joon-Hyung, roll and tug his turtleneck so that it covers his entire face?
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
December 1, 2018 at 9:57 PM
😂😂😂 For public safety, I would much prefer to be enclosed in a hoodie-to-hoodie universe with Bogummy as Bok-joo and Joon-hyung shielding the public from all of the display of affection, @bammsie!
Required fields are marked *
bam 🐢🐌💖~
December 1, 2018 at 10:12 PM
PWAHAHAHA.
Well, wouldn’t we all. 😂
*subs in for the dad riding in on his chicken moto*
Required fields are marked *
12 JustMe
December 1, 2018 at 7:22 PM
No, I did not rewind the drunk bogum scene 20 million times. *nose gets long*
Required fields are marked *
Cocoa, The Fake Poet of February
December 1, 2018 at 8:15 PM
Dang it now I have to watch this show. All these descriptions of cute Bogummy have toppled my indifference...
Required fields are marked *
zuraya
December 1, 2018 at 8:51 PM
yes, you should. this drama is so beautiful and fun to watch
Required fields are marked *
JustMe
December 1, 2018 at 9:09 PM
I tried to resist.... i guess ill enjoy the cute and the view and run away when it gets angsty hahah
Required fields are marked *
bam 🐢🐌💖~
December 1, 2018 at 9:31 PM
Join the dark side, we have books and fruit!
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
December 1, 2018 at 10:01 PM
*slurps ramen with fellow Beanies*
Required fields are marked *
13 shoesrgreatrite
December 1, 2018 at 7:51 PM
I havent watch it yet. Was scarred by Pretty noona, abit scared for this drama too since the first half of pretty noona was so magical, but the second half was just meh after the mom dialled up her bitchiness...
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
December 1, 2018 at 8:17 PM
*shudders at brain playing “Stand By Your Man”*
Required fields are marked *
Ally
December 1, 2018 at 10:20 PM
At least this second episode’s music direction was much better! I’m liking what I’m hearing on the OST and it’s not repetitive in the least.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
December 2, 2018 at 6:46 AM
Yeah, OST of episode 2 is much better, at least it doesn't take viewers out of the story like the abrupt Korean drama ballad cutting into their salsa dancing in episode 1 😵
Required fields are marked *
shoesrgreatrite
December 2, 2018 at 12:44 AM
OMG THAT SONG! I hated it so much!!! They only had 2 songs being played the whole show that by the time it reached mid point of the drama, i would just literally mute the audio.
Required fields are marked *
14 kangminjae
December 1, 2018 at 8:23 PM
I couldn’t believe that I wound up loving this episode even more than the first, given how gorgeously the premiere was shot. But like you said, the glimpse of Jin Hyuk and Soo Hyun’s daily lives really opened up their characters and underscored further how great they could be together. And I was seriously shocked by the final scene! Can’t wait to see where the show goes next.
Required fields are marked *
DoubleFault
December 1, 2018 at 9:32 PM
Yeah, considering that I was crying tears of joy (no joke!) by the time the ending credits for ep 1 rolled. That's how much I loved the pilot ep. Didn't think that ep 2 would top that. While I adore Jinhyuk, I find myself really drawn to Soohyun's character. I relate so much with many of her struggles.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 10:35 PM
Mee too. Soo Hyun's character interest me more at the moment. I was drawn to her the moment she had the earbuds on, listened to the music as she watched the beautiful sunset. Then her black-and-white boring life flashed before her and we saw how much that contrasted with the colourful environment she was in at that moment. It was sad, and I wanted to see what she`ll do from here on to get out of that life.
Required fields are marked *
dancingbella23
December 2, 2018 at 1:07 PM
omg me too! I actually teared up during the sunset scene! It was so sad to see her life back home in Skorea. I am so happy of the way they wrote Soohyun's character. It has so much more depth than the typical "ice-old" chaebol. We could see that she's only putting up an image and that seeing the sunset was her only moment of peace.
Required fields are marked *
15 hwaiting
December 1, 2018 at 8:32 PM
Love this show! I can't get over how beautiful the leads are...and their perfect teeth! Sigh!
Required fields are marked *
16 zuraya
December 1, 2018 at 8:43 PM
i just love how you describe about this story. this drama sooo fun to watch, i hope you can enjoy too.
btw, i'm going rewatch this drama for three times
Required fields are marked *
17 Wildewest
December 1, 2018 at 8:49 PM
Feeling grateful to have such a great drama to watch after a long time (this is my favourite drama of the year so far).
Grateful to have you as the recapper. You’re fast and you’re recaps are beautiful.
Required fields are marked *
18 UmbrellaLei
December 1, 2018 at 9:30 PM
I'm looking forward to the next ep! Words can't explain how much I've enjoyed the first two eps 💕💕💕
Required fields are marked *
19 13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 9:31 PM
IMO, it was a solid week for Boyfriend. We saw snippets of their life and what shaped them in who they are. I`m really curious to see how Soo Hyun will grow as a person with Jin Hyuk in her life. Her life before meeting him was predictable - she goes to work, she meets her ex-mother-in-law, she attends public gatherings, she gets her picture taken by paparazzi, she goes home and still does work. Her life is out there in public, and she didn't know to live her life any other way. Nothing moves her. She only finds solace by pouring her everything out on the hotel that she requested for as alimony.
On the other hand, we see that she isn't ice princess as what the public portrays her. She has great relationship with her secretary and driver. Her secretary is very much concerned of her well being during and out of office hours. Also, I`m actually surprised that she doesn't have a sour relationship with her father and that her father isn't as suffocating as her mother is doing to her. If I were to judge based from that one scene I've seen her with her family, she might have a good relationship with her father and that she didn't regret being the muse of his candidacy all those years. It's just that her life as a chaebol princess restrains herself from doing what really wanted to do.
She asked her mom "Have I ever done anything to offend anyone?" I thought that was such a great scene that she lashed out, listed the things that caged her, but she's done all of them for the eyes of the public, for her family, but nobody sees it. She was okay living this way, until Jin Hyuk came. Now I want to see how being with Jin Hyuk will get her to move - make her fight for what she truly wants to do.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
December 2, 2018 at 8:09 AM
I think she has come to realize what a stifling straight jacket she has been in all her life, mainly due to just doing what others want her to do. I suspect that Jin-Hyuk is not the cause of her breaking out of that mold, just the final trigger. I also think that her relationship with her secretary and driver are kind of awesome - and that in the end they will end up being her biggest allies for the obvious turmoil to come.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 9:27 AM
Yes I totally agree! And I loved how you put it that way - he is her final trigger. As I have mentioned, nothing moves her. She has no motivation for changing the way she lives. She's got a lot of pent up, unresolved feelings, but they get brushed off because she couldn't care less how her life becomes to be. That is until she met Jin Hyuk and showed her that there's more life than what's laid out to her on the table.
And yes, really glad to know that she won't be alone once she starts standing up for herself - that she's got her secretary/girlfriend who`ll stick with her no matter what. Really liked that last part where she told her "Check it right now, Soo Hyun-ah". She called her in a familiar tone to emphasize the urgency of her request. That she's asking Soo Hyun to act on it as not as her secretary but a girlfriend who really cares about her.
Required fields are marked *
20 Ally
December 1, 2018 at 10:11 PM
Oh.my.word. Drunk Jin-Hyuk is my new favorite thing too, as well as Infatuated Jin-Hyuk, Embarrased Jin-Hyuk, Considerate Jin-Hyuk, or Just Jin-Hyuk. Or is it Park Bo-gum? I really can’t tell the difference at this point. And isn’t his mom the sweetest? I caught my husband smiling this episode and it was when Jin-hyuk’s mom told him that she would go anywhere he sent her. Because that’s my husband’s mom. I think we finally found a drama (after a few missteps) we’re going to enjoy together. Yay for loving families. I really hope we see more of his parents.
And a cultural thing that those of us from the west may see strange, but it’s just totally expected and normal in Asia, is telling a young man or woman they are attractive when you first meet them, which everyone in Jin-Hyuk’s office tells him when they are introduced to them. In Vietnamese the phrase is “đep trai” which is literally “beautiful boy” and means handsome. It’s such a common phrase to hear when you are first introduced to others that I don’t even think twice when I hear it spoken about my own son or other children. However, the phrase is a bit jarring in English because we don’t usually come out and say, “Oh, you’re quite handsome or beautiful” when we first meet someone, but I totally would in Vietnamese, especially to someone younger than me or a child. However, in Jin-hyuk’s case, he really IS handsome and they are kind of saying it in disbelief because it would be a common thing to say whether or not you considered that person good looking, and in his case they really mean it. Maybe that makes sense, maybe not. Bottom line: He’s gorgeous and everyone is kind of floored by it.
Required fields are marked *
growingbeautifully
December 1, 2018 at 11:11 PM
@ally-le LOL! Saying he's beautiful and actually meaning it with PBG. I like the idea of how he floors them all. If only he'd kept his longer locks, a few head tosses and they'd be out for the count! 😂
Required fields are marked *
KaniaDJ
December 2, 2018 at 6:57 AM
I really really want to join all the fun on this drama with you, and others here on DB. Ive been waiting for this moment for years, anticipating when will bogum be on the screen again. But after a freak accident last week, i only have one hand functioning at the moment, and it took me like 5 minutes to write this comment
Required fields are marked *
Ally
December 2, 2018 at 7:24 AM
Oh, no! Prayers that your hand heals! I usually type my comments with one hand (and one finger) as well. On my phone. The phone finishes my word normally. Hope you keep sending in your thoughts!
Required fields are marked *
bam 🐢🐌💖~
December 2, 2018 at 2:35 PM
Praying for your hand, as well! Fighting!! Hope you can join in as soon as possible. :)
Required fields are marked *
KaniaDJ
December 3, 2018 at 12:52 AM
Thank you :')
i can type with one hand, but got tired quickly. But yeah. hopefully i can still join all the fun! im going to the doctor tomorrow to check on the 15 stitches. My hand right now is sooo swollen and purple hahaha
Required fields are marked *
Purrkeepsie
December 3, 2018 at 4:23 AM
I broke both wrists 2 years ago and can say with assurance that voice recognition is your friend!
Required fields are marked *
21 Razmataz
December 1, 2018 at 10:14 PM
Okay, overall great episode (better than the 1st) but it’s not without its flaws. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Pros:
1. Love how starkly different CSH and JH families are! I absolutely loved how JH’s mom was so proud of him that she had to run out and tell the neighbors he finally got a job! Sweet.
2. JH’s job interview and essay - sincere and heartwarming, you can already tell a lot about his character from what he wrote there. He is too pure!
3. CSH being a total flirt but being sneaky about it. First of all, it’s refreshing that it’s finally the woman making the moves on the man! I noticed it in several instances:
- When she requested for JH’s files to read and got to know more about him (his age included — I find it amusing that they aged PBG by 4 years in this drama) and actually went to the playground. She is really INTERESTED in him, and frankly, who can blame her
- When we saw that hint of jealousy when she was trying to figure out whom he was talking to on the phone and her secretary said it was probably his girlfriend. I loved how she snapped back, “Your hunch is always wrong!” Then later asked, “If I asked him, would I sound pathetic?” to which she didn’t let her secretary answer. I just love how this drama is very straightforward about her burgeoning attraction without the saccharine tropes (you know what I mean)
- ONE OF MY FAVES: When she really asked him who he was talking to on the phone after hesitating for a bit. Bold move but she knows she’s in power and she can ask him anything and he’d be obliged to answer. However I have a little NITPICK about the BG music here, when she heard it was the “woman he liked”, I’d expected a more mellow music but instead it was upbeat? IDK but still this scene WAS GREAT!
- When she actually picked him up from the bus stop and offered to take him home because he was drunk. Tho I found it kinda snooty when she asked, “Is that the only piece of suit you own?” but we all know that it’s probably a future set-up for her buying him an expensive suit in a future episode, perhaps? Regardless it brought in some great comedy delivery from PBG: “Gray. Graaaaaaay” “Navvvy”
- When she was totally pulling the strings during his interview. You can tell she was really enjoying teasing him and found the perfect excuse to ask him out on a date (tho it was not explicitly said it was a date but come on)
- Her teasing him in the car and the noodle shop. Glad we’re slowly peeling away the layers on her character
- FLIRTIEST moment: when she had to lean across his lap to adjust the seat height. Loved how the scene was quiet, no multiple angles (a Kdrama style I ABHOR), and was just in the right slow motion pace. You can tell JH was surprised and flustered by this. And the best part? You know she did it on purpose when she could’ve just easily pointed the button to him LOL! The hair tucking and knowing look afterwards says it all.
4. Drunk JH - no explanation needed. PBG is just full of...
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 1, 2018 at 11:32 PM
Thanks for mentioning all this. They're all the things that made me loved the first two episodes! I really like that she`s the one who steps up and do these things - picking him up from the bus station, dropping him off, asking him to eat ramyeon with her. She def isn't shy to take the initiative! To add, I also like another reversal in this drama - it's the male lead who is anxious on what to wear for their
dateramyeon eat out.If I were to pick only one SooHyunXJinHyuk scene that I really really liked, perhaps it would be the ramyeon scene, especially the collage pictures of them being so happy together. They look so carefree.
Required fields are marked *
🍙 kimbap noona
December 2, 2018 at 6:48 AM
Love the heroine who is not in denial of her feelings and find courage to initiate more interactions!!
Also love your fanwall posting of the happy ramyeon collage! 😍
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 9:12 AM
Thank youuu!! ^___^ That last scene (the ramyeon collage) hit me so hard, I fully on-boarded this noona-dongsaeng ship. Those collage shows how love knows no age (and social status!). They're both happy and content in each other's company, so who are we to judge them what is wrong and what is right. Like, please let them be happy TT____TT
And boy, I do see chemistry between Bogum and Hye Gyo now. It's hard not to root for them when they're sparkling on your screen LOL
Required fields are marked *
dancingbella23
December 2, 2018 at 1:01 PM
omg me tooo. I was NOT expecting the ramen photo to come out. On one hand I was like oh shoot oh shoot this is not good, on the other hand I was like AWWWWW
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 5:56 PM
@dancingbella23 Oh! that was so mee too! I was like Oh no </3, but then they showed a few more paparazzi's pictures and my heart melted. No wonder that made the headline. I`d be damned too and would want to know who this person is that made the ice princess radiate a smile like that.
Yuki
December 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM
Don't forget when she asked him for money to play with the stuffed animals. That was cheeky and playful, and of course for him to understand that she wanted to continue with the same dynamics they had in Cuba.
Agree that she's flirting. Well, both are doing it. He made sure that she heard she was pretty a couple of times already. :)
It's sad that they have been discovered so soon because I'd like to see more of this careless flirting between them, now things will get more serious.
Required fields are marked *
22 taekkielove
December 1, 2018 at 10:29 PM
This couple is so endearing <3
Required fields are marked *
23 Legalholiday
December 1, 2018 at 11:14 PM
So far, this drama has just become more endearing and reached a new level of coolness for me. Like a perfect mix of sweet and spicy. The cute antics are there. The actor playing the driver is always so adorbs in all the movies/drama I have watched him. I so love that the female lead is okay to make the first move and the guy is pretty much open-minded. Like he is not the ultra principled male lead to the point of chauvinism. They make the dynamics really interesting between the two of them. When they asked each other if anything feels awkward, I was like, Show please not now. When they responded they don’t really mind, wahh, that was a big sigh of relief for me. I enjoy them being open to each other and not minding the gender, the status, the future ruckus, etc.
On the aesthetic side, my gosh, SHK’s skin is beautiful to say the least and Bogum’s smile, so comforting.
Required fields are marked *
24 Kay
December 2, 2018 at 12:29 AM
I have watched all of PBG dramas, I just love the way he brings a fresh take on all his characters.
I actually prefer him to take darker/sad characters as I find:
- his sunny (and I agree, toothpaste CF) smile too distracting and surreal
- happy, smiling PBG is exactly like himself IRL , not much acting needed!
Again, for this drama, he has proven himself by giving us what I think is the best, cutest Drunk Scene ever.
Required fields are marked *
25 N A G I R A
December 2, 2018 at 12:30 AM
As a guy, I must say that I very much love and cherish women. So with that said, I hope I never meet Park Bogum in real life because he is seriously confusing my sexual orientation 🤭🤔😬
Required fields are marked *
Dl
December 3, 2018 at 2:44 PM
@NAGIRA OMG! What a way to preface your statement! I was scratching my head after the first sentence then busted out laughing by the end of your comments. HAHA!!
Required fields are marked *
26 neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
December 2, 2018 at 1:13 AM
I'm in love. If this drama goes downhill, (*crossing fingers* PLEASE NO) Bogummy's smile will be there for me.
Required fields are marked *
27 springtime
December 2, 2018 at 1:19 AM
This drama is so cool and refreshing. It has been so long since I feel this attached to a drama. Song Hye Kyo's acting is really top notch. Can't wait to next Wednesday.
Required fields are marked *
28 MyNeighborTotoro
December 2, 2018 at 1:37 AM
Started watching with extremely low expectations, but episode 2 just convinced me to subscribe to Viki again :D
Only nitpick: wish PBG would tone down that mega-watt smile just a tad when he’s supposed to be contemplating by himself in a scene. It’s a little cheese 😆
Other than that, everything else is love!
Required fields are marked *
29 Boyfriend forever
December 2, 2018 at 2:38 AM
AHH!!! Found my crack after such a long dry spell. There's something about this show. They just feel so real! Was completely swept in by the naturalness of their easy banter, awkward moments and that tingle of meeting someone new that you can just connect with. Love it!!!!! Can't wait for the next episode and hoping that the makjang won't put out the sparkle.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 9:03 AM
Yes - that's it. It's simple as that, and it's that simplicity that I'm drawn to - they just connect right from the start. It didn't need reasons as to why Jin Hyuk is attracted to her, vice versa. They just do.
Required fields are marked *
30 Kurama
December 2, 2018 at 2:41 AM
I don't buy all the ice princess thing. She's never cold. She's more distant but in the same time she's a CEO. People don't look scared of her. She's always very polite and calm when she talks. I can't picture Song Hye Gyo being cold. And when she is with a secretary or driver, she's pretty warm and fun. I think Song Hye Gyo acts better the lonely and distant part than the cold one.
For Park Bo Gum, it's like he was playing himself : cute, always smiling and a little bit clumsy ( I can't forget how he was a danger every time he drove in Youth Over Flowers :D).
The drunk scene was hilarious and cute. The interview was a long and very funny torment and I really liked when he told that she hold grudge for a long time :D
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 8:32 AM
Agree, she's not a terrifying b!tch whose purpose of living is basically to make your life miserable. She called out on that manager for adding another table, but she did it as quoted "as calmly and friendly as possible". She even gifted that same manager's mom for her 80th birthday. Not to forget, she writes her own welcome speech to the new recruits and asks each of them to come see her in her office as welcome. Really, she's the kind of leader you'd want to work for.
Required fields are marked *
dancingbella23
December 2, 2018 at 12:59 PM
I love the way they wrote her character as -- a great leader. I am so sick of all those "powerful" and mean female characters, as if we couldn't be both strong and kind. Song's character is more realistic.
Required fields are marked *
DarkAngel
December 2, 2018 at 6:57 PM
I read a comment at Hyebaragi IG (Kyo's fc) that CSH doesn't have a child so i think they made some changes to make it simple and less complicated and to focus on CSH and KJH
Required fields are marked *
31 oppafangirl
December 2, 2018 at 3:27 AM
Just Give me more! And More! This one was insanely cute and I am glad that viki has it (Half of the problem with pretty noona was no subs for a week, other half was the drama itself).
Required fields are marked *
32 KaniaDJ
December 2, 2018 at 6:44 AM
I loooove this drama! But i have one complaint. They really need to dress down JH. no boy struggling financially & with getting a decent job can afford (obviously looking) hundreds dollar of clothing. That fuzzy sweater is not something that a man who only owns 2 suits can afford.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
December 2, 2018 at 8:15 AM
It's a k-drama thing, kind of like the almost mandatory dirt poor street vendor candy girl having a $1000 Samsung phone. Quite often those are product placement.
Required fields are marked *
KaniaDJ
December 3, 2018 at 12:47 AM
Yeah i know, its been going on forever. but some drama can be realistic with their characters (clothings/items), was hoping this one can do it too. as for the phone, it's actually not the most out of character things. What i know is that you can buy phone in SK with a contract plan with a provider. That way you can bring home the latest model at a fraction of its price.
Required fields are marked *
LollyPip
December 3, 2018 at 8:21 AM
It's the same here. I got my Galaxy 9S on the very day it was released, for free by renewing my service contract.
Required fields are marked *
geminirat
December 2, 2018 at 9:53 PM
I think he said that he saved up for a year to pay for the trip - taking on part time labor work. I heard that those kinds of jobs are paid more than the shop assistant jobs. And I don't think his family is really struggling - they have their own fruit shop, anyway. Yeah, he said he only had 2 suits. It fits his personality though - more casual and open to new experience.
Required fields are marked *
KaniaDJ
December 3, 2018 at 12:41 AM
What you said are more reasons to see that it's weird. Buying a sweater for hundreds of dollars doesn't suited his characters, imho. Just like what windsun33 said, it's a kdrama thing that's been going on forever, not dressing their characters right. I just wish they would just snap out from it
Required fields are marked *
33 kikita
December 2, 2018 at 9:06 AM
OMG! I loved the end of this ep, i mean... i really want to see the episode 3!
Required fields are marked *
34 Blue (@mayhemf)
December 2, 2018 at 9:08 AM
Much better episode. I was a bit on the fence with the first, but now I think I can watch it!
I love the role reversal here and I like how quickly the plot moved. PLus, there is an honesty about both of them that I like.
When she said 'it's better being called cute than old' was very telling. I loved that dialogue from her.
At this point, am not sure what she is feeling. Probably an intrigue, an attraction, a friendship with a bit of attraction - not sure. But its nice to see her go out and experience this.
Leaving your space and travelling (in this case, she went to CUba) can bring out the inner feels and that's exactly what happened to her.
But the whole mother/mother-in-law plot gets to me. Seriously! You have a successful daughter who is making money on her own & a politically influential husband and you still want to kiss some chaebols butt. For WHAT??
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 9:54 AM
Re: Soo Hyun's mother - Yes, I didn't really understand that part either. Her social status is better than ex-husband. Mother-in-law asks her son to get back with Soo Hyun because she is the daughter of the presidential candidate. She`s going to need that connection. But I don't see the need for Soo Hyun's mother to push her to get back with him? Wasn't the scandal of her divorce enough to humiliate their family? Seems like he's just one of the many chaebols where as Soo Hyun's status is one of a kind. Her mother could have set her up for another chaebol instead. smh. Oh wells, it's 2 episode in, maybe the ex-husband has more worth than what he seems.
She also seems perturbed that the mother-in-law wanted to see her - I don't understand why that thought makes her squirm.
Required fields are marked *
DarkAngel
December 2, 2018 at 7:04 PM
Not sure if what i read is the right translation but CSH family background is not really that rich. father is broadcaster and mom is the one who pushed him to politics and she's the one who pushed CSH to do things and marry a chaebol. That's why CSH doesn't have a good relationship with her. Maybe Her mother is too ambitious to be in suoer rich inner circle so she wanted her daughter to go back to him. CSH mother in law seems to dislike her mother in EP2 but she keeps her close coz she can use her.
Required fields are marked *
35 🍙 kimbap noona
December 2, 2018 at 9:52 AM
In the Premiere Watch show's synonpsis:
I know we have only seen 2 episodes, but there was absolutely no mention of her child (or did I miss it?)
Could the show have written the child out of the story?
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 10:21 AM
Hmmm. interesting. I don't read plots - I usually just go to naver to check out what's the top searched drama and I dive into ep 1 and judge if it's worth sticking around for. But interesting how she actually has another place to pour out her attention to. I thought all this time her passion only stems from her love of managing the hotel. I`m not sure how having a child will change their dynamic, but I don't think it will. But yes, where is the child?!! And why does it seem like she always goes to an empty house and that workplace and house are pretty much the same place to her? Is this perhaps like My Ahjusshi where the child is sent overseas? We didn't hear of the male lead's child's existence until towards the end of the drama.
Also....... one "little" (I say little but I`m bothered lol) thing I don't like about this drama - I mean not the plot, but how it's presented to us. I don't like the widescreen format! I want the entire space of my screen filled like a normal drama, but why they had to go and make this drama in particular widescreen ~__~
Required fields are marked *
ash27
December 2, 2018 at 4:15 PM
I wondered about that too! I thought maybe I was misremembering the synopsis...
Required fields are marked *
36 Yuki
December 2, 2018 at 10:08 AM
Loving it so far. I'd just wish that the flirting phase would last longer because it seems that difficult times are coming already. No doubt that PBG and SHK can dial up the intensity and the drama, but I'll miss the comedy and fluffiness of these two first episodes.
Required fields are marked *
37 nightmoon
December 2, 2018 at 10:31 AM
This was a much better episode for me. The thing that makes me most nervous for the next few eps, is the obvious difference in social status and how it's going to impact their growing relationship. Also, I really hope they don't focus too much on the hotel politics or the mother's plotting. Nowadays, it seems every time I see a mom in a K-drama, I cringe.
Required fields are marked *
38 yayabean
December 2, 2018 at 11:47 AM
Ok. Ok. Ok. I'm starting to get the "gummie" effect. Him bragging about his zipper-neck tie was just too cuute.
Required fields are marked *
39 dancingbella23
December 2, 2018 at 12:55 PM
thank you for recap on ep 2!!! been waiting for this :)
reading the recap reminded me of the cute episode 2 again, and that put a huge smile on my face.
I am impressed with the pace of this drama. It is fast enough to keep us hooked, but not too fast so that we don't see how the chemistry deepens. I love it.
I can't wait for episode 3. I thought episode 1 was so beautiful that the rest of the show probably cannot keep up, but boy I was wrong. This episode contains even better material than the previous. Ahhh now I am going to experience agony while waiting for episode 3.
Required fields are marked *
40 Candidmom
December 2, 2018 at 1:36 PM
Anyone knows the title of the song and who sang it played at end of the episode?
Required fields are marked *
41 Lixie
December 2, 2018 at 3:32 PM
I have a question if anyone here knows about their media. Is it possible that THIS would be news? I mean she is just a ceo from a hotel, why would she be news? She had a date. Maybe. How can that be a headline? In my country only big celebs get followed and it's nowhere near like what seems to happen there. So every time a drama comes up up such scandals, they feel very absurd.
I also didn't like that she asked him for coffee, sorry but it was inappropriate. She IS his boss.
I hate forced drinking with passion, if any show had to use these scenes, they should only use them to make criticism. If the whole idea was just to get him drunk so we can have that cute meeting then he didn't need to be forced to drink and the show should not present that as something funny.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 4:50 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 4:50 PM
She is just not a CEO of a hotel - She is the daughter of a presidential candidate and former mayor of Seoul. She is big :) That is why I don't get why her mom is pushing her to get back to her cheating husband when they have a reputation to uphold.
Required fields are marked *
Lixie
December 2, 2018 at 6:09 PM
Her father is the candidate? I thought they were talking about some other woman, ok, that explains a bit and yes, there is no reason to want that ex back in her life.
Required fields are marked *
js
December 2, 2018 at 9:36 PM
Most probable reason why CSY’s mom is agreeing to the marriage could be because they need funding for the presidential campaign.
Required fields are marked *
13infamyss
December 2, 2018 at 5:46 PM
RE: forced drinking - drinking is part of Korean culture. They do overdrink and they drink with their colleagues, it's how they form bonds. It's something I`ll never understand either having grown up in a different culture than them, and that is why I brush it off whenever they show this in K-dramas. It's their norm.
She asked him for coffee? Sorry I don't remember that part. But coffee-aside, she didn't draw any lines simply because they do go back. They had that moment in Cuba she couldn't forget about. She's attracted to him even before this social status happened. And that's basically I guess what the plot is going to be about - how they`ll survive the eyes of public and criticism over the fact that they're not just two random people who met in Cuba anymore, they're noona-dongsaeng and employer-employee. They took care of that and saw that as no big deal, but now she`ll see how her "false" move has not only once again put her in the spotlight and negatively affected her, but that she`s also now dragging that person she cares about down with her.
Required fields are marked *
Lixie
December 2, 2018 at 6:25 PM
I know they drink a lot, I'm used to that idea. What I don't like is when others use their status to force someone to drink. It's just wrong and dramas should never show that as funny. I really liked how Beauty Inside and Miss Hammurabi treated this and I was thinking Boyfriend would make another criticism, having him behave stupidly and the others being shamed, but no, it was as if it was a joke.
No, sorry, she said ramyeon, it would have been coffee if she was here so I forgot and wrote that. :)
I know they have history, but in that moment she was there as his boss, I don't know, I felt it would be really awkward for him to refuse so she should have waited and asked outside of the office. Maybe if she had been a bit more impulsive, hesitant, I wouldn't have felt this way. She seemed too calm and having fun, if genders were reversed I would have said the same.
About the romance itself I'm still not feeling it. Maybe if they have more time to develop before the story drags a bunch of boring characters between them.
Required fields are marked *
tesshan
December 3, 2018 at 4:38 AM
Yes, the same way as if the daughter of a high profile politician that wants to be PM in the UK, would end up drunk in a club. Paps would be happy to snap some picks and sell them to the tabloids.
Plus in Korea the family of politicians have to be perfect. She said that she was never able to do what she wanted and always had to keep up a perfect appearance because of this.
Required fields are marked *
42 SooHa
December 2, 2018 at 6:54 PM
Your last picture is gold. SHK not only pretty but cute with a squid in her mouth :D
Drunken PBG is more adorable than the normal :D
Just thinking about their future had my heart hurt already. Actually I'm curious how PBG deliver the hearth ache in this drama. Well, when he's in Moonlight, my heart was with him when he confessed with a body sign. You don't have to say I love you with words.
Required fields are marked *
43 evez
December 2, 2018 at 9:43 PM
I can slide the otp eating ramyun facing windows! But if we are speaking about the logical situation, you don't go out after ingesting a sleeping pill and much more sit on the edge of the elevated place that will endanger your safety!😄 Those captured photos of them eating ramyun is so sweet!😘
Required fields are marked *
po
December 3, 2018 at 2:13 AM
the sleeping pill part is a reference from the movie pbg's character talked about in ep1. the roman holiday
Required fields are marked *
44 Myrna
December 2, 2018 at 10:28 PM
Encounter The Best Drama...i love to watched this Drama becoz of Song Hye Kyo...i am her fan since Autumn...fan from Philippines
Required fields are marked *
45 tesshan
December 3, 2018 at 4:32 AM
Her dad has aspirations to become PM so her family will not be happy about any scandal or bad press. Her ex husband seems to want her back as she is the only one his mom approves of, so she will get attacked by them as well.
She will have to choose between family loyaltiy (which at this point never gave her anything positive) and a relationship with him?
Tricky...she seems to have been obedient all the time and I assume it will be difficult to change.
I really like this drama. From all the new ones that started this week this is my fav.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
December 3, 2018 at 3:46 PM
So far I have seen zero positive that she has gotten from her family or ex-family.
Required fields are marked *
tesshan
December 4, 2018 at 3:08 AM
I know, but remember that in Korean society people rarely rebel and go against their families. She is very loyal towards her family (even her former in-laws for the sake of her dad) so it will be interesting to see if she will decide to stand up for herself l(ike we saw in Something in the rain/Noona who buys me food). But since she is also a CEO and a politician's daughter I assume we will see very different reactions/scenarios.
Required fields are marked *
46 TJ
December 3, 2018 at 5:44 AM
I know my comment is not going to be popular but this is how I feel about the show so far. I have to respectfully disagree with the recapper here. I see ZERO chemistry between these too. I also think we need to stop talking about what a great actress Song Hye gyo is when she plays the exact same constipated character every time. I can't even get stoked about the Jin Hyuk character because he's so fake. I mean really people. Don't often get tired of female "candy" characters in dramas but we'll let this inane "too good to be true" character slide because it's Park Bo gum being cute? Besides I really am slightly creeped out by a grown man constantly behaving like he's at a 5 year old's tea party. It's not charming. It makes the women in these kind of dramas seem shallow and juvenile it no different if it's a male character.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
December 3, 2018 at 3:48 PM
I half agree, sort of. on this "slightly creeped out by a grown man constantly behaving like he's at a 5 year old's tea party".
Required fields are marked *
KaiyouEssensu
December 3, 2018 at 4:50 PM
Agree with most of what you said, except I do think SHK is doing pretty well at tackling the emotions of a kind but deeply scarred woman who's aware that she's treated as nothing more than a political pawn. I usually can never resonate with her characters so I think this is a step up from her usual 'constipated' performances lol. The rest I agree, especially about being weirded out by PBG's character. He's incredibly cute as usual so most people might just keep a blind eye.
Required fields are marked *
tesshan
December 4, 2018 at 3:14 AM
I slightly agree but only because this is what I thought after watching episode 1. I was like: there is no chemistry here. But in episode 2 I started to see how different she is behaving when she is with him. It is just slight changes to her behaviour and attitude. I think SHK is doing a pretty good job here. Bo Gummy is cute and his character is a free spirit, a bit of a peter paan I think. Now that he started working he will probably clash with the serious korean working life.
Of all the dramas I am watching at the moment these 2 (plus the pair in Hymn of death) are the only ones that have some chemistry in my opinion.
Required fields are marked *
47 stellaness
December 3, 2018 at 9:02 AM
This episode was so funny~ We need more drunken Park Bogum. lol
Required fields are marked *
48 boholanna
December 3, 2018 at 10:08 AM
Happy about the drama. I think my expectations have been met. It is VERY addicting! I've already rewatched both episodes. And rewatched some highlights multiple times.
I just wanted to point out the accidental "wrist grabs" and apologies. One of the kdrama cliches to show up in this drama but with a twist. JH goes for the wrist grab but then catches himself and apologizes. It happened in the first episode in Cuba and again in the second episode in Korea. I just thought both were interesting scenes. Tiny detail but huge impact since I always see those in numerous dramas.
Required fields are marked *
49 jjeennyy19
December 4, 2018 at 5:19 AM
I kept my expectations low for this one but my oh my!!!I found myself giggling at every Jin Hyuk and Soo hyun scene!! So far everything I predicted for this drama never happen which is good because I easily loose interest whenever things are too predictable...That article was too early, I somehow figure it to be along episode 6...Keep surprising me pls...but dont go a sad ending pls...
Required fields are marked *
50 larelle79
December 4, 2018 at 3:06 PM
I am not gonna lie, the scene at the intro for new employees when he smiled and mouthed Hello to her, I almost feel out my chair at home.
That smile can bring world peace I tell you.
Required fields are marked *