Boys Before Flowers: Episode 18

292 March 9, 2009January 24, 2016

by javabeans

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both (and add a dash of the embarrassing) and there you have: A typical episode of Boys Before Flowers.

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EPISODE 18 RECAP

At the pool, Jun-pyo forcibly removes Jae-kyung’s arms from around his waist, but she wraps them around him again.

Jun-pyo faces her, and we can see he’s changed somewhat because his tone is almost gentle when he says, “You’ll find a guy who’s right for you.” (He tempers that by adding, “Since you’re not so ugly.”) Stubbornly, Jae-kyung insists, “I don’t want anyone else.” She asks cautiously, “Is there someone you like?” He responds, “Yeah.”

Jae-kyung just nods, so he wonders why she’s not asking about the girl. She’s already guessed, though, and her reaction is revealing of her character — despite her straightforward personality, in this she chooses denial over facing the truth. Jae-kyung shoves her fingers in her ears and shouts, “I don’t want to hear. Ahhh, I can’t hear, not at all.” And she runs off.

Jan-di doesn’t see the rest of their conversation, because she had turned and left after witnessing their hug. In shock, she sits alone in a daze, which is where Ji-hoo finds her.

He assesses her mood and takes her aside to a quiet corner. In true Ji-hoo fashion, he doesn’t ask questions and waits while she sits and fidgets with nervous energy. Jan-di looks at her shaking hand and mutters that the stupid thing won’t stop. Ji-hoo takes her hand in his grasp and tells her, “It’s not stupid, so don’t scold it too much.” It’s a really sweet gesture.

Ji-takes starts to play his guitar, until eventually Jan-di falls asleep on his shoulder. After a little while, Ji-hoo moves aside and leaves Jan-di to continue sleeping.

When he steps outside, he notices Jun-pyo exiting the hotel; soon afterward, Ji-hoo gets a text message from him reading, “I’m leaving first.”

Alone in the hotel suite, Jae-kyung smothers her sorrows in ice cream, and who can blame her for that? Although, if she were really serious she’d be using the big spoon, is all I’m sayin’.

Jae-kyung recalls all the signs that indicate that Jun-pyo and Jan-di used to date, such as the first meeting in Macau when Jan-di admitted she’d come to see her boyfriend. Looking over the couple rings she’d planned to give to Jun-pyo, Jae-kyung compares the inscriptions on the rings to the one on Jan-di’s star-moon necklace.

And now for some (unintentional) hilarity. I’m sorry, this whole section was almost too embarrassing to watch, even if it did finally feature more Woo-bin. On the downside to having more Woo-bin is that it felt like they were shoehorning in a Woo-bin Story of Drama and Angst purely because fans want more Kim Joon, and while I fully support that cause, I only wish it had been handled in a more skilled way.

Basically, Woo-bin parks his car along a bridge and thinks back to a recent encounter where he had been drunkenly walking the railing while Yi-jung looked on in worry. Woo-bin is wallowing in a bout of self-pity because — get this! — he’s embarrassed about his background.

Woo-bin says in a defeated tone that he’s only considered part of F4 because of his association with the others (uh, and what about the construction empire he’s inheriting, conveniently forgetful writers?). His shady associations make him ashamed — but only with his F4 friends. While he doesn’t care what other people think of him, sometimes “I feel so embarrassed that it irritates me to death.” (Irritate to death? That’s like saying something is extremely mediocre, or the best average.)

Frustrated, Yi-jung pulls Woo-bin off the railing, and pushes him against his car — and who else wondered for a second whether these two guys were going to make out?

Yi-jung’s mad now, demanding, “Is that all we are to you?” He thinks friendship runs deeper than that, and that they should be able to rely on each other and not feel ashamed.

You’re right, Yi-jung, because you shouldn’t be the ones feeling embarrassed — that’s for US to feel, watching this scene. (It is so, so uncomfortable.)

But now that Woo-bin is sober, he reflects back to the bridge scene fondly, and calls Yi-jung.

Now the tables are turned — Yi-jung is the one who’s drunk and in a foul mood. He staggers from his table at a club, nearly falling on top of one woman sitting at another table. When the girl recognizes Yi-jung, she’s flattered at the attention, and he comes at her with a kiss. This does not go over well with the men at the table, who shove Yi-jung aside angrily. Drunk as he is, Yi-jung is in no state to defend himself, and the guys get carried away beating him — one even stomps on his hand, hard.

Woo-bin to the rescue! He arrives in a blaze of fury, with a group of gangsters in tow. The club guys back off quickly as Woo-bin’s mobster henchmen offer to take care of them, but Woo-bin vows to take care of the bastards himself.

Woo-bin growls that in damaging Yi-jung’s precious hand, they may have destroyed something that’s irreplaceable. Woo-bin fights them, then takes Yi-jung away to get treated.

At the resort, Jan-di and Ji-hoo are greeted at breakfast by a cheerful Jae-kyung, who announces that she couldn’t sleep at all because “last night was a hugely historic night for Gu Jun-pyo and Ha Jae-kyung.” That’s not exactly false, but is intended to plant the wrong idea in Jan-di’s head. Jae-kyung compounds the innuendo by saying that Jun-pyo left early because he was embarrassed (over their supposed Big Night together).

So, Jae-kyung has decided on her battle plan — to take charge and do whatever it takes to win Jun-pyo. For what it’s worth, she seems conflicted about misleading Jan-di, but that doesn’t stop her.

Jan-di and Ji-hoo take a detour to a Buddhist temple, where they write wishes for good fortune on tablets. It’s sweet that both Jan-di and Ji-hoo’s wishes are for each other rather than themselves: Ji-hoo wishes that Jan-di will be accepted into medical school, while Jan-di’s is for Ji-hoo to “always be happy.”

A monk happens to be watching, and smiles at them in approval. The man tells Ji-hoo a little cryptically that Jan-di is like a lotus flower whom Ji-hoo should treat well, as she will “make you a family.”

Meanwhile, back home, Dr. President Grandpa Yoon has heart trouble. (It wouldn’t be a PD Jeon drama unless somebody has random heart trouble?)

When Jan-di arrives home, she finds her family in low spirits and her parents packing. They’ve realized they can’t support the family by living and working in Seoul, so they are going to move away to work and will send money back to Jan-di and Kang-san, who need to stay to continue school.

They name Jan-di the official head of household, to which Kang-san mutters, “Since when wasn’t she?” Truer words, dude.

Here’s an odd and interesting scene. In the morning, Jun-pyo finds to his surprise that Jae-kyung is directing his servants, which he finds intrusive. Undaunted by his lack of enthusiasm, Jae-kyung steers him to sit at the breakfast table. She’d thought long and hard about what she could do for Jun-pyo — which isn’t easy because they both grew up rich and privileged — and considered what she’d like for herself. The first thing that came to mind was how she hates eating breakfast alone.

Jun-pyo thinks back to his own childhood, how he always had to eat alone in the big dining room and how he hated it. It’s quite interesting because he stares at Jae-kyung in a new way, like he’s seeing her for the first time as a potential friend — or maybe more, a kindred spirit who understands him more than he’d anticipated.

He agrees to eat — a little reluctantly, as though he doesn’t want to feel kinship with her — so she excitedly serves him, which reminds him of breakfast with Jan-di’s family.

Jae-kyung presents Jun-pyo with the couple rings, and asks him to put hers on her finger. Jun-pyo reads the engraving, and the J ♥ J inscription reminds him of the same thing he’d put on Jan-di’s necklace.

This is a nicely acted beat, because for a moment you’re afraid he’ll actually go ahead with it, and Jae-kyung looks at him in nervousness, hoping he will. But the engraving is what snaps him out of it, and Jun-pyo puts the rings back inside the box and hands it to Jae-kyung. He leaves, saying, “I have somewhere to go.”

That turns out to be Yi-jung’s studio. Yi-jung’s right hand has been broken and he now wears a cast. He looks around his studio, as though missing it now that he can’t do anything, and remembers working alongside Eun-jae in the past. Even with Eun-jae, he’d displayed flashes of his current playboy attitude, telling her that girls are like math problems — they make him wonder how to figure one out (suggesting all girls can be easily reduced to a simple answer). His comment causes her smile to falter.

When Jun-pyo visits, Yi-jung is in a lost, bitter state of mind. He says, “It’s over,” referring to his career as a potter (which I don’t understand because yes, his arm is broken, but broken arms heal, no?). In any case, he compares his forced retirement to that of the swimmer with the bum shoulder, which makes Jun-pyo ask sharply if he means Jan-di. Yi-jung: “Is there any other swimmer we know?”

Yi-jung thinks, “It looks like you really came to your senses in Macau. Stuff like love or innocence never applied to people like us from the start.” Jun-pyo, however, just wants a straight answer from Yi-jung: What is wrong with Jan-di and why?

Yi-jung tells him that it was the blow from the chair that did it: “You don’t know how much Jan-di cried after she heard she wouldn’t be able to swim anymore, do you?” This hits Jun-pyo hard, but Yi-jung continues in his dull monotone: “People like you and I have nothing to give the women we love but hurt.”

Reeling from this news, Jun-pyo heads to the school pool, where he battles his guilt over Jan-di’s injury.

Meanwhile, Jan-di manages to find a new room for herself and Kang-san — it’s not a great location, but it’s what they could afford. Brother and sister promise each other to do their best so their parents won’t have to worry.

Madam Kang is traveling on a business trip to Vancouver, so before she leaves, she instructs Mr. Jung to keep a strict eye on Jun-pyo and to report to her at the first hint of something odd. Mr. Jung agrees, although by now it’s clear his loyalties to Jun-pyo trump those to Madam Kang, which we can see in his expression when he sees Jun-pyo sleeping with his pink curly-haired doll.

Mr. Jung also leaves a folder in Jun-pyo’s possession that shows recent photos of Jan-di, meaning he’s still keeping tabs on her and having her watched. I suppose this is supposed to be Romantic, not Stalker-Creepy?

Thus Jun-pyo has no trouble finding Jan-di’s new home, where he shows up in the morning as she’s returning with her brother from their delivery run.

He makes up the excuse that he’s not here to see them; he’s here because he’s also moving into the building. It’s not a total lie — he really IS moving in — but it’s obviously because of Jan-di.

Jun-pyo explains that this is a sort of test of life experience for the Shinhwa successor. He’s supposed to try fend for himself and experience independence for a while. (Yunno, leadership skills and building character and all that.)

This means he’s their neighbor; he’s taken a nearby apartment for himself.

Ga-eul continues with her pottery classes. Eun-jae reads Ga-eul’s dejected mood and guesses that she’s pining over the guy she likes, and urges her to confess her feelings before it’s too late. Ga-eul answers, “I’m afraid. He’s very different from me.”

Wisely, Eun-jae responds, “Love doesn’t work if you hold back. And it won’t remain hidden even if you try to hide it.” Ga-eul senses that Eun-jae is speaking from experience, so she asks why it didn’t work out for her. Eun-jae says that although she wanted to stay with her man, in the end she couldn’t — she kept wanting more than he was willing to give.

Jan-di comes home to find a huge stock of household supplies, which she guesses came from Jun-pyo. It’s cute that he knows how she’d respond, so instead of saying he got them for her, he makes the excuse that he bought too much for himself so he’s just “throwing it away” by dumping it in Jan-di’s apartment.

And then, he is distracted by the wonderful, wonderful smells of cooking ramen. The three settle down to eat, but Jun-pyo takes an instant liking to the noodles (it may be his first experience ever) and quickly scarfs down the entire pot, then asks for more.

Taking Eun-jae’s advice to heart, Ga-eul decides to be honest about her feelings. Despite his cool greeting, Ga-eul isn’t deterred and asks him to go out on a date with her. Yi-jung reminds her that they already did that, so she clarifies that she means a real date, not a fake one.

Yi-jung maintains his dismissive demeanor, but Ga-eul tells him she’s not joking. She confesses, “I like you.”

For a brief moment, it looks like Yi-jung is surprised (and more affected than he’d like to admit). But he covers that up with his usual defense mechanism, which is to push her away and act the cold-hearted womanizer. He says thanks, but recites his list of dating “rules”:

Yi-jung: “One, I don’t mess with nice girls. Two, I don’t mess with foolish girls. Three, I absolutely don’t mess with girls connected with my friends. Ga-eul, you know all three apply to you, don’t you? My answer is no.”

She starts to protest. He says, “You know the way out.”

Hurt, Ga-eul leaves, but his expression when he’s alone tells us that he’s lashing out because of his inner frustration — he’s kind of like Jun-pyo in that, actually. For Yi-jung, it’s not that he can’t have Ga-eul, but he’s afraid to pursue anything with her, so he keeps her away. But similarly to Jun-pyo, he has enough presence of mind to feel self-loathing over it.

That night, Jan-di’s studying is interrupted by a scream coming from nearby — it’s Jun-pyo, and the Big Bad Shinhwa Multimillionaire has just seen a roach. Okay, they are pretty gross, but Jan-di takes care of them easily and shoots Jun-pyo an annoyed look.

When she starts to leave, Jun-pyo hastily asks her to stay and keep him company. So she does, sitting by until Jun-pyo has fallen asleep. She tucks him into bed, then heads back to her apartment.

She has an unexpected guest — Jae-kyung, who heard about her move from Ga-eul. Frankly, I’m not sure what point this serves (probably a clumsy setup for a future point) because the obvious conflict is that she’ll realize Jun-pyo lives next door. But instead, we just get an abrupt transition from Jae-kyung’s visit to the next scene, which shows Jan-di in the school library.

While browsing the bookshelves, Jan-di comes across Ji-hoo napping in the aisle. When he wakes up, he notices the Matisse book she’s holding; he takes an interest in her mention of a school report, because this is something he can help her with.

Since his family owns several art galleries, Ji-hoo closes one to the public to allow Jan-di its exclusive use.

In the gift shop, Jan-di looks over a gift set of a ceramic lotus flower, which reminds her of President Yoon’s puzzle, so she asks Ji-hoo if he knows why lotus flowers bloom in mud. Unbeknownst to Jan-di, her wording echoes the monk’s words, and Ji-hoo thinks back to his comment that Jan-di will make him a family.

Afterward, Ji-hoo falls asleep while resting on an outdoor bench because apparently he is narcoleptic in this episode. Working off Ji-hoo’s sleeping profile, Jan-di sketches him while he dozes.

When he wakes, she gives him the drawing, which he says is so good it merits a present in return — he hands her a gift box containing the ornamental lotus blossom, and answers her question: “They say that even though lotus flowers bloom in mud, they make the world clean and fragrant.”

Jan-di thinks, “Their name is pretty, and so are their actions.” Ji-hoo: “You’re like that.”

At home, Jun-pyo busily packs his clothing. With Madam Kang still in Vancouver, he asks Mr. Jung for his cooperation in keeping quiet to his mother.

Jae-kyung bursts in, so he tells her exasperatedly that she should call and ask permission instead of barging into his room. This doesn’t faze her, and she flops onto his bed and makes herself at home.

In annoyance, Jun-pyo tries to pull her up — Mr. Jung leaves them to their privacy — but instead, he ends up losing his balance.

Jun-pyo falls, hovering over Jae-kyung.

She asks, “Want to make a bet with me?”

COMMENTS

Someone commented in a previous episode thread that it’s almost like Lee Min-ho and Lee Min-jung are trying to suppress the great chemistry they have together for the sake of their characters, and I have to agree — they do have chemistry, which is problematic since their chemistry threatens to outstrip the other couples. (I think Jun-pyo and Jan-di have chemistry too — only, we’ve barely seen them acting together in the past six episodes, which tends to erase that from our short-term memories.)

What’s interesting is that the whole Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung courtship is meant to be unsatisfactory, or at least should point to why these two aren’t right for each other, or at least why they’re less right than Jun-pyo and Jan-di. Textbook Kdrama Studies should tell us that they are supposed to be perfect for each other on paper but not in real life — kind of like how Ji-hoo’s the perfect guy for Jan-di but won’t work out because she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings (anymore). But it’s starting to feel like Jae-kyung really is the right girl for Jun-pyo, and that confuses me. Not that I think the production is going to flout convention and actually put them together — oh hayell no — but because I’m not seeing why we are supposed to be rooting for Jun-di over Jun-kyung, except maybe “because we’re supposed to.”

For instance, think of all of Jun-pyo’s and Jae-kyung’s interactions together. If we were starting this drama with “season 2,” you’d think that Jun-kyung was the ultimate pairing rather than the foil. Even the way Jun-pyo is treating Jae-kyung is softening, and he has a few moments of real connection with her (whether they’re romantic or even just platonic, in a human-to-human way). So why are they pushing this angle when I’m trying to root for the “real” ultimate couple?

We also have a similar issue on the flipside, with Ji-hoo and Jan-di. I know this may sound like a diss, but I don’t mean it that way — it’s more like glass-half-full thinking — when I say that I’m almost glad that Ji-hoo isn’t played by a stronger actor, because then I’d be completely confused about the mixed-up love lines in this drama.

To wit: Imagine someone like the silently broody Jung Il-woo (a la Return of Iljimae) or gentle Ji Hyun-woo (from My Sweet Seoul), or sure, Jang Geun-seok (Beethoven Virus) casting longing glances at Jan-di — I’d be on that ‘ship so fast my head would spin.

As it is, I’m liking their dynamic a lot — not necessarily the actors’ chemistry, but the characters’ relationship. One of my favorite moments is when they each write their wishes for the other person, because it’s poignant that they both would rather wish for the other person’s happiness more than their own. I’m guessing the monk’s prediction actually means Jan-di will restore Ji-hoo’s family (i.e., mend the bridge with his grandfather), but the other meaning (suggesting they’re going to marry) is an interesting thought. In theory.

292

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151 sm@l|fish

March 10, 2009 at 6:28 AM

great review .. great sharing.. thks a lot ...

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152 BBFan

March 10, 2009 at 6:30 AM

This is off topic but why doesn't GJP give JD some of his ramen? He ate their dinner and now he's hoarding his stash? Sheesh! She even killed all the bugs crawling over the ramen boxes. Girl deserves a prize.

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153 lakornlover

March 10, 2009 at 6:38 AM

Totally embarassed when Ga Eul practically came begging for a date with Yi Jung. Look at the way he acted - first, he was not very welcomed her at the door. Second, he was flipping his magazine while she was talking to him. Third, he said one reason that he wouldn't want to date her was her stupidity. Last, he told her "you know where the exit is".... I was totally ashamed of Ga Eul - Where is her pride, girl????? I would like to have a poll for all the girls in the world to see how many would want to do what Ga Eul did in this episode.

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 3:28 PM

My self respect would have never allowed me to do what Ga Eul did. Even if Yi Jung were the last person on this Earth

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154 Lele

March 10, 2009 at 6:38 AM

I just caught on to this show last week and am instantly hooked. I understand very limited Korean, but get the gist of things by the incredible acting :)

Love the summaries. Can't wait to read from episode 1 tomorrow while at work!

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155 Sarang

March 10, 2009 at 6:45 AM

I also don't like Jun-pyo's fiancee.. i don't hate her though.. at least not yet.. She maybe similar to Jun-pyo in status so she tends to understand him more but at least Jun-pyo has friends.. i find her creepy in a harmless way..

Thanks for your usual great recap!

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156 Pippy

March 10, 2009 at 6:48 AM

Excellent review javabeans!
Thank you - kamsa hamnida! (sorry my Krean sucks).

BTW, If you don't already write drama reviews for the media professionally..perhaps yopu should consider it ;)

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157 lily

March 10, 2009 at 6:50 AM

And I wonder why people compare Jun Pyo and Domyoji and say Jun Pyo actor is the best Domyoji. I mean you can like Jun Pyo actor because of look but face it Jun Pyo has never been Domyoji.

Firstly in the "shoes" scene with Jae Kyung he easily showed the soft side of him.
However he is like that since the first episodes (easygoing, mature, nice ect...). With Jun portraying (or Jerry one) you can see it's Makino who actually and really changes him. Jun acted the best Domyoji like the character is no matter his physical apearrance. Domyoji is an overracting stupid and unhumain character at first who open his mind and changes thanks to Makino. Makino is his destinated girl (they came from "saturn"). And if you read the manga you can't disagree with me. That's why People always tend to like Rui at first (in every version even the manga). However in BOF it was not possible since Jun Pyo had not the important characteristics which could distinguish him of Rui and you couldn't see why Jan Di hated him (Jun Pyo).

So that leads me here I am not suprised if you see chemistry between JP and JK and a probable JP-JK couple. It's because at first part of BOF we can't say Jan Di is the origine of JP changes (remember people. Look at your
own reviews. How you trashed GHS Jan di, the way she ill treated Jun Pyo and how you were all about JP because of his look without notice this guy was already too likeable and easygoing and mature). If you remember Jan Di was too arrogant, agressiv and an exagerated (apart the bad acting of GHS) and out of character at this time. People trashed her (and keep trashing her) while Jun Pyo was a bit too calm and tolerant (look at the scene with Min Ji at episode 5. After what happened Domyoji wouldn't enable Sakurako to be in his house). He was able to controll himself even without Jan Di (the shower scene showed me a guy who can call himself in question. But people was all about his look as usual) and I have never feel the lonely vibe in him or someone who can't get along with people (The rugby scene [playing in a team prove you can get along with other people than F4], straight hair and uniform scene prove you are at the same level of your classmates, the boat scene at episode 3 when he is well surrounded by many people and he is all smily or the way he uses too much his sexuality. He is supposed to be Domyoji not Soujiro and "the time news paper" part at episode 4 shows a character who is not immature like Domyoji supposed to be. So you can't say what are the Great changes Jan di made on Jun Pyo and you can't see what Jan Di did better than Jae Kyung in JP life. Remember people complained (not only me) on how they can't understand the "passion" of Jun Pyo for Jan di and how suddendly Jan di is in love with Jun Pyo after stucking with Ji Hoo all the day (episodes 6-8).

So Before complaining why Jk this...why JK that...think this situation is the consequence of a bad execution (Sorry but LMH portraying is too melodrama,
[exageratly] crybay and weak to be Domyoji or GHS can't simply act the character of makino or has not understood who is Makino [same to LMH]) which begun at episode 1 but people was in denial because "the guys are hot".

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 3:30 PM

True that. The writers of this drama did not understand the essence of Domyouji

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158 lily

March 10, 2009 at 7:04 AM

And what do they want to prove with the "pink bear" thing???? Jun Pyo/Domyoji is prince of Goong !! Oh I guess I know "fangirls service". Domyoji maybe childish or lonely but do you see the almighty Domyoji sleeps with "bear thing" ? or even look at another girl than Makino ?

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159 elisa

March 10, 2009 at 7:22 AM

thanks dramabeans for the recaps. i guess since a lot of people has ranted about the Woobin part...i have nothing more to say regarding that matter. starting from episode 15 for me...the whole drama has gone way downhill. i enjoy reading your recaps and people's comments after the episode more than watching the show itself. with just a few episodes left there are still a lot of unresolved issues that needs to be dealt with. the writers have been dragging it so long and i feel that they will give the resolutions haphazardly in the end and that frustrates me. i feel that the extra episode they finally were able to negotiate wouldn't help much.

anyways, this has nothing to do with the drama...how come my name comes out red all the time when most come out purplish-blue? hehehehe...just paranoid.

thanks dramabeans...love...love...love your site.

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160 cheonsa

March 10, 2009 at 7:33 AM

just finished ep19 raw and though I did not understand most of the words uttered, all i can say is: I can't wait for Javabean's recap and my addiction has been rekindled! JP and curly mee made me laugh again. ;)

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161 Amigo77

March 10, 2009 at 7:42 AM

The way you describe each scene is simply awesome. I just can’t wait a week to read your recaps. I’m from India. Right now only 8 episodes have finished but I never miss 2 read your recaps on every Mondays and Tuesdays. I’m waiting to read the recap of episode 19. I hope that you will post it soon.....Khumao

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162 momo

March 10, 2009 at 7:58 AM

i kinda agree with lily. although i think lee minho is a good actor and the bad execution is mostly because of the bad writing, i do think the overall portrayal has really strayed from the complete inhumane asshole side of the manga original domyouji that would have really pointed out his eventual transformation as a result of geum jandi/makino. and now during this angsty period, joonpyo is turning into a joke, and absolutely nothing like the bratty piece of shit as shown in the original story. i can understand why the korean writers might have wanted to paint a more likable picture of domyouji/joonpyo, but i like that hana yori dango took the risk of making him absolutely despicable initially only to have it really pay off at the end when he drastically changed. anyway, it's still (kinda) early. i'm crossing my fingers that things will start to look up soon and we can get some of that awesome jp/jd love that made the show so worth the wait every week. yes, i thought the korean version didn't really clearly show how jandi went from hate to love all of a sudden (and i really think it was mostly because of goo hye sun's lackluster performance). i mean, all she ever did was shout at jp. but man do i miss those scenes about now. regardless of the bizarre love polygon now, i can't deny the irresistible JD/JP chemistry. we got a little taste of that tonight with the new episode (second half was amazing!) but it was SUCH a tease. can't wait for next week!

a warning for those of you who are watching kkotboda namja without having seen hana yori dango. DON'T WATCH IT TILL THE KOREAN VERSION IS OVER. i did that last week and i just finished it. before i watched it, i was getting kind of weary of the mess the korean drama was getting itself into but i still had very little complaints. now that i've watched the japanese version, it has completely changed how i watch the korean version and really makes it seem like a pile of garbage next to hanadan. and i only say this because the japanese version's gotta be one of the most amazing dramas i've ever seen. seriously, i've never cried that much before during a damn TV show. every time i hear "ARIGAAAAA-AAATO", i get a little teary.

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 3:35 PM

I too love Flavor of life and ofcourse Planetarium. It's amazing how these two songs perfectly blended in with all the emotions of the characters

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163 Lily

March 10, 2009 at 7:58 AM

Hi Dramabeans, just want to say a few comments on the BOF :) For me, one of the reason I'm addictive to the drama is because of your review here. I think you have a great talent as a writer. Your analysis is very logical and smart. I mostly agree with your comment about the drama. Thank you. I come to your site almost everyday.

I like the 1 - 10 episodes of BOF, because the story is refreshing and funny, also its very interesting to see the interaction between Jun Pyo & Jan Di, but I really become disappointed with the 11 episodes until now. I just can't helped to compare this BOF with Taiwan version. The more I see this BOF, the more I miss to watch the Meteor Garden. I just want to say that the producer & writers of Korea Drama is spoiling the original story already and prove that Korea version is failing compare to Taiwan & Japan version. It's too sad actually, the only thing that drawn me to this drama only Lee Min Hoo and the curiosity of how this will end.

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164 LDJ

March 10, 2009 at 8:11 AM

I want them to shake up the HYD theme and put the unconventional couples together. Maybe it would end with Junpyo and Jandi, but then at the end JiHoon interrupts the wedding,or she runs away with him on his motorcycle just before the start Runaway Bride style, and JunPyo is conforted with JK the maid of honor. Because you know JK would fight to share maid of honor spots with GaEul.

It seems like JK and JP really understand one another in that we were both deprived of a family when we were little and could really make a good one together way. I think Mama Goo wants JP to be happy and successful, which is why she is hooking him up with JK a girl good for JP, but richer than JD. And we all know Butler man is her true love that she denied in order to become rich Mama Goo.

Am I wrong for thinking that Kim Bum's angry eyes are worse that Hyun Joong's. He just looks so fake with his mad scenes. I'm glad that they tried to give JD a break though. Maybe it's time to work on the SeoulMates couple, give JD a break, and keep the fans happy.

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165 Yubikiri

March 10, 2009 at 8:17 AM

OHOHOH! now, it's getting better despite JP and JD didnt have further development/resolution....

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166 cecee

March 10, 2009 at 8:21 AM

they need to wrap up the JK and JP story. It is dragging! They need to show us more JP and JD so we all know they are meant to be together.

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167 Bzbz

March 10, 2009 at 8:22 AM

#158
I'm so agree with you!
;o)

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168 grassy

March 10, 2009 at 8:56 AM

I had watch the Taiwan version and Japan version of BBF and this is how the story really goes. Maybe our being fanatic with JD and JP makes us think they are making the story long. I can say I like the BBF the most though the Taiwan version which was shown in the PI was such a hit...WAIT till they see the Korean version and they would most likely forget the Taiwan F4..lol

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169 lily

March 10, 2009 at 8:57 AM

@163 momo ONE WORD OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUF !
At last someone who wakes up (unfortunately with the dragging and "came from nowhere" scenes).

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170 gbox

March 10, 2009 at 9:08 AM

I had a lot of the same thoughts. I'm longing for more fun scene to temper all this angst! Latter halves of kdramas always get like this. Kang San's "truer" words made me smile.

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171 lily

March 10, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Like I said HYD japan can't be compared to BOF anymore (the F4 in Japan version was INTIMIDATING no matter their physical appareance and their chemistry shines from episode 1, Mao is WONDERFUL so are JUN and the other characters[F3,Kaede, Tsubaki even secretary man] who were simply NATURAL [it helped a lot the drama in 9 and 11 episodes], the soundtrack...Listen to "one love", "Blue mind", "planetarium" ect... and you will know what is a soundtrack). Even MG has become better than BOF since at least (with less budget) they didn't lack what is HYD.

Now BOF has to be compared with other korean dramas qualitywise.

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172 Jandoe

March 10, 2009 at 9:36 AM

very interesting recap. i like the way you write out your thoughts cos heck, i'm thinking along the same lines as you in certain parts. Kdrama Textbook Studies? Classic! Haha ;P

thanks for this!

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173 gbox

March 10, 2009 at 9:44 AM

re: 106 cindy-
"i can honestly say i absolutely hate this show right now but will i tune in next week? you know it! it ain’t crack for nuthin’"

hahaha! i think we're all feeling this way. rolling our eyes but can't wait to get home to watch it. and will be stabbing ourselves in the eye waiting for next week.

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174 Jandoe

March 10, 2009 at 9:45 AM

I agree!! What is going on with the mixed signals we're getting? Although Jae-kyung is a likable character, I really wish they would just resolve that and let Jandi be with Jun-pyo already...

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175 VN

March 10, 2009 at 9:50 AM

I am crazy about this movie although I am not in the age of those characters any more. I watched a bit of J version but I think Korean version is better than J version in term of choosing actors for bot female and male characters. Their appearance and personality (or at least the way they express it) are much more suitable to the characters than J version.
I really love the way JH cares of JD. I like tender and sophisticated love. He is always there whenever she is in need.
It would dislike watching following episodes if it gives me a hint that JD and JP end up marrying each other like J version. I wish JH and JD end up being together. Something should be different from previous versions.

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176 lily

March 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM

I think the problem is not JD-JP love. In hyd Japan or maybe MG the character of Shigeru stayed in the drama at about the same number of episodes.
I think the problem is JK and JP have : CHEMISTRY (what GHS and LMH lack at first time). They understand each other and JK somewhat can controll JP.
Plus JH and JD have begun to have chemistry and a stronger relationship. It seems less fake, evolve more naturally, looks more romanticly improbable than JP- JD at first part of the drama (ironically It reminds the love's evolve of Domyoji and Makino in other versions like the jdrama except here it's Rui/Ji Hoo and Jun Pyo case looks like more Rui case.).
I think if JK was leaving the drama and JD coming back with JP (what in my mind will happen), JK's character would have seriously marked the drama...

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 3:39 PM

The only reason JK can control JP is because an important merger hangs in the balance. He puts up with her because he is afraid of the backlash to his group.
And ofcourse poor writing makes them look like a couple - giving them all the screen time but none to JP and Jd

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177 kkstar

March 10, 2009 at 11:26 AM

I agree, Season 2 or whatever it is is definitely way more drawn out and boring. The main reason right now I am leaning towards the "main" couple is because (1) Jihoo is just a little too boring for my tastes and his extremely mellow/calm relationship with Jandi is too tame for a drama. Things are supposed to be spicy and fun, no one wants to watch people get along all the time and do completely normal things. And (2) Jaekyung and Junpyo are just too alike, they seem more like best friend material than spousal material. I have to give it to the girl, she is pretty darn persistent and way more confident and bold than Jandi ever was in this show (except for maybe the first few episodes), but she is always way too clingy and acts annoyingly oblivious. Therefore, by default, I like the main couple together. I just wish they had more scenes together to remind us why we liked them in the first place.

Season 2 = a dud.

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178 dogstar

March 10, 2009 at 11:55 AM

not following this drama, but Soojin vap is all i needed... she hasn't changed at ALL! so gorgeous ^^

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179

March 10, 2009 at 12:27 PM

it kind of down hill, beginning was so good. well i wish that jandi and Jihoon
hook up but the way the director set up he could not a move on her.
so sad, i want more drama.....it getting bored same thing Yi-jung and Gaeul

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180 Jellybean

March 10, 2009 at 12:34 PM

Dramabeans, have to agree with you that I no longer know why I should be rooting for the JD-JP pair, other than the fact that I'm supposed to. From the start, I thought there was a real problem with the LMH-GHS pairing in that they lacked chemistry; especially coming off of the Japanese version where the chemistry between MatsuJun and Inoue Mao flew off the screen. When JK appeared in episode 14 or 15 of BOF, I knew there was an immediate problem in that, from the get go with the shoe scene in Macau, I sensed far more chemistry between LMH and the actress who plays JK. At this point, I can't help but smile at the scenes between JK and JP. All unwillingly on my part, mind you, but a real indication that this is no longer HYD, and something is seriously messed up if I feel this way!

Compounding this problem is the lack of evolution or sizeable change in Jun Pyo's character along the lines of the change in Domyougi's character due to Makino's civilizing effect.

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181 (O.o)''

March 10, 2009 at 1:07 PM

Before rambling, i'd like to say THANK YOU so much javabeans for the recaps!
i always look forward to your comments and the rest of the discussion and analyzing in your page. i just can't stop refreshing it. =)

i still can't believe i spent an hour reading through all these wonderful comments. So i'd also like to apologize in advance for this longgg post ;]
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@27 JomeLee
Gah. Now I’m rooting for Jihoo and jandi/junpyo and jaekyung.
am i supposed to feel like this?
I guess the makers are making us feel like this so that when the story has its obvious twist (change of couples) it’ll bring the emotions outside of us.:D

Yea, i guess the writers are trying to make us feel for the characters rather than being one-sided and ignorant of the antagonist. I'm feeling afraid and guilty that i'm starting to root for JP-JK & JH-JD couple selection. It's driving me insane!
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@32 JJ
When YJ was talking to JP about how only guys like them can only bring nothing but pain to the girls they love, was YJ referring to Gaeul?? cuz it was be4 she asked him out… or was he referring to his first love? clarification would be appreciated, thanks =)

I really want to believe that he was speaking of GaEul. And there were plenty of scenes hinting that, too. YiJung has hurt GaEul before if you recall the Valentines Day episode--she was hurt badly because she found out that he was a player. He also couldn't have been refering to his first love because EunJae was the one who hurt him--not YiJung himself. And also the scene where GaEul walked out, he was left in agony, because GaEul(the girl he possibly likes) will only end up getting hurt because of his bad habits.
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@48 aoiyuki
During the scene at Macau where JP and JK were fighting over that pair of shoes, the chemistry I noticed between them is more of a sexual tension type of chemistry. Watching them chase each other made me think of the type of people you see on tv arguing one minute and then ripping their clothes off the next. It’s more of a playful flirty with a hint of lust chemistry. (Ok maybe I should keep this G-rated… >_<;; but that was the vibe that I got when I first saw them together.)

I was sort of thinking that, too. There chemistry feels like its more of that type. JaeKyung's actions towards Junpyo is more about satisfying herself with physical actions(hence piggy-back, biting his ear, linking arms, the kiss, grabbing hold of his abs^^, and pulling him down in his bed). Seriously!

There’s something about JD, the way she struggles through her hardships, trying to take care of her family and pull X number of jobs at once, that makes her a good foil to JP’s character, who’s lived a much easier life (materialistically speaking). Their differences in background and circumstances help them open each other’s eyes.

Finally, there's the foil that we've been searching for between Jandi and JaeKyung. Jandi understands how tough life could be--while Jaekyung is still a newbie in experiencing pain and hardships. That's what Junpyo admires and loves about Jandi---she has great potential to live on her own despite all the calamities that constantly arises.
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@63 Lanie
i really want junpyo to feel a little of what he put jandi through…(note: parents lost thier bussiness, un-deserve insults, lost her ability to swim, and finally, her heartbreak…. ) its not that i dont see his own psuffering, i just think that its not even an ounce of what jandi is going through for him/because of him… i would love to to have the scene reverse… instead of junpyo losing his memory of her… have her lose her memory of him, now isnt that one hell of a twist… i am very excited to see how well he can handle the pain of being ignored and forgotten… ?( i know its a long strech, but hey isnt this why they call it drama?!)

EXACTLY. That'd be one hell of a twist. I was thinking that all along & it's a drama after all! I guess its supposed to mess with your emotions to the fullest. I guess we're on the minority side about getting all hyped up for the memory loss thing.
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@68 Nea
I love that JK is so much like JP because I believe that it goes back to the weird sequence with the whole “soulmate and husband” thing. On all sides JK-JP’s relationship falls into this category, as well as JD-JH. Its a good thing because its not about “destiny” in a sense but more about choices and reality.

I guess they are trying to show character maturity and not give in to emotions? These teenagers are finally getting a grip on reality and needs to start making choices. I've seen Junpyo(not as cold as before), Jandi(learned acceptance and refrained from violence), and Jihoo's(got on his feet & earned money on his own) character developments, and the only one left behind is Jaekyung(who will probably eventually give Junpyo up). The decisions they make is all about sacrificing for each other's satisfactions--which keeps this drama going.
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@72 @PILK
JK really is reaping the fruits of JD’s influence on JP. The JP now has really matured since his cake smashing, red card bullying days. JD’s actually made him more human and reflective and caring about others besides himself and the F3. The old JP wouldn’t have even spared JK a second glance. JK’s like a female mirror image of the old him, spoiled, selfish, pursues things kind of desperately and one-sidedly even if the other person clearly doesn’t reciprocate her feelings.

thanks for explaining my thoughts.
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@98 mommy
I liked this episode. It brought out the “reserved” characterization in the story I’m waiting for, where characters became more ordinary humans. and less detached from their mega-rich backgrounds. It presented how they can also value friendship, love and those simple things we can take for granted.

that's an interesting point of view. Looking at how the drama is going in a mature perspective, it really does seem like (somewhat) of a good episode--although many others found it a drag.
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@100 dunlop
Throughout the whole series, JK and JD have been hurting each other unintentionally. JD couldn’t bring herself to tell JK about her relationship with JP because, well it doesn’t exist anymore, and she was probably afraid to hurt JK, especially after JK fell for JP. And JK was just unaware of everything, and therefore kept hurting JD. But in this episode, JK knowingly hurts JD when she finds out, though she did it to confirm JD’s relationship with JP. After this whole ordeal, she goes to JD’s house. Not showing JD how hurt she was, she went back to acting like her old self.

This shows how important this friendship is to JK, and that she is not willing to easily let go of this relationship either.

Now that i think about it, i'm starting to view Jaekyung(not just as an oblivious manipulative monkey) as another mere victim in this drama. It's her turn to experience the pain in getting a hold of both love & friendship.
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@105 Really confused
I’m getting really confused with the JD-JH relationship. In the library scene, when facing the sleeping Ji Hoo, she mouthed the word “Oppa”. She has never even called JP that. What happened to SunBae?

I recognized that, too! OMG, i wonder if they're giving us hints(on their growing relationship[a twist, perhaps?]) or she just screwed up her lines, because this is REALLY driving me insane!!
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@121 Two Cents
Compare the look he gives Jae Kyung in this scene with say, episode 3 where Jandi gets drunk. Junpyo is all goofy smiles. He can’t help but smile when he is around Jandi. Or the scene where he looks at Jandi at the auction in his house and sees her interest in the goggles. There is luv showing in his eyes that you don’t see when he looks at Jae Kyung.

Oh dear, i hope so. Loving, goofy smiles are much better =] It reminds me of he ramen scene. He had such an evil, attractive smile on his face when he saw the ramen(an expression we haven't seen in awhile).
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@127 MoMo
JP is more suited with JD because they complement each other. What JP doesn’t have, JD has. They are cut to fit each other. Two peas in a pod do not have the same shape but they fit the pod just right.

Yea! They're just like two missing pieces to a puzzle--they complete each other by working around their differences.
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@131 Daphne
But I did like Jun-pyo’s softer side in this episode. He actually fell asleep in the ‘lousy’ apartment. Unlike Dau Ming Sze and Doumyoji who left and complained that they didn’t sleep at all to the other F3.

Just like his first real kiss with Jandi---[a multimillionaire!] knelt (or lowered himself to her level) just to ask for her love. This time he went as far as living in a crummy apartment and actually adjusted to it as he fell peacefully asleep by Jandi.
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@165 LDJ
I think Mama Goo wants JP to be happy and successful, which is why she is hooking him up with JK a girl good for JP, but richer than JD. And we all know Butler man is her true love that she denied in order to become rich Mama Goo.

Is that really true? Butler has history with Mama Goo? I've read these assumptions (possibly rumors from other sites, too)! But if it is the truth...then Junpyo would have less reason not to feel guilty over his promise with his other father, then get on with Jandi, right? ...very interesting...
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@73 funniebones
Also, I read somewhere for ep. 20 there will be a huge wedding? I myself am rooting for the Graduate type of exit for our main couple

i read about that too---but i'm not sure if the sources are reliable, though. There were sayings that it'll be filmed in Jeju Island? Anyway, if they are gonna go as far as preparing a wedding, then it better be good(though i'm afraid it'll be cliche)!! And if it is true, i hope that it's only a dream(like Jandi's dream of Junpyo getting married to someone else, then she finally gets on her feet & fights for her love before it's too late!!!) aghhhhhh. that would be really good and satisfying enough for me(i wish). sigh.
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OH-EHM-GHEE. this post is very, very long. sorry about t-that!
this crack is no good for me.
--enough rambling from me already.! ..

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182 Arivle

March 10, 2009 at 1:29 PM

Dramabeans thank you again for recaps...however I have to agree with you 100% WTF is the PD thiking or writers.....I mean this drama is supposed to be all about GJP and GJD and their coming together against all odds, I mean I don't know where they are taking the story line but COME ON enough is enough with the whole fiance story....we got 5 episodes to go and some real problems to solve. The PD got serious issues if he can't wrap up this story and make GJD and GJP happy and lovebale again.....I'm frustrated,irrated and mad that Jandi still thinking that GJP doesn't love her and that GJP can't stand up against his mother.....now unto my observation/critique of this episode overall i'll give it 8 out of 10....why not 10 because I want to see more interaction between GJD and GJP.....I loved the fact that he can't let her go and that he missed having her around but PLEASE can we have some more INTIMATE moments or talk between them....
Moving on....what I have learned from this episode...if a guy doesn't want YOU PLEASE WALK AWAY AND HAVE DIGNITY AND SELF RESPECT....."mokey girl" really showed that she doesn't have any of those qualities.....I wanted to scream "GIRL GJP DOESN'T LOVE YOU MOVE ON...." but she keeps trying.....AND that WHY I LOVE JANDI .....THE GIRL GOT SELFRESPECT AND DIGNITY.....when GJP broke up with her she cried....but never begged GJP to take her back...eve now we could see that evethough JanDi loves GJP she keeps her distance because she belives he doesn't love her.....and she is not going to beg...the GIRL GOT HER PRIDE....."Mokey Girl NEEDS TO EXIT THE STORY NOW" the story is getting out hand....THIS WRITERS WILL SUCK IF THEY CAN'T GIVE US A FULL EPISODE OF JANDI AND GJP....that's the whole point of the story right....Can the PD be creative and have GJD and GJP put in a deserted island and have their issues/problems resolve without intereference so both of them can finally show their love and fight for it together.......sorry if I took too long.

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 3:45 PM

You are right. I have never seen JK as persistent rather a very controlling and possessive person. As long he is with the guy, she doesn't care about his feelings. This type of feeling to possess rather than love is toxic. JK doesn't want to win JP's heart but rather use all kinds of tactic to conquer him for herself ( she said these words during the sleepover)

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183 peppero

March 10, 2009 at 1:40 PM

so true dramabeans.
when i saw yi-jung push woo-bin to the car, it said gay all over.
i think it wouldn't have been so embaraassing to watch if woo-bin kept his eyes open with a look of shock or something, or if yi-jung at least punched him. thanks for the subs! d(^O^)b

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184 kirara

March 10, 2009 at 1:53 PM

So I'm not sure why but this episode was moving really slow and draggy for me..it seemed like it was a big melodramatic episode.. bring out each and every one of the characters 's personal issues to the screen to show they are struggling.

Each F4's personal problems were literally placed in front, and then Jae Kyung and Jun Pyo's argument, then Jun Pyo's struggle with Jan Di, Ga Eul and Yi Jung, Yi Jung and his childhood lover, I think the only thing that was actually happy was the brother sister bond and Jan-Di Ji-Hoo interactions. Plus Ji-Hoo looked super cute sleeping in the library, although I would say that he shoulda a picked a better corner since no one's going to find you, i mean i didnt think jan-Di was able to either.

I'm hoping things don't go this slow.. or i'm going to lose interest or have to fast forward scenes or something . :P

Thanks for the recaps as always!

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185 REN HAS A REQUEST FOR DRAMABEANS

March 10, 2009 at 2:26 PM

Lol but first I have a few things to say lol Sarah, what you said at the end about the relationship chemistry was awesome and I wanna add to that:

Personally, I wonder what the character of Ji Hoo would be like if it was played by Oguri Shun. Yeah I know, he already played Rui in the Japanese version, right? Except I see both characters as being quite different actually. I mean, they both start out as rather aloof and enigmatic (though more so on Rui's part) but after they start to fall for the Makino character, the certain devulge. Rui certainly loved Makino but he was incapable of expressing that affection in a deep or meaningful way that would reach Makino at a deeper level. He always kept his distance from her even as he was courting her, was always light hearted and flippant to the point where it was difficult to even figure out whether he was in love or just playing around (probably why Makino didn't quite believe that he was in love with her when he kissed her).

But Ji Hoo is much different. He's expressing his love in a much deeper and tender way while holding himself back, probably because he doesn't want to push too hard while Jan Di's going through this tough time (and maybe partly because he's not sure whether she's ready or capable of letting go of Jyun Pyo). You're right in JiHoo's actor isn't quite skilled enough to get the emotional depth of that situation across (though I think he's greatly improved from the beginning of the drama when he was almost unwatchable to me) but I can't help but imagine what it'd be like if Shun had been given *that* Rui to play (and if Rui's and Makino's relationship was more like Jan Di and Ji Hoos). Like you I'd ship it with the fist of an angry god.

The way things are going and the mixed relationship messages, I'm not even sure whether I'll be able to jump on the Jan Pyo ship when it eventually happens. I can't even remember being particularly impressed with the chemistry anyway (though I'm sure it was good, I can't remember flipping out and squeeing over the two).

REQUEST

So anyway just to ask: is the second ost out yet? I NEED to get my hands on that second moon song!! It was in Goong S too and I really wanted it but it wasn't released with the soundtrack. If you find it, can you post it up on your site??? I'm talking about the instrumental that first played I think last episode when Ji Hoo went to see Jan Di in the hospital after she collapsed (again *headdesk*) and he kissed her fingers (so sweet!).

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186 Jane

March 10, 2009 at 2:39 PM

"So why are they pushing this angle when I’m trying to root for the “real” ultimate couple?"

AMEN. I am so confused; it's driving me INSANE. I just want to see that jandi + junpyo get together!!!! I really don't want to see jaekyung with junpyo even though they do look okay together.

And if the writers/producers make it so that junpyo actually falls in love with jaekyung and they get married.. I will be sending so many hate letters.

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187 kate

March 10, 2009 at 2:46 PM

Jandi+Jun Pyo all the way!!!!cast and crew be safe and be healthy...*.*

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188 nanun

March 10, 2009 at 2:58 PM

i have to agree with no 122,duh, this show is the worst hanadan version compared to taiwan and japanese version, but yeah, im already been hooked to this show, and i think, mostly just bcoz lee min hoo.

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189 aceyyy

March 10, 2009 at 3:05 PM

awesome request, as usual! i broke my usual rules while waiting for the interminably long download and read it first... but now that i'm watching it, please javabeans would you happen to know what song is playing before Woo-bin's scene on the bridge? it's filled with 나봐 and 가봐...

also another one at the buddhist temple - this one is really Goong-type poppy

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190 yumi-chan

March 10, 2009 at 3:11 PM

From now on I'm calling you Professor Beans.
After watching BOF I feel like my brain is dead, but once I read this it's like BAM! alive. xD

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191 1j

March 10, 2009 at 3:21 PM

JK is a sweet girl.....and she is freakin relentless! i like that :o)

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192 Aiya

March 10, 2009 at 3:26 PM

I agree with the previous poster (sorry can't remember the name). MatsuJun's Domyouji is by far the best Domyouji. His stature definitely doesn't make him scary, but his acting coupled with great lines and scenes made up for it and clearly makes him the best male lead in all versions. Lee Min Ho is a great actor, and definitely looks the part, but the dialogue that he's given doesn't make him a Domyouji. I blame the director and the script writer as well.

Tsukasa only has eyes for Tsukushi, he doesn't even give other girls (no matter how good looking they are) a second glance. I remember in one of the Hanadan episodes there was a scene where the f3 was talking about Makino and her unlucky circumstances and some girl (one of the evil trios?) was fawning over Domyouji, Domyouji was annoyed and headbutted the girl and yelled at her "Get away Ugly!!" I was laughing so hard. That was Tsukasa's charm, he will not be swayed by another girl, even when Shigeru stripped naked in front of him, he rejected her, he was still devoted and loyal to Tsukushi.

There's nothing to hate about the character JaeKyung, but the fact that JunPyo is slowly warming up to her is out of character for Domyouji. And what happened to feisty Makino? She's reduced to a girl that you'd wanna throw a pity party for. Never, ever did I ever feel that for Tsukushi, no matter how bad the situation was, you could tell she was strong, you barely even recognized that she's a struggling poor person.

KVersion is too emo now, I remember laughing a lot watching the Japanese Version. In terms of looks the casting is great, but the writing, directing and some acting are totally cringe worthy. SoEul scenes are wasted, they even managed to screw up Woo-Bin's character in this episode. If they were going to do a story-line for him why not show his little sisters, and his child-like mother!? Frikk, I don't even know, it's so frustrating, there is no happy medium for this drama. This version is crap, the OST, even if it is improving, makes my ears bleed, and the only thing that makes me watch this drama is Lee MinHo and the eventual JunPyo and Jandi reconciliation, which looks like is gonna happen at the bitter end, ARGH. It's like watching the Matrix, you liked the first one so you had to watch all the sequels just for closure and hoping that it'll get better.

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 3:49 PM

Thanks for noting the true love Domyouji had for Makino. This was the main USP of the story. His commitment to her despite heavy odds. He announces to his mother in the birthday party that she is the most important woman to him.
The fact that they show JP bonding with JK means the writers don't understand what HYD premise is all about

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193 Aiya

March 10, 2009 at 3:30 PM

oh by the way is it just me or all the characters are modified in some way? What happened to Woo-Bin's love for cougars? and why the hell is Yi Jung's first love so feminine!?!

/rant

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194 Jennifer

March 10, 2009 at 4:21 PM

I dunno why but I really like the scenes with Jaekyung and JunPyo! She's a tough girl and I like her character a lot more than Jandi's! I think they have really good chemistry and its really cute when they argue. On the other hand, I really like JiHoo and Jandi together. They are so shy and innocent towards eachother

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195 Hongki love

March 10, 2009 at 4:24 PM

Iunno, people might hate me for this.. but I like jaekyung.
i know im SUPPOSE to hate her..
but I can't help but like her.

she knows what she wants and she goes for it.

i just don't know why but I never really liked jandi.
she's no longer confident, and she is jsut too troubled.. but that kind of trouble.. but she always needs help (in a way).
kinda sick of seeing that..

I dont mind jun pyo and jaekyung scenes.
some are sweet and it's almost making erase memories of jandi and junpyo,. which is no good.

But honestly...
if jaekyung came first,
she probably had a chance with Jun Pyo.

Yes, Jandi was the first girl ever to make such memories with jun pyo,
but if jaekyung came around first, then for sure Jun Pyo would have fallend in love with her..

ps. i agree with you on the woobin and yijung scenes.
just seemed random and uncessary.

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196 lily

March 10, 2009 at 4:43 PM

@193 OUF ! another wake up
That's why I said if Domyoji (manga, Japan versions) came in Korean version, LMH Jun Pyo would never be a member of F4.

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197 lily

March 10, 2009 at 4:48 PM

I mean even Soujiro of F4 japan acts more powerfully and intimidating than Jun Pyo... No comment about the so called F4 (Kversion)

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198 lisa f

March 10, 2009 at 4:56 PM

I can't believe there are still people comparing BBF to the Japanese series! I understood it in the beginning but now these people just sound narrow minded and bitter!

As a newcomer to this series, to me there's no credibility in the comments that only say "omg in the Japanese version" or "in the Taiwanese series." It's not because those people make no sense because sometimes they do, but their bias is so obvious that now I just discount all their thoughts. It's sad but true.

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 3:52 PM

There is nothing narrow minded in the comparisons. These comparisons are not for the sake of it. The korean writers have ruined the uniqueness of this particular story. The bonds of the characters have all been messed up in this version. Hence the comparison. If you were to watch or rather read the manga, you would immediately see what others are talking about

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199 asfe

March 10, 2009 at 4:59 PM

I dunno but to me J version is not so interesting since the main actor looks like a GAY with too much make up.

Taiwan version is worse, so fake, so ugly and Shan Cai has just one face, stupid girl.

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200 Gloria

March 10, 2009 at 5:09 PM

To wit: Imagine someone like the silently broody Jung Il-woo (a la Return of Iljimae) or gentle Ji Hyun-woo (from My Sweet Seoul), or sure, Jang Geun-seok (Beethoven Virus) casting longing glances at Jan-di — I’d be on that ’ship so fast my head would spin.

oh my gosh. this is SO TRUE.
:D

Domyouji warmed up to Shigeru too didn't he? :O He didn't really connect with her though..

And @ 193: I agree!! man. I really miss Tsukushi! ): Makes me want to rewatch Hana Yori Dango and see her strong character instead of this girl who never sticks up for herself. Sure, she's developed.. but what was so good about HYD was that no matter how illogical, the characters were just so awesome (:
I'm sad that the Korean version couldn't capture that. ): (Sorry LMH, your acting is great.. but.. your characterization!)

I still like how the relationships are developing and how the characters are slowly maturing. Though I'm sure some of us are questioning why Jae Kyung and Junpyo shouldn't be together, remember all the things that Jandi taught Junpyo? If Jae Kyung had come first, I still don't think she would've been able to change Junpyo that way. Maybe a little.. but.. he was so different before! :O Not to mention, Jandi is still more experienced in struggles than Jae Kyung..

(Sorry this is so long)
I know this was a while back but was anyone else disappointed with the elevator scene???? ; w ; I was SO disappointed.
First, the rain made it more dramatic in the jap version. Not to mention, Tsukushi gave Domyouji her ONLY jacket and scarf. (Since when did Jandi start carrying around blankets? -___-;;) Man, that is being tough and caring. And that's what got to Domyouji. Her CARING. Her TOUGHNESS. Her SPIRIT!! D:

And yet I continue to be entertained by the korean version.
Guess I can like the korean version for the stuff it did do well and the different characteristics. (:

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