You're Beautiful: Episode 16 (Final) » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

497 November 26, 2009January 24, 2016

You’re Beautiful: Episode 16 (Final)

by javabeans

Well, here we are: the final episode.

I liked it quite a lot, and thought it tied up our ends nicely. I enjoyed the way the main conflict was resolved, and while it wasn’t perfect, I like its balance between hitting that dramatic climax and reminding us of its sense of fun.

SONG OF THE DAY

Wheesung – “사랑해” (I Love You) [ Download ]

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EPISODE 16 RECAP (FINAL)

Mi-nyeo stops to look at some stars on display in a storefront, and turns just as Tae-kyung spots her through the crowd. The music stops and the world goes silent as the two stare at each other… until Mi-nyeo breaks the moment by bowing in greeting.

Tae-kyung tries to find his way out of the crowd, but when he looks over at Mi-nyeo, she’s gone. The background song (“Without Words”) echoes his sentiments as he asks, “She went without a word? She just bows in greeting and leaves?”

He returns to the agency, feeling dissatisfied. When he encounters Sung-chan with the stylist, he asks to see Mi-nam, who is supposedly out with Hoon-yi.

He’s not actually with Hoon-yi, however, as the latter runs into Mi-nyeo in the street and the two stop to chat. Mi-nyeo hears that her brother is currently making an appearance in Jinju, and asks if it would be possible to meet him before she leaves. She’s headed to Africa to join a nun acquaintance in charity work. It turns out she’s leaving on the day of Mi-nam’s first concert.

Tentatively, Hoon-yi asks if she’s going to leave without seeing the others. Mi-nyeo answers that she’s always watching them from afar, and has been keeping up with all their news. Hoon-yi asks if something happened between her and Tae-kyung, because Tae-kyung never asks about her, nor does he talk to Mi-nam.

Prompted by Tae-kyung’s questioning, Sung-chan wonders where Mi-nam is; he was supposed to have returned from an event with Tae-kyung. Nervously, the stylist calls Hoon-yi to tip him off, and warns that Sung-chan can’t find out that Hoon-yi sent him to Jinju without his knowledge.

A colleague mentions seeing Mi-nam in Jinju, so Sung-chan looks at the stylist suspiciously. They’re not doing stuff behind his back, are they? He wants to see Mi-nam in 30 minutes.

In a panic, Hoon-yi wonders how to handle this, then looks to Mi-nyeo with pleading eyes. In a familiar gesture, he gets on his knees to beg her (as he did in Episode 1) to become Mi-nam for one last time. Just for a short while, to prove to Sung-chan that he’s still in Seoul.

Mi-nyeo vehemently says no — she’ll be discovered right away. In desperation, Hoon-yi reveals the reason he needed to send Mi-nam to Jinju in the first place. He’s about to become a father, and Mi-nam is helping him save up extra cash by doing side gigs in order to prepare the baby’s essentials. The mother… is stylist Wang! Things happened on the trip to Japan, and now she’s pregnant…

HAHAHA. Mi-nyeo is no match for such a pathetic story, so she reluctantly agrees.

Still mulling over their encounter in the street, Tae-kyung tries to understand why Mi-nyeo disappeared:

Tae-kyung: “She may have not seen me. No, she bowed in greeting, so there’s no way she didn’t see me. She saw me and just ignored me. Pig-Rabbit, why on earth did you do that?”

This segues into another fantasy sequence. In the first scenario, Mi-nyeo is dressed in her habit and decides to become a nun. So did she disappear because she has decided to take her vows? But no, she definitely gave that up, and it’s not a path someone could return to easily.

Then, did she decide to become a pharmacist’s wife? No, he recalls that Dong-joon is still in the army and was going to seek her out after he had been discharged.

Then did she decided to join the fan ranks instead, content to be a spectator cheering him on and writing him fan letters? But no, he mutters, “If she’s a fan, she should have at least come to me to ask for my autograph. Is she no longer a fan at all? Have I been dumped entirely?”

Mi-nyeo uncomfortably dons Mi-nam’s clothes to be presented to Sung-chan. This allays Sung-chan’s suspicions, and he apologizes for doubting Hoon-yi.

Hilariously, when the stylist starts to energetically hit Hoon-yi for the close call, Mi-nyeo cautions her to be careful for the baby’s sake. The stylist wonders, “Huh?” Hoon-yi hurriedly brushes this aside, tipping us off that he invented the story to appeal to Mi-nyeo’s sympathies.

An angry voice calls out Mi-nam’s name: Jeremy comes storming down the hall, demanding that Mi-nam confess where Mi-nyeo is. Hoon-yi intercepts him to avoid subjecting Mi-nyeo to a face-to-face confrontation.

(I only include this screencap at above left because it’s hilarious to see Hoon-yi dragging away a persistent Jeremy by the feet. Oh, Lee Hong-ki, you’re adorable.)

Shin-woo arrives from the other direction and confronts Mi-nyeo, about to say something. The stylist ushers her away quickly and detains Shin-woo. Mi-nyeo turns back with sad eyes to say, “Shin-woo hyung, I’m sorry.”

After thinking it over, Tae-kyung comes to a conclusion:

Tae-kyung: “I don’t want to admit it, but I’ve been dumped. Believing that she would come back when she was feeling better was my delusion. Pig-Rabbit looked totally fine. I was the only one hanging on. Before things get any worse, I’d better reply that I’m okay.”

Mi-nyeo trudges down the agency hall, stopping a few feet away when she spots Tae-kyung. She thinks, “Mother Superior, I have to leave my star far away, but why is it twinkling brightly before my eyes again?”

As she turns to go, Tae-kyung calls out to her, thinking it’s Mi-nam. His tone is cool and sarcastic:

Tae-kyung: “Tell your sister that I saw her message that she was okay. If I’d seen her in person, I would have felt bad, but now that things have ended cleanly, tell her thanks. I saw her briefly earlier, but because of the fans, we couldn’t meet properly. Make sure to tell her I’m fine and doing really well.”

His sardonic manner is a front to cover his true feelings, but the words hurt Mi-nyeo. She thinks sadly, “It’s a relief to hear that you’re doing fine. From now on, I will be fine too.” So when Hoon-yi asks if she’s sure she doesn’t want to see Tae-kyung, she answers that Tae-kyung is fine without seeing her. It’ll be better for both of them not to meet.

Her exit is thwarted by an oblivious Sung-chan. He has prepared a meeting that Mi-nam had requested of him, and is enthusiastic to be of service. He drags her off for the meeting, and Hoon-yi furtively makes baby sounds to remind her of his sob story.

When she arrives at the restaurant, she’s shocked to realize that the person Mi-nam has been begging to meet is Heyi. Apparently, he’d been very good to her in the aftermath of her breakup with Tae-kyung, and now wants to take things another step forward. As Sung-chan greets Heyi, Hoon-yi hurriedly advises Mi-nyeo to not engage with her. It’s too bad for the real Mi-nam, but she’d better ignore her as much as possible.

Mi-nyeo keeps her head down and her answers brief, while Heyi adopts an air of annoyance. Her words express displeasure that he’s been following her around, and she has told him that she’s not interested, but her attitude indicates that she’s actually enjoying playing this part. She calls his plan to reveal his feelings for her at the upcoming concert “immature,” and tells him not to do it.

She adds, “Does Hwang Tae-kyung know you like me and keep following me around? Doesn’t that bother him at all? Anyway, you haven’t told Tae-kyung about your sister, right? If she meets him again, I won’t see you anymore.”

Back at the studio, Tae-kyung broods about the message he had given for Mi-nyeo: “Will he have told her what I said? When she hears it, she’ll think I’m over her, and won’t want to see me again. What do I do?” He makes a decision and calls Hoon-yi, asking where Mi-nam is.

At the restaurant, Sung-chan doesn’t take Hoon-yi’s hints to leave and is determined to stick around for moral support. In fact, he also called Jeremy and Shin-woo.

Dreading the impending scene, Hoon-yi fortifies Mi-nyeo with soju. She says she won’t be sober if she drinks it, but that’s exactly the point — if she is herself, she’ll be recognized right away. If she drinks the soju and collapses, Hoon-yi will usher her out and handle everything. He overrides her last protests by reminding her that Sung-chan will suggest going to the sauna together afterward. Mi-nyeo is horrified at that thought and chugs.

By the time the others arrive, Mi-nyeo is passed out. Tae-kyung grumbles, “What’s with him?” Happy to have avoided potential trouble, Hoon-yi announces proudly, “He’s drunk!” Heyi fawns over Mi-nam to make Tae-kyung jealous, while Sung-chan invites everyone to sit for a drink. It’s been a while since they were all together.

A little while later, Mi-nyeo stirs in her sleep and ends up slumping over, onto Tae-kyung’s lap. At first he’s irritated and starts to move her — but he notices something odd. Touching her hand, he remembers how it felt to hold it and recognizes that this is Mi-nyeo. He keeps his surprise well under control, but Shin-woo notices his reaction and catches on.

Tae-kyng offers to take Mi-nam home, and when Hoon-yi returns to the table, they’re gone. Shin-woo tells him quietly, referring to Tae-kyung, “I think he knows who it is. The president hasn’t caught on yet, so it’ll be okay.”

Tae-kyung remains parked in the driveway for a while, until Mi-nyeo wakes up. She mumbles for Hoon-yi, but is shocked to find Tae-kyung beside her instead. Quickly, she tries to think how to act in this unexpected situation. She fumbles for the door, forgetting that she still has her seat belt on. He unbuckles her, and as she stumbles out of the car (still a little drunk), Tae-kyung says to himself, “I’ve caught a Go-Mi-nam-impersonating Pig-Rabbit.”

Mi-nyeo thinks she’ll have to confess her identity rather than trying to keep the lie going, but tummy troubles force her to make a quick decision: it’s too embarrassing to reveal her identity and then go to the bathroom, so she’ll have to go to the bathroom first. With that decision made, she hurries inside to use the facilities, rushing by Tae-kyung without saying anything.

When she comes out of the bathroom, she starts to tell Tae-kyung who she is… but is hit with thirst. Deciding to get a drink first, she ignores him and rummages in the refrigerator, trying to decide how to act.

From Tae-kyung’s point of view, this looks like she’s being rude, and he waits to see how she’ll act. Seeing her clumsiness, he tells her she’ll have to sober up first, and makes her some honey tea. He hands her the cup and holds up a hand, asking what it is. (This calls back an earlier moment, when she’d answered, “A palm.” He’d corrected her then, saying that the answer is five, as in fingers.) This time she answers, “Five,” and he replies that the correct answer is a palm.

At this, Mi-nyeo guesses that he knows the truth. He tells her, “Your hand has no scar, and your shoe size is a lot smaller than your brother’s. I know a lot more about you than that — did you think I wouldn’t recognize you?”

Curious to know if she got his message, he asks how long she’s been Mi-nam today — was she at the agency earlier? Mi-nyeo understands that he’s really asking whether she heard his message. She confirms that she did. Tae-kyung is uncomfortable and starts to explain, but she says, “I’m glad you are doing well.”

Having taken his statement at face value, she feels sorry that she messed things up — she had sung his mother’s song to make him feel better, because she was worried he’d still be feeling bad. If she’d known he was already over everything and feeling fine, she should have left things alone, but meeting again must be an inconvenience to him.

He asks if she’d intended to turn away earlier without seeing him. Tears start to fall as Mi-nyeo answers, a little drunk and sad:

Mi-nyeo: “I told myself I couldn’t see you, but you’re someone who draws the eye. But if I see you, it hurts and makes things tough for me. After only living at the convent, I came to live in this land of stars and was hit by electricity, and lost my senses. I flew up right into the heavens, and then crashed down to the ground. Fireworks exploded in my head, and in one moment a thundering rainstorm crashed down on me. Since I’ve left this star-land, I saw the path I am to live. I would have to leave the star-land and just watch it from afar. If I see the brightest-shining star close up, it’s so blinding to the eyes that it hurts. That is why I am going to go far away.”

After saying her piece, she falls asleep with tears on her face. Now he understands that she was only saying she was okay to make him feel better, not because it was true. He asks the sleeping Mi-nyeo, “Are you actually in pain, instead of being okay?” He wipes the tears from her face.

Tae-kyung: “Then I can’t hold on to you. I wanted to be able to see you well when you came back, so I was trying to see even in the dark. Every day, I even ate the carrots and spinach I hate, because I worried that I might lose you in the dark. Because I didn’t want to lose you. But I can’t even hold on to you when I can see you well.”

(Awwww……)

After this reminder that he’s still causing her pain, Tae-kyung tells Hoon-yi to take Mi-nyeo away. Hoon-yi says that if he lets her go now, it might be goodbye forever, since she’s going to Africa. But Tae-kyung is resolute.

In the car ride back, Hoon-yi gives Mi-nyeo a ticket to the concert. She’s not sure if she can make it because of her flight, but she’ll try.

Tae-kyung decides he can’t keep the Pig-Rabbit doll (now wearing the star necklace) in his room anymore. He thinks back to the times he had seen Mi-nyeo making the pig-nose, such as the time he had serenaded her. He retires Pig-Rabbit to the storeroom from whence it came, saying, “The Pig-Rabbit that only appeared in front of me is now extinct.”

Mi-nyeo has been living at the convent all this while, teaching at the orphanage. One of the girls gives her a book containing pictures of stars, because it’s one of Mi-nyeo’s daily habits to seek them out.

The little girl points up at the sun and says, “There’s a star in the sky in the daytime, too.” Mi-nyeo sees where she’s pointing, and corrects her: “That’s not a star, that’s the moon. The moon isn’t a star.” The girl wonders, “There’s no star in the daytime?” Mi-nyeo answers, “There is a bright, blinding star in the daytime. The bright sun is always in the sky.”

She continues to make her preparations to leave, meeting her aunt to say goodbye. Aunt Mi-ja says with dismay that the other boys will be disappointed if she doesn’t see them before going, because they’re always asking about her. And then she adds hesitantly: “There’s another person who wants to meet you, but I’m not sure whether you should. Mo Hwa-ran wants to meet you.”

It’s not an easy decision, but Mi-nyeo contacts Hwa-ran, who is grateful for the meeting. Hwa-ran gives her a CD containing songs that had been sung by her mother, Lee Su-jin. Hwa-ran had used her connections to ask around and collect them, explaining, “I felt I had to do this before I could say I’m sorry to you. When your father was with your mother, he never once came to me. As you said, he said my love wasn’t really love and didn’t accept it. Your mother would have known that the person he loved wasn’t me but herself.”

Because she hadn’t thought Mi-nyeo would want to see her, Hwa-ran says that it means a lot that Mi-nyeo called her. Mi-nyeo responds that this means a lot to her, too, because “You told me what I wanted to confirm. I’m glad to hear this before I left.”

Hwa-ran: “Are you really going far away? If you leave like this, Tae-kyung won’t forgive me. He won’t see me. This is the first time he’s been like this. Couldn’t you go and tell him you’ve forgiven me?”
Mi-nyeo: “Why don’t you go to him directly and ask forgiveness? The person you need to seek forgiveness from the most is Hwang Tae-kyung. Please ask his forgiveness, so you do not pain him any more. He has always yearned for his mother.”
Hwa-ran: “Why do you say this when he’s in your heart? If I’m with him, don’t you know that it will be more difficult for you to be with him?”
Mi-nyeo: “Because causing a precious person to leave you isn’t love.”

Concert day. Jeremy frets over whether Mi-nyeo will come and asks to borrow the Pig-Rabbit for luck, but Tae-kyung tells him that he got rid of it. Jeremy wonders, “Weren’t you waiting for her?”

Tae-kyung: “Why should I wait for someone who won’t come? It’s over.”
Jeremy: “Did you even say you waited?”
Tae-kyung: “Why would I say that?”
Jeremy: “Not saying that you waited is the same thing as not waiting, you arrogant butthole!”

(Hee.)

Next, Tae-kyung runs into Heyi in the hallway, who rubs it in his face that she’s here for Mi-nam, not him. She wonders if it’s really true that he got over Mi-nyeo as he insists, and guesses, “You’re faking that you’re over her, right?” Then she tosses his words back at him: “You aren’t embarrassed about being caught faking, but it’s embarrassing being caught for real, isn’t it?”

In the dressing room, Shin-woo also asks whether Mi-nyeo is coming; he can’t believe Tae-kyung just let her go the other night. Tae-kyung answers, “She said it hurt to be close by, so I let her go.”

Shin-woo: “I bet you didn’t let her go, you shoved her away. Letting go is only something you can say when you’ve held on till the end. Have you held on to her? What you saw in Japan was me holding on to her till the very end. It must have looked pathetic and laughable to you, but because I took it all the way, I could let her go. You didn’t do that, did you? You just stood there in your place, and didn’t think of following her when she said it was hard, didn’t you? Fine, keep preserving your pride and stand there until she runs far away, mighty Hwang Tae-kyung.”

Hwa-ran shows up at the concert, spurred by Mi-nyeo’s words. Even though he might not listen to her apology, she has to say it anyway, and for once her words sound sincere, not bitter:

Hwa-ran: “I’m sorry, Tae-kyung. I left you alone because I thought you were someone who would never abandon me. I only felt the pain of being abandoned myself, and hurt you. It’s natural that you wouldn’t call me mother.”
Tae-kyung: “Why are you saying this all of a sudden?”
Hwa-ran: “I’ve become scared. You’ve decided to really abandon me now. I’m trying to hold on to my son.”
Tae-kyung: “How surprising. I thought you were someone who’d never beg.”
Hwa-ran: “That girl told me to come to you directly and beg for forgiveness.”

He’s surprised to hear that his mother met with Mi-nyeo.

Hwa-ran: “I thought if I apologized to her, you might meet with me. She’s going to go far away, do you know that? I have no right to say this to you, but I hope you don’t lose someone precious to you and regret it, like I did.”
Tae-kyung: “Why are you telling me this?”
Hwa-ran: “She said that making someone precious leave you is not love. Telling you this is the love I can show you as a mother.”

Tae-kyung starts to walk away, but pauses. Without turning back to face her, he says, “I can’t tell you now that I forgive you. I’ll hear out today’s apology someday later. Goodbye… Mother.”

After all this tough love from his friends, Tae-kyung is jolted out of his stubborn pride. He finds out Mi-nyeo’s location from Hoon-yi and speeds to the orphanage, where he asks a kid where her teacher went. Hearing that she has already left, he wonders where to go next. Then he spies the photos the girl is holding — they’re all pictures of stars. He looks around the room, which is plastered in similar pictures, remembering Mi-nyeo’s promise to think of him every time she sees stars — this is proof that she’s always thinking of him, and that she still loves him. The little girl notices him looking, and adds that there’s another “most handsome star,” which her teacher is going to see today.

She means, of course, the concert. Tae-kyung understands the implication and speeds back to the arena, where Mi-nyeo is one of a multitude of fans waiting for the concert to begin. She eyes her watch worriedly, sad that she may not able to see much — or anything at all — before she has to leave.

I love this shot, because we know that this comes from the filming event that opened its shoot to fans, and we know that the fan excitement in this scene is real, not just enacted for the sake of cameras.

When Tae-kyung comes back, he tells the others that Mi-nyeo is here, in the stands. But when he goes onstage, he can’t spot her among such a huge crowd. Trying to think of a solution, he changes their concert plan and decides to start things off with a solo.

Tae-kyung takes the stage, squinting at the fans to try to pick out Mi-nyeo as he sings “What Do I Do”:

As I let you walk another step away, it brings tears to my eyes
As you walk another step away, it brings tears to my eyes
I reach out my hand, but you go where I can’t approach
I can’t hold onto you, I can only cry

What should I do? What should I do?
You’re leaving
What should I do? What should I do?
You’re leaving me and going away
I love you, I love you
I call out to you but you can’t hear me,
because I’m only crying out with my heart

All day, I try to erase you but I keep thinking of you
All day, I say goodbye but I think of you again
I reach out my hand, but you go where I can’t go
I can’t find you, I can only cry

What should I do? What should I do?
You’re leaving
What should I do? What should I do?
You’re leaving me and going away
I love you, I love you
I call out to you but you can’t hear me,
because I’m only crying out with my heart

What should I do? What should I do?
You’re still the one for me
What should I do? What should I do?
You’re leaving me
What should I do? What should I do?
You’re leaving me and going away
I love you, I love you
I call out to you but you can’t hear me
because I’m only crying out with my heart.

As Tae-kyung wraps up the song, Mi-nyeo starts to leave, working her way toward the back of the audience. Tae-kyung finishes his song and says into the microphone, urgently:

Tae-kyung: “You’re listening now, aren’t you? It’s so bright here, and your side is so dark that I can’t see you. Please, don’t be where I can’t see you! Come to where I can see you. Give permission to let me see you.”

The crowd goes wild! Moved to tears, Mi-nyeo turns back around and slowly starts to make her way toward the front again. But Tae-kyung still can’t see her, shrouded in the dark as she is, so Shin-woo tells the producer to cut the stage lights and turn on the audience lights.

When the stage lights flick off, Tae-kyung, now standing on the dim stage, scans the audience intently. It’s nice imagery, as Mi-nyeo emerges from the dark into the light. Tae-kyung spots her.

Keeping his eyes fixed on her, Tae-kyung makes his way to the edge of the stage, and steps among the fans as they scream excitedly. The crowd parts ways to let him pass, until he comes to her.

He grabs her to him in a hug, and says:

Tae-kyung: “I’m going to keep telling you, so listen good every day. I love you.”

Now for our epilogue: A short while later, Mi-nyeo and Tae-kyung look up at the night sky, enjoying a relaxed mood. She’s still going to Africa (which he doesn’t love), but she’ll return soon enough and tells him to wait for her. Responding to her lighthearted tone, he says, “You’ve gotten arrogant. Aren’t you even sad to leave the brightest, most handsome star in the sky?” She reasons, “Still, I can’t take you with me.”

Tae-kyung makes a sudden plucking gesture in the air, and tells her, “You pick [the star] out like this.” He opens his fist to show her the star necklace, and tells her to wear it.

She accepts it happily, then comments on the romantic gesture by telling him he’s changed. “Do you like me that much, to pluck me a star from the sky?”

Tae-kyung: “You keep getting more arrogant. If you’re going to do that, give it back!”
Mi-nyeo: “No, you cannot! This is mine!”
Tae-kyung: “They have lots of diamonds in Africa. Give that back.”
Mi-nyeo: “I cannot make that! I have no skill.”
Tae-kyung: “So treat me nicely while I’m here.”

The playful bickering settles down as Tae-kyung pulls her toward him and puts an arm around her. They look up at the sky as a shooting star falls:

Mi-nyeo: “I will never, ever let go of the star I have finally grabbed!”
Tae-kyung: “Yeah, don’t ever let go. I’ll only shine in front of you.”

THE END

Jang Geun-seok – “말도 없이” (Without Words) [ Download ]

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COMMENTS

Phew! It’s finally over, and I still have so much to say! (Big surprise.)

As for this episode in particular…

I really liked the ending. I have some quibbles, which I’ll get into in a moment, but for the most part I was satisfied with the way the big separation was reconciled and how the conflicts were resolved.

Some people are disappointed that we didn’t see more Mi-nam, but I for one like it this way. We all know that it’s Park Shin-hye acting the part, and they’ve made sure to keep the glimpses of Mi-nam brief and mysterious. If we were to get entire scenes featuring him, we’d just get more reason to nitpick at the boyish image, and I’d rather be left wanting a little more than feeling dissatisfied for little things that would likely stand out — the voice, the girlish face, etc.

What I particularly appreciate is that we get our big dramatic moment, but we also get a lighter, cuter moment to go out on. The concert scene was done well, I thought, and also satisfies our desire for a grand climax. For instance, the song: I freaking love this bit, and not just because it’s a big romantic gesture and Jang Geun-seok is singing, ooh wow swoon, etc. In addition to all that, it’s just so appropriate on multiple thematic levels.

He chooses this song because it’s a message to Mi-nyeo, so even if the words meant something else entirely, it would still work to the same effect. But it carries a double meaning now, because the lyrics that her father used to beg her mother to return are also applicable to Tae-kyung as well.

Furthermore, when Mi-nyeo asked Tae-kyung in Episode 15 not to let his mother redo the song, he didn’t answer, “Yes, I’ll stop her” — the words he used were that he would “return” the song to Mi-nyeo (and her mother). He’s not only returning it symbolically by making sure his mother doesn’t claim the song again, he’s quite literally returning it with this performance.

And then, after they affirm their feelings for each other, I think we need a little bit of a denouement to give us time to come down from that high, which has the added benefit of showing us Tae-kyung and Mi-nyeo in a more “normal,” everyday interaction. Their dynamic isn’t as extreme as the fantasy wedding sequence from Episode 15, but it’s still amusingly offbeat. I don’t see why Mi-nyeo has to go to Africa because that’s just a throwaway line and they could have easily left that out, but I’m not going to nitpick that (much).

As I mentioned previously, I liked the separation in this drama, if only because it could have been a lot more drawn out and contrived than it was. I thought it made a lot of sense, because the obstacle wasn’t necessarily insurmountable, but it wasn’t something Tae-kyung (or Mi-nyeo) could fix merely by pushing for it. He needed to let her grieve for her mother and learn to accept him again without pain, and while their love is strong enough to overcome this, it’s not ready yet. The solution here is time, and he gave that to her.

But of course, the introduction of time into the relationship also opens up the chance for further miscommunications, as we saw here. The culprit wasn’t just mistiming or mixed message; it was Tae-kyung’s pride, like his friends pointed out. Like Heyi, throwing away one’s pride over something fake isn’t hard at all. But it’s much more difficult when you have to throw it away for something real, which would hurt more. For Hwa-ran, that is the difference between her manipulative love for Go Jae-hyun — which she went out of her way to claim — and her feelings for her son, whom she was afraid to approach.

On the other hand, both Jeremy and Shin-woo expressed themselves fully, so they are frustrated with Tae-kyung for stopping short of that. It’s also why they’re able to be happy for Mi-nyeo even after they’ve lost her, because they could give her up cleanly. Tae-kyung’s need to keep his pride is understandable, and I don’t blame him for it — with his upbringing and lack of maternal affection, all he had to cling to was his pride, since he sure as hell didn’t have love. He just needed a big push in the arse to realize that there things worth giving up that pride for, and now that he DOES have love, it’s worth the risk. Thankfully his friends are there to give him that push.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

A few criticisms:

The plot of a drama often drags about two-thirds of the way through. It’s inevitable, and is partly due to writing fatigue, and partly viewer fatigue. The Hong Sisters are better than most at avoiding this problem, and although they aren’t immune to it, at least the episodes with some drag still have a lot of funny moments to balance it out. In You’re Beautiful, those slower moments tended to be about the Hwa-ran storyline, because for the longest time she was out there on her own, drinking and moping and not really connecting to the main story. In the end, it came together nicely and I appreciated how this resolved with our main characters, as I mentioned in the previous recap. But for a long while, she was off on her own tangent, and whenever the story cut to her, I felt the energy drop. She was a fascinating character, to be sure, but only slightly connected to the main plot.

The song remake plotline was rather overwrought, and Hwa-ran’s manipulations in relation to that. In resolving the big mystery of the parents’ generation, we got an answer that works for the story and for our protagonists, but on the downside, it reduces the wrongdoing to one single person. I don’t love that.

The Hong Sisters are great with twisting funny beats out of dramatic and/or emotional moments, and they have a great sense for plot pacing. I think they’re so good at keeping our interest high with their fun-filled, energetic developments that they don’t NEED to rely on makjang elements like birth secrets, evil mothers, and other overly melodramatic devices. So when they do use those elements, I think it’s a waste to highlight moments that aren’t as fluid with the rest of their material. They don’t need those plots, because I think some of my favorite episodes were the ones that didn’t focus on them. And even in episodes where the melodrama came to the fore, my favorite moments were the funny scenes tucked in around them.

Furthermore, I think that they have done a great job creating new situations to keep audiences laughing, but sometimes their dramatic beats feel recycled from prior dramas. When a scene is tweaked and reused, the second time may lose a lot of its punch, because it no longer feels organic to this particular story — it feels like it was tweaked and reused to fit a square peg into a round hole. It fits very WELL, of course, but one can’t help notice that it wasn’t something that arose naturally from these circumstances.

(Mi-nyeo’s hairclip is one such device, as is the Hong Sisters’ tendency to drum in Significant Metaphors a bit too long. The stars, light, darkness, and seeing motifs are all excellent analogies that correspond to the emotional developments, but would pack as much — or more — punch if they were more judiciously applied. They don’t need to be in every scene for us to Get The Idea.)

But those are essentially quibbles in what has been an overwhelmingly enjoyable drama-watching experience.

Of course the Hong Sisters have flaws. Perhaps more than some less-famous writers of more well-regarded dramas. They don’t write the most polished or intellectual scripts around. They are sometimes clumsy and/or heavy-handed. Occasionally they take their humor too far; sometimes a gag is too obvious to be witty or sharp.

But they don’t condescend to their audience, either, and their dramas aren’t pretentious. I loved their comment in the interview post where they say that they each have IQs of 100, which makes their writing team a collective 200. While their dramas aren’t intellectual, that doesn’t mean they’re dumb — their brand of comedy can often be quite smart, actually. (And sometimes it’s silly, jokey, laugh-out-loud funny. That’s cool too.)

They approach writing with energy and joy. Their skill isn’t in creating perfect dramas, but in establishing heartfelt characters and situations that tug at the heart. They manage to tap into that source of giddy, youthful wonder that we may have thought faded well into our adulthoods, and for that I am not only pleased, but grateful.

497

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201 simplyme

November 27, 2009 at 9:36 AM

thank you so much for introducing this drama, if it wasnt for the fact that i come to this site i would have missed a wonderful and heartfelt drama and for all the hard work you do to put up the episode recaps. Thanks so much!

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202 mawar

November 27, 2009 at 9:44 AM

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDD..... it's OVER :((

I hope there's gonna be the awesome fresh korean drama like YAB....!!

I'll be waiting you the Hong Sisters ;)

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203 Kay

November 27, 2009 at 9:52 AM

Im happy to be able to watch this wonderful drama. I enjoy almost every episode, and even if it isnt perfect, I think it was a great experience.
Even with their flaws, the Hong sisters are my favorites writters, and I must say this is the ending I like the most , even if it was a little slow.
Your recaps were great as always, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, because this the only way I can fill the translation holes, that my korean have.
Please keep doing this great job, and choose a new drama when you are ready!!!!

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204 Cherrie

November 27, 2009 at 10:30 AM

Noooo~!!! :'(
it ended!!!! Dx
it was my most FAVORITE drama..... ^^
i LOVE jeremy! LEE HONGKI~

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205 sojuboy'80

November 27, 2009 at 10:34 AM

Thanks DB for all the recaps.

Also many thanks for introducing me to JGS and PSH. Their now on top of my list of Kdrama actors. I also understand how others felt that the ending lacked but I think that you can only do so much in so little time.I mean somehow this drama was intended for more that 16 ep. Maybe the producers hoped for higher ratings somehow to justify extended eps.

But all said and done this is currently my NO.1 rom com of all time (CP before).And I would like to thank all YAB fanatics for all the insightful comments.It has really been a blast watching this drama and DB has made it even sweeter. It is my first time commenting and even though I am a guy I seemed to get hooked on this drama.Honestly this is the only drama that has left me with a certain lingering feeling inside.

FAREWELL AND UNTIL NXT TIME WHEN SOMETHING THIS GOOD COMES OUR WAY AGAIN...

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206 Her

November 27, 2009 at 10:36 AM

Awww..I'm so sad that this drama has come to an end. I love it very much! So much love for this drama. LOVE YAB..

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207 Rachael

November 27, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Yeesh. It's over...whut? I know it's not going to happen, but I'll still cross my fingers for a second season.

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208 Juna

November 27, 2009 at 11:06 AM

Thanks u so much YB, your recap made my day!
Just wonder how u think of the real Minam's reaction this ep when he heard about TK "chasing his love", I see a mysterious smile and others in soompi think Minam actually fakes thing with Heyi so that Heyi couldn't mess up with TK and Mnyu, he's protecting his sister. I really like this explanation, just want to know what u think
anyway, thanks again! I'll miss YAB much much, wait for its rating in drama rating

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209 ilovebinderclips

November 27, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Javabeans, you didn't really mention the directing! Your commentary focused mostly on the writing of the Hong sisters, which was key, but I was hoping to read your thoughts on the directing. I guess it was OK for the most part, but I had to quibble with a few of the choices, mainly the music. It got tiring to keep hearing the music stop at dramatic moments and then swell up again afterward, and the constant use of booms at other dramatic moments was somewhat overdone, to my tastes at least. I would have almost preferred silence at those moments, or at least a more neutral instrumental background track...

Also, the way the director loved freezing JGS and PSH at key moments and doing the rotating camera effect while they held their poses awkwardly... ugh.

And JGS... poor boy. He looked so tired the past few episodes. I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I saw how his left eyelid was drooping from fatigue. This is especially noticeable in the scene after Shin Woo dresses down Tae Kyung before the concert and TK thinks to himself afterward -- JGS's left eye was so hilariously droopy.

Anyways, those are minor nitpicks for what was otherwise a very enjoyable drama... thanks so much for everything that you've given to all of your readers and fans!

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210 maryta

November 27, 2009 at 11:30 AM

HUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

THNAKS TO ALLOW WATCHING THIS EXCELLENT DORAMA!!!!!!!

MY FAVORITE ACTOR """"""Jang Geun-seok """

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211 ena

November 27, 2009 at 11:40 AM

i am sooooo gg to miss YAB....

thanks JB for recapping!

It has been a wonderful joy ride, a great crack!

love this show and its cast to bits!

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212 jubilantia

November 27, 2009 at 11:43 AM

First, can I just say I CALLED IT that real Mi Nam would fall for He Yi? Heeee. I still think they missed some comedy gold, where real Mi Nam would be a complete butt and make the guys miss Mi Nyeo more. And I would have liked a scene together- is it that hard to do? Still, everything wrapped up well.

My silly idea for season two: a girl group named D.E.VIL that has to have a guy cross-dress for one of their members. Yeah, I know it wouldn't be the same, but it's a fun concept to think about.

Thanks for recapping this, Javabeans! You always do a great job.

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213 MoreCookiesPLEASE

November 27, 2009 at 12:23 PM

dude, you have no idea how hooked i am into this drama, and you're recaps!

i am also suffering from withdrawal (just like many other fans as well).

this was a great drama, and i loved it dearly!

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214

November 27, 2009 at 12:43 PM

I enjoyed both the show and your recaps immensely. I am sure to miss the YAB . I can't seem to decide if I want to keep feeding the addiction by advocating a second season with the adorable ANJELLS or be satisfied by the current ending.

The story was very well balanced and fun. My only issue is the character of MInam(the real one). While I understand the issues with logistics, I am unable to understand his lack of reaction with anything related to Mi Nyeo. He never seems to interfere in her relationship with TK though he is her only family...Very odd. I would have understood his stand if he was set up as a reckless but charming free spirit who is self centered. However they set him up as a brother who was once very concerned with his sister's well being (he collected her favorite lunch from his friends). I think that was a huge oversight.

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215 Kgrl

November 27, 2009 at 12:44 PM

Finally did a marathon and finished the last episodes of YB.

It's true, the Hong sisters are not perfect, and this drama wasn't either, especially towards the latter third of the YB where over-drilling of metaphors and emotional wreakage made the show lose some of its luster. But it has been an enjoyable and entertaining ride, definitely got some stomach-cradling laughs out of me.

Have not watched Fantasy Couple, but of the other 4 Hong sisters' dramas I've watched, this is one of better ones - at least more credit should be given to the hilarious parodies and refreshing humor, if not the plotline.

Will miss pig rabbit and all the sub leads - I don't think I've ever liked so many second and tertiary characters before in a drama. One of the biggest draws of YB for me. Thanks JB for always spoiling us. ^_^

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216 Meru

November 27, 2009 at 1:05 PM

Thank you JB for all the episodes!

I want a season 2 because it seems like the sisters purposely left room open for it.

9/10 for me. Not perfect but memorable.

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217 Rovi

November 27, 2009 at 1:38 PM

Awww...it's all over... :(

Why can't SW and Jeremy have good endings?

And I will miss the Pig-Rabbit stuffed toy...T_T

I will miss this drama...

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218 chaimei

November 27, 2009 at 1:44 PM

omg.. this drama is soo... sooo... aww.
i will miss this so much. im sure YB will be a huge hit 100% if this drama will be aired in the philippines. unique story and romantic lines..
i salute you all! bravoo~

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219 Annie

November 27, 2009 at 2:06 PM

Thank you for all the recaps. It's been alot of fun following this drama since day one and now that it's ending, it's a bit hard to say good bye. Can't wait for another hong sister drama.

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220 zashibear

November 27, 2009 at 2:37 PM

Thank you Javabeans, your final episode recap made me appreciate the ending of YB more. It just made more sense, since I watched raw could somehow decipher what was happening but your recap made me appreciate it so much more.

Is it weird to be sad that we have to say goodbye to these characters? I truly want to be an AN JELL fangirl! But I was so happy last night, don't have to enter rehab just yet. Because LA 18 in Los Angeles just started airing the first episode of HE'S BEAUTIFUL(that's what they call it). I was so happy! I get my 2x a week fix still...hahaha. Can I still SQUEEEEEE....

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221 Natasha

November 27, 2009 at 2:56 PM

I was hooked on the first episode. I'm going to miss it, but I don't think a season 2 would be possible. It ended cleanly afterall. I'm going to have to work on not hating UEE in real life, thinking she has the same personality as Yoo He Yi (she might, who knows xD). But woah, major JGK fan now ^^. Also, I LOVED the wardrobe ! Everyone dressed fashionably, imo :). I wish I could have some of Yoo He Yi's outfits...

Anyway, THANK YOU for the recap, whenever I couldn't watch the videos online, I came here :). Now to focus on Smile, You (along with one j-drama, two tai-dramas, and two other k-dramas. Hehe.)

<3 JB hwaiting~

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222 arwenarya

November 27, 2009 at 3:13 PM

Gosh...im having a dilemma now to forget YAB...i love...this drama...

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223 serendipity

November 27, 2009 at 3:45 PM

While I enjoyed ep 15 (LOVED the parting on the hand-clasp - so poignant), I was strangely disappointed with the last episode. Maybe it's because my expectations have become unrealistically high. Maybe it's because I watched the last epi late at night after a particularly eventful day and had a shorter attention span than usual.

I liked the sense and restraint of the ending. But somehow I didn't *feel* it.

What I appreciated:
- That loose ends were tied up logically
- That we were spared an airport chase scene, or any other tired cliche
- I'm grateful that they didn't make much of MN having been a nun (because, when they've know her for months, it's not that shocking and shouldn't make much of a difference - overblowing that plot aspect would have been tiresome)
- That everyone stayed true to character, and that there was redemption for all, pretty much
- That the final hurdle was TK's pride (supposedly - thought I don't entirely understand this, see below), rather than some random external force. Or, worse, Sheer Bad Luck. There's a pleasing consistency and integrity in this.
- That not too much was made of the real MN. I wouldn't have liked a totally new dynamic thrown in at the last minute, and I was quite satisfied with whatever glimpse of we had of PSH playing bad-ass boy.
- That we went back to the theme of MN-impersonation. I wasn't expecting that, and it was kind of cute

What I didn't like so much
- I found the ending abrupt. It felt so disjointed: at one point I even wondered whether we were looking at a fantasy flash-back sequence, with TK sporting his original funny hair. Possibly I was just confused because I was tired. Now, I should be the last to complain about a woman deciding to go off and find herself rather than hang around and be her man's adoring groupie, but I thought the whole thing about MN still going to Africa but with a different relationship with TK needed to be talked through and processed more, if nothing else, just so that we the viewer can have more closure. I don't mind so much that they didn't kiss (though if they did, I wouldn't complain!), but I did mind that it felt so rushed.

- I couldn't really get into the issue. Didn't compute why he felt he couldn't hold on to her upon her drunken confession that she was still hurting. And thus didn't get the logic of how the whole scenario was turned round just because he was willing to swallow his pride, sing her a song in public and make a public confession. What exactly had changed? They already knew she loved him. The only difference was how *he* felt (and they had even known *that* in the garden when they parted in ep 15; but it had to have doubt cast on it in ep 16 to create the conflict - yawn) - and he could have very well let her know in a letter to Africa (I know I know, K-dramas can not work with such ruthless and matter-of-fact logic). OK, with the new scenario she now has a star necklace. But I could not compute, and therefore could not feel, how we had gotten from doom to happy ending in a heart-beat.

- We didn't really get many cute moments. Or tender moments. It felt all a bit rushed. I know this is very ungrateful of me, because how I do whinge when a drama drags things out. But I really felt it could have done with more resolution; for our beloved TK & MN of course, but also for our darling Jeremy, poor-old Shinwoo, and even Manager Ma and Coordi Wang. I reckon this is more the fault of the failure to extend to 20 episodes, then anything else.

- And going back to ep 15, I didn't really dig that the turning point for TK was not so much realization of his bad behaviour and MN's hurt, but the revelation that MN's father actually loved MN's mother after all. Er, you mean, if MN's father had loved TK's mother, TK would have continued being mean to MN? Hmm. For MN's sake I would have preferred that TK's repentance come out of himself, rather than something that came out of the past.

Verdict:-- Still a GREAT series. Admirably crafted. Hugely enjoyable. Mercifully unmarred by a bad ending. But not really hitting a high note at the end either. To be watched for sheer fun, as whole, not particularly for its ending. And to be watched for JGS - Really, he made it irresistable. I'm not just saying this because I have always had a soft spot for him! He owned it. He filled every frame he was in. It wouldn't have worked half as well with a less committed actor.

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224 Namispop

November 27, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Ok, first things, first--

JB, thank you so much for giving You're Beautiful so much coverage on your blog. Not only did you provide us with such wonderful, in-depth, spot-on recap-critiques in amazingly expedient fashion...you also gave us those great special articles on the cast, special fan events, the Hong Sisters profile, and other goodies. THANK YOU.

Some closing thoughts:

I'm really glad that they kept the real Mi-nam's scenes to a minimum, and I'm equally glad that they chose not to have scenes with the twins interacting with each other. Having the body double and PSH's fairly hooded face in that airport scene was sufficient in giving the viewers a so called glimpse at the real Mi-nam, to settle their curiosity in the matter. If they had attempted to use camera/computer gimickry to provide us with "twins together" scenes, I think the results would have been cheesy, fake, and utterly disappointing. Good call on their part, imho.

I think that, with all the loose ends that they had to tie up(in one episode), and to have ample time to give a satisfying and proper conclusion to Mi-Nyeo and Tae-kyung's love story(which is the heart of this drama's story, after all), they were able to give Shin-woo and Jeremy the key moments that were due. They both got to tell Tae-kyung how they felt about his pride blinded inability to hold onto Mi-Nyeo at the most critical juncture. Okay, Jeremy's bit was very short and simple, but he's always been simple-hearted so it's appropriate...and he did get to call Tae-kyung an arrogant butt-face, so that's got to count for something. Shin-woo got to explain why he did what he did at the chapel in Japan, and how he took it all the way to the end. I really liked this telling moment.

Because Mi-nyeo has grown as a person, and finally gives herself due value, I think it was good that she still chose to go to Africa. She already promised her nun friend that she would help out, and she's already prepared for the trip. It's only fitting that she follow through with her responsibilities...and not just drop everything in the name of love. She and Tae-kyung have reunited after mutually confirming their love for each other(in words or other actions), so they can be temporarily apart from each other to do their equally important work, having faith in that love. Besides, Tae-kyung doesn't have a normal 9-5 job. He's the leader of a hugely popular idol group, so he's going to be very busy with plenty of travel required of him and the A.N.Jells. It makes sense that Mi-nyeo be productive with her time, and it's consistent with her original desire to be a nun, to go off to do missionary work. It's consistent with her character to want to work in service to the needy. I'm glad that the Hong Sisters had Mi-nyeo keep with her plans to go.

Sure...I would love to have seen Tae-kyung kiss Mi-nyeo passionately, either at the concert after telling her that he loved her, or on the balcony after giving her the star necklace. But, from the Hong Sisters dramas I've seen, passionate kisses don't happen...only those extremely chaste "touching of the lips" that are completely void of passion(sorry, Hong Sisters), or the "baby kisses" like the ones Yu Rin planted on Gong Chan's lips in My Girl. Given a choice between a passionate hug or a passion-less lip touching, I'd have to go with the passionate hug. At least, there's some feeling behind it. I agree with other fans, here, though-it would've been nice if Mi-nyeo had put her arms around Tae-kyung, when he hugged her at the concert....or her arm around Tae-kyung when he put his arm around her on the balcony. That would have made those embraces more of a mutual act, which would've been great. What I'd really love to see, would be for actress Yoon Eun Hye to run a kissing clinic for her fellow actors and actresses. In every drama that I've seen her in, she stands out as an actress who really knows how to kiss!

I'm going to really miss this drama...at least, until I get a hold of the dvd set. I already have OST 1 and have ordered OST 2. I really believe in giving my support to the show that has kept me so completely captivated and entertained these past couple of months.

My heartfelt thanks to: Jang Geun-seok, Park Shin-hye, Jung Yong-hwa, Lee Hong-ki, and the rest of the amazing YB cast. And a special thanks to the Hong Sisters for creating You're Beautiful. I am truly in your debt.

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225 Yuki

November 27, 2009 at 3:50 PM

It's finally over! Damn, I'm gonna miss it a whole lot...

Anyway, I've been a silent reader of your blog since this drama started and I just wanted to say that I've really enjoyed your recaps of the drama!

I think it could've ended with a little more wrap-up (i.e. Mi Nyeo meets Shin Woo and Jeremy again as a girl and not just Tae Kyung, and not going to Africa) but you know what, I'm pretty satisfied with the ending.

So yeah, thank you for your awesome job on the recaps!

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226 raahmose

November 27, 2009 at 4:03 PM

what am i suppose to do now?

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227 JGS

November 27, 2009 at 4:10 PM

I'm also really depressed the drama has to end already.. and yea, it was really rushed... I expected so much more because of all those spoilers 0_0

The ending COULD HAVE BEEN better... But i'm not complaining cuz the YAB team worked their butts off that even JGS(Take care and Get well soon) had to be hospitalized.. anyways, after i rewatched ep 16 last night, my impression changed and i actually realized the ending was very cute.. (and waaaaayy better than the BOF ending)... ITs really sweet and simple and it puts a smile on your face (well, actually the 1st time we watched it, me and my sis were crying because the drama's already ended haha)

YAB Cast and Crew, i love u guys! There is no way for me to express my gratitude for the creation of this remarkable drama... MINAMI SHINEYO IS THE BEST! THe Cast has such Chemistry... all 4 leads are very attractive.. :D PSH AND JGS, date already haha.. I love u JGS, PSH, JYH, and LHK <3

I'm hoping for a special or something.. just to finish up this wonderful series.. Because this drama is the Bomb! Any Kdrama addict who never watched YAB has seriously missed a fraction of his life! ^___^

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228 aiqcn

November 27, 2009 at 4:17 PM

I like that the last episode reflects the first episode. As in the first episode, MN gets drunk and she falls onto TK as SW is the first one to catch on that GMN is a girl indeed. But he still misses his chance & Jeremy is clueless of the second-time impersonating again. Lol…..

I really like how TK recognizes her as soon as he looks at her face and how MN subconsciously holds his hand as TK holds hers and how TK hides their holding hands under MN’s jacket so that no one notices. The old HTK wouldn’t do that. Instead, he would free himself if he didn’t want anyone to see them holding each other hands. I like this kind of little gesture that makes me love this couple more. 

Thanks so much for everything, JB.

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229 pvskater88

November 27, 2009 at 4:27 PM

javabeans!!!
can you rip JGS's 어떡하죠 from this last episode and post it here?
i just love listening to his voice!!!

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230 Haru

November 27, 2009 at 4:40 PM

Wah. its over!!! its satisfying in the end. not overly dramatic. its just right. :)

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231 Momolito

November 27, 2009 at 4:47 PM

So saad its over! im my heart this has been my favorite K-drama. I love JGS he owned and took it to anoher level. I dont know whats next, for me the rehab, the gym or beethoven virus ? who knows. But it was a pleasure reading the recaps and enjoying this drama with all of you guys! You rocked! see ya next time!
Group hug!!

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232 stee

November 27, 2009 at 4:52 PM

Wow, talk about a ride! I think YB might just be the drama that has touched my heart the most... It really has a great mix of humorous, romantic and quirky elements.

*awesome randomness like the supermarket crazy & MN hanging onto the pole, or the pig scene, spaghetti-making etc

*GREAT moments - 100points, TK realising the meaning of the pig-nose and MN's feelings (or recognizing her through the feel of her face and hand memories), the hand-clutching in Japan (that was an especially powerful scene for me), his love declaration, of COURSE - just to bring some examples!

*precious adorable scenes the like glued fingers, the duet, MN giggling with joy in front of roses or grabbing her cheeks while fireworks erupt, sleeping together in the cinema, jeremy's hugs(or attempts, haha), squinty-eyed MN herded up the stairs by TK, pig-rabbit love...

*it wouldn't have been the same without the cracktastic parodies and fantasy-sequences ^^

*the lovely soundtrack, with several songs having beautiful special meanings and emotions

*the many metaphors - stars/moon, light/dark, seeing, fans

Most importantly, it was the characters, actors (and acting) that made it so worthwhile. To me, every character was attractive in their own way: sentimental manager, spunky coordi, insecure HY; cool/awkward boss. I appreciate MHR's conflicted and interesting character, however horrible she may have been; SW being soft and loving, but also flawed and real; Jeremy staying so outward and sincere til the end, just wearing his heart on his sleeve and radiating cheerfulness. Mi-nyeo staying true to her character all the way, lovable on so many levels - btw I really adored the face she made whenever she was feeling mischievous or annoyed (or particularly determined), PSH suited the character beyond perfectly...acting, expressions, even her own looks (which I find really unique and fitting, not to mention pretty).
And then there's TK. What an excellent, touching character; someone deliciously versatile, with all his quirks and oddities, grouchyness, pride, vulnerability, caring..sigh. I LOVE the way he changes little by little, his love growing and finally consuming him, one of the best things in this drama. I always love progress and relationships evolving believably and in natural settings, so to say - and this one was just right on. I practically felt their love (and not only TK&MN's, but SW and J as well).

I like how frank everyone was at the end, too - like Mi-nyeo with SW and MHR - not the typical hide-your-emotions-misunderstand-and-sacrifice. Gah, if only all characters stood out for themselves when they should.
Overall, one of my favourite episodes was actually 15, because it was just so beautifully written - and especially acted. There's nice balance and the arguments for separation are good. I like how that was finally solved...

In the last episode it's like the culmination of TK's ever increasing feelings and no longer being able to live in denial or to run anywhere from them. And especially grreat is that he didn't WANT to do those things anymore. The grand confession after the grand realisation - that he simply can't live without her.. And people telling him off, like SW(with whom I admittedly felt the least connected for the most part), who I think had an amazing speech right there

As can be seen I indeed enjoyed the last episode ^^ Whoa, have I gotten way carried away. I loved YB!

Thank you so very much, JB !

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233 12Dose12

November 27, 2009 at 4:55 PM

THANK YOU! "bows head*

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234 YBLOVE

November 27, 2009 at 5:00 PM

Thank you so much for all your recap.
I really enjoy every ep from YAB.
This is one of best Kdrama I've ever watched. Unforgettable experience following this drama!!!

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235 bbm

November 27, 2009 at 5:39 PM

thank you for the recap JB....
yesterday was a holiday in my country, so i missed reading your recap TT

i'm gonna miss this drama... TT

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236 giddygirl108

November 27, 2009 at 5:53 PM

LOVE.THIS.DRAMA.

Sad to see it end...but here's hoping for a new Hong Sisters drama equally or even more enjoyable.

I'll be keeping an eye out for all four leads in their future endeavors and of course, be swooning over JGS now. *swoon*

P.S. I've never mentioned this but as my sister and I watched the drama, we always screamed out "Team Jeremy!" when there were moments when we thought Shinwoo and Taekyung were acting stupid. Even though all three guys did a wonderful job, I can't help but still scream, "Team Jeremy!"

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237 yokit

November 27, 2009 at 6:18 PM

thanks jb for feeding my addiction to this wonderful drama. and now that it has ended, i am frantically finding something to replace the void left by YAB.

great recap, btw, though the first time i saw ep16 on live stream, i was majorly disappointed and i did not understand a word, but i think the appreciation of the final episode takes a bit of time and understanding of the character exchanges. So the second time i watched it raw (after your recap), the level of frustration somewhat diminished (though i still think they could have shortened MHR's ramblings). maybe i was just looking for that "ummmph" and instead i got the imho 'cheesy' fans-parting-for-tk-to-get-to-mn thing (won't happen for real, btw hahaha)

it was an awesome ride for all YAB fans. thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us.

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238 Hikary25

November 27, 2009 at 6:27 PM

well i reaaaallyyyy like this recap you captured the feeling . . . thanks but i want to know if someone have the link to download the song WHAT SHOULD I DO? BY JANG KEUN SUK cuz i have been looking for it so if someone have could you tell me/send me the link (mairay_2503@hotmail.com) tnanks

We'll miss this pretty,awesome, beuatiful drama forever, but more the next week when we remember how we wait for it to watch LIVE in TVU PLAYER, LIVESTATION, TVANTS, etc haa
I'll cry those 2 days really. . (well i'm already crying so ... TT__TT)

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239 umi_chan

November 27, 2009 at 6:34 PM

omo..omo..thank u so much for the wonderful recaps..ive been following ur recaps since eps 9..it helped me alot XD.....tq also to Hong Sister who wrote this beautiful drama and make it alive....

YB never end and still be NO 1 Kdrama for me,,,

YB fighting!!!!

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240 Sharon

November 27, 2009 at 6:40 PM

Finally it comes to an end la. The ending is good and I love it very much. JB's recap and comments are excellent.

To add, I like the scene when TK was in the stage to beg MN let him see her again, TK's words "Give me the permission" is marvellous! Previously, it's TK who gives MN permission to do this and do that, but this time, TK has given up his pride and ask permission from MN. Really excellent words! But, what a pity that JGS's version of "What should I do" not being included in the OST?!

Can't wait to see the three boys' next performance! They are all so lovely!

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241 Jam61

November 27, 2009 at 6:55 PM

First time reply… (i'm one of the many YAB lurkers)
Love your recaps, thoughts, and also reading everyone's reply!! (yes i read ALL of it…)

I've been going through a (rather long) period of asian drama fatigue…
Even the much shorter and fast paced J-Drama are no longer holding my attention
But then YAB came along, and the rest, is history…

Tears flew in this episode TT.TT
I think it's a combination of being truly touched by the story and knowing that this is the last episode of a show that will always have a special place in my heart.
I loved how this drama made me laugh out loud, squeal, giggle, cry, sometimes all in one episode!
I also appreciate how the Hong sisters have through this drama conveyed the correct values for love and life to their original target audience - teenagers
(but we know the show has reached far beyond screaming teenagers… and transformed us into giggling fangirls for a few hours each week…)

Shinwoo -
you cannot 'let go' if you haven't held on for dear life till the very end
(Didn't really feel connected with him till he CLEARLY EXPLAINED his actions here, guess i'm a bit of a mi-nyeo =P )

Jeremy -
for being so transparent and upfront with his feelings.
Human don't read minds! "not saying you waited is the same as not waiting!"
and for being so kind, sweet, thoughtful (I can go on and on about Jeremy…)

Tae Kyung -
for having such an open mind and open heart, and giving his all… once he has sort through his feelings and made up his mind (love his "matter-of-fact" manner SQUEEE~~)

Mi-nyeo -
living her own life instead of living for her love, to become someone Tae Kyung can depend on… (I truly believe that to properly love someone else, you have to first find and love yourself)

Hwa-ran & Tae Kyung -
showing us that family is famiy

I'm currently combating the first signs of YAB withdrawal with scorched almonds, listening to Jang Geun Suk singing “What Should I Do”, and touring around all my favorite blogs for YAB reviews…

Thank you all for making this experience a truly special one!!
knowing that this drama is loved by so many all around the world has made the waiting every week so much more bearable, and also makes this empty feeling in my heart much less painful ^_^
*Group Hug*

Big shout out to the crew, cast and Hong sisters!!
Look forward to their next projects!! whatever it is!
and JGS: please rest well and get your eyes back to normal…
(my eyes also does what his do when i'm really, really tired, poor dear, i know what you're going through)

@209 ilovebinderclips: even though it makes me sad that the cast is so overworked and understand what JGS is going through , I thought JGS's droopy eye was hilarious too. =P
I think the last scene they deliberately covered up his eye... haha....

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242 sorapii (Eunice :))

November 27, 2009 at 7:15 PM

Thank you so much for the wonderful recaps!
Although I understand everything when watching the drama, I always
learn more and catch on to interesting things after I read your recaps!!
You're Beautiful is now one of my favorite dramas and you made it all the more better. I just wish they could make a successful second season with the same actors and actresses as I love all of them >0<

Thanks again and keep up the great work!!

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243 Jam61

November 27, 2009 at 7:16 PM

oh... another thing...
Loved how there is no "stringing-someone-along for ANY reason" at all in this drama!!
Loved the firm "NO" from both TK and MN... without being mean and stomping on the heart of the other person (like how TK knows UHEE likes him.. but didn't say it till she confronted him to save her face)

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244 tinyviolin

November 27, 2009 at 7:31 PM

Yikes. FINALLY able to finish it. And, now...I might just mope around and drink a while....it's over!! Bwahhhh.

It really never occured to me how similar Tae-kyung and his mother are. I knew that both were prideful, arrogant, and bossy, but I never saw it as a possibility that Tae-kyung might end up like his mother in 20 years' time. Alone, bitter, and remorseful.

This is probably because I've been holding fast to the line that Hwa Ran did nothing out of love, but out of a need to save her own vacuum-like ego. I simply separated "ego" and "love", assuming that they couldn't co-exist.

Strange, because that's exactly Tae-kyung! Unlike Hwa Ran, who clung to her ex-lover out of pride and possibly love, Tae-kyung pushes Mi-nyeo away out of pride, even though he loves her. They are so incredibly similar.

Probably didn't notice because I <3 TK! ^^ But I also liked how Hwa Ran's character was left. She's still selfish (she admits she called Mi-nyeo just to get help with TK, because he abandoned her) and she refers to MN's father as refusing to "accept what we had as love", but she's remorseful. TK makes it known she's got a lot of apologizing left to do, but he accepts her with the parting word "mom".

As for that other thing...^_^...I loved the song! I totally got that he was "returning" the song to her, and it made the moment so beautiful. And... the way JGS says things kinda makes me melt.

Mi-nyeo is still cute, but I'm so relieved that she's not a cutesy doormat anymore. Her excessive cuteness (puffed cheeks, blinking and rolling her eyes nervously) was starting to make me want to shake her. She discovered some backbone against Hwa Ran, and at the end she still decides to go to Africa. I imagine they'll become a very cool star couple. A philanthropist girlfriend can only improve surly TK's image.

Ah! Totally want Mi-nyeo's shoulder scarf! I love it so muchly.

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245 estelle

November 27, 2009 at 7:35 PM

Like 223 serendipity, i'm still rather confused over the last ep right now (i watched it at 4am this morning). I shall rewatch both eps again in a bid to understand better.

On a separate note, has anyone seen this? http://sookyeong.wordpress.com/2009/11/27/jang-geunsuk-taken-to-the-hospital-for-heavy-fatigue/

Omg my poor boy. *immense heartache sobzz* I hope he will rest well and recover soon.

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246 Diwata

November 27, 2009 at 7:46 PM

Kudos to the writers, the whole crew and the cast of You're Beautiful! I have felt the love everyone involved poured into this drama to come up with this gem.

Thank you, JB! Your wonderful recaps and character insights have broadened my understanding relationships and appreciated even human frailties.

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247 anjell

November 27, 2009 at 8:21 PM

finally finished watching!!!! waaaaaaaaaaaa.... the endiing was a BLAST!!!!! It was so great that I can't stop smiling and crying at the same time!

YAB had everything I was looking for in a drama:
The actors were perfect for their roles, Music - the OST was awesome! Humor and sweet moments!

You're Beautiful - I give you the same score! 100%
(two thumbs up! mi nam style)

GOOD NEWS to all FILIPINO FANS out there!!!!!
I checked the upcoming shows of ABS CBN and found out that they already bought the copyright of this drama!!!!!!
YAB will soon be aired in the Philippines! ^_______________^

Let us all hope that the drama gets really really popular that the network considers inviting the cast in our country!
(remember Meteor Garden mania???) - fingers crossed

JAVABEANS - THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!

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248 Raiya

November 27, 2009 at 8:26 PM

Thank you JB...without you my YB experience would not have been complete!!!

I am definitely in withdrawal and am so sad to say goodbye to TK an GMN. I have come to love all the characters and they have taken me on a wonderful rollercoaster ride. Even in the BBF craziness I have to be honest and say that I did stop watching the series half way through because I was so frustrated with the drama.

That was not the case with YB...I have watched it without subs, with subs, and then come and read your recaps. I am now trying to assuage my separation by doing a YB marathon and it only makes me love it more!!!

I hope that it gets the recognition it deserves in the future because there are sooo many loyal and loving fans of the drama!!!

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249 rin

November 27, 2009 at 8:36 PM

@ 240 Jam61
LOL I simply LOVE your post! Every point that you mention about the characters are so true, and as I think back to certain scenes I squeal all over again! Haha. Also I too have been going through a drama fatigue, one where I haven't watch a asian drama since the end of 2008..a year ago, so it was a shock to me that YB had kept my interest and reminded me why asian dramas are so addicting!

I missed the feeling of watching a good kdrama/jdrama and the emotional attachment I always seem to have when a good drama ends. YB made me drop plans with my friends, stay up late watching/reading anything related to YB, also I never completed my homework anymore, also put my sport (I play soccer & run) in the back of my mind and nothing was important to me expect YB. It made me craaazzzy and now that its over, I'm in a state of emptiness and disbelief. This Wednesday I'm going to look like an idiot waiting for episode 17...LOL. kidding ;D

Alright now on to the thanks and what not.
THANK YOU first of all to Javabeans, who completed my addiction to YB, by doing weekly recaps, and putting up other articles relating to the cast and other things that I'm all very grateful for. Thank you.
big big big thanks to the YB production team! WE ALL <3 YOU GUYS TO DEATH<3 and so thankful for giving us some of the best hours of lives, hope everyone rests well! See you in season 2 ;D

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250 maurEEn_j0y..

November 27, 2009 at 8:43 PM

...i love this kdrama!

...wishing that it will have another season....

,,,jajaja...

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