Boys Before Flowers: Episode 14

271 February 17, 2009January 24, 2016

by javabeans

And the schizophrenia continues, because I really liked Episode 14. I don’t even think I would’ve gotten (that) drunk in our hypothetical Illogical Moments Drinking Game (although, let’s face it, there’s always going to be a reason for SOME drinky-drink in a BBF episode).

I didn’t hate Episode 13 — it’s just that it had so many problems, and BBF’s problems tend to be glaring and un-ignorable — but Episode 14 worked for me on several different levels. I love angst when it’s done well and not just manufactured out of nothing. The angst levels in 14 made sense and produced some great scenes with most (all?) of the characters.

SONG OF THE DAY

G.O.D. – “사랑이 힘들때” (When Love Gets Difficult), with Lim Jeong-hee. Yes, G.O.D. is no longer together, but they’re like my go-to comfort kpop group. My favorite part of the song is the child chorus that goes, “However beautiful, however strong, I guess love still breaks down when things get difficult. Could we be the only ones who still believe that love conquers all?” [ Download ]

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(You know, looking through my songs, it occurs to me that we could probably reconstruct the whole plot of Boys Before Flowers purely in G.O.D. song titles. Hmm. Will have to think on that.)

EPISODE 14 RECAP

At the Venetian casino-hotel, Jan-di sadly recalls how Jun-pyo ignored her. (Anyone else laugh out loud at the gondolier singing “Con te partiro” at the top of his lungs?)

Not to be outdone, another voice starts singing a different song: Ha Jae-kyung belts “Santa Lucia” from her gondola. She’s not a great singer, and I’m not sure if she is being jokey/mocking. If so, it’s kind of awesome. Particularly since she’s switched places with her gondolier — she takes the oar while he sits back like a passenger.

The guys remark that the girl is embarrassing, but Jan-di recognizes her and says she’s really cool. They wonder how she knows her; Jan-di answers that the girl saved her life. Woo-bin protests that saving Jan-di is their thing (in a cute, “Wait, what about us?” way). Guys, guys, don’t worry — Jan-di needs saving so often, there’s plenty to go around.

For those wondering how Jun-pyo can suddenly be made head of Shinhwa Group, he isn’t the only executive. Madam Kang still carries the title of 회장, which is like president or chair. Jun-pyo’s a managing director, which means he carries authority as a senior executive — but he’s not the sole power running Shinhwa. (Not that this plot point is realistic to begin with.)

Jun-pyo and Madam Kang greet their business associates, the heads of JK Group, who have been courted to work with Shinhwa in their global venture. The couple explain that their daughter, Jae-kyung, is off touring Macau alone, then compliment Mama Kang on her handsome son. Mom beams.

F3 take Jan-di to dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, but Ji-hoo, who leads the group, spots Jun-pyo inside. Before the others have a chance to see, he turns and announces that he wants to go somewhere else. He shoots the guys a Meaningful Look, and they catch on quickly, changing their minds casually to keep Jan-di from guessing why.

Ji-hoo pauses to shoot a hard look in Jun-pyo’s direction, and I really think he should just be angry all the time. I didn’t find him interesting as the gentle prince (too bland and supposedly perfect), but he’s much more compelling being angry.

At the dinner table with Jae-kyung’s parents, Jun-pyo receives emailed photos on his phone. His expression grows troubled when he opens the messages surreptitiously to find a series of photos of Jan-di. The sender isn’t shown, but I’m guessing this is Mr. Jung working on Jun-pyo’s instructions.

Mama Kang notices his inattention and breaks in to interrupt his photo-time.

Attuned to Jan-di’s gloom, Ji-hoo asks if she regrets coming and whether she has a plan. She takes the philosophical approach — at least she got to visit a nice place — and says she doesn’t have a plan. “But it would be nice just to be able to see him and ask, ‘How’ve you been? I’ve been okay.'”

She wonders, “Isn’t it strange? It feels like it was ages ago that we were together. If he really does act like he doesn’t know me, I’ll wonder if I just dreamed it on my own.”

Ji-hoo answers firmly, “It’s not a dream. If it were, it wouldn’t have been so painful. After sending you off, I realized that I’d done nothing all this time. When I came to my senses, you were on the plane. So it’s not a dream. Because you’re in front of me now.”

Maybe he feels he’s revealed too much, because he abruptly says goodnight and leaves. Left alone, Jan-di breathes on the glass, then writes the character ㅈ (equivalent to “J”), but stops there.

Mr. Jung tries to convince Jun-pyo to meet F4, but Jun-pyo flatly refuses, reminding him that he has no time for playing around with friends. Therefore, Mr. Jung must go out of his way to coordinate with Yi-jung; citing a business meeting, he delivers Jun-pyo to a basketball court.

Seeing F3 waiting for him, Jun-pyo contains his reaction and says, devoid of any warmth, “Nice to see you.” Ji-hoo: “Do you mean that? Doesn’t seem like it.”

Yi-jung expects Jun-pyo to be happy that Jan-di came too, but Jun-pyo responds, “And why do I have to see her? Girls like her don’t mean anything to me now.” Yi-jung realizes, “So you not calling Jan-di was intentional?”

Jun-pyo says carelessly, “Intentional or not, I didn’t have time to bother worrying about stuff like that.” Being the most perceptive, Ji-hoo has guessed much of this and is not surprised, but Yi-jung and Woo-bin are taken aback at the extent of Jun-pyo’s coldness.

Growing angry, Yi-jung asks, “You call yourself a man?” Jun-pyo reminds him that the guys have all dated around, “So can’t I?” Yi-jung retorts that he may have dated around a lot, “but I never acted like you!” and lunges at Jun-pyo.

Woo-bin holds him back. Yi-jung glares: “What did you tell us back when we tried to stop you? You said a man takes responsibility from the beginning through the end!” Jun-pyo scorns, “And you believed it? No way you guys believed we would make it in the end.”

That’s too much. Yi-jung grabs Jun-pyo’s jacket and bursts out, “Whose fault is it that Jan-di can’t swim anymore?!” There’s a brief flicker of surprise in Jun-pyo’s expression before Yi-jung punches him.

Woo-bin tells Yi-jung to calm down, but Yi-jung snarls that he won’t: “Listen to what that asshole’s saying!” He reminds Jun-pyo: “I warned you. I told you not give encouragement too easily, you coward!”

Jun-pyo gripes, “Did you quit being my friend and all rush to be Jan-di’s black knights? If you came here as friends, then enjoy yourselves before going home. But if you even think about mentioning her name, leave immediately.”

Jun-pyo starts to walk away, but stops at Woo-bin’s question, “Why have you changed?” Without turning back, he responds:

Jun-pyo: “700 thousand. That’s the number of Shinhwa employees and family members I have to take responsibility for — 700 thousand. Try taking on 700 thousand lives, and see if you don’t change.”

Jan-di waits to hear the results of F3’s meeting with Jun-pyo, and can tell from their expressions that it was not good. Yi-jung figures she should know the truth, and Woo-bin explains that he’s changed a lot and probably been under a lot of stress.

Jan-di guesses, “He won’t see me?” They’re surprised she knew, but she assures them not to worry about her: “Whatever he has to say, I came to hear it directly from him. I’ll have to face him.”

They’re relieved at Jan-di’s ready acceptance of the truth, and impressed at her attitude. Feeling much better, Woo-bin suggests an old game — hide and seek in masks. Which… actually looks really fun.

Prince Song is named “It,” so everyone else scatters to hide.

Ji-hoo pulls Jan-di into his corner to escape Woo-bin’s notice. She’s having a good time until she looks up and sees Jun-pyo on the large TV screen, which kills the lively atmosphere. She starts to sob, and Ji-hoo comforts her.

That night, Ji-hoo calls out a reluctant Jun-pyo to ask for a favor — that Jun-pyo meet Jan-di just once.

Jun-pyo: “Why would you ask for that kind of favor?”
Ji-hoo: “Because that’s the only thing I can do for her right now.”

This ties into Ji-hoo’s earlier comment that he realized how he’d done nothing thus far. A flashback shows us the day Jan-di left for Macau, when she’d dropped by to tell Ji-hoo something: “After today, I’m not sure I can say these words. I’m really glad that I got to know you.”

At dawn, Ji-hoo takes Jan-di out for a “walk,” which turns out to be his way of delivering her to Jun-pyo. She approaches the bridge to find him already there, although he keeps his gaze firmly fixed away from her.

Jan-di starts hesitantly, “I was really worried after I heard about your father.” Flatly, he answers, “Thanks. Is that why you came all the way here?… As you see, I’m fine, and as you know, I’m extremely busy. Now that you know, go. Don’t bother worrying about my well-being.” (That last bit literally means: don’t presume you have the right to worry about my health, so don’t bother.)

Hurt, she takes this in. It’s only at this point that he turns to look at her:

Jun-pyo: “Do you have more to say?”
Jan-di: “Do you really mean it?”
Jun-pyo: “What do you want? You can’t be expecting me to say, ‘I’m sorry, forgive me, I’ll go back soon so wait for me,’ could you?”

Jan-di: “Why are you doing this?”
Jun-pyo: “I’ve started to wake up to reality, that’s all.”
Jan-di: “All right, I understand now. Then you really did intend to act like you didn’t see me, and to avoid meeting me. To you, I’m—”
Jun-pyo: “A stain I want to erase.”
Jan-di: “That’s cruel of you, Gu Jun-pyo. Really cruel.”
Jun-pyo: “No. I’ve always been this kind of guy. I just pretended I wasn’t.”

What can Jan-di say to that? She calms herself and tells him, “I’ll go. Take care.”

Jun-pyo returns carelessly, “Worry about yourself,” and leaves.

I LOVE this scene. Jun-pyo is so cold and mean, and although we the audience know there’s more to the story, his act in front of Jan-di is completely convincing — enough that you want to wince along with Jan-di at the force of his words.

Also, I like the line where Jun-pyo says that she couldn’t expect him to ask her forgiveness and beg her to wait — because that’s exactly what he would like to do, and he’s trying really hard to deny that.

It’s still early morning, so nobody’s in the faux courtyard but a gondolier, who takes her for a boat ride and treats her to a free song. Again, it’s “Con te partiro” (the English version of the song is called “Time to say goodbye”). I’m surprised I actually liked the song this time around — in the first scene it seemed silly, but here with Jan-di sitting alone, inside the empty shopping arcade, crying to herself while he sings… it’s sad.

(This is the “Con te partiro” version sung by “popera” singers Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.)
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Although Jun-pyo seemed unmoved when confronting Jan-di, that is far from the truth. He bursts in on his mother, asking furiously, “Are you satisfied now? Now that everything’s the way you want, are you satisfied?”

Mama Kang replies, “I don’t know, merely hearing about the likes of that girl doesn’t make me happy.”

Jun-pyo fires back, “She’s not just ‘that kind of girl‘! She’s the first girl that I — YOUR SON — ever loved.”

Oh my GOD. How does Lee Min-ho make his eyes fill up with tears, ever so gradually, to correspond with his growing frustration? HOW?

Madam Kang asks calmly, perhaps knowing she has an ace in the pocket, whether he will throw everything away to run to the girl — the company, the employees, his future. What about his father?

Knowing that she’s going to guilt him, Jun-pyo tells her to stop, but she continues, reminding him that his father put everything into the company: “Are you going to throw him away too?… What should I do about Jan-di? Should I make it impossible for her to live anywhere in Korea?”

Jun-pyo: “Be quiet. I told you TO STOP!” He warns, “Don’t mess with Jan-di. If you break your promise, I’ll destroy everything.”

Time to check in back at home. Jan-di’s brother, Kang-san, falls ill with mysterious stomach pains, and his parents rush him to … Doctor Former President?

I is confuzzled. If a former president started practicing medicine, wouldn’t people, um, know about it? Or maybe President Grandpa has a twin brother…

To cheer up Jan-di, Ji-hoo takes her around for the day. They sightsee, watch a Cirque du Soleil-style performance, and shop — the last of which Jun-pyo happens to see as he’s passing by a storefront.

While Ji-hoo looks around, Jan-di is drawn to a pretty shoe on display — which she hastily returns when she looks at the price tag.

Jun-pyo tries to ignore this, but ends up returning to the store to claim the shoe. Only, another shopper grabs it at the same moment. Jae-kyung and Jun-pyo grapple with the shoe, both refusing to let go. (They register no recognition; I’m guessing they’ve never met, since her parents had never seen him before, either.)

Jun-pyo wrenches it from her hand, but when Mr. Jung asks if he knows Jan-di’s shoe size, he stops short. He doesn’t know, so he sizes up Jae-kyung and shoves the shoes on her feet to get an approximation.

Jun-pyo is satisfied that they’ll fit and tells her to take them off. But now that she’s in possession, she refuses and tries to run off (without paying?). In a cute sequence, Jun-pyo chases her around the store and grabs Jae-kyung, who loses her balance.

Having won, Jun-pyo walks out with the shoes.

That night, Madam Kang hears that Jan-di intends to go home the next day. Given their break-up and the fact that Jun-pyo is currently working in the conference room, she is satisfied that both sides have come to their senses and returned to their “rightful” positions.

If only she knew that Jun-pyo isn’t actually working; instead, he’s looking at photos on his computer.

Clearly this slideshow presentation is Ji-hoo’s doing, because it closes with Jan-di’s recorded video message. A tear slips from Jun-pyo’s eye as it plays, after which he stands up purposely, as though to rush off to find her.

Just as he starts to leave, something seizes his attention — in place of the slideshow are old memories of him and his father. (The editing makes it seem for a moment that he’s watching video footage, but I’m pretty sure they’re in his head. If only because it’s crazy to think this particular conversation just happened to be recorded fifteen years ago. Not that BBF is known for its logic.) In the memories, a young Jun-pyo is with his loving father (uh, character inconsistency?), who asks, “What will you do when I’m not around?” Young Jun-pyo proudly makes a man-to-man promise, “I’ll take care of Mom, Noona, and Shinhwa Group.”

It’s his guilty conscience flaring, to keep him from throwing away his position for Jan-di. Torn between both very strong impulses, Jun-pyo bellows in frustration and sinks to the ground.

The next day, Ji-hoo and Jan-di check out of the hotel. I wonder if Ji-hoo is expecting Jun-pyo to show, but instead he’s recognized by someone else, an old friend. (The actor is Haiming, Chinese member of kpop group A’ST1; the character is shortened to “Ming.”)

Ming is thrilled to see Ji-hoo, but disappointed that they’re leaving today. Sensing that Jan-di is the key to convincing them to stay one more day, he gains her approval — then pushes her aside to cozy up to Ji-hoo. It’s hilarious at how much he adores Ji-hoo. I’m not sure if he loves him or is IN LOVE with him, but in any cause, it’s pretty amusing.

Ming takes them to his fancy home and prepares a lavish spread — all to impress Ji-hoo, of course. He and Jan-di engage in a silent battle over the food — Jan-di reaches for the delicious dishes, while Ming moves them away, offering them to Ji-hoo instead.

When Ji-hoo in turn passes the food to Jan-di, she eats with petty triumph. Lol.

Feeling threatened by Jan-di’s claim on Ji-hoo’s affections, Ming tells him grumpily, “She’s not pretty,” and highlights all her shortcomings. He asks if they’re dating, so Ji-hoo asks what Ming thinks.

Ming: “It seems that you like her. When you look at her, you smile, like back then.”
Ji-hoo: “Back then?”
Ming: “Like with Seo-hyun.”

Finally giving in to the impulse, Jun-pyo tries to call Jan-di’s hotel room, only to find that she’s already checked out.

He assumes that means they’ve headed back to Korea, but Mr. Jung informs him that they’re still in the country, visiting a friend. That’s news to Jun-pyo, who wonders who the friend is, but when Mr. Jung offers to find out, Jun-pyo tells him not to bother. (Mr. Jung smiles at this proof that Jun-pyo still cares.)

So Jan-di and Ji-hoo go sightseeing some more, and it is gorgeous.

COMMENTS

I don’t know why I have so much to say about 1 hour of television, and I’m trying to keep things concise (ha!), but sorry in advance for rambling on so. I can’t seem to help it.

Anyway. I feel like PD Jeon just discovered how to shoot reflections in this episode, based on the sheer number of them we got, like —

There were a few standout scenes, which altogether include pretty much everyone in the main cast. So yeah, Episode 14 totally stepped up its game. (Just don’t hold your breath for Episode 15, based on our established pattern.)

One example: The F4 basketball scene. I LOVE that Yi-jung is the one who gets mad. It’s notable that Woo-bin tells Yi-jung to calm down because all series long, Yi-jung has been the one to tell people to calm down whenever they got upset. Perhaps Ji-hoo could have filled that role, but I’m glad Yi-jung was the one to throw the punch, for a few reasons:

First, we’ve seen plenty of Angry Ji-hoo (which I consider a good thing), so we already know how much he cares. Second, we already had a direct Ji-hoo versus Jun-pyo conflict in earlier episodes, so Yi-jung’s reaction gives us a different spin, as it involves someone who doesn’t have romantic feelings for Jan-di. I think that highlights just how badly Jun-pyo is treating Jan-di on a basic friend-to-friend level, that Yi-jung (and Woo-bin) also find his behavior appalling, not just Ji-hoo. And third, I’m thinking Yi-jung has been set off-kilter by Ga-eul’s insight (in Episode 13) into his fear of true love, etc., so his anger at Jun-pyo mistreating Jan-di is given an added layer of meaning. (Sorta like, I’m scared to death of finding true love, and you’ve got it in front of you, and you’re just going to trample all over it like this?)

I’m not jumping ship to root for the Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung pair, but I thought they were really cute together, and this is the first outsider love interest that made me nervous — which, yay! I never felt that the Jun-di pair was really endangered until this episode, and while I don’t think Jae-kyung will upset the order too much, I’m very glad that it at least makes me uneasy.

As for the scene with Madam Kang… I don’t even think I have to say much about it. It was GREAT.

And then, of course, the bridge scene. I am a big fan of this interpretation of Jun-pyo’s character, and part of that is because cruelty can be so much harsher when it’s quiet and contained, rather than overt tantrum-ing. Both Jun-pyo and Madam Kang do that beautifully. He can lash out in violence, too, but he’s at his worst when he’s in control, and wielding his cold cruelty with surgical precision.

That’s why this whole personality about-face — which, yes, I know was in the original — actually seems very in character for the way Jun-pyo has been established. (Like he said, he’s not becoming cold — he was always cold.) Also, we’re given the hint that Jun-pyo made a deal with his mother to do her bidding in exchange for leaving Jan-di alone. Therefore, his attitude change doesn’t feel like a weird personality morph that sprang up as an artificial plot contrivance; it actually feels like a natural development. (I know! I used “natural” to describe Boys Before Flowers!)

I really enjoyed Hana Yori Dango — I loved the manga over-the-topness and the cheesy storylines, which worked for that format. But what I appreciate — and what feels different — about Boys Before Flowers is that this second part feels… kinda real, actually. (Not necessarily plot-wise — but emotionally, oh yeah.) I’ve always felt like the J-version depicted kids who were playing grown-ups, but here it feels like they’re ACTUALLY growing up.

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101 KTV

February 17, 2009 at 11:40 PM

"This ties into Ji-hoo’s earlier comment that he realized how he’d done nothing thus far. A flashback shows us the day Jan-di left for Macau, when she’d dropped by to tell Ji-hoo something: “After today, I’m not sure I can say these words. I’m really glad that I got to know you.”"
I have a question. Why did Jan di said that before leaving korea? What does she mean? I'm quite confusing on this part. Can anyone explain it for me?

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Sakshi3631

June 3, 2023 at 3:40 AM

It means that JD already knew that JP won't get together with her. But she wanted to go and confront him anyway. After coming back it would be painful for her to spend time with JH because he would remind her of JP. That is why she wanted to say goodbye before leaving.
It is actually one of the few well written scenes of the series. It showed JD's conviction. If only they had developed it farther along

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102 Jasmine

February 17, 2009 at 11:44 PM

I don't like JaeKyung. I don't know, maybe it's a predisposition to like Jundi, but yeah... she seems a bit annoying. But I'm wondering when JunPyo will find out about his fiancee and I keep thinking that when JaeKyung and JanDi become friends, he'll end up surprisingly meeting them...as a Kdrama cliche ahha.

The trumpet waking up JunPyo was really random. Hmm.

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Sakshi3631

June 3, 2023 at 3:42 AM

I don't dislike JK persay but I did dislike the scene between her and JP. JP who is based on Domyouji showed his true self/softer side to Makino. Their cute bickering was unique to their relationship. The fact that JP would run around with someone he just met really undermines JP's character development and his relationship with JD

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103 MoMo

February 17, 2009 at 11:50 PM

Thanks for your updates Javabeans. Aside from the drama itself, I look forward to your comments. Keep up the good work!!

This is one of the most entertaining drama I have watched. The plot is silly and Kudos to LMH and GHY as I believe they depict their characters Junpyo and Jandi to the tee. I usually stay away from over-hyped dramas but somehow this drama works for. Maybe it's Junpyo's ridiculous curly hair and Jandi's overly cute acts...

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104 gailt

February 17, 2009 at 11:58 PM

there's so many things to like in this episode. i wonder how the korean version will take it from here.

"con te partiro" always makes me bawl, so it was a given for me to bawl at the lonely jandi scene. :(

and your comment on contained fury and cruelty is right on. the bridge scene was heartbreaking.

i like the new girl and her hair. i liked shigeru in HYD as well, so i'm looking forward to this new development.

"I is confuzzled" me too. just who is this old guy who seemed like hobo but actually a doctor? and how is he related to the old president? (and i love the word confuzzled.)

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105 kriza_09

February 18, 2009 at 12:00 AM

This is my first time posting in a BBF summary... Firstly, I want to say I really like your summary... it provides a lot of insights that i couldn't think of when i watched the drama myself... so i always read your summary even after watching the episode twice... ^^

About the mysterious doctor.. isn't it possible that the doctor is actually the personal doctor of the former president (or his son = jihoo's dad)? presidents usually have their own personal doctors, right? i mean i just don't think the PD is that stupid to make a former president just switch jobs like that and not get recognized by other people... oh well, maybe he is.. lol

another thing... i think another reason why they made the one lashing out the anger to junpyo is yijung instead of jihoo is because kimbum is a much better actor.. lol.. i just don't think that scene would turn out this good if it were jihoo or woobin...

and that new guy... is he retarded or what??? i mean, he acts like someone who has stopped growing intellectually at a young age... i'm not sure if it's his character or if he's just a bad actor..

and lastly, i love Mr. Jung.... he's just soo niceee.... even with the risk of getting fired by junpyo's mom... ^^

ps: lee minho is such a good actor... i'm glad they picked him instead of some idol group members..

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106 pinklover

February 18, 2009 at 12:15 AM

As heartbreaking this episode has been, it is by far the best for me. Everyone seemed to have stepped-up their acting. Kim Hyun Joong's acting finally connected with me. I agree with others, it's great to see JiHoo with different emotions, rather than seeing his stoic look plastered all over his face. This episode also proved to me that Go HyeSun is not as bad of a choice to play Jan Di. I guess, comedy is really not for her. It was refreshing to see the vulnerable side of Jan Di. As for Kim Bum, who doesn't love this man right?

And of course, the one who really stood out to me in this episode,is noe other than Lee Min Ho. I can't believe I doubted this guy's acting capabilities at first. I was totally blown away by his acting. Amazing stuff, especially during his confrontation with Mama Kang! Lee Min Ho is able to bring that balance of humanity and coldness into Jun Pyo's character. Kudos to the writer as well for making that modification in JunPyo's character. He does not seem as stupid as Tsukasa or as violent as DaoMingSi. It's good that his character is more "realistic" and less manga like. After this episode, I am now officially a fan of Lee Min Ho. This guy have a promising future ahead of him!

It is also official that, this is the best HYD version for me. It's still a flawed drama, but somehow it just works for me. hehe.

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107 uggghhh

February 18, 2009 at 12:45 AM

worst hanadan drama version hands down. there are no words.

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108 woo!

February 18, 2009 at 12:57 AM

I can see why people might not like this drama, but for me it's definitely the best HYD version. The director is worse than Japan's version, but this drama gets to me more emotionally. If I have to choose between a better made drama that leaves me cold or the messy one that gets me excited/teary/giddy/nervous, the latter wins hands down.

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109 bof*zuyy

February 18, 2009 at 1:03 AM

i havent watch any of episode 13 and 14 but i always wait for yr recaps..sooo addictive...i hope GP and JD will get back together like maybe its her turn to show her love for JD..i dunno..it just not work out if JD with JH or someone else...it just only JD and JP..its got to be both of them to be together....huhu..can;t wait to see the episode....

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110 ames4eva

February 18, 2009 at 1:21 AM

ahhhh i always look forward to your recaps~
Thanks a bunch!

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111 peony

February 18, 2009 at 1:30 AM

Thanks for the wonderful recap. I totally agree with all your comments. But I find myself a little sad for Jan-Di. Remember in the episode where they are at the birthday party? She's in the bar with Jun-Pyo and says that she knows that she's not pretty, smart or rich. She acknowledge that she lost from the beginning cause she couldn't even compare herself to Seo-hyun.

Well I find that will be the case with the introduction of the new girl. She will have nothing to offer Jun-Pyo. I can tell the girl is really into Jun-Pyo already. So I'm sad for her because the new girl might actually be a match for Jun-Pyo where as Jan-Di does lack some things.

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112 marz

February 18, 2009 at 1:32 AM

im was quite surprised that maybe the basketball scene was shot before hand. i need to rewatch that again. cause there are some scenes that are evident kim bum is limping. in ep13 when they were walking from the car to porridge shop. im suprised he lunged pretty good and threw the punch really well if that was short recently.

oh and yes must give kudos to lee min ho.. good acting right there. especially the tears welling up with his frustration. and i like how javabeans put it, his cold and harsh in so surgically precise when quiet and controlled. i understood what was missing in ep13 now. despite that i liked it for the soeul moments. and i like jihoo now but its painful to see right he is such a good guy when he asked that favor from junpyo. khj is doing better with more emotion fits him. but he must add to those angry, longing ones. his smile, half smile ones are pretty ok as well.

must say i didnt really think at first the dad and jp was a flashback till i realized it would have been weird. it was his thoughts. i got it now.

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113 Abi

February 18, 2009 at 1:35 AM

hm i do not think it is the worst hanadan version. every version has its own approach to the story but oh well it is your opinion :)

thank you so much for the recaps :)

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114 rhymeswithwitch

February 18, 2009 at 1:36 AM

Episode 14 made my heart wince, skip 2 beats, and now it aches. The first time I heard my heart breaking was at the bridge scene where Junpyo, never one to mince emotions, clearly conveyed equal parts disgust and aloofness towards Jandi. I didn't think it was possible for my heart to shatter twice after putting so much band-aid on it, but it did - when Junpyo's eyes gradually welled up with tears during the confrontation with Mama Kang ):

This episode made me see beyond the glitz and glamour, to the heart of insecurities, pretensions and inadequacies that Junpyo tries to cover up desperately.. As much as I like the Jandi-Junpyo pairing, I've to admit that Ji-Hoo's starting to get to me. He does such a great job with Jandi (ok, great is an understatement but you get what I'm driving at) that I'm starting to waver! I can't decide whether I prefer Junpyo-Jandi or JiHoo-Jandi better!!

And, I don't understand why people hate Junpyo's hairstyle. In my opinion, a pama never looked so hot until Lee Min Ho came sauntering along.

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115 peony

February 18, 2009 at 1:39 AM

rhymeswithwitch - lmao. You are so right about a perm. Perms are so 80's for guys but damn, on Jun-Pyo it's hot!!!!!

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116 starcandy

February 18, 2009 at 1:40 AM

@101 A flashback shows us the day Jan-di left for Macau, when she’d dropped by to tell Ji-hoo something: “After today, I’m not sure I can say these words. I’m really glad that I got to know you.””
'I have a question. Why did Jan di said that before leaving korea? What does she mean? I’m quite confusing on this part. Can anyone explain it for me?'

***

I think JanDi knew that she might not be together with GJP after the trip - and this would be the only time she could say that to Ji-hoo without it meaning something more. (These are the same words that Ji-hoo said to JanDi when he left for Paris.)

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117 rhymeswithwitch

February 18, 2009 at 1:48 AM

And, I don't understand why people hate Junpyo's hairstyle. In my opinion, a pama never looked so hot until Lee Min Ho came sauntering along.

Anyway, thank you so much for the recaps! I've been reading the recaps on dramabeans religiously :) If it were a religion, I'll join it for sure. Hahaha.

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118 miss_dian

February 18, 2009 at 2:14 AM

Gosh. I love this episode on so many levels. Best one yet!

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119 goldlilys

February 18, 2009 at 2:34 AM

Once again, thanks for the recaps. Been reading your thoughts on dramas since Coffee Prince.

My favs on this episode are:

-- Yi Jung taking a stab at trying to straighten out Jun Pyo's jerkiness towards Jan Di. He yelled and totally got emotionally hyped for treating Jan Di as if she never existed.

-- Very sad conversation between Jan Di and Jun Pyo in the bridge. I thought to myself "oh, no you didn't!!" (like a valley girl clicking fingers together in someone's face) when Jun Pyo told Jan Di "you were a stain I want to erase". He's so going to regret that. He really better do something BIG to apologize to her.

-- Jun Pyo lashing out at his mom while trying to lessen his tears. OOhhh cruel mom breaking down your OWN son like that. She didn't have to yell or anything to act and look mean. It's all in her eyes.

I do hope that these sad moments ends quickly and Jun Pyo apologize to Jan Di. But with the addition of his fiancee, there's a new bump in the road to their happy relationship.

Superb acting from most if not all F4 and JanDi plus the Mom. Can't wait for next week.

And for people saying it's the worst without writing why, I feel that is being biased. All versions have weaknesses and so does this, but it is enjoyable to watch nonetheless. Without comparing it to previous versions, you should watch it as if it was the first one. If you haven't even watched an episode, then you'll miss out Big Time.

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Sakshi3631

June 3, 2023 at 4:05 AM

I agree with you. If JP wishes to be together with JD again, he has a lot to makeup for. Of course the audience knows that he called her stain to protect her Madam Kang's evil machinations but Jan di doesn't. It is time he comes through for their relationship. The only things he does is take Jan Di to expensive trips rather than help her in any way

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120 moumounelabaleine

February 18, 2009 at 2:36 AM

For me the scene of GJP and Jandi on the bridge does not makes me cry that out yet because seeing GJP holding on so much of his feelings and tries to be cold because he knows that he is being monitored by his mother, makes me hold my breath and tears too. But the scene where he go see his mom, right then and there masked out the true meaning of his cold attitude...when he says that Jandi was the first woman or person he loves since he was born...and to leave Jandi alone...with this tears keep flooding and i was really crying and sobbing...as if its me who is really in great pain....oh lalala...i really had to cry it out if not it will cause me big headache...LOL but its true.

One thing though...just like you JVBeans, i was so uneasy about GJP's supposed fiancée...seeing him being cheezzy with her ( about the who-got-first on that pair of ballerines), it winced my heart out of jealousy.

Thanks JVBeans

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121 flooooo

February 18, 2009 at 2:37 AM

I hardly restrain myself to post a comment but couldn t in fact. Your recaps are as usual wonderful. You know I hope you ll make a carrier in journalism or cinematographic critics.

As always LMH is awesome and he totally own his character. But Hope he won t be cast in the future for only this kind of character. I really want to like Kim Hyung Joong but I just can t cos he really can t make me feel something in his expression or in his gesture. he is really better in NG scene than in the drama.
Personnally I find Kim Joon acting better than KHJ with his maturity and his patience. and I kind of feel laughing sometimes at his words. anyways I just think that the fiancee suits better with Woo bin than JP because of his saying in the boat.."this is an embarrasment to our nation" and getting jalous about "her Jandi's life saver". if he ll fall in love with her, he will feel more remorsed later to have said that..hehehehe

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122 Amy

February 18, 2009 at 3:04 AM

watching Lee Minho in all of the intense scenes in this episode just reminds me that while BOF may not be horrific and although it's the kind of drama to shoot him to a ridiculous level of fame, he could do so much better with something that's more subtle, well-directed, well-written.

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123 gordo

February 18, 2009 at 3:16 AM

BBF rocks!

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124 lily

February 18, 2009 at 3:40 AM

were there some hints about Jun Pyo behaviour?
I can't help but laugh when people say "this drama is realistic" when there are soooooooooo many unrealistic things going on

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125 lily

February 18, 2009 at 3:43 AM

And I agree with oist 107 : Worst HANADAN version. It even beats MG.

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126 Z

February 18, 2009 at 3:46 AM

"You're a stain I want to replace." I really did wince when he said that. That being said, though I would have been devastated and disappointed upon hearing that, I don't think I could have held back from delivering one last spinning kick for old time's sake and following up with a sassy line like "Erase that, punk!" THEN, I would have gone and cried in the gondola.

Did anyone else think that Joon Pyo enjoyed flirting with the new girl a little too much. I mean, you're buying the shoes in honor of the only woman you''ve ever loved, who you had to give up... so maybe you could refrain from grinning so overtly as you chase her around the shoe store.

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127 sleepless in wgtn

February 18, 2009 at 4:03 AM

I watch the subbed video then read your insights... that makes it more effective.

Can anyone please tell what's the name of that hauntingly sad song that goes "... I'll be waiting for you...".

request to javabeans, please upload that song and if you 've done so, please let me know which episode recap you've added it.

Thanks!

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128 lily

February 18, 2009 at 4:25 AM

And please stop with this "Lee Min Ho cried!!" fangirl thing. I mean the cheesy rich korean hero cries because he loves someone and his parents don't want him to be with her....Yes you always see that in Korean dramas. And the lead actress goes like : "suddently I love you. You are cruel" while four or five episodes before she didn't care at all for the lead actor. What's new??
At the same time he is really playful with another girl (his fiance) with whom he has better chemistry compare to the lead actress. The events are always rushed, the script forced, the soundtrack.....no comment ...plus the supposed longtime friends (F4) look they are no bond ...and people still go like this is the best version of Hanadan (when the spirit of HANADAN disappeared and every scenes which made what is Hanadan keep being ruined) or the best drama. WOUAH!!

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129 lily

February 18, 2009 at 4:27 AM

I agree with z "126". He enjoyed that.

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130 rhymeswithwitch

February 18, 2009 at 5:26 AM

sleepless in wgtn - I believe the song you're referring to is Starlight Tears by Kim Yu Kyung. I'm sure that the download link will come up if you google for it. Hope that helps! :)

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131 Shrimp

February 18, 2009 at 5:34 AM

How about a round of applause? Thanks Javabeans for another excizzorating recaps !

It's true...it is really true that Tuesday episodes r always better than the Monday episodes ...so now, i'll def'ly make it a habit to watch both episodes in a one day basis.

Good thing i was able to control myself not to watch Episode 13 last night, coz if ever I did I would have woke up on the wrong side of the bed again... might be cursing the person responsible for "downgrading" the character of Ms. Weed. Like, why, why why, the tough chick that has tamed Mighty JunPyo and the rest of the F4 has once again showed off her annoyingly-weaky-stupidy-cursy-side...worst infront of her supposed "competition". *did this happen on 13th or 14th i forgot already haha*

If this "JAN-D-owngrader" continue to make Jandhi's character dumber, weaker, then add me to the JD-mocker-team coz i might really be booing her and be cheering on "Jae-kyung", who's smarter, prettier, richer, blah and blah....She has this spunk that Jan Di once...*but im still hoping that*, she still have. *i am but a small voice that nobody seems to pay attention to...but really this is what i'm afraid of, that i'd be one of those annoying and insensitive bashe ... if ever her stupidity continues.

Seems like almost everything in this drama is making sense already. There's Woo-bin, there's kinship, diff'rent kinds of emotions were served..Like hurrah thank heavens for episode 14!

JUST...
1. the former-president-now-nameless-doctor-of-a-small-no-available-nurse-clinic this issue has yet to be cleared* coz why would a former president, who appears sporadically fyi, became a no-namer in the first place, like his grandson is one of Korea's F4...hmmm should we wait for another 10-12 episodes before this part of the story be unveiled harhar.
2. I likey Paul Potts' version of "Time to say Goodbye" best =]
3....maybe the reason why the BBF's music sux bigtime, is because the producer's crosscutting, hahaha they're spending $$$$$$$$ lotsa money for such grand setting. ergo BBF is a FEAST to the EYES and TORTURE to the EARS!

THE END

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132 Sarah

February 18, 2009 at 5:36 AM

Lee Min Ho is an AWESOME, GREAT, TERRIFIC ACTOR and i LOOOOOVEEEE him so much!!!!!

Dramabeans...i always read your reviews after watching an episode of BBF and all i can say is .... " how did you read my mind?" hehhee. Right on! Keep it up!!!

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133 bird

February 18, 2009 at 5:41 AM

heya dbeans this is unrelated to the episode but it's kinda newsworthy: http://www.dailyseop.com/section/article_view.aspx?at_id=97662

apparently kim so-eun stalled filming today when she turned up over 4 hours late to film gu jun-pyo's birthday party scene, making the entire crew and 100 extras wait for her.. :/ i'm really liking her as ga-eul, and i hope this doesn't ruin her career even before it takes off.

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134 j

February 18, 2009 at 5:44 AM

oh man, can't emphasize how much i love reading your recaps. esp. the commentaries on the eps. you take words out of my mouth xD

i think that's what is charming about krn dramas. no matter how cheesy & silly it can be, there's always some kind of ground of emotion/feeling that makes the viewers connect w/the show.

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135 salt

February 18, 2009 at 5:50 AM

this episode is okay but the most fun i had was watching their NG takes during the end credits....LOL at LMH face, he was blushing, so cute....

and YEAH!!! woo bin had more lines in this episode. hope he gets more storyline in the future.

and JH is still a DREAM (drooling....heh heh..). somebody had already suggested that u guys go watch him in we got married series. please do, i know the premise doesn't sound that interesting but give it try while waiting for monday to come, u won't regret it. start at episode 9, that's the first episode for KHJ..
(sorry for the random post... just trying to get more people to root for JH/ KHJ...;)

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136 haezi

February 18, 2009 at 5:53 AM

Thanks for the insightful recaps! the mom/gu jun pyo scene was very intense with him tearing up with his growing frustration.
i think the quiet contained anger that was displayed awesomely by lee min ho is a forte of many korean actors and this episode used it well.
although i enjoyed all the versions of bbf, i have to admit that i your last comment was an eye opener. they do really seem like they are growing up instead of just playing grownups and these new obstacles are a sort of rite of passage for the jandi-junpyo pair. after all, jun pyo does have a point about the major responsibility he holds on his shoulders.
the yijung punch scene and the new fiance/junpyo shoe scene were awesome for their intensity and hilarity, respectively.
can't wait for your next recaps! today is cain and abel so hopefully you'll recap that epi. i didn't have high expectations for it because of all the changes it underwent (i'm surprised seo ji sub didn't drop out sooner), but the opening sequence that they filmed was very intense so now i'm looking forward to it.

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137 carleli

February 18, 2009 at 6:00 AM

love you javabeans.... thanks for the re-cap...

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138 chajjye

February 18, 2009 at 6:03 AM

let me just say...even though i was listening to fast, pop-ish songs as i read ur recaps. the way u wrote the recaps made me feel angry for jun pyo and sad for jan di...way to go, girl! and i also haven't watch epi 14...but oh...i feel so painful for jun pyo also....

madam kang, u..... where is his sister???????? :_(

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139 Imee

February 18, 2009 at 6:06 AM

I'm one of those who watched Ep. 14 w/o English subs an hr. after the Korean broadcast and I cried .Then, I watched it early evening with English subs, and the more I cried on same scenes.I was reading your recapped and I am crying again. Not even Stairway to Heaven nor Autumn Tale moved me to tears. I really felt the pain that Jan Di experienced with Jun Pyos harsh words then feeling bad for Jun Pyo as everything is only an act to save the company his father built. Can't wait to see how they show the fiancee, if she will be annoying like the Japanese version.I'm glad they are show casing Goo Hye Sun's good dramatic acting abilities as she had shown in The King and I and Heart of 19. For a novice actor, Lee Min Ho is a revelation and can give Song Sung Heon a run for his money!!!

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140 Tuttie

February 18, 2009 at 6:28 AM

Oh my!! Lee Min Ho is such an excellent actor... Until now i just felt compromised to watch, simply because i love Korean Dramas, but yesterday"s episode,now i can say: I am addicted!!
Jan Di gives a real performance this time, not just weird faces.

But still, i adore the Japanese version, let"s wait if they can convince me.... 10 episodes to go.

By the way, JAVABEANS, what do you think about, Hana Yori Dango Final? I dont remember you comenting about it....

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141 MananangaL

February 18, 2009 at 6:35 AM

"after watching ep 14...ughh..

Why did they make the new female character so awesome? It’s ridiculous that the writers are willing to so completely overshadow Jandi–the fiancee is gorgeous, badass, rich, intelligent (can speak multiple languages), cool, and just plain everything that any man would want. I know why–b/c the resolution will solidify emotions even more–but really, does the rival have to be quite so perfect while Jandi is increasingly cast as simply the damsel in distress who constantly needs knights and the occasional girl to rescue her? Where is Jandi the weed? Where is Jandi the kick ass girl we saw briefly?

Why do GJP and JH love about her? If it is her tenacity and fighting spirit–umm, where is it? Why is she not kick boxing anyone?

Sigh.

Complaining aside–I love, love, love this show. It takes me out of real life so well, it takes me hours to come back down to earth.

I know that I will cry during tomorrow’s episode…sucker me."
by: __I♥♡Angst:

I couldn't agree more

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142 Yubikiri

February 18, 2009 at 6:40 AM

Thank you Dramabeans for the re-cap! I have been studying for a while, so I couldn't really afford to watch the episodes and lose 2 hours of my studies...ahaha. Anyhow, this episode seems emotionnally good, even wonderful if i could say. Just by reading the re-cap, i can feel some of it already! Yeah, true that the tuesday episode are much more interesting than the monday one....I've seen the Jap one and the chinese one and i think this version is so far the best.....and i really think that it's because of the characters...but we'll see as the serie move foward!

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143 BBFan

February 18, 2009 at 6:40 AM

Guys, we talk a lot about Jan DI needing a saviour. But she is the best heroine of all. Who else has the power to save GJP from his lonely existence? She may not win the little battles, but Jan Di will ultimately win the war for GJP's heart.

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144 sunkissedchic

February 18, 2009 at 6:43 AM

yeah i definitely agree. i think he was being nice to that girl. I mean he even gave that irresistible smile. Thanks javebeans!! as always a very good recap.

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145 E

February 18, 2009 at 6:47 AM

awesome...it was probably cirque de soleil they were watching...it:s playing at the venetian right (the casino where the gondolas are...who also usually have singing boatpeople)oh grr..i was just there yesterday but I didn:t see the at all.

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146 kirara

February 18, 2009 at 6:48 AM

I thought this episode was quite on the mysterious side.. lots of in depth to each of the characters.. (Ji-Hoo, Jan-Di, Jun-pyo, the grandfather) so I think it makes the viewers want to continue to watch the next episode.. which Javabeans you've highlighted many times in your post.

However, I still had a hard time believe they were in Macau, since it had the whole italian feeling, and like Jun-pyo's face in every one of those commercials that was aired on the tv had said that it was city of venice, but the scenery was gorgeous and made me want to go to to Macau really bad!! Plus, the hide and seek game was quite random and they had the entire place to themselves to do that.. SO LUCKY!

Ji-Hoo was such a sweet guy to Jan-Di, plus that friend Ming was hilarious.. fighting over Ji-Hoo, when Jan-Di only thought of him as a good friend.

Plus I also love how this episode portrayed how close F3 is with Jan-Di, and that it was cute that Woo-Bin was a bit disappointed that they weren't her Lifesaver in Macau.. Haha. They would do anything to be on her side, especially how Yi Jung (great acting by the way during the bball scene with Lee Min Ho) tried to fight on her behalf to Jun Pyo.

I have to say that in the previews they showed Ji-Hoo giving Jan-Di a piggyback ride but we didn't see that in the end of the episode, so i'm assuming its coming next week.

Thanks again for your insightful recaps!

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147 bumpkin

February 18, 2009 at 7:33 AM

Hey javabeans.

Thanks for the recap. I'm usually really busy during the weekdays and can't watch the episodes so reading your summary keeps me updated on BOF.

I've read what everyone has to say and though I haven't watched the episodes yet...I understand the nervousness that everyone feels about the fiancee or ji hoon.

I have a funny feeling that they will 'sort of' make it seem like "if only jandi love JH instead of JP" or 'JP and the fiancee' -----don't hit me or anything but I have a feeling that they will show the 'perfectness' if only JD and JP loved other people (no evil mother against them, no social class issues... hell, fiancee and JP will probably buy the world together).

BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There will come a time wherein we will see something that only JanDi can do/give JP or see why JP matches JanDi and that no one else can compare.

This might sound new to people who haven't watched previous versions or read the manga...but for those who are tooooo familiar with the story line,,,,,,guess we know that already...right? :o)

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148 red_lips

February 18, 2009 at 7:35 AM

can anyone tell me how many episodes are there in this drama ? Thank you.

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149 valmylove

February 18, 2009 at 7:51 AM

wow...i've been waiting for your recap even though there was subs already. I always want to read what your personal insight, intepretation and thoughts are because it either mirror me or not. I am glad you like this episode too. It's amazing for everyone to watch it and have either the same or difference feel. Your recaps are excellent as always. Thanks for all the musice downloads!! I really like that song that plays while JD's on the boat... very sad but romantic (for JD and JP in the future when JP brings her back???)

Also thanks for writing the convos for concern scenes.

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150 annieee

February 18, 2009 at 7:54 AM

ahh, kdrama at its finest. all the angst and emotional tug-o-war made me bawl my eyes out in this episode. lee min ho is a young, talented fellow. his interactions with his mother are always spectacular. and then there's jan di's crying on the gondola. that broke my heart.
im definitely feeling the characters maturing as they go along in this second part of the drama. in this version, jun pyo is forced to let go of jan di by his mother's persistent threats (despite there being a big guilty conscience on his part as well). whereas in the japanese one, it seemed that tsukasa just all of a sudden realized his responsibilities and wanted to leave love behind. while i feel like beating jun pyo over the head for treating jan di like this, i also feel bad for his predicament. (as a side note, i think mr. managing director jun pyo looks so sharp and intelligent in his suits. i can actually imagine him as a chaebol!)

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