Rooftop Prince: Episode 10
by javabeans
Eee! We get some big developments, and a (tiny) peek at the endgame with our time-traveling murder-mystery solvers. We haven’t spent a lot of time looking into what the reincarnation means, and I’m still puzzling it over in my head, but at least the boys have a firm theory in place that is driving their actions.
I was afraid (from comments in the last recap) that this episode would deliver lots of pain for Park-ha, but on the contrary I think it’s a great advancement for her. Can’t wait to see what next week brings.
SONG OF THE DAY
John Park – “이게 아닌데” (This isn’t right) [ Download ]
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EPISODE 10 RECAP
Bitchycakes Se-na embraces Yi Gak to cap off her confession of romantic feelings. What makes her especially hateful isn’t just that she’s manipulating him for her own benefit, but that she purposely times the hug for Park-ha to see. And honey, is that Tae-mu’s engagement ring you’re still wearing on your finger? You are a piece of work.
Park-ha turns around, crushed, and heads back home. On her walk, she comes across a basketball at an outdoor court, and stops to shoot a few hoops.
Walking along, Se-na admires the sight of Namsan Tower, which Yi Gak has never visited. At this point I have no faith that any of her stories are true, but she spins a pretty tale of never having been there either—she’d wanted to go with another first-timer, so they could experience the same feelings. Barf.
In the Tower, they look out at the city lights, and Se-na waxes poetic about how lights always seem happy from far away, and then you get up close and see that some people living within those lights are fighting, or sad. Or heartless backstabbing gold-diggers?
He turns the comment into a compliment/question: Which is she, beautiful at a distance, or beautiful up close? Is there a Door Number 3 I can choose? She just laughs, saying she can’t see herself so she wouldn’t know. But I can see you, so I know.
She asks whether he prefers views from afar or close by, and he answers that the truly good scenario is when he admires something from a distance, then sees it up close and confirms that it was just as good as he’d hoped. “People are the same way,” he says. So wise, yet so blind.
The ducklings come across Park-ha on the basketball court, wondering why she’s not with Yi Gak, who was supposed to meet her for her birthday dinner. They note that she dressed up for him, so she lies that no, she had dinner with a friend.
They ask what she’s doing with the ball, and she shows them the basics, then tells Yong-sool to give it a try. He contemplates the ball for a long moment… and then throws himself into the air and dunks. He lets out the strangest squeal-howl of victory.
Se-na suggests a ride in the cable cars, but as they’re about to board, Yi Gak excuses himself, saying he ought to be heading home. He checks in with Chi-san and drives to the court, where he finds the others engaged in a game.
Park-ha puts on a cheerful face, trying not to let her disappointment show. It’s difficult, however, when they pick teams for the next round and she ends up paired with Yi Gak.
That won’t do, so she scooches closer to Yong-sool and declares him her partner, leading to hilarious reaction shots from both men: Yong-sool gives her a nervous side-eye, and Yi Gak’s eyes bug out.
That leads to more protests, so Park-ha suggests a game to sort it out. It’s a variation on rock-scissors-paper, where you either stand or sit on the count of three, and partner up based on the result. Yi Gak shoots Yong-sool a look and points down, indicating that he’d better sit, and Yong-sool nods.
Then on the count, everyone hunches down except Park-ha, who shoots up… and Yong-sool changes position mid-hunch, joining her. HAHAHA. Oh, that is classic!
Yi Gak looks at him in stunned disbelief—you dare betray me? Yong-sool pointedly looks away, avoiding his gaze.
The game commences, and devolves into Basketball: The Wild Jungle Version, with lots of pushing, grabbing, clinging to legs. Park-ha and Yong-sool end up winning, and their prize is a wish from the losers. Oh, this should be good.
Yi Gak pulls out his credit card, ready to let money solve the issue. She goes nose to nose with him, and says, “Let’s settle it with one hit.” And socks him in the gut. I’ll admit, it’s a little satisfying.
At home, it’s cake time. The ducklings sing her the song (with hand motions learned from Mimi), then ask the prince what HE prepared for her. Surely he didn’t come empty-handed.
He starts to pull out his gift—the hairclip—but stops himself, saying the cake is good enough. He excuses himself and Park-ha deflates a little, then slaps on a bright face for the others’ sake.
Yi Gak puts the hairclip away in his nightstand, and I’m thinking that if he has enough forethought to understand that giving it would be inappropriate (given that he’s starting a relationship with Se-na), then he must be aware of feelings with Park-ha. Right?
Now that she’s got Tae-yong/Yi Gak on her side, Se-na begins shifting work alliances by asking to train under Pyo Taek-soo. He’s happy to do it, and welcomes her to his team.
But Uncle’s on to her, and warns her that he’ll give her till the end of today to submit her resignation. If not, he’ll make his move. (Side note: It wasn’t until today that I heard Uncle’s name—mostly ’cause I just don’t care about him—is Yong Don-man, which means Money-Only. Haha. It’s appropriate, since money is all he cares about.)
The sisters come face to face in the bathroom, and Se-na grabs little sis to tell her she crossed that uncrossable line. ORLY?, says I, since I’m remembering some sisterly abandonment a few episodes back. Oh, Se-na. She’s actually kind of amusing with her excessive hate, if you can get past the part where she makes your insides boil.
Se-na asks how it felt to reveal her secret, telling Uncle about her mother’s real identity. Park-ha tells her coldly to take her accusations elsewhere, since Se-na’s the only one going around lying and then being suspicious of everyone.
Angered, Se-na throws Park-ha’s tub of props to the ground, and Park-ha shoves Se-na right back, not cowed. (Yay! Pull her hair! Knee her in the gut! Yank her earrings! I can’t help it, this drama makes me so bloodthirsty.)
But Se-na’s past the boiling point and trembles with rage, vowing, “I’m going to steal everything from you.”
Uncle Money gleefully reports to Grandma that Tae-yong is doing absolutely nothing, leading to employee complaints. Sure, don’t clarify that most of those complaints come from yourself, little man. Uncle suggests cutting Tae-yong loose, while Pyo Taek-soo argues that it’s too early to deem him incompetent.
Grandma declares that a project will be the judge: Make Tae-yong develop and sell a product. The two men leave the office insulting each other, which Great Aunt overhears. She swoops in to berate her nephew for his rudeness: “How dare you talk like that to your uncle?”
Jaws drop. Uncle? She specifically uses the word that indicates Taek-soo is her husband, and Uncle Money is shocked at this bomb being dropped. So is Taek-soo, for this matter, since their relationship is secret and the husband term seems aspirational. (As in, don’t you dare talk back to your future uncle.) He stammers that he absolutely is NOT Uncle and storms off, but Uncle Money has heard enough and looks like he’s just been handed an early Christmas present, wrapped in a birthday present, stuffed with money. It’s gossip turducken.
Taek-soo gathers his protegés: They have no time to lose in making sure Tae-yong(-gak) proves himself with the upcoming project. Se-na joins them and proposes a project idea—she has just the thing, hidden up her sleeve.
Thus she takes Yi Gak to see a cosmetics factory manager, leading to a favorable meeting. They’re feeling good about scoring the contract, and Yi Gak thanks her for her help.
Se-na works damage control for last night, in case her behavior caused his early departure. He eases her mind, saying it was because of a household matter. She explains learning about Park-ha’s birthday only today, guessing that’s why he’d hurried home.
Se-na knows how to play her cards, because this gives her the opening to ask about their relationship; even though Se-na and Yi Gak have both confessed their feelings for each other, she couldn’t help feeling uneasy about Park-ha. She says demurely, “If I’ve come between you, I feel I should apologize and step back.” HA. Step back like a bulldozer?
He tells her there’s no need for her to worry, to her relief. Then his gaze strays to the buzzer on the table, similar to the one he’d given to Park-ha.
She’s currently at work, and a buzzing sound sends her eagerly fishing for that pager—only to realize it’s her phone that’s vibrating. It’s Chi-san, who calls her out to ask if there’s anything she’d like to eat. Anything super expensive.
She eyes him suspiciously, wondering if he’s done something bad, but he tells noona that today is payday, and the boys are planning to take her out. Pleased, Park-ha scritches under Chi-san’s chin like he’s a puppy, which he totally is. A-dor-a-ble.
The boys receive their pay happily, and generously tuck a few bills into Taek-soo’s suit pockets like a tip. Or maybe like noblemen frittering away money on entertainment. Or subordinates treating their boss like hired help.
Taek-soo is so astounded that he just stares, then blows up at them for “learning really weird lessons,” throwing back the cash. Haha.
Se-na tags along for another cousinly squash match, which goes much better for Yi Gak this time. Tae-mu says he’s improved, and Yi Gak says that his body seems to be remembering how to play.
Tae-mu finds Se-na waiting afterward, and she doesn’t reveal her relationship status yet, making it seem like she’s only working with Tae-yong on the director’s orders. He warns her to be careful since he’s sure this guy is not Tae-yong, and vows, “I’m going to reveal who he really is.”
Park-ha meets the minions after work, looking around expectantly for Yi Gak, only to hear that he’s working with Se-na. She brushes aside her disappointment and asks what they’d like to start with—food? Drink?
Chi-san has heard of the tradition of buying your family members gifts with your first paycheck, and she asks about their family giftss. That causes long faces all around, since theirs is back in Joseon times, and she apologizes for speaking without thinking.
They show Park-ha their purchases, one by one. Chi-san goes first, holding up a box of medicated patches. In his Joseon life, his mother works for aristocracy and lives a hard life, so she’d come home with aching body. He bought these patches to ease her pains.
Man-bo has bought cosmetics for his 16-year-old sister. He wonders what she’s doing now that he’s gone—perhaps stricken with grief over her brother’s disappearance.
Yong-sool has bought a box of beef jerky thinking of his bedridden father. He’d wanted to feed Dad warm beef soup to give him strength, but they’re so poor they don’t even have a hearth fire. He heard that beef jerky stays edible for a long time and he bought it for Dad.
Their explanations have Park-ha in tears. And, okay, maybe me too. Then they present Park-ha with a gift of her own, to express their thanks. Aw, she’s family!
It’s the thought that counts, so I’m still totally moved by that gesture, even if the gift turns out to be lacy lingerie. HAHA. Better yet: the explanation that they were recommended the gift after describing her personality. You know, all sly and lascivious.
After dinner, they eat popsicles and think nostalgically on their old lives. Man-bo asks whether the others would want to stay or return home, given the chance, and Chi-san answers that no matter how nice and convenient this life is, it’s not home. Yong-sool agrees.
Park-ha sighs, “Ah, I see.” She explains that it’s not that she’s disappointed that they’d want to go home, but has realized she hadn’t understood their feelings all this while. Chi-san assures her that for the time they’re here, they’re all prepared to enjoy themselves to the fullest. And then he climbs on Yong-sool’s back for a horsey ride down the street.
They take sticker photos and scrutinize the results. Chi-san: “Yong-sool sunbae, I told you that you have to cover your face like this to make it look smaller!” (Small faces = beauty ideal.) Yong-sool: “What good is it for a man to have a small face? You should want it seen from far away.” Hee.
Then Chi-san pouts over his teeny-eyed photo. Man-bo: “Try opening your eyes a little wider.” Chi-san: “I did!” Man-bo: “Just a little more.” Chi-san: “They’re open all the way!” Oh, the Asian curse.
On to the arcade, and while Grumpy and Snazzy try their hand at games, Park-ha sits with Smarty (Man-bo) and asks when he thinks they’ll be able to warp home. Will they be able to go back after they find the person Yi Gak said he came to meet?
Man-bo says that some power pulled them from Joseon times and brought them here, which must have happened so they could meet “that person.” In fact, they’ve already made contact with her—the prince’s bride, reincarnated.
This is the first Park-ha is hearing of the reincarnation theory, and he adds that since reincarnated souls don’t have memories of their prior lives, the princess in this era hasn’t recognized the prince. But if the prince marries her again in this lifetime, they may be able to solve their puzzle and return home.
She asks who that woman is, and holds her breath waiting for his answer: “Our company’s Secretary Hong [Se-na].”
Horrors! Man-bo keeps talking, but she can’t hear any of his words. The world turns blurry and Park-ha thinks back to all the signs, like the bracelet he bought. Worst of all is her knowledge of what a hateful, vindictive person Se-na is.
Se-na gives Yi Gak a ride home, and Park-ha watches them say their goodbyes from her rooftop vantage point. Thus her mood is grim when he comes home and greets her; she leaves in the middle of his greeting, ignoring him.
Se-na sees the minions walking along and pulls over, suggesting that they have a rooftop barbecue tomorrow. Time to win over the sidekicks, now that she’s scored the target.
The boys muse that the couple seems mighty friendly these days, which is good for their purposes. They’re operating on the theory that if Yi Gak marries Se-na, they’ll be able to find out who killed the princess, return home, and mete out justice for the villains.
Thus the trio vows to do what they can to speed the courtship along. Could they lock up the couple somewhere? Or should they leave them alone? Then there’s Park-ha, the spoiler in all this.
The spoiler sits at home drinking beer, and Yi Gak joins her on the couch with his own, confused when she gets up right away. Why all the avoidy? She feigns ignorance and excuses herself coolly.
Se-na comes home that night to find that Uncle Money has made good on his threat. Her officetel has been raided, its contents emptied. Which I suppose he has the legal right to do, since the place is in the Yong name.
Tae-mu finds her packing her clothes and pleads with her to stay, saying he’ll explain to his father. He’ll live here with her. Or they can move to a hotel for the time being. Se-na tells him this is Daddy’s place, not hers, and rejects him cold.
With nowhere else to go, Se-na sucks it up and goes to Mom, lying that she’s in between apartments. I guess it’s not so much a lie as a misrepresentation, but potayto, potahto.
The boys make preparations for their party, arguing over barbecuing technique, which boys will do. Park-ha is discouraged at the news that Se-na (whom Chi-san calls “Secretary Hong Highness,” lol) will be joining them, so she borrows a bike from the girls downstairs and heads off to cool her head.
Yi Gak wonders where she went, hearing only that she was seen leaving, and ends up following her to the park. He’s not far behind and soon catches up, confused at her behavior, and also his.
She shoots him an annoyed grimace and tells him not to follow. He huffs, “I’m not following!” Then she rides off, and he follows. Ha.
She’s still smarting as they pause for a break, and when he orders her to buy him a (sweet) drink, she refuses. He hands over his birthday gift now, but she refuses that, too: “I’m not going to accept anything from you anymore.”
He can’t make sense of her standoffishness, and asks why she’s mad. She says, “I’m not mad,” which of course is no help in relieving his frustration.
He doesn’t understand why she keeps disturbing his peace of mind and making him follow her. He calls her a bothersome, annoying existence, but the wording is telling: It’s that “bother” word that often comes as a prelude to a confession of feelings, used by reluctant lovers who aren’t willing to admit their interest is romantic and therefore reducing it to a pesky nuisance. (“Stop bothering me” = “Stop making me think of you” = “Okay, I can’t stop thinking of you, all right?!”)
I’m not sure Park-ha registers this, though, perhaps taking him at face value. Yi Gak declares, “I am not a person who is bothered by trifling things. I myself do not know why I followed you here.”
He says that he won’t let her bother him anymore, and rides off. Park-ha watches him go, tearing up as she thinks, “Even if you didn’t come here to see me, I’m still going to like you.”
She even gets out her phone to text that declaration: “I like you… I love you…” And hits send! Eee!
But she hadn’t meant to hit send, hahaha, and freaks out the moment the text goes through. She frantically looks for that nonexistent abort button, then sees Yi Gak returning, heading straight for her. She panics, trying to escape, but he’s too fast and confronts her before she can.
He declares, “I think we have to talk this out further.” First he heads off in search of a beverage, and Park-ha tries to figure out whether he read the message yet. Then his phone beeps from the jacket he left behind, and she fishes it out to see that there’s one unread message. Huzzah!
Now to guess his PIN to get inside and erase it. Madly she types random numbers, but it doesn’t work and she runs out of time, so she takes the phone and buries it.
A dog’s incessant yapping cuts in, and Park-ha hurriedly tries to distract Yi Gak and drag him away. The dog’s owner suggests that there’s something buried there, and Yi Gak’s attention is captured.
When the cell phone is discovered, he recognizes it as his own and calls out to claim it. Park-ha lies that it’s not her doing, but he scoffs, “Do you feel better after burying it? Did you do that to get back at me?”
He sees that she sent him a text, and before he can read it, Park-ha dashes for her bike and flees. And then he reads her message. Eeeee!
Shocker. Yi Gak speeds after her and cuts her off, forcing her to stop.
Ackkkkk, and you’re going to end the episode there? Of course you’re going to end there. You give us three episodes this week, but of course you manage to cut out at the point designed to make us want more.
At least we get an Epilogue, to tide us over a bit:
I wonder if this is the comic that Mimi’s working on, which would be adorable, but even out of context it’s pretty cute. In it, we see Yi Gak making his big reveal of the remodeled rooftop… which has been fashioned to replicate his Joseon-era house, HA.
Thus begins Park-ha’s life of misery, as she sleeps shuddering in cold (the others dream peacefully), falls off the stoop every morning, and goes crazy. In the last frame, Yi Gak wonders where she’s gone in the middle of the night, and Angry Park-ha retorts, “Because of you, I have to use the bathroom that’s outdoors!”
COMMENTS
He reads the message, hallelujah! I’d assumed they’d take the one-step-forward-two-steps-back approach here—she admits her feelings, but they stay hidden—so this two-steps-forward-one-step-back version is infinitely preferable.
On one hand, it would have been nice to have Yi Gak come to realize he likes Park-ha without any prompting, although I think he’s heading there anyway. And I mean that realization in a conscious sense, versus an unconscious liking. I don’t think it’s necessarily a character weakness that he would find himself drawn to Park-ha while continuing on his marriage plans with Se-na, because of the murder mystery driving their quest. Plus there’s the whole part where ET needs to phone home, and Se-na seems to be the key to that problem.
In that sense, you have the familiar setup of a hero being forced into a relationship and unable or unwilling to forsake that for his true feelings—one we’ve seen in every chaebol drama ever. But with the show’s fantasy twist, it has managed to take something trite and freshen it up in its own way, which is something that Rooftop Prince does well on multiple levels. As I’ve said before, its saving grace is the time-travel element, which gives everything in this generation a little extra leeway because the makjang (which we know is familiar makjang stuff) is intertwined with a thread of novelty. Everything old is new again.
I won’t argue that this is the smoothest drama ever, or best executed, but it’s because it’s able to pull out those little twists that has me engaged, even when the story veers tiresome with the same old evil folks being the same old kind of evil. This is what we mean when asking for a new take on something—yes, there is no new story under the sun anymore, but there’s a difference between regurgitating the same thing in the same way, and tweaking it with a different spin.
It’s interesting that the Joseon Rangers don’t frame their warp as a mission to reverse the murder, but to solve it. They’re assuming they’ll go back to the point where they time-skipped, so they’re not even going to entertain the idea that they can change their own lives. Hey, this isn’t science fiction, yunno!
Seeing that mentality actually sheds light onto Yi Gak’s behavior, because it explains how he can go along with the Se-na courtship while not necessarily loving her for herself. I wonder if that’s also why he doesn’t feel more conflicted about Park-ha, because in his mind, the princess is dead, even if he goes back in time. His goal is to bring justice, not to save her life, so he’s already come to grips with the fact that she’s gone. I like that, in that it takes care of some of that tricky emotional conflict that you’d expect if the guy fell in love with a new woman while he still had a wife in his old life. He may be dense, but he’s not an ass.
RELATED POSTS
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 9
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 8
- Rooftop Prince delivers a triple dose this week
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 7
- The untold love story: Rooftop Fashion King
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 6
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 5
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 4
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 3
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 2
- Rooftop Prince: Episode 1
Tags: featured, Han Ji-min, Jung Yumi (2), Lee Tae-sung, Micky Yoochun, Rooftop Prince
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51 aramint
April 20, 2012 at 8:26 AM
heh, this might be out of context, but when you mentioned "potayto, potahto", I automatically went, ba ba ba, ba ba nana, potato naaaaaa, potatoooooeee...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy8KHUqPWec
sorry for the randomness ya, but I really love the minions.. ^.^
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52 myra
April 20, 2012 at 8:29 AM
how many episodes are left? 10? and off-topic: has anyone seen queen in hyun's man? how is it different or similar from this one?
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Bluefyre
April 20, 2012 at 2:51 PM
10 more are left ;)
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53 papushinka
April 20, 2012 at 8:32 AM
OMG, that Se Na is a conscience amputee...but as much as despise the character, the actress is doing a pretty decent job. I think it's too much at this point to expect form the Prince to deal adequately with the situation, because there are some things that only we, as viewers, know about her true nature. Another thing is: It's normal for the Prince not to be familiar with the concept of "true love". I think that he feels loyality towards his spouse, not love, because it was the standart arranged royal marriage and they were both too yong. So Park Ha's confession would be a bit bothersome for him now, because it puts him in the delicate position between love and loyality. I like how his characters is constantly wandering between the two, it makes his inner strugle between his responsibilities as a Prince and his feelings as an individual, more realistic.
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DinoB
April 20, 2012 at 8:47 AM
i think he did love her
all of the marriages back then were arranged so it would be a stretch to say arranged marriage=loyalty not love
he was very affectionate with her too, he knew she wasnt intellectual but didnt mind
and i would think she wouldnt show him her evil side
and they grew up with each other too
prince didnt look older than 12 and if prince is 25-ish now and its been 2 years since she died in joseon that would still mean they were married 10+ years.
however i like that prince recognized that Sena=/=princess but he obviously liked his princess
in the squash scene when sena touched him he turned into goo (because she reminded him of the princess) (made it really hard to watch tbh coz i hate sena :/ )
but i like that Lee gak can detach himself from sena to an extent
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54 Phil
April 20, 2012 at 8:34 AM
Park Ha must already know whether they go back to Joseon or not. She has read the history book (why didn't she use the internet?) and it would have told her when Yi Gak was born and when he died and whether he disappeared and was never seen again or not. Maybe it even talked about the mystery of the Crown Princess as well.
This reminds me of Bu Bu Jin Xin but in reverse. Knowing the history of what actual happened do you try and change it or not?
If she knows that he goes back she should not fall in love with him. If he doesn't go back she can.
My guess would be that they do go back otherwise the mystery will never be solved and the modern day Yi Gak is not dead and will return and marry Pang Ha.
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barshabarsha
April 21, 2012 at 7:00 AM
I am with that too .she already knows what happened and they shoule know too
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55 veaan
April 20, 2012 at 8:37 AM
i love park ha and yi gak... thanks
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56 Cruelsummer
April 20, 2012 at 8:45 AM
I can't READ!! I have to make this comment here and now because if I don't I'll read and ruin it for myself. I find that when I read the recaps I can't watch the episode all the way through. I've fallen asleep during episode 8 three times!
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57 JG
April 20, 2012 at 8:46 AM
Thanks, JB. As usual, awesome recap.
Young Sool is so adorable in this episode. And that accidental confession scene is the cutest ever.
So bloodthirsty, but I cheered what Park Ha socked Yi Gak in the gut. Such a nice refreshing change from the usual I-am-gonna-get-skunk-drunk and ball-my-eyes-out.
Hmm, now that Se-na is back home, will she discover TY's phone and finds out about Tae Mu in New York with him? Please correct me if I am wrong, but her mom still has it, right? I think there are still two phones floating around with the damning evidence. Does anyone know where both are now?
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Kiara
April 20, 2012 at 8:56 AM
"...but I cheered what Park Ha socked Yi Gak in the gut."
Haha same here, made my day. I was yelling at my PC.... do it again Park-ha, just a little lower this time so it'll hurt more.
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58 Anna
April 20, 2012 at 8:57 AM
I don't know why everyone is bothered by the antagonists. I mean Kdrama wouldn't be Kdrama without them. All in all, I love this episode, especially when Park Ha confesses her feelings in the text messages, 2 confessions for Lee Gak lol. Can't wait for next week.
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59 bd
April 20, 2012 at 9:02 AM
While the antagonistic halmoni is cliche, the grandma is just being a grandma and isn't an overblown, stereotypical b!tch as is so typical in K-dramas.
She's more like the halmoni in "Coffee Prince" (one of my favorite characters), having reasons for being antagonistic but not a bad person and not a 1-dimensional character and not like the mother/halmoni in "Secret Garden" who was a boring 1-dimensional character (speaking of which, the same actress who plays the Aunt here in RP is simply awful w/ her overacting/exaggerated facial expressions, not to mention her ridiculous -looking hairstyles which seem to be carried over from SG).
Unfortunately, Se-na is the 1-dimensional, overblown stereotypical b!tch that we have seen in series like "My Princess" and "Lie to Me" (Tae-mu, while being power hungry w/ a penchant for hitting/killing people actually has some good qualities); I don't like seeing Jung Yumi playing such a role (prefer her being the sweet palace investigator in "Dong Yi" where she outshone Han Hyo joo), but she is good at it.
While I understand the need for writers to make the antagonists "bad", I just wish more didn't go over the top w/ it (that's why I liked "Coffee Prince" so much; the sister in CP had her flaws, being a bit self-centered and being the annoying "little sister", but she wasn't a 1-dimensional character and was another great character (quite a funny one).
Mostly enjoying RP b/c of the "Power Rangers" and some of the moments btwn the 2 leads, but I wish the rest of it was more compelling and not so standard K-drama.
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60 Brenda
April 20, 2012 at 9:04 AM
looking forward to episode 11! :D
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61 Mel
April 20, 2012 at 9:19 AM
JB--as always you don't disappoint... It was hard not to shed tears for our Park Ha.. in these episodes ...YG--If "today" mirrors the "past" and his purpose in getting together with Sena is to solve the murder, then that gives me consolation.. Hopeful in PH and YG department.. I guess we all have to suffer the YG and SN moments...
Now that SN is with Mom--umm-she'll manipulate the situation so that Mom will get PH to 'invite' SN to be a 'renter' at the Rooftop Inn.?. Oh NO!!
Well, like many here, after reading the recaps and watching the subbed episodes at _viki_ (I can't believe it's all out already just goes to show how popular this is!!)... anyways, the Joseon Trio are such a RIOT--that they ease the heartbreak at the PH and YG department. JB, reading the recaps really help in viewing the episodes--umm you know like YG and his car--I was like--wait he knows how to drive? and the tow truck--awesomely funny!! The cake--I love the Joeson Trio, they add a lot of spice to this drama (lots of laughter covered by my pillow while watching their antics in the dead of the night!!) and they ease PH's often troubled days.. Warriorman--love his silent rebellion against YG and devotion to PH--the actor, I swear he is such a foil his other rolls... the trio just adds lots of enjoyable sparks to this drama..
JB--thanks huge bunch...telepathic flowers to you and always, am a fan, grateful for sharing your gift with us Kdramaland addicts-- as well as Kvariety fans... Mwahhh!!!
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62 vox26
April 20, 2012 at 9:53 AM
thanks for the recap JB! ive watched the episode but i still love reading your recaps!! you are chuper awesome!!
i hope the storyline doesnt go like~ bitchy-sena-got-nowhere-to-go-so-she-needs-to-live-in-the-rooftop house~ kinda thing!! PUH-LEASE GOD of the heaven and earth dont do this to us!!
anyhow, cant wait for the next episodes!! im in love with this awesome awesome drama!!
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63 Angskeet
April 20, 2012 at 9:58 AM
can't wait til episode 11
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64 sarah
April 20, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Based on what we have seen of the crown-princess and her 2012 bitch face counterpart, that chick is a total man-eater. My guess is that the Joseon counterpart of Tae-Mu’s is the cause of her death. I mean he seems to be cause of allot of death in this drama. Or maybe the biyatch offed herself, upon realizing what a heinous Witch she really is. And her dad knew she was having an affair or that she most likely committed suicide, that’s why he did not want her death investigated too closely. Additionally the reason that the Joseon power rangers ended up in the rooftop apartment might not be because it’s a portal but because of all of Tae-Yong items which were in Park-Ha’s possession. Maybe when he was drowning he prayed for Park-Ha and that’s why his Joseon counterpart was sent to her, as he himself never found his way to her. There could be two possible ending, either Tae-Young is alive and Lee Gak was sent to the present in order to help him realize who his true soul mate is, so that he can marry his siter-in-law for when he gets back. Or maybe Karma realized that it was cruel to separate them for two lifetimes, when they were meant to be together.
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65 Leele
April 20, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Java, if I could grant you a wish, I would give you back your hours of sleep you missed.
Anyhow, thanks for the quick summary. It's always interesting reading your comments at the end of a recap.
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66 graygirl
April 20, 2012 at 10:48 AM
I love the cartoon that comes out at the end actually!!! Always feel excited when that appears! hehe..
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67 pumpkinattack
April 20, 2012 at 10:50 AM
Thanks for the recap!
Yes, I saw the same thing, too. The princess is dead, and there's no undoing it. That's why moving on is a reasonable idea.
Of course, I'm of the school of thought that the Power Rangers are trying to solve the wrong mystery (why they are really there, and it's not necessarily to solve the murder).
At first I thought all the parallels between the reincarnations were over the top, but at the same time, they seem to be the answer to the unraveling mystery. For me, it's the whole "justice" and "fate" concept.
1. He married the wrong girl (they switched names, just like Park Ha has a changed name).
2. The wrong girl has been a bit&^ in all of her incarnations to date and is sorely awaiting her comeuppance (karma's comin' for you, honey)
3. Someone died in the past (and we're going with the fact that it's the princess, but that would have satisfied some level of justice, so I'm thinking it might not be after all).
The current incarnation of Park Ha was meant to find absolution (destiny) in a relationship with Tae Yong but couldn't because he died. So, she died, he died, they had to meet different incarnations at different points in their time lines in order to resolve this problem in the universe (they are destined to be together).
Of course, that makes me excited to see how Show resolves this! :D Hahaha. Crazy and exciting. Hmmm... I dunno, I hope they don't give us a cop-out a la gumiho.
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Daniella
April 20, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Wah! This is a really good theory!
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TamTam
April 20, 2012 at 7:25 PM
Ah this makes so much sense. It would also resolve whether he's going to stay in modern times or not. If we're going with the theory that BY died, which is more and more likely, then he'll likely stay with PH.
Granted, he'll need to arrest the culprit first, then find someone to replace him as heir to the throne and leave the royal family and his whole life behind, but details, who needs them.
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momosa
April 20, 2012 at 9:23 PM
Best theory & it makes me happy!
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Ondubu
April 22, 2012 at 2:21 AM
I like this theory :)
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68 Miss rain ENgineer :P
April 20, 2012 at 10:54 AM
I was like a baby girl screaming and heating the floor with my legs when the episode ended >_< god why they have to make us wait till next wed...
I also enjoy reading the comments and seeing each ones theories abt the situations kkk
I'll just sit back watching wht'll happen coz i dnt want to get frustrated with the nxt episods
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69 Serena B
April 20, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Gossip turducken. LOLOLOL. I was laughing so hard when I read that. :)
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70 rae
April 20, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Sena... wow, love to hate her! I don't find her hatred of Park Ha unbelievable. In the historical setup, she was seemingly unfairly passed over for the marriage setup in favor of her sister - this probably means that the younger sister was favored in the present time as well. I can see how she keeps grasping to feel special and favored, yet Park Ha seems to crop up at every turn and move in on her spotlight, just when she thinks she's won. Sena must feel really out of control, and so she tries even harder to manipulate and control things.
I also have to wonder... can YG and PH never be? Because, truthfully, PH is supposed to be with Tae-Yong, right? I could totally see an ending in which everyone is restored to their own timeline - YG and his lotus flower start fresh, while PH and TY start fresh, without the whole you-stomped-on-my-heart-to-be-with-a-raging-b*tch thing standing in the way.
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71 Daniella
April 20, 2012 at 11:38 AM
What I love about Yi Gak is that he's not too dense! I mean, he's always aware of how Bak Ha is feeling like when she's upset or when she's sad and make it a point to cheer her up and hang out with her. I don't think I've seen that in too many dramas where the girl is all sad about the guy but the guy is too clueless to know (unlike this drama).
I bursted out laughing when she sent the text and then started freaking out! Oh man, that would be the worst situation evverrr! I bet she's going to play it off that she was joking, if not, I wonder how he's going to react.
I love this drama! Can't believe we're at the halfway mark already!
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72 Linda165
April 20, 2012 at 11:49 AM
OMG JB, I loooove that song!! Thanks for the download link!!! Totally swooning right now. John Park ♥
I think 500 views from this video are mine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HcJ1o0QYw0
I know what you mean bloodthirsty. I don't remember hating a character with all my being as I hate Sena. I might ask Yi Gak for a few Joseon torture methods!
Chi San is my new favorite puppy!!!!
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73 goldeng
April 20, 2012 at 12:13 PM
thanks for the recap!! ohh when the boys were talking about their family i was all about to cry even without subs I remembered their past lives... so sad!
im still wondering what Man Bo said to PArk Ha when she was shocked and couldnt hear him... i bet that, with what PArk ha found in the history books might be the clues to solve this. I really wanna know how this would unfold... and then those mean people leave us with that EPIC CLIFFHANGER! theyre evil! T__T on lee Gak's words: "oh-ho! i should punish them" xD
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74 Farpavilions
April 20, 2012 at 1:06 PM
I giggled hysterically when Yong-sool prised the 50,000 won note out of Taek-soo’s confused hand and carefully replaced it with a 10,000 one.
I know it's for the visual impact and implausible omg i lost my bills plot points but doesn't anyone in kdrama ever use direct deposit for wages and payments instead of walking around with wads of cash?
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Bluefyre
April 20, 2012 at 2:59 PM
Well...Uncle Boss DID say that since they didn't have bank accounts they get paid in cash today.
LOVED that scene!
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mskololia
April 20, 2012 at 4:51 PM
That scene was hilarious.....Loved it!
If they only knew the association...LOL
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pk
April 21, 2012 at 6:14 AM
I believe in Joseon time, the lower rank official got to pay some "tax" to their superior in order to gain some favour...so they thought they are smart...
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75 jiajia
April 20, 2012 at 1:09 PM
omg this episode was sooo amazing! to bad he's going to reject her.
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76 Neng
April 20, 2012 at 1:40 PM
Gosh. I cant wait. I really want Sena to get it, she really frustrates me. I wonder if Yi Gak will find out who was suppose to be his wife and how horrible his princess is. Sena is just has horrible in her new life. I also want to know what is the answer to his riddle.
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pk
April 21, 2012 at 6:18 AM
is it the stage from caterpillar to butterfly? is dead yet is alive? what is that called, slipped my mind.
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77 Carolina
April 20, 2012 at 2:31 PM
About Se-na being the key to the time skipping. Shouldn't it be PArk-ha. Because in their previous life they couldn't be together (because of that accident where Bo-young was disfigured) and Yi-gak had to marry Hwa-young, and in this life Tae-yong and Park-ha couldn't be together because Tae-yong was killed (by the way I feel a little suspicious about his death, but I don't see how they could make him appear again saying that he survived after being unconscious in the see while there was no one around to save him), so maybe, "fate" brought Yi-gak to this era so he could finally meet the right girl (but then of corse there would be the problem of deciding if Yi-gak stays in this time or if Park-he goes with him. But then how about Bo-young?). Does it sounds stupid? :P
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78 kirara
April 20, 2012 at 2:46 PM
awww Man!! Dear prince... you're making us crazy with all of your confusing feelings... sigh.. but Thank you for the recap..:D And Se-na is so evil!!! I hope Yi Gak passes his test in the company!
What to do.. how we have to wait another week.. BOO! :)
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79 midwest mz
April 20, 2012 at 2:54 PM
My wish for Se Na . . . . .
That she finds a good looking man, who’s physical beauty is 2nd only to hers. That he wines and dines her and wins her heart. The marriage is lavish, she is radiant, and joy is finally hers. She shortly to her dismay, finds herself with child, and he is a cheating creep! She has no where to go, and has to stay at home, getting fatter and madder.
Or . . . . . . . .
She settles for the wealthiest man around, who is as homely as the south bound end of a north bound baboon. He loves her to distraction, wants 10 children, and to live simply with his very large picky family. His mother rules like Genghis Chan, and convinces him Se Na is just a good digger. Since he loves her so much, he will not leave her, gives her a $3.00 a week allowance, and no marital property in her name.
May she live to a nice ripe old age, surrounded by what she so successfully sowed in her youth!
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midwest mz
April 20, 2012 at 4:09 PM
ooops . . . . typo here
she is a 'gold' digger, but then if she is a good digger she should have a terrific garden with all the ______ she has spread around
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80 Northern Star
April 20, 2012 at 3:29 PM
Love it - every second if it!
Great drama. One of those which I'll be watching till the end.
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81 Dav
April 20, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Gossip turducken. Oh, JB, I love you.
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82 kaka
April 20, 2012 at 3:54 PM
Thank you for recap, watch this drama I feel like rollercoaster with all emotion..but really this really good drama!
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83 Hang
April 20, 2012 at 4:03 PM
There have been so many rantings about Ep 10, so I would like to do some justice about it. The mystery thread of the plot is indeed getting loose but we had lots of cute moments making up for this, although I do hope that next week, writer-nim will start to unpack his kinda-crowded-and-intertwined storyline.
My favorite moments in Ep10 is definitely the quality time between Park Ha and F3. My eyes got teary when F3 shared their nostalgia. In a certain way, they have been bonding so tightly that I firmly believe that even if Sena comes in the picture involving F3, she will only enhance their connection rather than spoil it. And the puppy face and reaction of Chisan: Absolutely adorable (pointing to the fact that he's pretty decent actor I think)
The cliffhanger ending of Ep10 might be the only 'up' moment for many viewers. I am happy for Park Ha, too, that she was true to herself and did not let her feelings go unnoticed (by herself, and by the perpetrator of her broken heart). My guess, though, is that the writer will neutralize the climax a little pit, to the extent that PH and Gak knows about each other's feelings without setting it officially up in their agenda. Until Gak gets back to Choseon, it is likely that they will remain to be friends (or soulmates?)-maybe-more-than-friends-perhaps couple. As such, it leaves room for everybody to disentangle the mystery thread about Choseon murder as well as the family drama in the modern time.
Thank you for very nice recaps. You've worked hard. Have a good weekend!
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84 Ani
April 20, 2012 at 5:23 PM
Pure WIN loaded with cute and funny moments.
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85 gracie
April 20, 2012 at 5:37 PM
I have a different theory for the time warp thingy. I think that the reason why lee gak was sent to the future was to fix his fate. Maybe Fate lost control in the joseon era and so lee gak fell in love with hwa yong instead of boo yong, so fate decided that, well, in the next life all of the characters would finally fall in love with the right people. And it nearly worked out too, considering the early episodes hinting that the actual tae yong and park ha would have gotten together. But I feel like this drama is kind of using a 49 days rule that murder or suicide can mess up fate, so in order to fix the present day predicament after tae yong died and therefore could not meet park ha, Fate brought yi gak here to fix things. And so the key to the mystery of the princess' death and the way back to joseon is NOT se na, but park ha.
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86 JD
April 20, 2012 at 7:22 PM
han ji min has been looking so cute these past few episodes!
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87 Heather
April 20, 2012 at 8:20 PM
So much F3 <3 :D :D
I really want to look forward to next week, but I'm almost too scared, because it's only ep 10...
Thanks JB for a great and speedy review!
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88 Mary
April 20, 2012 at 8:31 PM
My people I have read your comments and have a few pointers to include: first off regarding josean era sena remember back to the first episode where she purposefully maimed her little sister to become the crown princess (folks that was am orchestrated accident)
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89 obsidian
April 20, 2012 at 8:41 PM
Ah! The cliff hanger!! I can't wait until next week.
Omg..I also thought the part where the trio were giving the boss money. And then Yong-sool gave a 50,000 note, and then took it back, saying it was the wrong one and then replaced it with 10,000. I died laughing!! I love all the little moments that just make me love the trio. They are hilarious. And I can't help but smile when they're on screen.
I absolutely hate Se-na. The world does not resolve around her. Park-ha has done nothing to her. I can't wait for Se-na to get what's coming to her.
I wonder if Tae-mu was also re-incarnated? Was he in the Joseon era as well? What did Park-ha read in the book? What is the answer to the riddle? What is Yi-gak's reaction to Park-ha's confession? I want these questions answered!!!!
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90 Dee
April 20, 2012 at 10:11 PM
Is it me or does anyone want to see Yong Sul get with Park Ha?
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91 pk
April 20, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Besides the romance part, the 3 teletubbies were specially "hunted" by the prince to solve the case because of their "gifts" but so far has no chance to use it except the phographic memory...
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92 Mimi
April 20, 2012 at 11:33 PM
Joseon era: a lady drowns
At the same time: modern times TY drowns similar position in water.
Before he dies TY encounters PH, as he's drawing her there is a butterfly on her shoulder.
When Joseon lady drowns, the embroidered butterfly in the handkerchief ( embroidered by BY and appropriated by the elder sister) disappears and 'miraculously' re-appears when they land on the rooftop at PH's place.
Bonus: PH has TY's drawing and his cell phone!
Since PH is TY's pair/soulmate
and YG is TY's counterpart then PH's counterpart i.e. BY is the one drowned in Joseon. The butterfly disappears with her death and reappears in modern era with PH.
Conclusion: 99.9% the dead lady in Joseon is BY.
So the mystery of the murder and that of the usurping of the sister's position are probably related.
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93 ellie
April 21, 2012 at 12:15 AM
Thanks JB for the super fast recap! I love reading every comment here too..its like the drama within the recap..
Anyway might I add, if we go back to the beginning of the drama..I think the mystery will be solved if they think..
What was out of place, that needs to be put back in place?
I sincerely think, because Buyong's sister wanted to be princess she snatched that place from her by damaging Buyong's face..Yi Gak needs to know this (was it written somewhere in the history book)
The rightful princess is Bu Yong.
Or in this lifetime at least Prince Yi Gak will end up with the right person =Park Ha.
Joseon F3, returns to past and be re-united through wishes of their ancestors...
(if only it was this simple)
I pray the witers dont mess it up like Moon/Sun 2nd prince did not had to die!!!
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94 sophia
April 21, 2012 at 12:57 AM
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for the recaps and all your hard work!! REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!!!! You're the best!
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95 Frances
April 21, 2012 at 1:16 AM
Hay, it started with the king 2 hearts, now rooftop prince!oh my, patience will be tested....thank GOD for daebak recappers! What would we do without you....
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96 Bunde
April 21, 2012 at 2:05 AM
I stopped watching intently and started reading the recaps instead for Rooftop Prince because I am so frustrated with the characters and plot. So far, Sena has been at the right place at right time each time, and Park Ha has been at the wrong place at wrong time each time.
It's like the old korean dramas with really bitchy evil character keep dishing it to the poor good girl who is utterly, utterly defenseless and naive.
Why keep being frustrated every ten minutes?
It's too bad because I reallllly like the interactions of the three minions with Park Ha. And, oh yeah, I liked the interaction with the prince and Park Ha earlier, but the prince is starting to annoy me with his treatment of Park Ha. Why did he follow her and lead her on?
I will start watching again when the table starts to turn... probably episode 18. Ugghhh!!!!... Meanwhile, I have the recaps, which is way more enjoyable and lets me know where the story sits.
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97 Curious
April 21, 2012 at 3:10 AM
One question: does Yi Gak know that Park Ha and Se Na are step sisters or at least knows they are related?
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Kiara
April 21, 2012 at 7:08 AM
Nope, not yet.
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liz
April 21, 2012 at 1:52 PM
No, he doesn't.
Actually, they are half-sisters, but no one knows that yet except for us (the viewers).
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98 Anna
April 21, 2012 at 4:17 AM
when i watch ep.9 & 10.... really... i want to kick SEna in her butt, pull her hair, choke her.... aigoooooo.... she's a bad girl... poor for park ha...
i like gak-ha couples... can't waith to next episode...
thank u so much for recap... admin ssi.. <3
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99 CP
April 21, 2012 at 4:18 AM
Many thanks for JB's decals and I always like to read your comment. I love to read all of your comments and all the theory.
I noticed that at the end of ep1, the ep2 preview shows that TY opens his eyes in the sea. This scene hasn't been shown in ep2 or any other ep. So, he may be still alive somewhere.
I am not sure but, I really hope, GY somehow starts to doubt SN's personality. He asked SN if she has spent the whole night searching for his handkerchief, SN just nodded. How come she knew that PH lost the handkerchief and where did she find it? I think GY knows she lies. It is also very odd that SN all of a sudden told GY that she started to like him. GY looks too calm when he told her that he would marry her if she has feeling for him. As if he wants to complete his mission but not because he gets her 'love'.
The J4 travelled to PH's rooftop house because she is the one GY is suppose to meet. The butterfly 'returns' to the handkerchief because it finds it's creator. The butterfly comes to the modern time to guide TY to PH. They would be a couple if TM has not murdered TY. GY is here to solve TY's case and this helps to find out what happened in Joeson era.
SN only wants to get GY because of money and also, she
can no longer get TM. Most important, she wants to take
everything away from PH. Just like in Joeson era, the sister
thinks she is the one who should be the princess, not BY.
I believe TM really loves SN. He said it meant he lost everything if SN betrays him. Should TM fail to get control of the company and SN really plans to marry GY, may be he will kill her?
BTW, I hate every scene that GY and SN are together. I want PH to go out with her blind date!
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CP
April 21, 2012 at 4:21 AM
Terrible typos. I wanted to thank JB for the great RECAPS!!!
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JG
April 21, 2012 at 8:12 AM
I am starting to think that a crazed Tae Mu will try to take at least one person down. Depending on what will happen in the final stretch, his target(s) could be Yi Gak, Sena or even Park Ha.
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mskololia
April 21, 2012 at 2:02 PM
I'm beginning to think the Joseon era TM took all three of them out....Of course, the crown prince time skipped but BY remained with her father who were probably ruined or poisoned by TM and his father.
LG and his team need to focus and start charting the similarities without letting SN find out but LG does not know she's evil...only PH does and she's going with "pity".
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CP
April 22, 2012 at 3:28 AM
If LG tells SN he is not TY but her prince LG in Joeson Era, I am sure SN will leave him immediately. I hope this will happen before they really get married. Then SN will team up with TM to get control of the company since TY no longer exists.
If PH help the grandma team, as she will get shares of the compant if Chairman Jang knows that she is the missing daughter, then TM and SN will have to get rid of her so that SN can get ALL the shares from Chairman Jang.
mskololia
April 21, 2012 at 2:03 PM
Conspiracy in the court..... :)
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100 Anna
April 21, 2012 at 4:22 AM
when i watch RP ep.9 & 10 ...really .. i wanna kick sena in her butt, pull her hair, choke her... aigooooo... i' m gonna hug park ha... poor for her... makes me cry...
i like gak-ha couples... <3<3
whoaaa... can't wait to next episode.... aigoooo
gomawoyo for recap admin ssi... :)
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MsB
April 22, 2012 at 12:55 PM
I have reached my sick of level with Se Na! At this point I want nothing good to happen to her at the end! Its kind of a turn-off for me! The constant battering of Park Ha!
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