City Hall: Episode 11
by samsooki
(written by Samsooki, editing, layout, design and “You Can’t Fight City Hall” by 0timelost, cleown, and mead33)
Episode 11 – “You Had Me At An-Nyung (안녕).”
Jo Gook has come back and found that his hamster that he saved from tomato-throwing goons is being cared for by another. Jung Do again?? Doesn’t this guy already have a wife? (hmm, don’t you already have a fiancée? *ooh, busted by Samsooki*) Predictably, Jo Gook is upset; he petulantly tosses the clothes that he has bought for Mi Rae onto the couch and turns to leave.
Mi Rae stops Jo Gook and without thinking, asks whether she can make changes to the campaign speech in order to gain her desired 15% (whoops!). Jung Do flips out, and Mi Rae tries to salvage the situation but the cows have already left the barn.
Extremely disappointed that Mi Rae has such low expectations and really no intention of trying to win, Jung Do storms out of the hotel room with righteous footsteps. Jung Do should get no kudos for holding himself out with such high priniciples – way to abandon a friend. Mi Rae tries to run after Jung Do, but Jo Gook grabs her and gives her really good advice:
Jo Gook: From now on, listen very carefully to what I say. Your election will not be lost by not having one advisor. After all the pain you’ve experienced, you still don’t know what is going on? Eggs, tomatoes, potatoes, corn…do you need to be hit by everything before you understand what is going on?
It is a harsh lesson, but one that Mi Rae really needs to understand. She has been floating through the mayoral election campaign on her own merits, but those merits may not be enough. Jo Gook is trying to get Mi Rae to understand that she has created enemies and those enemies will not play fair or admire her for her being a good person.
The next morning, Mi Rae stands in front of a gathered crowd to give her first campaign speech. She starts reading from her typewritten pages, but it is a half-hearted effort. Mi Rae’s words lack energy, passion, and conviction. The gathered crowd is clearly not swayed. It is evident to everyone that Mi Rae is struggling to find her words. Mi Rae stops for a moment, and switches gears. She starts talking about her own life as a secretary and comparing politics to coffee.
Jo Gook and Soo In are aghast at the sudden change and try to signal Mi Rae to just stop talking. The crowd is also a little bit surprised, not really understanding what Mi Rae is trying to convey. Where are the campaign promises and the little sound bites that they can cheer for?
Afterwords, Jo Gook is absolutely livid. Nothing he has tried to teach Mi Rae since he met her has apparently made its way past the liberty bell haircut that surrounds and protects Mi Rae’s brain.
Jo Gook: What the heck was that? Who in their right mind would vote for you after listening to that kindergarten speech? What are you planning on doing if you cannot even follow what I tell you to do? Don’t you want to be elected?
Mi Rae: I didn’t do that because I was trying to pull in votes. I did the only things that I am capable of doing.
Jo Gook loses his cool and starts lecturing Mi Rae on the difference between winning and losing a campaign. But if we know anything about Mi Rae, it is that she is not one to be patronized by anyone. Her own anger fueled by Jo Gook’s words, she answers right back.
Mi Rae: You said to me that not having an advisor will not cause a campaign to fail, right? Well, you are fired! I said I am firing you!
There is a fundamental disconnect here between Mi Rae and Jo Gook, and something that neither can understand about the other. Jo Gook cannot understand why Mi Rae cannot do what is necessary to win elections, and Mi Rae cannot understand why Jo Gook doesn’t understand why she cannot. Mi Rae has now lost both Jo Gook and Jung Do. She is alone in a campaign she doesn’t have the experience nor the brains to win, and one she did not even want to participate in the first place.
Meanwhile, Jung Do is moping around at home, making traitor kim-bap for Joo Hwa’s dad’s campaign. Correctly surmising that her husband has quit Mi Rae’s campaign, Joo Hwa excitedly talks about about the colossal strategic error that Mi Rae made in her speech that day.
Jung Do realizes that Mi Rae has stuck to her own principles! Jung Do flips sides again like a burger on a grill, abandons his traitor kim-bap and rushes out to rejoin Mi Rae, leaving his wife confused and disappointed at home, alone again. (I am really not happy with Jung Do right now. What gives him the right to quit whenever he feels like it, switches sides, and then switches sides again?)
Although Jung Do has now rejoined the campaign, Mi Rae is still feeling lost, and Jung Do senses it. The campaign needs Jo Gook, and Mi Rae seems to need him too. Jung Do urges Mi Rae to bring him back, and Mi Rae calls Soo In to locate his boss. Jo Gook is at the horse racing track.
Soo In: You can go in and see him. At least he won’t hit you. But if he does, just scream really loudly. Then I will rush in…. and take the punch for you.
Soo In is such a cutie, and right now if I were Mi Rae, and if I had a choice between Jo Gook, Soo In, and Jung Do, I might choose Soo In. Mi Rae walks over to Jo Gook, who does not greet her.
Undeterred by Jo Gook’s aloof attitude, Mi Rae makes her plea to Jo Gook to have him return. He is not in the mood for listening, but Mi Rae says the magic words which starts to melt him like a tall, well dressed stick of butter on a hot summer day.
Mi Rae: I want you to be by my side.
Mi Rae explains that she was scared and so that’s why she acted the way she did. An incredulous Jo Gook asks, who was the courageous person who withstood the gang throwing eggs at her, and who was the unabashed person who persistently pursued him and who flashed her body in a swimsuit to get what she wanted?
Mi Rae: It is because I can’t see the dream! Give me a dream that I can have rather than empty campaign pledges, give me a realistic dream that I can accomplish over the remaining two years of the mayoral term.
Jo Gook: Are you just going to live for the next two years?! Can’t you believe that you will have four years after the next two, and then another four years after that? You should think bigger, look further, have grander dreams. Can’t you do that?
You cannot help but blink away a few tears here, as Mi Rae starts to see beyond herself. She is growing right before our eyes. Jo Gook tells Mi Rae to leave first, but Mi Rae wants to go together. But Jo Gook cannot leave just yet, he has bet on a horse, and his horse has just come in first. Which horse did he bet on? Mi Rae wants to know.
Of course, Jo Gook bet on the #5 horse! Mi Rae’s face shines with understanding, and Jo Gook is totally forgiven for walking out.
With that, the team is back together, and not a moment too soon, as the political race starts getting ugly, with most of it directed towards Mi Rae. Mi Rae is shocked and dismayed by the sheer awfulness of slander being told about her by the other mayoral candidates. Again, she wants to back out.
Jo Gook tried to snap her out of it. Mi Rae is again fading into the woodwork and Jo Gook needs to bring back her fire that is being quenched by all the mud-slinging.
Jo Gook: Even if all of the citizens start to curse you and belittle you, if there is just one person who supports you, then you have to fight to the very end, because you will be that single person’s candidate! Because that person has put his hopes on you!
It is the exact thing that Mi Rae needs – a reason to fight, and not just for herself. Jo Gook knows that Mi Rae might lose hope and her fire if she doesn’t see the reason to battle against the lies and the slander. Where would Mi Rae be at this moment, without someone like Jo Gook? Jo Gook is her wisdom, her intelligence, and her strength right now.
And while Mi Rae is touched and strengthened by Jo Gook’s flowery rhetoric, the pragmatic part of Mi Rae forces her to ask another important question. This is the same pragmatic part of Mi Rae who made her ask Jo Gook the tough question of how he felt about her back during the camping trip.
Mi Rae: The reason you are pushing me… the reason I cannot just stop… the reason I must fight to the very end… All of this is not because you are trying to pave the way for your next step, isn’t that right? I want to believe that all of this is not just for that reason.
Mi Rae does not turn around to face Jo Gook as she says this, and may be it is a good thing that she doesn’t. Jo Gook’s face reveals very mixed emotions about what Mi Rae just said.
Putting his mixed emotions aside, Jo Gook makes arrangements to meet with Professor Ahn Ji Sung, Candidate #2. He has the counter-attack that Mi Rae needs to keep her campaign afloat.
At the meeting, slick Jo Gook “convinces” Candidate Ahn to withdraw from the race and throw his support behind Mi Rae. Persuasion here happens to be the knowledge that Candidate Ahn plagiarized another’s academic work and then took government research grants for it. Revelation of that secret would put the erstwhile professor in serious jeopardy of prison and most certainly would disgrace him for the rest of his life. Candidate Ahn resigns from the campaign and apologizes to Mi Rae in his prepared speech.
That leaves just two other candidates: Joo Hwa’s dad, as the Victory Party’s candidate, and the other candidate guy. It is time for the first and only televised debate between the three remaining candidates.
The two male candidates spar over meaningless slogans and clearly haven’t prepared beyond attacking Mi Rae on her marital status, lack of education and wealth. Mi Rae responds by showing that how her her life experience has made her the kind of person who actually understands the problems that the people of Inju City face. Mi Rae then opens up about her own love life, and reveals how men in her life have always ended up abandoning her. But why does politics have to be like a person’s love life? If she is elected Mayor, Mi Rae announces that she will not treat others like she has been treated. She will never abandon her people. It is a fantastic speech, and one that resonates in everyone. Even Jo Gook is impressed.
Mi Rae gets a standing ovation for her closing remarks, and a sea of change can be felt, not just by her supporters but by everyone in the room.
As the candidates are leaving the TV station, Candidates #1 and #3 bicker bitterly over their slogans and stealing each other’s empty promises. Each blames the other for his poor showing during the debate. Reporters’ cameras snap away as the two candidates start pushing and shoving each other.
As they pass by the melee, Mi Rae triumphantly holds out her hands high in the air, and Jung Do and Jo Gook give her high fives. The Shin Mi Rae campaign is officially on a roll!
(Audience participation! High-fives all around! Whoever is next to you, high-five that person!)
Election day has finally arrived, and the polls are open. It looks like a good turnout for voting, as some familiar faces turn up to cast their ballots.
At the first and second pollings of the night, the count looks like it is heading towards the Victory Party, and the Victory Party’s supporters celebrate early. Things are looking bad for Mi Rae’s supporters.
But at the third polling of the night, the poorer central districts and the farming districts are reporting in and Mi Rae’s votes are sky-rocketing! Joo Hwa’s dad’s lead over Mi Rae is now down from over 9 thousand votes to less than 3 thousand!
As the last remaining votes are being counted, Mi Rae has finally overtaken Joo Hwa’s dad by less than 200 votes!
Finally, it is over!! Shin Mi Rae has won the election! Mi Rae cannot believe what has happened.
It is time for some celebration!! Way to go, girl, you deserve it!!!
After so many ups and downs, it is time for a little breather and for a little fun in the sun!
To give her a little time away from the pressure of being in Inju City and to give her a little romantic surprise, Jo Gook takes Mi Rae on his boat for a spin around the Inju City’s harbor. (Omo!! Jo Gook has a boat?? That looks like at least a 35 foot boat! Didn’t I say that I liked Jo Gook the best?! Boo Mi who???)
Mi Rae deserves every moment of happiness, and kudos to Jo Gook for taking her out on this seriously awesome piece of hardware. Is there a toy that Jo Gook does not have? A nice house with a yard and a picket fence. An assistant who drives him around in a bad-ass sports car AND a 35-foot boat?
That is one seriously awesome boat. The boat’s name is Taga, which could be romanized English for 다가, or “Go All The Way.”
“Come on baby!” Mi Rae coyly motions for Jo Gook to join her at the boat front to reenact the famous Titanic scene. A purposeful Jo Gook strides towards Mi Rae. He picks her up in one swoop and pretends to throw her off the boat. Mi Rae is not afraid. Even if she were to fall off the boat, Jo Gook would rescue her.
Jo Gook: You… trust me?
Mi Rae: Is okay for me to trust you?
It looks like it is about time for some conversation that has been a long time in the coming. Jo Gook understands the question and all its implications. Jo Gook turns serious.
Jo Gook responds that he would like to be a member of the National Assembly, and like all Assembly members, he has but one dream – to become Korea’s President. And to do that, he will likely have to step on and hurt a lot of people.
Jo Gook: It is likely that the people who are closest to me will be the ones who will be hurt the most. And so… (takes out a crystal-encrusted baendaengi brooch)
Mi Rae: (looking on cautiously)
Jo Gook (as he pins the brooch on Mi Rae): …you need to protect yourself from me. You. Your trust. Your citizens. You must protect everyone as Mayor. I am telling you this honestly, just for today.
It is a bittersweet moment. Mi Rae watches as Jo Gook’s eyes say one thing and something else completely different comes out of Jo Gook’s mouth. Should she trust his words or his eyes?
The following day, it is the day of Mi Rae’s inauguration.
At the auditorium where Mi Rae is about to give her oath, every important person in Inju City has shown up to bear witness to history. They rise to their feet in sincere applause and cheer for the new Mayor. It is a moment for everyone to savor. Mi Rae swears to defend her people and to keep her responsibilities as Mayor.
And with that, Mi Rae addresses her citizens.
Mayor Shin: Greetings to everyone. I am everyone’s mayor, Shin Mi Rae.
The audience rises to their feet in applause. But Jo Gook is not clapping. As far as Mi Rae has come, and as many challenges and obstacles that she has beaten, Jo Gook knows that this is really only the beginning. Far greater challenges and far stronger opponents are coming to Inju City. Jo Gook’s face betrays none of the happiness for the one he loves, only the worry and concern for a person who has absolutely no clue for what is coming down the road. And coming soon.
Comments –
What a totally amazing journey this has been so far, and this is a journey that has only just begun. There is so much going on in these episodes now, and every single scene has meaning, going forward and going backward in time.
And I love how Mi Rae is changing, growing wiser and stronger. Mi Rae begins to realize in this episode that even with her own strength and courage, she cannot win every battle by herself. Some fights require more than one kind of strategy and more than one kind of strength. Jo Gook is the opposite of Mi Rae in so many ways, but that doesn’t mean that it is a bad thing. And when Mi Rae realizes that, she is realizing that she can benefit from the things that Jo Gook has been trying to teach her.
Every step taken so far as been a struggle for Mi Rae, and each victory she has won so far has pushed her ever higher, making her previous steps seem small in comparison to the struggles she must face that lie ahead. And while we can sense that big questions and conflicts lie just over the horizon, maybe just for today, for this episode, I feel content just to cheer Mi Rae on and to be happy. Come to think of it, given the emotional roller coaster we have all been on, I think everyone should just take a break and be happy, even if it is just for a little while.
The dialogue to watch for in this Episode: Jo Gook’s urging Mi Rae on, at the Race Track
This is the turning point in the episode, when Mi Rae realizes that Jo Gook isn’t the problem- Mi Rae’s own fears and inability to think beyond herself have been holding her back. Mi Rae evolves right before our eyes, from a simple country girl limited in her abilities to a dreamer to whom everything is now possible. There is no battle that cannot be won for Mi Rae, so long as she can dream big enough. And when Jo Gook’s #5 horse wins the race, not only is Mi Rae encouraged, but the pieces of her heart that had been frayed at the edges are suddenly being mended together again. It is like Jo Gook is saying, “I never lost faith in you.”
The only thing missing from this Race Track scene was Jo Gook saying, “You had me at hello.” Or, since they are in Korea, “You had me at 안녕 (an-nyung)!”
On To Episode 12!
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Tags: Cha Seung-won, City Hall, Kim Sun-ah
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51 Janie
August 9, 2009 at 6:22 PM
oh Great... another awesome and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious recap and reponds by all :o)
This recap is extra-special 'cos I have encountered a few things mentioned in this recap... so thought I share :)
talking about the expensive toy JG had the yatch, recently I was on a camping and crabbing trip and at a jetty, I striked a conversation with a musician who happened to own a yatch and docked at the jetty... we got invited to his baby and it was amazing, the inside is just like an RV setting so comfy and the guy told us that he had been living in the yatch for 12 years; now that he has bought a house of his own, he would sail his yatch and visit different islands sometimes to play music at a pub and makes some new yatch friends or town folks who often let him dock his yatch at their harbor for free...
*the liberty bell haircut* lol - it's so alike ;p... I had seen the historical/real liberty bell years ago when I visited Philadelphia :) today I was at this Costco in the stage, guess what the first thing I noticed as I browse along the aisle... the Liberty Bell postage stamps... now what I "really" saw is not the image of LB but
Shin Min-rae face all over the stack of postage ;p
http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2007/sr07_011.jpg
Last but not the least, thanks for mentioning the ocean and water images... so poetically and majestically described and guess what... I am vacationing at this place along this coastal area where the pamplet boasts its mile after mile of dazzling, empty beaches punctuated by stretches of rockly outcroppings and spectacular headlands with recreational opportunities abound!!!
~~~
oh ya, thanks to Bon squad for finally finishing subbing CH :)
Thanks Mrs.Samsooki for dropping by and saying hello to us in the previous entry, what a pleasant surprise!!!
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52 Sonam
August 9, 2009 at 6:43 PM
@ockoala
Very good insight into his childhood and father not only abandoning him but hasn't really acknowledged him as his son, right? You can see it in those sad hurt eyes how traumatized he was as child and still is.
But could the writer have JG show his jealousy in a more subtle way? JG is always so smooth and chilled out so it I get taken aback when he behaves like that. Also he had MR at hello instead of the other way around so I can't understand why he is so insecure. It's not like he has serious competition in Inju. Hyun Bin turned out to be a mousy guy. I was expecting the real HB.
@kimmy
I don't have a problem with CSA wearing skinny pants and trendy clothes but I have problem with JG wearing them because it seems so out of character. Just imagine Barack Obama in skinny tight pants.
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53 Kimmy
August 9, 2009 at 7:16 PM
@Sonam
Good point ;), but I don't see Jo Guk as the average politician, in fact, he tries to be the standard political man (manipulative, coldhearted, ...) ...but he fails...it's totally out of his real character, his real being, the one "he is" when Mi Rae is around.
So if he is not a typical politician, it seems possible for him to be out of character..to be different... trendy...stylish...raaadiant with charisma ^^ ... childish in ocassions, passionate beyond reason.... And that's exactly what makes him a success.
And Barack Obama in skinny pants mmmmmhhhh??? (mental picture) ...it could be good :)
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54 epyc
August 10, 2009 at 5:54 AM
On JG's jealous behaviour, I tend to think it is more about his possessiveness and it has been very consistent throughout the drama. He is the kind of person who owns up his territory and possession seriously. In his universe, there are things that are his and his only. The 'his' things include Soo In. And it hurts big time when finding out SI is spying on him for BB. His reaction to this 'betrayal' is really bad - and extremely childish. One would think he could be more professional in his dealing with SI after the discovery but he acts like a guy being jilted, just nagging and taking every turn to belittle SI.
It is much worse with MR. From very early on, he earmarked her as 'my' person for initially political maneuver and after his falling for MR, he is taking this 'mine' possessiveness to a new height! We will see more of this in the episodes to come.
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55 sonam
August 10, 2009 at 9:44 AM
@kimmy
I don't know.......Much as I supported Barack I think he would look like a pimp in skinny pants and trendy clothes.
Hmmmmm..... we are not sure what JG is up to getting MR to run for mayor. Maybe he's pimping her.
Enjoying the discussion here. I didn't mean to nit pick. I just think CSA and KSA are great and I don't want the director and writer getting them to do silly predictable stuff.
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56 sonam
August 10, 2009 at 9:55 AM
@epc
I found his reaction after he finds out about SI very touching. He took it so emotionally. He was acting like a jilted lover. First time seeing his vulnerability underneath all that slickness. JG is so complex or CSA plays it complex so when JG resorts to doing silly predictable cliched infantile stuff I get irritated.
Maybe CSA is doing such a fantastic job so I am seeing more into JG than it's intended. . I should just look at JG as the typical Kdrama male character.
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57 ockoala
August 10, 2009 at 10:20 AM
@56 sonam
City Hall excels at the creation of parallels that are quite subtle and scattered throughout the show that it takes multiple viewing to fully appreciate the genius of the script and directing. It's hard comment on the full CH experiece in this comment section of epi 11 recaps as, while I have seen all of CH, some have not, and while being mindful of spoilers, perhaps I can share my interpretation on JG's periodic shifts into "silly predictable cliched infantile stuff ."
Oh, and I must confess that I personally love his jealous, possessive streak and penchant for childish displays at times around MR. It makes his character richer, less one-dimensional (i.e. the super-smart, rich, taciturn, powerful k-drama hero-type).
Jo Gook is the mirror character to Shin Mi Rae (this had been mentioned in previous comments section by other(s)).
SMR is this outwardly childish 36 yr old woman, prone to cutesy antics, seemingly adrift in a professional goal of being good at making coffee, her kindness is enjoyed by all around her but she gets no admiration from her colleagues, and she lacks a focus - but inside, she has a heart as large as Inju, with a courage in the face of hard hard decisions, and a determination to stick to her guns whatever it takes to achieve her goal.
Jo Gook is this outwardly urbane, sophisticated, highly educated political prodigy, able to succeed at anything, admired by all but always aloof and stand-offish, with a precision focus on the Blue House - but inside, he's this lost little boy who is always afraid he'll be rejected and desperately seeking to belong, whose heart has no focus (who and what does JG love? Power? Prestige? Acceptance? A family of his own?). JG is as lost and MR is centered in the beginning of CH.
Hiding deep inside of JG is the child demeanor that SMR wears on the outside for all to see. And when they spark, they bring out both the child in each other (look at how much fun they have goofing around - it's really adorable - espcially since JG is also so aloof with Go Hae - he's a big kid inside, and he can only show it to MR), and they also bring out the best in each other in terms of finding, achieving and sustaining their lifetime goals. JG teachs MR about commitment, MR teaches JG about heart! MR's heart is to help the citizens of Inju, pre-JG is was on a small scale, post-JG it's on a mayoral scale. And JG - well, his goal is still not yet clear, but I see how much MR has affected JG's very thought process up until now. What does JG's heart tell him? I hope he listens.
So, JG's childish tics around MR, and MR's earlier episode little girl antics, serve as a juxtaposition of their characters, and provides an even clearer understanding for us viewers as to why and how these 2 could be falling for each other.
Just my 2 cents. Love, love, City Hall, and all your fellow Hallers for sharing so many fun insights and comments!
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58 nycgrl
August 10, 2009 at 10:51 AM
I haven't posted in a bit due to being busy in personal and work life. I love these recaps since it helps remember scenes when talking to my sisters who just got into CH. My two sisters decided to start after my rave review and now are totally addicted.
I think this may be the episode when I really start liking mirae as a character. Not only does she show grit which we expected but she also shows humility, maturity and fearlessness (how scary is it to be responsible for all those citizens and stand up to JG). I also think KSA shines showing a woman who is strong. I just couldn't stand the country bumpkin, cutesy, physical gag woman caricature in the early episodes. I know it is to show character growth but somehow I wasn't overly drawn in. Also I know I'm going to sound shallow but I like woman who not only are intelligent but also look and sound intelligent.
I'm not surprised about the comments regarding JG's fashion. I would have thought he would be a little more conservative being a politician as well. When I first saw him in episode 1 I thought he looked like an overgroomed latin lover. CSW himself can get away with any look but for the character I thought the stylist went a little overboard with the look, haircut and his eye brow. My sister who just started watching made the same comment recently but I realized this was something I just overlooked as I fell in love with JG and the series.
BTW I've always thought Mirae's hairstyle looks like the female manager in dilbert comic but I totally laughed about the liberty bell comment.
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59 Sonam
August 10, 2009 at 11:13 AM
@nycgrl
Me too. This is the episode when I started liking MR.
I didn't like cutesy when twenty something who looked like a teenager GHS did it as Jandi in BOF.
I absolutely hate it when thirty something actress does it. I love KSA and I don't like the indignity of seeing her or any woman for that matter made to act so retarded. It's depressing to see thirty something women acting cutesy.
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60 fishbud
August 10, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Samsooki...I'm so glad to see you give awesome analysis to my beloved race track scene. I won't try to get ahead of myself, and stick to the discussion of only Episode 11 this time, I promise ;)
I absolutely love all the political stuffs that went on in this episode. I think as much as MR is "changing, growing wiser and stronger," I still think she's a little wet behind the ears in playing the political game. She's obviously still very much naive and idealistic in her view of how the world should be and how politics should be play. Though she suspected that JG has some ulterior motive behind wanting her to win the election, she still doesn't quite see through all the behind-the-scene deal that JG been negotiating to secure her the election (or maybe she just consciously chooses to ignore it by willing to put her trust and faith into JG). Seeing her in this episode sort of remind me of the political drama classic like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" or "Dave." It really make you want to root for the good guy [or girl, in this case] to win over all the bad guys and bad stuffs that went on in the political arena just to prove the point that it's okay to play it by the book. And in the end, the good does beat out the bad.
I really love how well and realistically the writer showed both the good as well as the nasty sides of politics in this episode. Can there really be such a thing as "clean" politics? MR truly believes so, and conducts herself righteously. JG, on the other hand, knows that playing absolutely "clean" and "fair" game in politics will only get you so far. I think JG said it best that when it comes to politics, you need more than just the brain (the idea and the desire), you need connections (financial, business, social, etc). Being that he's driven by the "result" rather than the "process," playing the treacherous sideline game of politics comes naturally for him. After all, he did learn how to play political game from the best of them (BB).
In all, I think this is a really good episode which shows the strong contrast in political views and conducts between characters (MR vs. JG and even JungDo vs. JuHwa). It is interesting though that despite being opposite, these couples were able to compromise certain part of their beliefs and still bring out the best in each other, particularly clear to see in our lead couples...MR & JG :)
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61 shin mi rae
August 11, 2009 at 7:59 AM
@kimmy
i think JG wore skinny pants and fashionable clothes because as a politician, that was his gimmick. he was young, hip and dynamic - so unlike a the average traditional politician. this is how he differentiates himself from the other politician (more like product branding) the word "cool" is even highlighted on his posters. come to think of it, his style reminds me of senator francis "chiz" escudero of the philippines. he was a young congressman when he gained popularity as spokesperson of a political party. he was very acticulate and passionate when he talks to the public. so very JG. during his senatorial campaign, he wore very hip jeans and sports shirts on his posters, none of the traditional barongs and suits. and it worked. now, after his first term in the senate, his name is on top of many surveys for the 2010 presidential election. omo... JG is really like chiz! (but JG is a lot hotter!)
@48 sonam
i also dont mind the cutesy jealousy from JG. i think it is all new to him considering he had never been in love before. as a politician, he always have his emotions in check. but remember that this love feeling is new to him. maybe his jealous reactions have already come out of him even before he can stop himself.
lastly, i dont mind the cutesy jealousy because it adds spice to the show. one of the things that made it (and still makes it) interesting and fun.
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62 No. 5
August 11, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Great episode! love the evolving plot and characters. The deepening feelings that is not spoken but shown so clearly between JG and MR paring with the onion-peeling multi layered story line. The best KDrama!!
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63 Janie
August 13, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Hi Samsookie,
Glad to see you and others invaded Thundie's witty-filled awesome blog ;p
hehee, wondering if she is enjoying some of the rotten tomatoes and eggs throwing at her ;p
~~
oh professor... as an ESL student, I was able to construct a sentence out of the name of that FLASHING Plexi-Glassed toy of JG^ ^
Here's what I posted at thundie's blog a few days ago and hope it makes sense ^ ^...
Hi thundie...hehee.. despite what your friends said about CH, you managed to “taga” to finish watching CH...
*”Taga” according to Samsooki is the name of the flashy yatch that your new-found-hottie owns. Taga which could be romanized English means “Go All The Way.” (source:CH recap epi 11 @drambeans)
Meanwhile... Epi 12 Fighting!!!
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64 jastinel
August 14, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Thanks Samsooki team for all the effort!
I had so much fun reading you`re recap.
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65 Sally Fields
August 24, 2009 at 3:01 AM
Dear Samsooki,
I really wonder why you stopped at Chapter 11, I've been looking forward to your suceeding recaps. I have been browing every now and down hoping to find the next chapters. I hope you will still find time to continue doing your recaps of this series coz I really love it. Take care and more power...
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66 crystal
August 27, 2009 at 4:23 AM
:( I'm waiting for the next episode's recaps too.........
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67 srk
August 31, 2009 at 8:49 PM
I am waiting for next episode's recaps, plesee don't stop at episode 11
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68 Flossie
September 3, 2009 at 7:31 AM
Yes, why stop at episode 11? Any particular reason for abandoning City Hall?
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69 Samsooki
September 3, 2009 at 7:33 AM
My sincere apologies!
We aren't stopping! We will be restarting again, and shortly we will hopefully be on track again. I have been really busy and haven't been able to get back to drafting in a few weeks. But we have not abandoned this project.
Thank you so much for checking back in. I promise we will be coming out with new recaps, and we will finish this drama with recaps that are worthy of the fantastic episodes to come!
=)
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70 Flossie
September 4, 2009 at 12:29 AM
Thanks. Really looking forward to your superb recaps and comments. I think City Hall is one of the best K dramas in recent years, although I don't like the first few episodes. It has depth and the acting of both CSW and KSA is excellent, there is very good chemistry between them.
Thanks again for your good work, despite your heavy schedule.
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71 liion
September 4, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been checking back many times like all the city hallers here for the continuation. :) Looking forward to ep.12, yay!
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72 Molly
September 24, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Glad to hear that City Hall is just on hold! Can't wait for you to return. Thanks, Samsooki!
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73 bleuzelle
October 5, 2009 at 7:18 PM
was hesitant at first to watch this drama because I dont find the lead hero handsome..but episode by episode he's growing handsomer infront of my eyes! I'm falling in love with Jo Gook... and reading ur review I'm falling deeper!
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74 srk
October 12, 2009 at 10:20 PM
looking forward next episode
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75 Rita
October 16, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Hi Samsooki - a big, big thank you for all the work you do in this website! I start each day going thru Dramabeans and I have learned a lot of good stuff from you just by reading this website. I also wish to thank those who contribute their posts as I keep on adding movies or series that I intend to watch .( I wish I can exchange emails with all of them and be a friend to everyone) I am new to korean stuff but blessed to be living in a neighborhood where I can rent korean dvd's if not glued to my computer surfing the internet. I am part of the probably millions of fans of KSA and CSW who can't wait to read your recap of City Hall from episode 12 to the end. You have such depth in your writings and quite honestly, all your recaps, I find exact acceptance and analysis by myself as well! After "discovering" dramabeans, I am now quite familiar with the names of those who makes a post and find enjoyment reading their comments and their exchange of ideas as well. I must say that I find most everyone intelligent writers.
Once again Samsooki, thank you. Like me, I am sure that all your followers find reading your website a good source of joy and happiness and a good "rest" from the stress and hum-drum of everyday living!
To you - more power, more blessings and good health to you and your family always!
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76 samsooki
October 29, 2009 at 8:52 AM
благодарите Вас!
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77 jangerr
November 11, 2009 at 11:30 PM
This is my 'virgin' post in this site. It was mentioned by fellow city hallers at another site, koreandrama.org. But boy, am I glad I decided to come and take a look! I'm totally swept away!
The first few times I came in, I was completely speechless! Literally!!! All I could do was just read & read - not just the awesome recaps by Samsooki but also the comments by everyone... The depth and breadth of the discussions are indicative of the cerebral level of the drama and the viewers that it attracts...
Thank you so very much, Samsooki and team, for taking us on this amazing journey again... Your delightful yet insightful recaps has certainly brought our enjoyment of this drama to another level. Please continue on the recaps of the remaining episodes...
Also, is it okay if I quote you and share some of your amazing recaps and remarks on another site which I frequent, i.e. koreandrama.org?
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78 honey
November 20, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Hi Dramabeans.....^_~
Thanks for the recap of city hall. i'm really enjoy this movie,my mom still crying eventhough until three times i watched it. but why you not continue yor recap till it finish?
but over all i would say thanks for give me information about kdrama...
now i'm a kdrama holic. when my free time,i sped it for watch all about kdrama.
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79 all4movies
November 28, 2009 at 7:35 PM
Samsooki and team,
I have since gotten a hold of my own dvd set and have watched it 3 times so far.
I love your sensibility and humour and look forward to more recaps.
Be well.
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80 Bengal
March 9, 2010 at 12:25 AM
So whose clothes did MR wear??? THAT is really what I want to know. :)
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81 Lovers
February 3, 2011 at 2:29 AM
I like the high-five scene between Mi-rae, Jo Gook, and Jung-do. cool.!
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82 sara
September 15, 2012 at 8:43 PM
Hi, thanks for the photos nice, I am Iranian but much like cha seung won and Kim Seon-ah. They play a very very nice role.Tears and their smiles are beautiful
I really enjoyed watching this drama
Actor Cha Seung Won is the most attractive...
Thanks for your efforts!
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83 Gasenadi
August 29, 2014 at 1:22 PM
YEARS later and probably left unread but I just have to.
First, Samsooki and javabeans, a thousand thanks for recapping CH. This is NOT my first watch, it's probably the fourth or fifth, but something about JG's character kept "bugging" me and I've been swept away on the most painstaking and super-slow marathon of my kdrama addiction. Thanks to you and the insightful commentators, things are starting to fall into place. Gracias fishbowl, kimmy, ockoala, epyc and so many more. You have all helped me understand JG better.
Writer-nim and PD-nim have outdone themselves in CH (and I HAVE seen other dramas they've worked on together). For some reason, the conversations about "the empty pledges/promises" brought to MY mind, at least, the empty jacket. Like when JD says some people are attracted to empty, elegant promises - MR's face changes ever so slightly. MR's crystal clear about not wanting to make empty promises politically, but she still holds on to the promise of that empty jacket hanging in her bedroom and in her heart. JD, unwittingly, reminds her.
Again, when she says she can't visualize the dream, that she doesn't want to make empty promises in lieu of that dream. "Give me something I CAN visualize and achieve in two years". And JG urges her to dream BIGGER dreams. "Can't that empty promise become Mayor SMR's dream for the next 10 years?"
Underlying the whole political message is the personal one. Just like the initial request to run for Mayor was an "excuse" to go on a trip with her. So, when he tells her to change the "empty promise" into her dream, there's that hidden, personal message, too. Spoken by precisely the one who's seen her dancing with the empty jacket, dreaming. Despite how farfetched those dreams might seem in both arenas - political and personal - he invites her to make her dreams a reality, anyway.
Again, later at the end of the TV debate, the personal and the political are associated: "I didn't understand that love - like politics - involves pushing and grabbing [give and take]..... I'll never desert you."
Again, at the boat: "Do you trust me?" "Can I trust you?" "You need to protect yourself (as he pins the baendaengi brooch like some good luck charm) from me."
Finally, Samsooki's analysis of the concept "jung" was an absolute delight! That was soooo much fun and pivotal to a deeper understanding of MR's awesome-ness.
Mil gracias, desde Puerto Rico.
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