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Boys Before Flowers: Episode 10

And the ratings break the 30% mark!

TNS and AGB are the two media research companies that collect ratings, and typically their numbers are reasonably close. (I tend to go by TNS as more accurate, but that’s just me.) This time, the difference is rather noticeable: TNS records a 30.5%, while AGB has 26.7%. In any case, Boys Before Flowers is still hangin’ out in first place.

Episode 10 wasn’t perhaps as giddifying as 9, but I quite enjoyed it. Some pretty nice conversations.

SONG OF THE DAY

Outsider – “Perfect Love.” Maybe this song would be better if it didn’t sound like they were rapping about a “purr-pect rub.” I am trying to ignore that so I can enjoy it anyway. (I appreciate how well the rap incorporates a saying I particularly like, that “There’s no such thing in this world as a perfect man and perfect woman, just a perfect love made by an imperfect man and imperfect woman.”) [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 
EPISODE 10 RECAP

Yi-jung finishes his saxophone performance to much applause, because I suppose the musical display was supposed to be riveting, or something. (I’m going with “something.”)

Su-pyo notices the pretty girl standing nearby and starts to hit on her, not recognizing Ga-eul at first. When he does, he says with an impressed look that she should’ve done herself up before (read: she’s no longer boring now that she’s hot). He proposes they leave together.

Now knowing him for the douchebag he is, Ga-eul doesn’t appreciate his attention, and is thankfully interrupted by Yi-jung’s arrival. He asks if the guy is bothering her and whether she knows him. Ga-eul takes her cue from Yi-jung’s small head shake, which indicates the role she is to play, and answers, “No, I don’t know him.”

Yi-jung offers his hand, announcing to everyone, “This young lady is the one who stole my heart… Miss Ga-eul, don’t trouble yourself anymore and come to me now.”

You know, delivering crap dialogue well is a skill. I was embarrassed for Kim Bum, but he somehow manages to say such cheesiness with a straight face.

Ga-eul takes his hand and they leave the club. Outside, Yi-jung puts his scarf around her neck, saying, “This may be an act, but we may as well act it out fully.”

Act or no, Ga-eul is touched by Yi-jung’s help. Thus on the day before Valentine’s Day, she busies herself gathering materials to make chocolate (to give to a guy). At Jan-di’s interested questioning, Ga-eul answers that she’ll give hers to someone to whom she feels thankful. Ga-eul asks whether Jan-di plans to make any chocolate for Jun-pyo, and hands her some of her supplies, urging her to. Jan-di considers, then swipes more of Ga-eul’s stash for her use.

(There’s a little detour that’s not explained yet, but I suppose it will figure in future episodes. Basically, an old man enters, grumpily orders jajangmyun — which isn’t on the menu — and insists until the ajusshi makes him a bowl anyway. The man says it sucks, pays with one fish, and leaves saying he’ll want fish stew next time. The girls taste their boss’s jajangmyun, which is surprisingly good. I’m guessing the old man is their boss’s father or teacher or somebody.)

Remembering Ga-eul’s explanation for giving her chocolate to someone she’s thankful to, Jan-di thinks of who she’s thankful to, and STUPID GIRL WHY ARE YOU THINKING OF JI-HOO?

But phew, Jan-di busies herself making her Valentine’s Day offering — and omona, they’re curly-haired Jun-pyo chocolates! Adorable. I like how a bunch of them have disgruntled expressions on their faces.

Jan-di calls Jun-pyo out (to a Shinhwa building) to give him the candies, trying to play off her nervousness when he opens the box. In the moment of speechlessness while he takes in the curly-haired faces, Jan-di mumbles, “I was going to give it to someone else, but these are the ones that got messed up…”

But you can tell he’s touched, and even refuses to let her eat one.

Then, the Valentine’s Day event begins, showing us why Jan-di picked this particular spot to meet Jun-pyo.

It’s a couples event with a cell phone as a prize; the challenge requires one half of the couple to lift the other for as long as possible. Jun-pyo approaches this task unenthusiastically, but Jan-di is eager to win. He grumbles that they can just buy phones, to which she says she’d prefer to win one with her own skill. (He retorts that this is using his skill.)

After AnyPop and JandiCall, they must really, really not want to give AnyCall any free exposure. (Btw, I am assuming her cell was a gift from Jun-pyo and therefore find it endearing that he labeled her phone “JandiCall.”)

But as this is sponsored by Shinhwa Group, Madam CEO happens to pass by, and recognizes one participant.

Wow, she does the death glare really, really well. That woman could curdle milk with one stare.

Spotting the angry Madam Kang, Jan-di shrinks back, letting go and falling from Jun-pyo’s back. Jun-pyo is forcibly ushered out of the building by his mother’s employees and sent home.

Meanwhile, Ga-eul waits outside Yi-jung’s studio with her chocolates. Her girlish anticipation fizzles when he arrives with two older ladies on his arm. Seeing the bag she carries, one of the girls guesses they’re Valentine’s chocolates. They’re all very nice to her, but it’s almost worse that way; she tries, unsuccessfully, to turn down the invitation to step inside for some tea.

Ga-eul feels worse to see the huge mound of Valentine’s gifts on his table. It particularly stings when Yi-jung tells her casually, “Leave yours there, too.”

Upset, she excuses herself and leaves quickly. Yi-jung follows her out.

Reading the situation correctly, he says, gently but firmly, “Acting is just acting. It creates trouble if you misunderstand.” He takes the chocolates from her: “Until you meet the one you’re fated to be with, I’ll keep these. Thanks.” After he leaves, Ga-eul wipes away her tears.

Gloomily, Jan-di walks home carrying her bag of chocolates. She’s hunched in the middle of the sidewalk when Ji-hoo drives up on his motorcycle and announces, “Did you call for a driver?”

No, he’s not psychic — Jun-pyo called him as he was dragged home and asked Ji-hoo to pick Jan-di up. When Ji-hoo drops her off at home, he senses her troubled mood and asks her to call him if something happens, “although I hope you won’t have to.”

Madam Kang looks through a stack of photos showing Jun-pyo with Jan-di, and is apprised of Jan-di’s family situation. She’s displeased that Mr. Jung hadn’t reported this earlier. Perhaps covering up his sympathy for Jun-pyo, Mr. Jung answers that he’d assumed Jun-pyo was just picking on the girl.

Jun-pyo bursts in to face his mother and says, sternly, “Don’t mess with that girl.”

Madam Kang affects a blasé attitude (though she loses her temper at the end) as she says that a busy person in her position can’t be bothered with something so worthless.

Jun-pyo says, “Then we’re fine,” and leaves. Madam Kang instructs Mr. Jang, “Make preparations immediately.”

Jun-pyo drops by Ji-hoo’s house (and spots the chocolates on Ji-hoo’s table, which Jan-di left behind after he’d given her a ride home). Ji-hoo takes one and purposely bites into it, provoking Jun-pyo to grab at the other half and exclaim, “Don’t eat that!”

I like Ji-hoo best when he’s eating Jun-pyo’s things. It’s a pretty specific role to play, but he’s much funnier as the droll sidekick than a main character.

In any case, Jun-pyo has dropped by to talk things over with Ji-hoo. He worries, “Why am I so uneasy? It feels like something’s going to happen to her. What I’m most afraid of is that in the moment she comes into danger, I might not know it.”

Ji-hoo says reassuringly, “Don’t worry. You know Jan-di’s not weak. Don’t be afraid, either. You’ve always got us behind you.”

‘Bout freaking time we saw some genuine bonding scenes between these two. Better late than never?

Madam Kang drops in unexpectedly on the Geum family. In a tone of polite (though cold) civility, she sounds fairly reasonable, and Jan-di’s parents agree wholeheartedly, as she describes herself as a concerned mother who must make her son’s success a priority. Her tone is so mannered that it takes them a moment to register her words when she asks, “Do you know what’s most important in growing grass?”

Blankly, they wonder what she’s driving at, and she continues: “Cutting out the weeds. The most important thing is pulling the weeds, which do more harm than good, out by the roots.”

Mom asks, “Are you saying our Jan-di is a weed?” Madam Kang replies, “I’m glad it seems you understood.”

Although weeds are usually killed, Madam Kang proposes something else — and sets out a briefcase of money: 300 million won (approximately $220,000). She can provide more if they want, as this is all in the service of her son. Mr. Jung lays out a contract, which states that “I declare that I will give up all association with Gu Jun-pyo.”

The family is speechless. An insulted Mom grabs a bowl of salt and dumps it all over Madam Kang’s head. She demands, “Get out immediately!” Madam Kang warns, “You’ve made a huge mistake.”

The family applauds Mom for sticking to her principles, valuing their pride and honor over money. But Mom dashes those gallant images by insisting that no, money is the most important thing in the world — screw pride!

She explains that if Jan-di eventually marries Jun-pyo, all of Shinhwa Group becomes hers too — ergo 300 million won is way too small a number with which to be bought off. Glad to know Mom’s got a high selling point.

At school, Jan-di emerges from another stress-relieving swim, half-expecting to see Ji-hoo waiting for her. She wanders until she comes to an auditorium, where Ji-hoo practices at the piano. He invites her to play along before taking her home.

She smiles at him warmly when he drops her off, prompting him to wonder, “Why are you looking at me like that?” Jan-di responds, “It’s curious. Whenever my heart sounds the emergency alarm, you always appear.” (You mean, whenever your heart seeks him out and then rings its alarm in his general vicinity, right? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think she’s falling for Ji-hoo, but I do think turning to Ji-hoo instead of Jun-pyo is a hairy issue.)

Things take a turn for the worse when Jan-di’s parents receive word that their dry-cleaning business is being evicted. Their landlord’s son — who’s been unemployed for seven years — has been given a job by Shinhwa Group. Clearly Madam Kang is exercising some of her economic muscle. Furthermore, all the realtors have been warned not to rent to them.

Forced out of business, the Geum family rallies, taking to peddling food in the street to passing cars. Each family member sets out with gusto to sell coffee and snacks (Mom a little less so, shrinking back in embarrassment).

Madam Kang is aware of this latest development, and because she is sadistically eeeeevil, she orders her car to drive by. She’s dragged Jun-pyo along with her to make her point clear, then orders Mr. Jung to buy some rice snacks from the vendors.

Unhappily though dutifully, Mr. Jung complies, and Jan-di bounds over to offer the snacks. She takes a moment to recognize who’s inside the car — at which point her smile fades, replaced by an uncomfortable laugh.

Jun-pyo’s eyes widen in shock and he starts to get out of the car, but his mother grabs his hand tightly to hold him back. Jan-di watches the car pull away, trying to tamp down her hurt.

Mom maintains her grip on Jun-pyo’s hand, overriding Jun-pyo’s order for the driver to stop the car.

Does anyone else get creepy Manchurian Candidate vibes from Mama Kang here? I wasn’t expecting a Freudian/Oedipal element to present itself in this drama, but [smallvoice] I kind of like it [/smallvoice]. (Or is it reverse Oedipal, since it’s mother-to-son, instead of the other way around?) It makes her seem even creepier and more vindictive.

But Jun-pyo shakes off his mother’s hand and yells at the driver to stop. Leaving his mother glowering, Jun-pyo storms out of the car and walks straight for Jan-di, thinking, “Geum Jan-di, stay right there. Please just stay.”

Jan-di stands frozen in surprise, in the middle of the road, watching his approach.

(The scene is backlit horribly and the faces are almost impossible to make out (hehe, make out), so I’m using promo shots instead…)

I really like this next scene, so I’m just going to translate all of it.

Jun-pyo: “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Jan-di: “So you could you push money at me again and say, ‘How much do you need?'”
Jun-pyo: “If your dry-cleaning business is in trouble, you can set up another one. Why embarrass—“

He catches himself, but Jan-di knows what he meant.

Jan-di: “Yeah. I — no — my family probably is embarrassing. But I’m not sorry for any of it.”
Jun-pyo: “What I mean…”
Jan-di: “Us dating and my family circumstances are different things. Plus, you can’t do everything for me your way just because you’re my boyfriend.”
Jun-pyo: “Then what should I do? Should I just watch as your whole family sells snacks on the street?”
Jan-di: “Yeah. Just watch.”
Jun-pyo: “What?”
Jan-di: “Don’t do anything and just watch, if you want to be my boyfriend.”
Jun-pyo: “Oi, Dry Cleaner.”
Jan-di: “It’s been a long time since you’ve called me that. But you know, I’m not a dry cleaner’s daughter anymore.”

Jan-di says the last bit with a bit of a smile, but Jun-pyo addresses her solemnly.

Jun-pyo: “Geum Jan-di. I’m not saying this to scare you, and there’s no reason for you to be afraid. Just know this. My witch of a mother is someone who’s capable of doing anything, at any time.”
Jan-di: “It seemed like it.”
Jun-pyo: “Promise me.”
Jan-di: “Promise what?”
Jun-pyo: “If something happens, you’ll tell me right away.”
Jan-di (nodding): “Okay.”
Jun-pyo: “One more thing. No matter what happens, you won’t run away from me.”

At that, Jan-di responds in a joking tone:

Jan-di: “Now that, I can’t promise.”
Jun-pyo: “What?”
Jan-di: “You know, I’ve wanted to run away a few times, but it was because of you, not your mother.”
Jun-pyo: “Hey!”
Jan-di: “I’ll promise. Whatever happens, your mother won’t be a reason for that.”
Jun-pyo: “It’s a good thing you’re Geum Jan-di.”
Jan-di: “Why?”
Jun-pyo: “I’m really glad that the commoner gangster Geum Jan-di is my girlfriend.”

Now his mood lightens: “That promise really puts my mind at ease.”

Jan-di offers Jun-pyo a can of coffee, which he takes. He grabs her hand and they walk off together. Later, at home, Jun-pyo takes out the coffee and stares at it, lost in thought.

(And now, I totally have this image in my mind of some desk drawer or cabinet in Jun-pyo’s room which houses a rotting apple, a half-eaten piece of chocolate, and a can of coffee.)

 

Jan-di hustles in search of another part-time job, which is the only reason she entertains an idea suggested by a sleazy-looking restaurant customer who asks how old she is. He’s disappointed to hear that she’s only in high school (therefore a minor), because he has a business that often hires (university-age) students, and he really likes her look.

After some hesitation, Jan-di asks how much he pays, and accepts his card.

More trouble awaits the Geum family when a group of thugs arrives at the curb where Jan-di’s parents have set up their makeshift snack stand.

They ask threateningly, “Who said you could operate here?” and proceed to overturn the stand and destroy all their goods.

Like I said, I much prefer Ji-hoo as the dryly amusing sidekick, which is a role he again fills, this time with Yi-jung. He asks to borrow Yi-jung’s phone, then slyly dials a number. When a female voice answers, Ji-hoo hands the phone to a bemused Yi-jung.

Recognizing Ga-eul’s voice, Yi-jung shoots Ji-hoo a dirty look but is forced to answer calmly.

Afterward, Ji-hoo drops by the gas station where Jan-di has taken up another part-time job. She has a cheerful attitude, saying she’s fine and not overworking herself. When her nose starts bleeding, he points out that her body betrays her lie, and dabs at her nose with his handkerchief, saying, “It’s upsetting” (which suggests he’s the one troubled by her situation). He covers that by adding, “If I were Jun-pyo, I would be upset.”

She asks him not to tell Jun-pyo about this, because “I want to take care of my part, so I feel things are fair.” Ji-hoo sighs, “I envy Jun-pyo,” then leaves.

Jan-di feels even more burdened when she learns that her brother, who is teased by schoolmates, has been skipping lunch at school to save money. Jan-di asks why he didn’t tell her, but he feels bad for all the work she’s been doing — she delivers newspapers and milk in the morning, works at the restaurant in the afternoon, and the gas station at night.

That prompts her to take out the business card from the sleazy customer for a business called Enjoy Productions. Finding the company’s “office,” Jan-di takes a look around the questionable setting.

Jan-di steps inside hesitantly, calling out, “Is anybody here?” And then the door slams shut behind her.

 
COMMENTS

I’ve been waiting for this series to drop its cutesy, overacting antics and go for some real drama — I know, so not the manga spirit!, but that’s what I feel Korean dramas do best. It’s also a way this series can make its mark in an already sprawling universe.

We don’t need a carbon copy of all the other versions, because then what would be the point? The Japanese Hanadan was an excellent live-action interpretation of an exaggerated, sometimes silly manga storyline. What I wanted to see was how this version could adapt the story we all know but make it its own.

I’m not saying it’s there yet, but I think we’re taking a bit of a turn. I hope they don’t go overboard with the dramatics, but I prefer that to slapstick overload. Gu Hye-sun is actually a pretty good dramatic actor, but for some reason they’ve been forcing her to act jokesy, which doesn’t use her to her best advantage. Jan-di, for instance, is growing on me more now that she’s not so exaggerated.

Also, I appreciate what they did with Ga-eul and Yi-jung, even if the budding relationship took a step back (or at least a step sideways), because I think this sets us up nicely for the future. After all, Ga-eul strikes me as a smart cookie, and she learns from her mistakes. The first time she was dazzled by Yi-jung’s appeal, she quickly revised her opinion when he seemed to look down on Jan-di. It wasn’t until he went out of his way to help her that she started to look at him differently and entertain a bit of a crush. Now that she’s seen him for who he really is — not a bad guy, just not the sweet image she’d built up in her head — she’s going to be wary of him in the future. Which means, if (when?) Yi-jung finds himself wanting to win her over for real, boy is he going to have to work for it. Right?

 
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Yay! Thanks again for the recap!

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Thanks for the recap!

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I have mix feeling about this episode! Maybe it's because it's wasn't a cute as ep 9. I just feel that things are going to fast somehow, but I still love seeing Jandi and Jun Pyo
As for the witch aka Jun Pyo amazing character!! She's an amazing actress the look she gave Jandi at the contest, her look was so strong she almost broke my computer screen! lol!
Although I hate what she did to Jandi family!

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I AM SO HAPPY how popular this drama is!!
I hope they go on a different direction with the Gaeul & Yi Jung story. I really want them to end up together =( they are so cute!!
Thanks for the recaps!

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thank you so much for the recap! ♥

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I also agree with you about the drama turning on the drama factor. Although I am a fan of the Japanese version I'm glad that the Korean version is trying to separate itself from its predecessor. I found Jun-pyo's mother scarier in this show than Domyuji's in the Japanese version. Maybe it's her evil eyes that spooked me. But like you said, I hope that this show doesn't make too much of a dramatic turn as to where the charm and lightheartedness is taken away. I'm very curious as to how they will progress the story. WOW.....Mondays and Tuesdays can't come any faster. And I agree with you.....this show is like crack.

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OK...my favorite scene is where Jan-di and her little brother on the steps, it was very touching.... Ji-hoo when he wears glasses remind me of Bae Yong Joon....As always, love your recap..could i be the first one...if i am Yeah!!!!!>.<

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what???i am 7th....is everyone waiting on their computer?????????

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Me want Yi-jung to work really, really hard to get Ga-eul in the future (hopefully).
You're the best! Okay, so I'm definitely like a stalker, huh? Every Mon-Tue nights, I always have my laptop on before I go to bed and as soon as the clock hits 10:50pm, I "waited" at your site. Giggles! I must say...I live vicariously through your recaps! Thank you! ^_^

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second!
o and i love your recaps and comments :)

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I loved your last comment on Yi Jeong and Ga Eul.

Yes bring on the angst, so long as I can get a happy ending in the last episode!

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lol.. nvm about second
n'ways... ur comments are always fun to read and so are ur recaps even tho i already watched kkotboda namja... i felt tho that the "big" kissing scene wasn't big at all because u couldn't even see anything and then they just shot what other people thought about the scene during the drama... like they gave jandi and junpyo 3 seconds and then went to shoot other people... :( i was really looking forward to like a huge (make out) not make out but big kissing scene.. and then it was nothing... butttt
i still loved it!! lol <33333

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great recap! vielen danke! it's going to get nastier as mom moves into the picture. btw, has anyone noticed that LMH is ambidextrous?

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thanks for the recap! I don't really watch this drama but always find myself reading through the recaps so I can join the hype^^. I have to agree with you that kdramas are much better in portrayal of dramatic and tragedy than comedy. I found them too exaggerate and slapstick for me (even in their variety shows).

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I really love this episode. It really shows how Jun Pyo really cares for Jan Di.
I love your recaps Dramabeans. Keep it up. I'll be tuning in.

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thanks for the recaps!

like i just posted yesterday..i am liking this drama so much! hopefully it develops nicely from here on out.

at this point i am most interested to see how the Yi-jung/Ga-eul relationship develops..hopefully they end up together in the end :)

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JAVABEANS:

what is this about AnyPop and JandiCall???

I didn't get that part.

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nooo! cliff hanger!

i've been waiting for your recaps javabeans! thanks so much!

i'm also quite happy with the way the drama is turning. i was getting a little tired of the slapstick. AND Kim Hyung Joon finally uses his facial muscles and his eyes in this episode! i was really happy when i saw him acting (for once...).
AND i LOVE Jun-pyo's mother!! LOVE her. she's the perfect evil villain! she's awesome! can't wait to see what other evil schemes she comes up with through out the drama!
i'm also waiting patiently for Yi-jung and Ga-eul's story arc to grow!!!

this drama is like crack and i'm loving every minute of it!

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oh yeah... new recap!!! am i first? Thanks for the recaps
the scene where Jandi offers him coffee, and they walk off is so beautiful. It looked great with the sun setting in the background, him holding her hand.

On the other note, I found it interesting that a player, Yi Jung, helps Ga Eul, who was hurt by her player ex-bf. I like such dynamics. I think it shows the worth of Yi Jung, sets him apart from all typical womanisers.

And, yeah, I also like Jandi when she is not so cartoonish. Hopefully, when the drama turns into college years, she'll act normal as she does right now in very rare occasions.

And, again, I agree about Jihoo. I couldn't help but giggle when he called Ga Eul. He's like a match-maker. Initiating Jandi's confession, and now calling Gaeul.

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I was laughing and crying through the whole thing...
Awww Jandi's mom when she dumped salt all over GJP's mom...

The part after they kissed was too touching. Love this show so much.
Highly deserved the 30% rating.

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Thanks for the recap. The cookies are so cute. I wonder why Ji Hoo uses Yi Jung's phone to call Ga Eul? What is the motive here???

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My heart broke while watching the yi jung ga eul scene T_T

I love your recaps... and your translations are better than any subber's out there!

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I am worried that she's not telling Jun-pyo everything like she promised... I hope this doesn't form a huge dent between them in the future.

"Which means, if (when?) Yi-jung finds himself wanting to win her over for real..."
That is something I am almost intolerably curious about.

Obiovusly, at least in my perspective, the job's going to be perverted. I wonder who'll save her... or will she save herself. xD

BTW, I'm curious... Why couldn't Jun-hee (before she got married and all that) have had a chance to take over the company (or at least half of it) and be an heiress? Is this just gender discrimination or what? Cause she IS a daughter and she is the OLDER ONE.

Thanks Javabeans for the awesome recap once again.. Hope you'll continue 'till the very end. =)

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love your last line!!!
that's exactly my hope for the yijung gaeul story arc.

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The cell phone competition was for AnyPop, and Jan-di's cell phone reads JandiCall. I'm betting they couldn't get AnyCall to be a sponsor, otherwise it would be product placement everywhere. (Or, LOL, they didn't pay enough for the product placement.)

Ji-hoo uses Yi-jung's phone to force him to answer the call, because by the time he hands it over, Ga-eul can see that it's Yi-jung phone calling her.

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i actually thought Anycall was some sort of sponsor for the drama b/c in the end credits, their logo comes up. unless i'm mistaken??

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This recap came out earlier than usual! I LOVE IT! Thanks!!

Anyway, I definitely with your comments, javabeans! I do think that when this drama takes a serious turn, it's much better. Also, I do have to say that Gu Hye Sun is definitely a better dramatic actor. Now that she doesn't exaggerate all her facial expressions or lines anymore, she's much more bearable and so much better.

I know that I'm not supposed to compare the different versions but they TOTALLY copied the Japanese version's kiss scene. When Makino and Doumiyi shared their first real kiss in HYD, they kissed in front of the sunset too. We could actually see their faces in that scene though. We couldn't kiss Jan Di's and Jun Pyo's faces in this version.

Also, the old man who ordered the black bean noodles is, i think, supposed to be Ji Hoo's grandfather. (Or if they're following the taiwanese version, a prospective business partner of Jun Pyo's mom)

Jun Pyo's mom definitely has that death stare down pat. She's scary!!! BUT it's GREAT casting on the producers' part.

I still hate the music in this show!!

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I sure hope Ga Eul will make Ee Jung work hard to catch her in the end. she's smarter than Yuuki (hopefully).

and yep.. I found myself liking Ji Hoo a lot more in this episode. maybe because of his glasses (I'm shallow), his house (so awesomely fusing tradition and 21st century), or because he's an amazingly awesome sidekick just like you mentioned in the recap.

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hopefully he won't do what the Japanese one did, kept the cookies and took a bite a year later... Those cookies have too much frosting to last a year.

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I really enjoyed watching this episode.Thanks for the recap.

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I really enjoyed watching this episode.Thanks for the recap.

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"Does anyone else get creepy Manchurian Candidate vibes from Mama Kang here? I wasn’t expecting a Freudian/Oedipal element to present itself in this drama, but [smallvoice] I kind of like it [/smallvoice]. (Or is it reverse Oedipal, since it’s mother-to-son, instead of the other way around?) It makes her seem even creepier and more vindictive. "
oh thank goodness, i thought i was the only one feeling slightly awkward at this part. and yes, i um, liked it too. a lot. ><" it does add another unexpectedly darker angle to this mom. wow, i really want to see where this goes.

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What was Oedipal about this moment? The reason why Madam Kang opposes Jan Di is because she is a commoner. Not because she has sexual feelings for her son. Had Jan di been a rich heiress they would have been married by this episode

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Thanks so much for your great recaps!! My internet connection over here at my place is pretty bad so I can't watch the drama as it takes centuries to load! =( However, after reading your recaps, it is very easy to visualize the whole show!! Thanks and great job!! =) Really appreciate your time and effort!!

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Jandi and Jihoo look good together when they're just friends, coz if they act as a couple it looks unnatural..

More drama upcoming when they just started dating...
that part where Junpyo got out of the car to go to Jandi and kiss her, I was like "awwwee" then switch to evil mom's hands where she was holding Junpyo's a second ago , I was like "oouuchhh"
She showed the hurtful look really well, you can't win over your son to a girl that showed him "what life really is"

Thanks again!

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Sorry to double post but when you said:

"(And now, I totally have this image in my mind of some desk drawer or cabinet in Jun-pyo’s room which houses a rotting apple, a half-eaten piece of chocolate, and a can of coffee.)"

... Where'd the other cookied go. (Ji-Hoo ate them too? Or did YOU?) xD

BTW, I heard the Kim Bum got into a little fender-bender recently... DOesn't that make ALL THE FIVE LEADS to have gotten into some sort of accident since the start of the series... Is there a curse or what? 0.0

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LOL #29! I agree...hahaha

I totally love how Ji Hoo is the mediator!!

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Wonderful recap and I was wondering when they would drop the cutesy stuff too. I have mixed feelings for this episode overall but Im hoping/praying to the drama gods that they explore Mama Kang as you call her, character.

I feel like there is more to her than the evil hag who is using her son as a tool only. I wish they would explain how she took on such a huge role in running the operations of their business.

Most likely they would do a time jump so that all 5 of them you can say will be in college which would make the series a bit more interesting. Although im sort of doubtful with this PD because subtlety really isnt his strong point. Case in point Delightful Girl and My Girl because he sort of lost me in the middle of the series for both and i adore the first one especially).

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Thanks for the recap.

It's sad that I am still bitter about Jan-di thinking of Ji-hoo before making those cookies. It also rankles me greatly that she keeps telling Ji-hoo her problems instead of sharing with her boyfriend. Arghh.

It's not just you, it does seem like Evil Mama is in love with her son. Just a tad.

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My guess regarding the old customer:

In episode 1 when Jan Di's brother is looking up all the F4 guys on the Internet, we see a picture of young Ji Hoo with his grandpa. And the old customer resembles the grandpa. But of course, I could be wrong.

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wouldn't it be "Jocasta complex" if it's the mother towards the son? meh, i don't know~ since reading somewhere that Ji-Hoo's grandfather visits the porridge place i thought that the old man might be him and that he sure is eccentric. JanDi has yet to grow on me and i'm trying to keep an open mind but.........

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I knew the actress who played Mdm Kang will play her role well! She's just so convincing!

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"(And now, I totally have this image in my mind of some desk drawer or cabinet in Jun-pyo’s room which houses a rotting apple, a half-eaten piece of chocolate, and a can of coffee.)"
and "anypop"

die laughing!
you are the funniest blogger ever! oh dear
dramabeans i love your little sarcasm side note to bits!
aww my heart fluster for gajeung couple more

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psst... dramawiki says that the elderly ajusshi who barges into the porridge restaurant is Ji-Hoo's grandpapa.

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I've been waiting to read your recap even though I've watched the episode earlier today. Thanks again!

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"Also, I appreciate what they did with Ga-eul and Yi-jung, even if the budding relationship took a step back (or at least a step sideways), because I think this sets us up nicely for the future. After all, Ga-eul strikes me as a smart cookie, and she learns from her mistakes. The first time she was dazzled by Yi-jung’s appeal, she quickly revised her opinion when he seemed to look down on Jan-di. It wasn’t until he went out of his way to help her that she started to look at him differently and entertain a bit of a crush. Now that she’s seen him for who he really is — not a bad guy, just not the sweet image she’d built up in her head — she’s going to be wary of him in the future. Which means, if (when?) Yi-jung finds himself wanting to win her over for real, boy is he going to have to work for it. Right?"
I'm really looking forward to this storyline but one of the crucial Sojiro - Yuki / Yi Jung - Ga Eul moments would be when Ga Eul helps Yi Jung to figure out what his first love wants him to see or know. Does this moment happen after Yi Jung worked hard to get her and she turned him down and she realizes her mistake? Or does this happen when Ga Eul goes after Yi Jung, does this as a last love act on her part before she forgets him, and then Yi Jung finally realizes that she is his special someone and works hard to get her? Hhmmm, interesting point to ponder huh?

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Thanks for the recap.

I am enjoying the show completely, as you stated this show is somewhat like crack. My only qualm lies with the fact that Ji Hoo does not seem like a sidekick but almost a very strong second hero in the story. In fact he seems to spend more time with JD than Jun Pyo ever does. JD too seems to forget JP when JH is around. While traditionally KDRAMAS always have two very strong contenders for the girl , the girl is almost always decided on one of them. Here I am unable to understand JD's heart. While she seems to have decided on JP, she seems to run to JH for everything.

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Boy, I love the Ga-eul/Yi-Jung couple. :D

I'm excited for ALL their scenes!! :)

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i was giggling with delight when jihoo handed the phone over to yijung to talk to gaeul! loooooooooooooove it

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Thanks fro recap!!!

At dusk really is not good timing to filme kiss scene........understand now why KBS release "the monment" before on air as it's totally backlit to bring up the strong emotion......hehe.

Like your recap on the solo part of JP&JD, and especially the scence the JP get rid of the grasp of evil mom: one women's handoff and other women's hand on, lucky JD to get full heart of pure man..........

Expecting to see how JMH will interpret the way of growing up from a flower boy to a responsible man!

@!@

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@43 jippo, you're right it's the same person as Jihoo's grandpa, the only difference is the old man has a mustache now..hmm interesting how they make side-characters here..

and btw, Wobin isn't showed in this episode?

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