68

Chocolate: Episode 7

It’s been a while since our brooding neurosurgeon smiled this much. Though he’s still determined to return to Geosung Hospital, he’s starting to see that he could contribute so much to the hospice if he just cared a little more. And he’s not the only one; there are plenty of other people who could benefit by putting in a little more effort.

 
EPISODE 7 RECAP

Kang and Cha-young share a sweet moment sitting by the water, when out of nowhere, Tae-hyun comes along and joins them. Looking at the couple knowingly, Tae-hyun says, “We must really be fated, hyung.” They both look at him like he’s gone crazy, HAHA.

Tae-hyun starts singing and rambling that they’ll be in-laws soon, making Cha-young jump up and drag her little bro out of there. She doesn’t smell alcohol on him, so she demands to know why he’s spewing nonsense.

Tae-hyun grins and says that he totally approves of her getting with her first love. Cha-young gasps, horrified that he discovered Kang’s identity, and begs him to keep quiet. Naturally, Tae-hyun refuses until Cha-young promises money in return.

By the time Cha-young gets back to the water, Kang and his memorial setup are already gone. She hangs her head in disappointment. Meanwhile, in front of the hospice, a taxi pulls up and drops someone off — Ji-yong’s mother. She recalls Cha-young’s tearful speech about this being Ji-yong’s last year and crouches to the ground, overcome with emotion herself.

That morning, Director Kwon enters Kang’s office and sees that he spent the night there. Kwon also notices the three empty soju bottles and sighs, knowing yesterday was the anniversary of the department store collapse. Unfortunately, he says, accidents like that repeat themselves because people don’t reflect on them properly. “You have to remember what happened to reflect on it,” he tells Kang, “which you must do to be able to protect those who are alive.”

Director Kwon offers to get Kang some hangover soup, but seeing that this “soup” is actually instant noodles, Kang makes up an excuse and leaves (hee). Kang wanders outside and finds Cha-young and Seon-ae gathering dried sweet potatoes.

He overhears Cha-young revealing that these snacks are her favorite because she’d once stumbled upon them when she was practically starving. Seon-ae states that the potatoes taste even better when made into a sujebi (hand-torn noodle soup).

To Cha-young’s excitement, Seon-ae says that she’ll make her some. Kang then steps forward and asks if Seon-ae could make him a bowl too. Though she’s surprised by his request, she smiles warmly.

Seon-ae gets to work on the soup, with Cha-young looking over her shoulder like an enchanted kid. And in the cafeteria, Kang remembers when he was a kid and he would watch his mom make her own sujebi recipe. He smiles fondly at the memory, only to break out of it when Cha-young arrives with his food.

As Kang digs in, a nervous Cha-young apologizes for her brother’s behavior last night, lying that he was drunk. Kang interrupts, saying if this is about Tae-hyun calling them in-laws, he’s already erased it from his mind. He then gets a phone call and has to leave without finishing his food.

Kang joins nurse Young-shil in Ye-sol’s mom’s room, where Ye-sol’s dad is rushing to pack their belongings. Dad wants to take them to a more expensive doctor who promised to heal Mom — an alternative doctor who’s most likely a quack, Young-shil whispers to Kang.

Kang warns Dad that he’ll just put his wife through more suffering and waste their money. Dad snaps that anything is better than watching Kang do nothing while Mom slowly dies. And with Kang’s credentials, Dad expected more. “Why did you become a doctor if you’re not going to help your patients?” he snaps.

Kang’s hand starts to tremble, but before he can argue, Director Kwon comes in and orders him to let them go. Kang turns to leave, stopping at the sight of Ye-sol crying by the door. Looking ashamed, he walks past Ye-sol without a word.

At Geosung Hospital, Joon and his mom watch as his dad eats his lunch without a care in the world. Mom talks to Joon in (hilariously deadpan) French so Dad won’t understand, saying that after Dad’s outburst, his dirty secrets, like his false admission into university, are sure to come out and ruin the family.

Joon then gets a phone call, and hearing Hee-joo’s voice, he immediately lets himself out. Hee-joo explains that she got his number from Cha-young; she wanted to know if he could come visit her at the hospice.

His eyes filling with tears, Joon thinks back to the time they first met. High schooler Joon would stop by the art room and secretly watch Hee-joo working on her pottery. One day, she caught him peeking and invited him inside, and he answered, “I’m afraid that I’ll come to like [you].”

Flustered, he said that he meant he was afraid of liking pottery since he has to focus on studying. Still, he allowed himself to come in and watch for a few minutes. He’d avert his eyes whenever she felt him staring, but he eventually stopped and smiled instead, making her smile back. Aww.

Back at the hospice, Cha-young is shucking clams in the kitchen, remembering Kang’s last words to her. She gets so distracted that she ends up cutting herself, which is when someone takes her knife and sits across from her. Ji-yong’s mom takes over, and Cha-young’s look of shock shifts into happy relief.

Meanwhile, Kang gets a visit from Ji-yong, who’s dressed up as the most adorable astronaut ever. Ji-yong announces that his mom bought him the costume and that they’ll be living together from now on. All he needs is a spaceship, as he’s determined to go to space rather than heaven.

Ji-yong then gives Kang the Quiznos sandwich that Cha-young always buys for him, saying he doesn’t need it now that he’s happy. Kangs asks him, “Do I look unhappy to you?” and he bluntly answers, “Yes. A little.”

Later, Kang takes a bite of the sandwich and remembers the day that little Cha-young came to his mom’s restaurant. When he was preparing the chocolate truffles, his mom had come in and asked if liked the girl. He denied this and explained that the girl seemed unhappy and that chocolate truffles make anyone happy.

Young-shil stops by Director Kwon’s office, sporting a hanbok that Ms. Bong (Suk-ja’s guardian) gave her. She starts joking that he should see her as a woman, despite the fact that she’s his friend’s younger sister. As the two bicker, Seon-ae watches from the other side of the door, holding a tray of food. She eventually turns and walks away.

Outside, Ms. Bong gifts Tae-hyun the hanbok’s matching shoes, and he points out that they’re for women. He assumes that there’s some kind of family conflict going on for her to be giving this stuff out, provoking Ms. Bong to leave all huffy.

Cha-young visits Hee-joo to give her a little makeover. Cha-young insists that Hee-joo looks better without the makeup and fancy clothes, but Hee-joo doesn’t want to look like a patient when reuniting with Joon. She also doesn’t want to meet in the hospital; she’d rather have a nice date out by a nearby lake.

Cha-young waits with Hee-joo, who thanks her for all the delicious food she’s provided. Hee-joo and her husband used to work themselves so hard that they’d only eat as necessity, but after trying Cha-young’s food, she felt a new kind of comfort. She had warm thoughts like “It’s okay” and “You led a good life.”

A voice behind them calls out, “Noona,” and Cha-young turns to see Joon holding flowers. She then leaves to give Joon and Hee-joo some privacy.

After some small talk about Cha-young’s cooking, Hee-joo apologizes for ignoring Joon’s feelings. But she thinks he lucked out — her husband had a really difficult time taking care of her. Joon is silent before admitting that he’s embarrassed that she knew of his crush this whole time. She apologizes again, as well as thanks him, hoping he meets a healthy girl later on.

As Joon is walking back to his car, he turns back with a conflicted expression. And out in the garden, where Cha-young is working, she remembers Hee-joo’s words of wanting to look pretty, as if she were going on a last trip. Getting a terrible feeling, she starts heading over to the lake. Back at the hospice, a nurse rushes into Kang’s office and reveals that she found a full bottle of sleeping pills under Hee-joo’s bed. Oh no. No, no, no, no.

Kang and the medical staff are frantic searching for Hee-joo, but no one (except Cha-young and Joon) knows where she is. Joon runs into Kang outside, just as Kang calls Hee-joo’s name, and asks why he’s looking for her.

We cut back to Hee-joo’s wheelchair, now empty save for Joon’s flowers. Hee-joo is now walking towards shore, her arms outstretched to guide herself. Cha-young finally arrives and cries out when she sees Hee-joo submerge herself underwater.

Cha-young jumps into the lake and reaches Hee-joo, but she’s not strong enough to drag her out. Just then, Kang arrives and dives into the water, too, helping Cha-young carry the unconscious Hee-joo back to shore.

Joon comes running, stopping in his tracks when he sees them coming out of the water. Kang performs CPR on Hee-joo, with Cha-young sobbing by his side and Joon helplessly standing over him. All three are dripping with emotion, willing Hee-joo to live, as the sun sets behind them.

Once she’s stable, Hee-joo is taken back to her room and her husband (who’s on business in Jeju Island) is notified of her condition. Director Kwon looks over her, crying, and asks how she could be so selfish.

Cha-young returns to the kitchen shivering, and a worried Seon-ae chides her for jumping in when she could’ve gotten hurt. “I was also able to survive back then,” Cha-young says, smiling, “because people tried to help me regardless of how dangerous it was.”

Exhausted, Kang trudges out of the room and finds Joon leaning on the wall. He informs Joon that Hee-joo is conscious and then goes on his way. Once he’s gone, Joon pulls himself together and heads inside.

Hearing the footsteps, Hee-joo asks who’s there. Joon doesn’t answer, so Hee-joo assumes that he’s her husband. She apologizes, saying that she didn’t want to burden him when he’d already given up so much. She figured if she was going to die, she might as well die sooner and set him free.

Joon holds back tears as he dryly says that he’s touched. She sits up at the sound of his voice, and he continues that he came back for his final goodbye. “I regret liking you,” he says, his voice quiet. “Even if I hear of your death, I’m not going to your funeral. I’m not going to cry.”

If Hee-joo wants to die by taking her own life, Joon thinks she doesn’t deserve to be reborn as anything. He bids her farewell and stalks out, making her break out in tears.

Cha-young tells Seon-ae that she’d rather have a nice, warm bowl of soup rather than an IV injection. As she’s eating her soup, she thinks back to Kang jumping into the lake and Kang performing CPR. And what we didn’t see before — Kang glancing over at the sobbing Cha-young to make sure she’s okay.

Cha-young looks around for Kang, eventually passing the nurses’ station and overhearing Young-shil tell Director Kwon that Kang might need an IV injection, too. So Cha-young heads outside to continue searching for him, unaware that he’s actually on the roof, looking down at her.

Min-yong joins Kang by the ledge and follows his gaze. But Kang tells him not to call out to Cha-young.

When Min-yong asks why, Kang answers, “I want to know what this is. Someone keeps bothering me. I want to avoid [her], but I keep worrying and thinking about [her]. What do you think this is?”

“The Zika virus?” Min-yong tosses in. Kang looks at him and asks how he should treat it. To that, Min-yong states he should get a vaccination and get rid of the virus; he should know since he’s a doctor. LOL.

Kang finally heads down and meets Cha-young by his car, where she’s been waiting. He acts distant towards her, but something does shift in him when she asks if he’s okay. He offers to drive her home, but she tells him that Tae-hyun will be picking her up.

With nothing left to say, Kang simply gets in his car and drives off. He keeps his eyes on Cha-young in the rearview mirror until she’s no longer visible. He thinks back to all the times when he’d tried to stay mad at her but worried instead.

Even when he was focusing on saving Hee-joo, he couldn’t help but worry as Cha-young cried. “Min-sung,” he narrates. “I think I’ve lost my way.”

 
COMMENTS

I’ve said it and I’ll say it again — I’m loving the hospice setting. With the trifecta of serene music, lovely cinematography, and nuanced acting, the hospice seems like an entirely different world, separate from everything else. But I guess for some, living in this world is like purgatory. I was sad to see Ye-sol and her family go, especially knowing that they’re probably falling into a scam. Kang was about to argue that there was no curing Ye-sol’s mom, but that’s never what the family wants to hear. I think it’s an interesting conflict that doctors have to go through, deciding whether to be brutally honest or hopeful. Surely, there must be some way to be both. At least we have Ji-yong and his family back together. I don’t think their troubles are over, but all that matters is that Ji-yong is happy. I never thought I’d appreciate PPL in a drama, but the sandwich bit with Kang was actually quite precious.

Kang’s flashback to his younger self and his chocolate theory (which is so true, at least for me) was interesting juxtaposed with him today. Every tragedy in his life, from his mom to his best friend to his lost career, has chipped any and all happiness from him. And having been reserved and closed off in the first place, he shows no effort to get that happiness back. He resisted joining his mom in the afterlife most likely to prove a point and take his place as Geosung’s owner. But — and listen closely, Kang-ah — I’m sure Mom would want him to use his time on Earth rediscovering his happiness. Maybe that’s returning to cooking, or maybe that’s becoming the best doctor that he can be. And by “best,” I don’t mean the best in Grandma’s eyes. Then, of course, maybe he can get that cold heart beating again with some romance.

The romance is happening very slowly, so much so that it’s practically in the sidelines, but I kind of like it that way. It makes sense with our two heroes’ personalities and it mirrors their childhood meeting nicely. Kang felt something for Cha-young when they were kids and he reacted by taking care of her with food. Like he said then, it probably wasn’t love, but it was definitely something. And now, he’s starting to get those feelings again, with no clue as to what they mean. When he does figure out what they mean, I hope he doesn’t instinctively close up again.

Since we’re talking about doctors who shut people out, we might as well talk about Joon. He shut out Kang and now he’s shut out Hee-joo, when really, there are worse people he should be cutting out of his life. After his failed surgery and Hee-joo’s suicide attempt, he’s just as lost as Kang. It’s like the cousins are walking along the same path but are separated by some kind of barrier. I’m not sure if his harsh goodbye to Hee-joo was due to strong emotions, but it felt unfair for him and her. For one, Joon (and surprisingly, Director Kwon) thinking that her suicide attempt was selfish annoyed me. I understand his anger, but to let go of his first and possibly only love that way? He wasn’t just hurting her; he was hurting himself.

I hope we’re not done with Joon and Hee-joo’s story, because they both deserve some closure. And maybe this is a stretch, but I hope we’re not done with Ye-sol’s family’s story either. Though Hee-joo was right in that she and everybody else in the hospice are going to die sooner or later, being in the hospice doesn’t necessarily have to feel like a death sentence. Thank goodness for a number of characters that use up their own energy to help others stay positive. It’s the kids like Ji-yong, the nurses like Young-shil, and the chefs like Cha-young that keep these patients’ spirits alive.

RELATED POSTS

   

Tags: , , , ,

68

Required fields are marked *

Last 7 minutes on rewind mode

6
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The petty part of me thinks that Kang's mother finally went to the other side and wanted him to be like his dad, one of the best doctor's in the country and just crush his uncle and aunt. There was a change in that woman when they were in the hospital and Kang was being completely ignored (when he should have been heading to surgery). That Grandma disrupted their life and if she had survived the accident, she would be disrupting theirs.

6
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Part of me loves the slowburn...the other part of me is like, "Someone pass me the flammable liquids, stat!" Not much to do but go with the flow and wait anxiously in between. 😅

9
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Haha..this is so me. I love the slowburn, but at the same time, ok, but can we move a little bit faster, please? 🤣

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

What a gorgeous drama! I thought I would never be interested in a melo like this but I was wrong. Brilliant nuanced acting by some very strong almost veteran actors, beautiful cinematography and strong side characters at the hospice (though I always skip of the grandma family parts 🙄, can’t digest them). Didn’t think I’ll love this drama but i doo doo dooo.

I was sad when catch the ghost ended but now very happy with chocolat and crash landing on you 😊

11
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Sailorjumun thank you so much for the review. I really wanted to understand the Jun and his noona scene post her suicide attempt.
For episode 8 review I really want to understand some of their expressions :D
The understated, sidelined romance is almost like: the less you show of it, the more you want of it!

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ohhh and the zika virus sequence was fun while the little boy offering him the sandwich and saying that he looked a little sad was an awww moment!

8
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"He overhears Cha-young revealing that these snacks are her favorite because she’d once stumbled upon them when she was practically starving."

I noted that Kang had a clicking moment when he heard Cha-young said this - because what she said (referring the dried sweet potatoes being used as an animal feed is such a waste) was exactly what she said as a little girl to him in Ep 1. Or, am I dreaming?

Really like the slow burn romance because each little progress gives a great satisfaction to me as a viewer. Moving Kang to a romantic guy is like moving a mountain and hence, the pay off.

10
11
reply

Required fields are marked *

I actually was looking for that click after CY said that but I don’t think I saw any , @epyc2010.

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

@sunset125 @epyc2010
I think I saw it. It was very, very subtle though. Just a slight movement of his eye, as if he thought of something.

I thought it was interesting that Kang was reminded of the sweet potatoes comment earlier because later when JiYoung offered him the Quiznos sandwich, he then thought back to that same time when he made the chocolate shasha to cheer up the little girl from his past.

At this point, I don’t think he has yet made any connection to that girl and the present time Cha Young. I think for now there are just tiny details that remind him of the past. I can’t wait to see how that connection will be revealed. Whether he will arrive to his own conclusion or someone else will inform him about it.

8
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes, but it was not quite a click related to CY. I think it is more that he remembers his childhood with it.

I think he will make the connections (I ave seen the clue in one of the teaser as how it will happen and can not wait to see if I am right). I guess for a while he will know it is her, thinking she has no idea about him. It will be so interesting to see how this will play out.

6
7
reply

Required fields are marked *

Right. He remembers the past but has not made a connection to the present yet.

What teaser are you referring to? Is it for episode 9?

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

No. Some teasers on youtube.

1

I wasnt sure about the connect... but man his eyes speak so much which is why I keep wanting to interpret all the nuances of his and CY's expressions.

Now that it has been said, it does make sense that he is reminded of his childhood thus the nostalgia when he gets the gift from the little cutie-pie.

Pray please tell... which scene of which teaser... i want to see the mountain move :)

3

It was a very subtle click as it reminded him something - but definitely not connected to CY at that moment. Nonetheless, like @sunset125 said, I have similar expectation based on some YT clips on eventual development that he thinks he’s the only one recalling their early encounter. That will be some kind of twist!!

3
2

Thank you @epyc2010
I’m starting to see the hints too.

0

Regarding the Youtube video posted below, the last scene at the beach where Cha Young was sitting on a bench with Lee Kang kneeling down to her, I wonder what that will be about.

Hope it's not Cha Young being sick in the end?! No!

Both deserve happy endings because they grew up with sadness, frustrations and pain.

It came to mind because of what the cook with dementia said to Cha Young after being informed of going back to Greece.

However, in the cold open scene (Greece) in Episode 1, it seems like Lee Kang and Cha Young finally made it together. 😍

1

” Really like the slow burn romance because each little progress gives a great satisfaction to me as a viewer. Moving Kang to a romantic guy is like moving a mountain and hence, the pay off.” THANK YOU!
That’s what I’m enjoying the most! Seeing him going from anger and detestation to care and love is my absolute fav!

6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank you Sailor, I am really looking forward to read a recap to help me understand more about this beautiful drama. Like somebody here said, the little they give the more we want from it. I can't wait for Friday to come.This melodrama is just lovely, so heartwarming.I am craving for a chocolate as well now.

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks @sailorjumun for the recap!

By the way, Netflix subbed Kang’s last line as “I think I got lost again” which confused me a little bit. I think your sub makes more sense. Who notices the difference and what do you think?

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love love love how slow-burning the show is. I can't wait to see what he'll react once he knows Cha-young is the little girl he made chocolate Sasha for, and she is now a chef who loves chocolate.

It strikes me that things in life happen not by chance. We tend to be involved with certain people: be positively and negatively affected by them, yet we cannot be totally separated from them. I just hope that the show will continue to be good through and through.

And.. I have to mention this: how Kang told her that he has erased the in-laws thing Cha-young's brother teased him was so cruel. I mean, I felt for Cha-young. Did he really have to say that? I don't know if I was her I still would be able to continue liking him.

10
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

He is a grumpy and grizzly bear! He does so many cruel things to her... which is why seeing him melt should be a treat!

And the fact that he has david like looks doesnt help CY. >naughty smile<

6
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Says and not does!

Sorry made a mistake.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Exactly! He is cruel to her (we all know why) but she is breaking down that iceberg and that’s the beauty of this drama!

6
reply

Required fields are marked *

I didn't feel like Kang said it to be cruel. I think he was trying to tell her that he didn't give Tae-hyun's embarrassing declarations a second thought. Cha-young had tried to bring up how Taehyun was drunk that night. When Kang replied that Taehyun didn't seem drunk at all, Cha-young was totally flustered and went all out in insisting that Taehyun was SOOO drunk. Then Kang finally understood that Cha-young was anxious and embarrassed about it, so he said that.

(And while it is a relief for Cha-young that he didn't give it a second thought, it was also embarrassing that he knew she was embarrassed enough to lie. Such a cringe thing to happen in front of a crush!!)

6
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think the same. I think he was actually kind in that scene to her.

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I had two questions:

- CY still doesnt know the details about why his hand shakes and he is at the hospice because Jun didnt tell her right!
- what did her reaction to Jun saying does Kang like you mean? Does she believe it?
- ohh and one more from this episode: Director (Min-sung's father) says he cant remember his wife's death anniversary but cant forget Kang's mother's. So how is the lady who is super kind to CY Director's wife? Someone raised a question around this earlier in some other recap.

And @sunset123 i dont know what that line means. I keep doubting the translation: this line confused me and am not sure what the subtlities are.
But Kang misses his best friend a lot. I also wonder doesnt he blame CY (just a little) for his hand and I also think he felt something for her that is why he operated on her when he was injured (thus Jun saying does he like you?).
Ohhh another translation i hadnt been sure of was Jun asking CY does Kang like you because I kept expecting it to be do u like Kang (as she kept asking him questions after not asking anything for a year).
I cant seem to stop thinking about this couple... any tips of how to be productive and survive till Friday night?

4
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh no! Now I can’t stop thinking about the things you just mentioned!
About not blaming her for losing his chance to operate( I know he is a doctor and he did what he was supposed to do but still), I think it’s because as CY once said he grew up to be just like she had always thought he would be.. there is a kind and loving heart in his chest.. but one day this Secret will be revealed and I’m eager to see CY’s reaction.
It was strange for me to see Jun asking “does Kang like you?”!

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hopefully all knots will be tied including the first episode mystery when the nurse tells CY that Joon lost family in the tragedy too. I think CY is extra kind to Joon coz of that info too.

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think Seon-ae ahjumma was Director Kwon's first wife. She divorced him, so he remarried Minsung's mom, whom I guess died when Minsung was really young (Minsung is an only child; he never mentioned his mom; and the director doesn't remember her death anniversary that well). And it looks like he may be on his way to a third romance! That Director Kwon! :)

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think the romance is too slow, there is slow, and then there is glacial, and this is the latter. What am I rooting for? That being said, I love the hospice scenes and characters even if it is emotional terrorism. I cry every episode, but it is slightly cathartic in that you know death is coming, but you can still be sad about it.

5
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

She dated his best friend, who is now dead and also does not now that late best friend knew about the Cha young's feelings for him.

3
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Secrets that create the distance and keep the mountain from moving :D

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I understand, but if I'm not mistaken it has been years in drama time, but it is also at the half way mark, and nothing. He is also still kind of a dick to her, so for me it is moving way too slow.

3
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I know what you feel about how the romance part of the show is moving slowly and I remember feeling this way watching The Secret Life of my Secretary and how they took like fourteen episodes to let the guy show how he feels but I have to disagree with “he is also still kind of a dick to her” because he isn’t! The moment he shouted at her because of being worried about her when she was lost I knew it all started! I would be so disappointed if it was any sooner because they showed us too much of how deep and extraordinary his friendship with Min Seong was! She isn’t just the girl who dated his friend, she is the girl who dumped his friend for a mysterious man when he was madly in love with her and even death couldn’t distract him from not wanting her anymore!
I talked too much:))
Anyway, we want to see the promised romance sooner too^^

6
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@marina because of the reasons you mention, I wonder how will he not be gruff towards her! I often wonder if I had so much bad history with someone, would I not try to eradicate them from my life like Zika virus :D

Too many mountains to move for the glacier to melt!
But I really want more insight into his character with regard to CY, just those 4 lines on the rooftop are not enough for me! Also, I like something about the series but the jump from not liking to “I can’t stop thinking about her” on the rooftop, was not shown in as much detail, in comparison to many other details that the director has tried to show and not tell.

Sorry, I have been posting too much but I have too much time and am obsessed, I guess :D

5

I think the same. The side stories are the best part, but, about the romance, I can't feel it...

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

This is the "I'm-watching-this-too" comment. About how I was a happy camper & infrequent visitor of the recaps but I was fully on board till ep 8 ruined it.
Now I don't remember why I was so happy till ep 6.

Okay read the recap & all the feelings came flooding back. Oh how ep 7 made me wonder if Kang was reminded of CY when she was a child.... If he's opening up more... I expected the brother to act more comically than annoying after realizing Kang is CYs' first love, but his character continues to be disappointing.

The hospice staff is either behind the times or completely ineffective in their work, because despite accidents they let their patients wander hither thither without any caretaker on record.

Why don't they have a psychologist on hand? Berating a patient who just tried to commit suicide? Wtf.

The cinematography.... Oh the cinematography. The osts too.

Ugh I'm so mad at ep 8.

7
11
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree with your frustration with the hospital staff. I’m thinking that there’s a cultural divide that will explain this. Also I think there will be more that will be shown later. I don’t think Joon had his closure with Hee Joo. And I just can’t reconcile this ill behavior which is in contrast to the thoughtful approach in other scenes of those who have passed.

4
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

*hospice staff

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think budget is an issue. Also hospice around the world are infamous for being unstaffed. Some places dont even have such places.
But i also think they dont want to introduce more than 2/3 nurses, kang and director as doctors and of course our 2 cooks. Just such that our focus is maintained.
Also, the lady is unconscious when the director says what he does. Joon is shellshocked, so he lashes out.

4
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I did entertain the thought that maybe it's because they're understaffed, but even with that this is now how doctors should act, let alone those that work at a hospice facility.
They're too emotional & irresponsible.

Joon was the only response I understood & could relate with.

3

@shayri
Me thinks it is because the director knew the noona and her husband personally.

Are there other instances that you are thinking of?

2

Yes, with the boy JiYong & previously with the grandpa patient too.
The director just lets patients go anywhere & then later blames the chef or other staff/patients for it.
There's no discipline or protocol in the the hospice staff.
Even if he knew the patients personally, he should have an outburst in their vicinity. That's not proper behaviour for hospice staff. People come to hospice to pass away in peace. How can the staff burden the patients & their family with their own emotions? Defeats the purpose of that facility.

There's humanity, sympathy & kindness; & then there's being overly empathic & unprofessional.

3

@maybemaknae - I'm there with you about that comment from the doctor after her suicide attempt. THAT really bothered me. If nothing else, hospice organizations have chaplains of all kinds to help support the patient.
I've never been in a hospice place like this, but it seems that they should have at least a counselor like you suggest, AND some kind of spiritual support for those who want it.
However, I'm still loving the show.

5
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I could understand the lack of a counsellor due to being under pressure/short staffed +budget cuts etc ; but even normal doctors are taught to practise distance & not let emotions come between their work, these are hospice workers. It's just not acceptable.

4
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Exactly - hospice is all about helping people die free of pain and with dignity.
That part of it really really bothered me. Even if the head doctor knew them personally, he should have been more compassionate.
At this point he lost some serious credibility in my eyes. All he had to do was keep his thoughts to himself.

Now, off my high horse

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

“Annoying” is her brother’s middle name! Ugh🤦🏻‍♀️

4
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yup

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

thanks for the recap...i'm enjoying this show so much more than i ever thought i would...while the main cast is really good, the supporting cast is doing a fantastic job too...since this is hospice, i assume there will be characters that will come and go to move the storyline forward, so will miss of them, but feel the writers have a done good job with their goodbyes to few of these characters...i smile, i shed a few tears, and i get hungry (all those goodies she makes) while watching this show...i'm sure we are far away from it yet, but can't wait for Kang to finally make his famous chocolate...:-)

5
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

@kdramaswimmer missing you in this comment section^^

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

thanks for the mention dear.. ill read the recap and then all comments before sharing mine...

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Dropping this show. Didn't think it could get more pathetic but it did!!! Unbearably ridiculous. The number of accidents this lead pair gets into, either themselves or part of or related to, is possibly record breaking, could earn guiness world record !! :) :D

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don'tn't think the romance as slow, but actually find the speed at which it's going as perfect.
Like @epyc2010 said:
"Really like the slow burn romance because each little progress gives a great satisfaction to me as a viewer. Moving Kang to a romantic guy is like moving a mountain and hence, the pay off."
And I agree.

Ji Young is so adorable and sweet but I can't help but feel extremely sad for him. I don't even like to think about that.

As someone who has experienced both depression and had thoughts of suicide this episode hit too close to home for comfort. I hated how Director Kwon called Hee Joo (or Hui Ju?) selfish. But I especially hated the way Jun reacted. I just finished this episode and I was warned about this, but I still watched it without watching the next episode directly before commenting, cause some of the comments here seem to hint at things not changing much so I went ahead and watched. They should have handled this better. And I still hope they address that later.

3
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

That part surrounding Hee Joo and what Joon said was harsh. And it should have been handled more sensitively. However, I think we will have more insight into this. It’s possible this is how the character of Joon will have his transformation. In early episodes, it seemed that it was only Kang who had a nurturing and loving mom. Now we can see, Joon probably has the same experience with Hee Joo. Which explains why he’s taking it so hard and reacting the way he did.

It has been my impression that this show has handled those others who were in the last moments of their life with care and compassion. Moving forward, I still think that they will continue to do so.

And it goes without saying, the need for a counselor at most, if not a psychologist, not just for the patients but for their loved ones too. And even for the doctors and staff. I think we see the impact of all these people passing is taking a toll on them. I recall someone mention about her friend who was affected from this situation too. I think it really is important to recognize the negativity in our lives, how to deal with it and to ask for help when needed.

5
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loved the episode except for the reactions to Hee Joo's suicide attempt. I get that the angered reactions come from them just so emotionally attached to Hee Joo, but since she is now blind and in hospice care (where I assume is where people go when it's clear that they are no going to survive and where they seek help to manage the painful symptoms of their terminal illnesses), they should have some sympathy. Give her a hug and tell her she is not a burden.

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

i hated Jun for being like that towards HJ knowing het suicide attempt. It just shows he is still not in love with her he just wants her to be alive despite her struggles. I would have appreciated if he had come across as supporting person for HJ.. hope they show some progress in his character in future

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well, I watch episodes 7 & 8, but I'll just comment on #7 because nothing changed my attitude after watching #8. The writer certainly knows how warped a person becomes when they are raised in a loveless home, full of derision and competitiveness. Kang and Jun are both emotionless, closed off men, that don't seem to care about ANYTHING. These two are going to have to do a heap of a lot of growing in the remaining episodes for me to care at all about them

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

BTS Convenience Store :))
https://youtu.be/mr-wj0hDGf8

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for sharing! Loving the interactions.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

The best things abt this drama is its Cinematography... like each n every frame screams a story of its own which i pause, stare, and then only move forward. And best scene for me of this episode was broll of Grasshopper sitting on a branch and flying out of frame as giving a hint abt Hui Ju and her uncertain future. At that moment i was sure she will not be dying by this episode end... and that pink serene sky was another hint that she is in peace finally. And i cried there soo badly.

Second editing... brilliantly done. Just awesome. When you see thos flashbacks being used so intelligently (both Jun and Kang) there is no way one cant fall for the characters. Background music woww just wow... I LOVE IT. It enhances the on screen emotions so damn well that i get goosebumps almost every single episode at least twice.

Now the story.. this seems to be the most beautiful n emotional drama i have seen in recent times. Like how come every episode make me cry not cause i am sad but cause i feel so fortunate to have time on this earth to be able to do what i can/want.
And then how come all the characters despite having so much struggles in life still manage to laugh and have happy times when we still crib abt each n every situation around. I feel like a kid studying life through characters of this drama.

Romance.. yes its slow.. but what a fantastic way to make it slow yet so intense. LK and CY and their apprehension to confess is soo beautiful to watch... i dont even have words to explain what i feel cause its soo overwhelming.

thanks @marina for the mention chinguya.. ill try to be regular here.

10
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

No problem dear^^ The last time I read your cm I was like wow, pointing out that grasshopper and the metaphor made me go back n watch the episode again.
Looking forward to your future comments**

5
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

thank you for appreciating my observation dear... sure ill try to post here as much as i can.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Enjoying except for TaeHyun, the brother. Character beyond annoying and clueless...he's a leech with no sense. Seriously could do without him.

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Does anyone know the name of the song/singer in Episode 7, in the pottery scene? This song is also used in Episode 3 and I think in Episode 10 but it is not listed on the OST playlist. Thank you!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Does anyone know the name of the song/singer in Episode 7, in the pottery scene? This song is also used in Episode 3 and I think in Episode 10 but it is not listed on the OST playlist. Thank you!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wen Joon's mom talk in french... I didn't understand a single word XD First I saw this scene I was like "uh this is not korean, what's this language ?" luckily the father said it was French , and I was like "hein ??? wtf ?? french ?? naaaaa not possible." so I postponed the passage over and over, I would never have understood without subtitles XD I may be French, it requires too much understanding effort ^^' well, I do not criticize Kim Sun Kyung, French is a rather complicated language so I understand, but it's still funny x)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *