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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Leessang – “JJJ” [ Download ]

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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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201 Monday

March 10, 2009 at 5:12 PM

Message to poster # 182

That was freaking awesome! =)

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202 Aiya

March 10, 2009 at 5:25 PM

Poster 199 - Lisa F

I know what you mean by we shouldn't compare to the other versions, each and every version should have their own spin on it, otherwise why the heck should we watch it if it's the same as the previous ones right?

BUT! The drama is deviating from the original Hana Yori Dango characterizations that you can't HELP but compare. It's gotten so out of hand that people are questioning if Jandi/Junpyo is canon. Viewers should know right away who is the lead couple, and know it without a doubt, we know it SHOULD be Jun-Di, but how come it doesn't seem like it?

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 3:26 PM

Exactly! No one wants a frame by frame remake but the character's essence and the theme of the story must remain the same. This entire HYD premise is about a strong girl who makes her way against heavily odd circumstances, her love story with a boy who has everything in the world except true love. And BOF has done everything except give us this. The show is more dedicated to exotic locations and delicious food than actual character development

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203 lily

March 10, 2009 at 5:49 PM

@ 201 Gloria about the elevator scene, you are not the only one. I stated it but people were all about "they are hot". Anyway I think the out of characterisation is one of cause of the failure of this important scene (and other ones like the made up scene, the double date scene, the kissing scenes ect...)

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204 glalam

March 10, 2009 at 6:30 PM

What wasup with the whole Won Bin and Yujing scene. So random. I thought they were filling in gaps to cut down on Jandi's scene, you know coz of her recent injury and evrything.

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205 Jo

March 10, 2009 at 6:56 PM

Does anyone know the name of the song when it cuts abruptly to the scene when Jandi's in the library? It's a recurring song, but it's not in the OST. I really like it though... :(

Thanks!

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206 news

March 10, 2009 at 7:10 PM

I haven't read any of these posts but while I was scrolling down,

# 182 (O.o)'' - Mar 10, 2009 at 1:07 pm

Wow! You take the cake on this one! :) Gotta respect the passion and energy.

Yeah, that Woo-bin segment was TOTALLY random! Talk about character development, I definitely didn't see THAT coming. He's too charismatic, confident and self-possessed for that scene to be convincing. They could've just shot him walking around and I would've been happy.

I'll just delete that whole scene from my memory.

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207 Dee

March 10, 2009 at 7:41 PM

Thx javabeans...nice recapp. can't wait so long to read ur recap.
i think Im more addicted to u more than to BBF itself.

Yeahh, I'll really dissapointed when the version will make new couple as JP+JK ; JD+JH.
because however the bad scripts made, but JP+JD make BBF stand as now.
okey, I'll understand how plot can be 'grow up' but since JP&JD loves
full of things (love&tears), don't u think their loved deserved to be stand in?!

I'm afraid that PD will make alternate ending (2 version) just for fans' satisfaction.
no..no..no, don't do that pls...just do as you think its THE BEST ending.
whether some fans will protest or dissapointed for ending version you'll choose,
but as u make it with most logical reason, highest consideration
and strongest story behind..I'll respect it anyway.

4 PD : my curiosity due to Makino (JD)'s characteristic - why u kill the characteristic?
not GHS should be blame..but how u want kind of characteristic..if u want
kind of Korean version through characteristic's, why u don't make the develop ones?
if u want different kind of Makino, just make it stronger because we
want something more not less, don't we?

ok, I'm done...

Thx Java. For PD : THINK more before u 'fulfill' fans' request (fact about Woo Bin scene showed
that u've think more than twice. Don't do that for ending u'll made pls..just do as ur favor)

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 4:02 PM

Yes if you want to change something, make her stronger!!

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208 Princess_jime

March 10, 2009 at 7:45 PM

I believe the whole "woo-bin being embarrassed" scene was just his imagination.
They were wearing different clothes, he scoffs after the scene is over like it was a funny thought and then gives yi-jung a call .
It would make more sense (and be more interesting character-wise in so many ways - I also thought there was some homo-erotic vibes there XD -) if it was just him imagining a situation, and it would also be according to his character, since he's the mediator, the peace-maker, the most tranquil, put-together one in F4. He'd have his internal issues, but he would never push them on his friends like that, I think.
Mainly, it might have been the editor's fault, that scene is badly placed, and they should have made it clearer that it was just a thought, that it actually didn't happen.
Oh well. XD

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209

March 10, 2009 at 8:00 PM

lol, late to the party but the comments here seem so much funnier after watching ep19 ;)

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210 JJ

March 10, 2009 at 8:02 PM

#182 (O.o)

thank you for the response! =)
Yeah, I agree. Supposedly, ga eul is supposed to bring yi jung & eun jae together...to prob allow him to let go if his past... and supposedly, what his dad said about her being a good girl (in today's epi) and eun jae indirectly allow the relationship btwn yi jung & ga eul to blossom. can't wait! Hope it's true!! They need to end up together! =(

Also, about the wedding scene in epi 20, there is a rumor that the wedding is planned by F3...as fake wedding for ji hoo & jandi to force jun pyo's feelings for jandi to be revealed. kinda like that hospital scene where they planned for jandi to come out with her feelings for jun pyo.
that would be very interesting!!!

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 4:09 PM

That does sound interesting! If only they had actually done that

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211 Eryn

March 10, 2009 at 8:11 PM

199 LisaF, I understand your frustration and may even feel the same if I had never read the manga or seen the Jdrama version. If this drama wasn't supposed to be a remake of Handan, all of us who are at our wits end with the Kdrama writers wouldn't feel so strongly about it! But this is akin to taking the Cinderella story, and having Prince Charming not only to put the slipper on the ugly step-sister, but to form a viable relationship with the stepsister that would potentially cast doubt on whether Cinderella, or Prince Charming, is indeed the one. In short, if you change crucial aspects of both Cinderella and the Prince, does it stop being a Cinderella story?

I'm not saying Hanadan is a Cinderella story per se. I'm using it as an analogy. Nor am I liking JK to the ugly step-sister because JK is very pretty!
The problem lies in the fact that JK has real tangible chemistry with JP, and it wouldn't seem so out of left field if they diid get together (never going to happen because this is still Hana Yori Dango).

193-Aiya: You took the words right out of my mouth!

Poster 186: How thoughtful! If Shun played Ji Hoo, sheesh, I would be the first one to ship over to the JD-JH boat. You nailed it when you said: "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)."

Will watch to the end just to see if the writers can turn this around...

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 4:11 PM

How perfect is your Cinderella analogy! Putting the shoe on the wrong sister's foot and bonding with her- this is what is happening with JP and JK

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212 Meiqi

March 10, 2009 at 8:13 PM

I feel that the chemistry between JP n JK is not of a lovers' kind.. it is more of mutual understanding. Jaekyung is more of a female version of Junpyo.. and because of that, I feel that they aren't meant to be. One of the reason for the deep love between Jandi and Junpyo is the synergy between them.. where their strengths make up for each others' flaws.

Like Jandi being too nice sometimes, maybe because of being so used to taking all the s*** in life. She sometimes gives up her rights to fight for something (like Jihoo's love at the beginning). That is a flaw (yet also her strength) in her personality, and is something that Jihoo cannot really help other than console. But with Junpyo, his confidence (and also arrogance), is what Jandi lacks, and that's why she would fall in love with such a guy. He sorta keeps her driven. And vice versa, Jandi is able to make Junpyo learn how to express the softer tones of his character.. That's also the reason that he fell in love with her in the first place isnt it?

Their relationship from the start had been a rollercoaster. The fact that they both learnt so much from each other and went through so much emotional turmoil, that is something that Jihoo/Jaekyung can never replace. Had Jihoo reciprocated earlier, or Jun pyo meets JK earlier.. probably I wouldnt say the same.

In reality its also like that (only less drama), couples stay commited, not because that their feelings won't stray. Rather. It is a choice. Because of all that they went through, all that you've experienced together. The tears and the joy and the angst... The more of it, the more you feel in love.

sorry for such a long comment! Just that I feel so connected to the drama.. Once had a guy like Jihoo, doing so much for me.. Almost made me wonder if I should remake my choice with my boyfriend of 4 years (which girl won't be moved?!) But when one recalls how the love took place at the beginning. You wouldn't move on that easily... At least you'll need lotsa time before you can love another again...

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213

March 10, 2009 at 8:22 PM

OMG.. I just read a comment that said Matsu Jun's Domyouji is the best in all 3.. I beg to differ... Yikes!!! To even thinking about it makes me giggles...

Sorry, but for me the best would have to be Jerry Yan's potrayal... second would be LMH and I don't even want to list Matsu Jun as my third... Erkkk... coz it's just awful...

Why? Because both Jerry Yan and LMH has that features as Domyouji from the manga... I'm not an anti-Matsu Jun... but seriously with that height, not so strong physics and that bad acting of his, really makes me want to pull my hair out... Enough that he doesn't even resembles Domyouji from the manga, but his acting was rather making Domyouji looks stupid and weak rather than being childish and ignorant; and it's really poor acting and bad portrayal. I even wondered how the hell he landed this part, please don't tell me is just because of his curly hair, please... better if Ikuta Toma was casted in...

I'm not saying that Jerry Yan is a better actor, but his character and physic look more natural as being this childish, ignorant, violent and self-centered guy. And for Matsu Jun, is quite disappointing coz he has a lot of acting experience and should've achieved a lot better. But still even if he act the part well, I still didn't see him to be fit as Domyouji. As for LMH, yes he is the better actor, however again the script from MG version is stronger and a lot similar to tha HanaDan series thus making Jerry Yan's portrayal unbeatable.

I remember a scene where Inoue kick MatsuJun for the first time and he fell like a girl and I'd go WTF??? Domyouji is not that weak??? DAMN! And that laugh of his is really fake!. I guess he really tried hard to make other people believe how childish he can be... but it's so unnatural to me. Awww spare me please!

You may want to disagree with me, but I just want to share my views on this. Clearly, for those who think otherwise, you may want to watch that kick scene again... To me it's just kills me... and kill domyouji character of coz...

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214 salt

March 10, 2009 at 8:31 PM

1. i love this episode... more JH...YES!!! and JD-JH works for me... i know, i know ..it'll be totally wrong to divert away from manga but don't you guys think it will be interesting? at least JH/ RUI would be happy in one version of the story (although i'm still spazzing and hoping for a miracle (and a cameo) of a long-haired brunette wearing a green beanie playing game of rock paper scissors with JH.....;)

2. do you guys remember that imaginary drawer JP have in his room that contains a rotting half-eaten apple, a few JP-like chocolate/biscuits and a can of coffee? when i saw JP hugging that curly-haired purple cat-like thing, i was half expecting to see the rest of the stuff strewn on the bed around him.. heh heh....

3. some people complaint that this episode is too slow but i kinda like it... allows for some breathing room and side story that is different from the manga. i really was hoping that they will divert away from the manga and make their own version of BBF in the second half of the drama. after all the frantic pace of the first season i was hoping for a new story right now....
but i still wonder why it seems so rushed (the first 12 epi)? japanese HYD only have a total of 20 epi (9 + 10) but the story doesn't seems rushed esp the 1st season.

4. and i HATE the part where makino works as maid in domyouji's house (HYD). i don't see the point then and i don't see the point now (only saw the preview of ep 19). i wonder how are they going to explain that here...

and...uuhh... javabeans... thanks for a great recap.... "apparently he's narcoleptic in this episode"... totally made my day

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215 nonsequitur9

March 10, 2009 at 8:37 PM

Great summary! I saw this episode but read the summary anyway b/c your commentary is always so funny.
An aside: did anyone else notice that several pieces of Jandi's attire in this episode had a small plush pinned to it? or perhaps they were in different episodes as well and I didn't notice until now...secret marketing plan or Jandi fad? either way, I thought they were cute.
I feel like the Woobin story line was just put in there to set up for the breaking of Yijung's hand. Which I don't completely understand since he's just become greatly devalued in my sight. I guess now I'm just supposed to love him for his looks and personality... Or is this setting up a foreshadowing of how he'll be stripped of other qualities that once connected him to his father (an end to his womanizing ways?...but only if the script writers decide to stray from the core plot line of the manga)?
Is the monk's "Make you a family" comment supposed to be just a vague, misleading way of telling Jihoo that Jandi will become the bridge between him and his grandfather? b/c no way is she physically providing him with a family. But I have to say, this episode made me like Jihoo more. He just seems like a better boyfriend than the wishy washy Gunpyo I'm seeing now...

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216

March 10, 2009 at 8:53 PM

The Japanese version had the ugliest F4, but I thought they had the best actors.

I disagree with poster 214, Jun made Hana Yori Dango really fun for me. He might have been shrimpy, weird-looking, and manorexic but he was great entertainment and I thought he was a good actor. He portrayed the violent, and dumb, Domyouji well. He also has great chemistry w/ Mao. The Japanese Version was for laughs, I don't remember the "kick scene", I'm not going to go back and look, I'm sure it was there. Lee Minho is the best looking Domyouji, I really enjoy watching him onscreen (not just because he's hot), he really shines and is definitely a great actor, the best of the f4, and he has the potential to be the best Domyouji, only if they give him great lines and characterization. Well - we all have our opinion, I just thought I'd put a few cents in.

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 4:17 PM

The writers in Japanese TV series maintained the spirit of HYD. The bonds between the friends and the commitment of main leads towards each other were very well done. That is why the cast didn't bother me. The second half of second season when Tsukasa stands upto his mother and Shigeru saying he will make a new Domyouji group with Makino really won my heart.
In this series, the writers are the weak link and actors, the male, are really good. They are suffering because of bad writing

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217 engl

March 10, 2009 at 8:55 PM

yay.. someone that agrees with me! the woobin seen was completely akward.. i was thinking oh no, is this why he doesnt have a girlfriend? he's secretly seeming yi jung.. lol

ok, and seriously, they need to do better editing.. one moment jae kyung was at jandi's place and then suddenly its really bright and jandi is in a library.. i was just like wtf?

but i loveee that personal assistant guy.. much more than other versions where he actually is mean alot of the time... best moment of all time was when junpyo broke down in the macau airport and he hugged him ..awwww..but i have a sneaking suspicion something bad is going to happen to him due to the witch... hmm..

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218 tsukasa, come back!

March 10, 2009 at 9:04 PM

lisa f. just out of curiosity, but have you even seen any of the other versions?

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219 HanaDan

March 10, 2009 at 9:23 PM

214
Right on! I'm so agree with you!

Jerry Yan is the better one followed by LMH. Seriously it really give headache just to think Matsu Jun also acted as Domyouji... I really can't see which part that he's good... All I know that he's not Domyuji... really makes me shiver....

And not just that kick scene, almost all the time he looks constipated... sorry but it's true... >< I like Matsu Jun, but for me his acting in HYD is really makes me want to cry!

217
The F4 Japanese version is the ugliest... that's so true... but they are also the worst... What save them here is because of good and well-budgeted production team, other than that is so useless to even say it out loud.

Why? They even don't have that chemistry with each other... the best F4 would be the taiwanese... the four of them really look like they're friends who grew up together... I like how Xi Men and Mei Zhuo always dwell themselves in Dau Ming Si and San Chai matter, esp the part when Xi Men asked Dau Ming Si to go over San Chai's house to protect her and be a brave rider... Man! That was really funny as hell!!! The reaction from Dau Ming Si was really priceless and I just giggled how Xi Men likes to play with him... It really gives a lot difference vibe from the rest F4...

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220 salt

March 10, 2009 at 9:24 PM

p/s.. @ any fellow joongBoers..

have u guys read the translation of the new BBF ost song by ss501? i forgot the title but i suggest u go and find it somewhere... TOTALLY worth it...

TO THE WORLD!!!!!

*Ssorry if it's inapropriate to post this here. am a hardcore fan of KHJ* ;)

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221 Kimche

March 10, 2009 at 9:30 PM

This is a bit late, but thanks so much for the recap Javabeans! So freakin funny :)

@163: momo, If only you could have warned me sooner! I also watched Hana Yori Dango two weeks ago, and I wish I hadn't, lol. It was like a light bulb moment, like 'oh so this is what it's supposed to be like!'

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222 xpressgirl

March 10, 2009 at 9:48 PM

I just wanted to note that i do also think jun pyo and jaekung do have some sort of chemistry but i think its more out of an understanding with each other....they both grew up extremely rich and all the responsibilites/restriction that come along with it. they are like exactly alike...shes the girl version of him...i think thats why there is some sort of "chemistry" between them...i think they should be best friends!!!

i am still rooting for JAN DI and JUN PYO regardless of whether "they're supposed to be a couple."

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223 tsukasa, come back!

March 10, 2009 at 11:37 PM

if i have to hear how meteor garden is better than hana yori dango one more time, i think i'm gonna cry. that show is laugh-out-loud bad. F4 look like tacky chicks and none of the characters can act. give me a break. yes, this is a manga adaptation so looks do matter. but the MOST important thing is the ability to portray the aura of the character and i'm sorry, the japanese version definitely trumps all other versions.

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224 lily

March 11, 2009 at 12:04 AM

@214 please don't be angry but about Jun/Domyoji when do you see him "weak" ?
And you tell stupid...Read the manga or watch the anime and tell me when you saw Domyoji how did you find him open minded, sharp...?

Well said @ 224

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225 dee

March 11, 2009 at 12:55 AM

hey dramabeans (or anyone actually) do you know the song playing when Eun Jae and Yi Jung were doing the pottery thing? it's IN MY HEAD!! haha and i don't know korean so i can't google the lyrics like i always do. hahaha. thanks a whole bunch!

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226 gumiho23

March 11, 2009 at 3:49 AM

thanks for the review!!!

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227 astoria

March 11, 2009 at 11:02 AM

hi! anyway u can re-upload song of the day? the mediafire link keeps timing out. many thanks in advance!

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228 Jin Ju

March 11, 2009 at 1:27 PM

I just have to ask..
In the scene where Jun Pyo visits Yi Jeong's studio...
Does Jun Pyo call him "hyung" or "Jeong"?
Because I hear Jeong...
It is a stupid question but I just want a confirmation from others.
Also hoping I'm not too old and my hearing is not shot....
hehe ^^;

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229 jihoofighting

March 11, 2009 at 3:43 PM

i'm just as delusional as chiharu
i wish junpyo and jaekyung would just get together
she really does like him and he's deffo compatible w/her
you know the reflection scenes that all dramas have?
where the person remembers all the romance between them?
there would be plenty for jaekyung and junpyo!
and the same for jandi and jihoo!!!
jihoo is like... a bajillion times nicer to her
plus he's not confused about her or anything.
he knows he loves jandi and he knows he can!
however, i think hyunjoong was good for the role of jihoo
if he was a stronger character, jandi would have come over
or would at least notice his feelings more.
plus, if he was stronger, it's harder to see the care
jandi just needs to get her act together, let JP know it's over fsho
and let him go to jaekyung, and then hook up with jihoo
Go Jihoo!

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230 snuffythemonkey

March 11, 2009 at 3:54 PM

@229 Jin Ju

I heard the same thing but I believe it was Jeong because I was always under the impression that Jun-pyo was older. And because I replayed it multiple times.

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231 elmo

March 11, 2009 at 6:42 PM

ah i finished watching
i dont want to sound ungrateful but there was a lot of fast forwarding through these episodes.
some thoughts i want to rant about
whenever someone says something to jan di, why does she go huh then make the person repeat it?! does she have a hearing problem or something =_=; or are they just dragging out the drama..
i really dont think it's plausible to make jan di go to med school, she's not smart, as we can see in may instances, nor can she afford something like that, she should just give up..
also
it was so emotional when jan di saw GJP and JK hugging and then suddenly they're fighting over ramen =_=;;
as a woman, jan di is seriously unattractive, i still dont get why someone like her was casted as jan di.
i basically just rant about jan di everytime i get a chance to, im sorry but aHAFKJDLASKJFD

also
the emo side story of woo bin and yi jung was unncessary and kind of awkward..

but it did look like they were gonna kiss on the roof of the car..lol

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232 IloveBOF

March 11, 2009 at 6:53 PM

Oh please do not make so much fun of the woobin and yijung scene. I actually loved that the BOF writers seem to be delving deeper into the bond among the member of F4. It is just beautiful! It shows the stong honesty and the willingness for the members to be there for each other....they have been friends thick and thin since kindergarten.

Also all F4 members have family issues---they are all affected by the mistakes and decisions of their parents. Actually jandi also is affected by her parents who cannot really take care of their children--Jandi is really the caretaker of her family. But it is also what made them who they are. F4 are beautiful and wealthy but they all have demons in thier own past to deal with and overcome to fully bloom.

Woobin must feel some shame to be the son of a "mafia boss" who has shady dealings--that is his own demon to overcome. I hope Jandi plays a role in helping him as well as she did JP and JH while Gawel is helping Yijung to deal with his own demon of the fear of becoming like his parents---unfortunately he is bringing that onto himself. He is a very self-destructive character.

I applaud the writers of this drama. Although some parts may feel awkward, in general, the writers are just amazing as they link and connect the pieces of various characters together to deepen and make them even more meaningful to us, NO wonder these characters are so addictive and we really love them.

I am so addicted that I cannot stand it but I look forward to the episodes. I would be really sad for it to end soon. I will miss it. I hope I can order the DVD and the OST for the drama. I would not mind watching it again and even talk about it with other friends and even my children about the meaning of friendship, relationship, overcoming demons, etc.

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233 SeriouslyAddicted

March 12, 2009 at 3:42 AM

I am totally addicted to this bad and excellent drama . But I think the way to watch it without driving one crazy is

1. leave brain at door
2. fill in the blank

I did not get how JD could possibly be in love with JP based on their limited interaction until I went and had a peek at the other versions and then I went - OOOOHHHH. Many scenes assume you understand what the heck is happening and the dynamics.

There are SO MANY questions that sane people would ask abt this drama- how can parents leave children to fend for self without checking for them the accommodation , is my main question. Pleaase. how irresponsible of them!

How come they sleep at a drop of a hat?? Can they please think of another way to convey vulnerability/sadness/longing ???

How can JH and JP not address this rift between them? How come there is no rift??

How can MDM KANG's cameras take such close ups of GJD?

How can they skip school so much??

And my main gripe- THESE ARE VERY YOUNG KIDS !! How can Yi jeung be so affected by his love - when the heck did all this happen -when he was 15?

Sigh.....but again. I totally love it.

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234 Javabeans

March 12, 2009 at 7:24 PM

#229,

I believe Woo-bin does call Yi-jung "Jung." (It's not "hyung.")

In Korean, often names will get shortened, where the first syllable of the name gets cut off; it's a mark of affection. For instance, Yi-jung turns into "Jung," but it would be weird to call him "Yi." Woo-bin might get shortened to "Bin" (but not "Woo"). That's why I thought it was a little weird that Jae-kyung (perhaps you'd call her "Kyungi") calls Jun-pyo "Jun" because that's the first part of the name. You will notice that Jan-di's brother Kang-san often gets called "San." You probably wouldn't shorten names like Jan-di or Ga-eul, though; they sound weird.

It just shows that they're good friends.

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235 Sue

March 13, 2009 at 9:27 PM

@maria
"the secretary leaving him the pics of jandi. we all thought we knew the story of BBF, and then *jajang* secretary turns out to be junyo’s dad! …LOL kidding."

LMAO.

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236 StarryNight

March 14, 2009 at 9:17 AM

I tend to agree with #230. JH-JD have a much deeper bond and stronger story line than JP-JD up to this point of the show. I know that the manga dictates a JP-JD ending. But so far, other than JP staking his claim on JD as girlfriend ahead of JH, the JP-JD relationship somehow pales in comparison to what JH-JD have established.

Is JP aware of JD's aspirations to be a doctor, her volunteer work at the clinic, how devastated she was when she found out she couldn't swim anymore, her tendency to nose bleed, her parents' work issues? JH does. And is there to fight fire, give counsel, offer medicine, clean bleeding nose, cheer her on etc. . JP-JD have so few moments together in the past few episodes it's almost hard to recall.

In this instance, JH isn't an obstacle to the JP-JD relationship. Madam Kang isn't. JP's character needs to portray that depth of love for JD, he is ready to go through hell to get her and make her happy.

If JP-JD are to end up together in this series, I think the script writers will have to provide a convincing plot in the next few episodes, because I don't see how JD will have the heart to leave JH, her first love who stands by her so sincerely and unconditionally. Wouldn't she be losing her soulmate if she's with JP? I am assuming the script is still fluid at this point, so I hope JH fights the good fight and wins her heart in the end!

BBF is a very enjoyable and entertaining series, despite the slight inconsistencies and flaws. Keep up the good work, crew!

Temple scene strikes a cord with me, peaceful and calm, a sharp contrast to JD's feelings after JK's words. And JH-JD praying for each other, so sweet it brings a smile to my face :)

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237

March 14, 2009 at 1:27 PM

for some reason, when jandi is around jae kyung and ji hoo she acts like a slow mental patient that always needs to be taken care of by jihoo

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238 gongchan

March 15, 2009 at 8:10 AM

this story very best for me but when want to show recep for 20 until last episode??
i really want to know,,.thnks :-)

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239 etee

March 16, 2009 at 9:53 AM

sorry, probably not relevant to post here...but i still have not started watching BBF! with the latest scandal, i have half a mind to boycott this drama...and just read your recaps. nothing personal but don't really want money in the wrong pockets if all this hullabaloo turns out to be true! ;-(

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240 garcon

March 21, 2009 at 1:22 AM

I go nuts when i hear people liking the show just because the guys/gals are hot.
I think the same thing is happening again with this show. I remember how famous MG was --and basically the most famous question in town at that time was--who is your favorite tw F4? and so i have to give out one, though i didnt know why i have to...maybe just to go on with the trend..

BUT THAT WAS BEFORE.

okay,im looking for entertainment.till now... but i can't find it in this show. If your asking me why i am still watching the show---it's because i want to criticize it for good.

btw,i'll finish it.

i agree with lily
-Now BOF has to be compared with other korean dramas qualitywise.
how shallow, there are better korean dramas than this.....logically, it doesnt really deserve high ratings!!!

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241 c

April 24, 2009 at 4:27 AM

well, im rewatching this drama again...

1. yes, i noticed that Jandi called Jihoo oppa in the library.... heheh... (well, im a jandi-jihoo shipper - hence i only watch jandi and jihoo scenes.. LOL)

2. no one mentioned this i guess, but i like the idea that jandi-jihoo went to the buddhist temple and pray... i was quite surprised to see them pray, coz im under the impression that GHS and KHJ are both christians... but whatever, im for traditions and respecting the traditional Korean culture is what makes Korean dramas unique

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242 nyunyu

May 7, 2009 at 8:21 AM

can any1 tell me the instrumental song played by jihoo to jandi when,,

"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."

didn't know the tittle and so couldn't find the correct song...

please email it to me on
nyu2_hoho@hotmail.com

thx,,

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243 paintedface

May 17, 2009 at 7:08 AM

“They say that even though lotus flowers bloom in mud, they make the world clean and fragrant.”

Well, Ji Hoo didn't really answer "why" lotus flowers bloom in mud. Who knows? I'm curious.

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244 mj

July 6, 2009 at 4:19 AM

i think the scenes are dragging too much. we GET IT ALREADY. ji hoo is nice to her. very nice. so why spend 5 minutes on each and every thing they do together?

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245 nia

July 21, 2009 at 7:32 AM

helo leemin ho???? I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU??????????????????????????????

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246 Bottom

August 29, 2009 at 8:49 AM

I think it's unfair to say that Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung are more suitable for each other and that they will fall for each other if they met first. They seem okay together because of the fact that Jae Kyung has a naturally cute personality and because Jun Pyo is kind and doesnt want to hurt her.

Even if they ARE suitable for each other, AND met first, the unique experiences that Jun Pyo and Jan-di shared will not happen between them. This is because these experiences are only possible with Jan-di and Jan-di alone.

Love does not blossom between any two person thats suitable for each other. I think an important concept in this show is that in your life, there are few people that you will really fall in love with. Maybe only THAT single destined person. Maybe none.

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Sakshi3631

May 22, 2023 at 4:33 PM

Very true. The only reason why JK gets to spend time with JP is because he is worried about his Group and the prospective merger. If it weren't for that, JK would be left standing with a cake or porridge smashed on her face

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247 Lilly

September 16, 2009 at 3:05 AM

Thanks so much!!! ^^ I always read your reviews while I watch the episode, so I'm always like, "Damn you, episode, go faster so I can read the review!!" Thank you so much again for writing all this!

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248 Desiree

November 23, 2009 at 6:23 PM

This one of my most favorite korean dramas next to Your Beautiful But this one is so hilarious and i <3 the off and on thing with Goo Jun Pyo and Jan Die (sorry i dont know how to spell there names propely)
Thanks A Bunch : D

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249 порно фото

December 29, 2009 at 6:44 AM

best best best!!!

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250 Nikki

August 10, 2010 at 9:20 PM

I love LOVE JoonPyo!!!! HE moved into a ugly little rooftop apartment just to be close to JanDi...so many heart bubbles floating around my head :) How can you not still be a JP/JD shipper after that!?!?! Sheesh, sometimes I think JoonPyo just outshines all the girls on this show. He is so cute whether he's sleeping, happy, crying, whatever...

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