Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 16 (Final)
by gummimochi
It’s the end of this crazy time-travel-but-really-alternate-realities wormhole where some things are left the same while other things are changed. You can never be sure what kind of consequences your present actions may have in the future, but at least you can rest assured in the notion that there are some things you can change now, which is what’s important at the end of the day. Well, this day here and now anyway; I can’t tell you if it’s the same thing in a different universe.
But no matter what universe you’re in, the numbers remain the same as Mi-rae’s Choice ended its run with a 4.1% in ratings.
SONG OF THE DAY
Jin – “너만 없다 (Gone)” [Download]
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FINAL EPISODE RECAP
Everyone waits expectantly as Shin goes on air, faced with the dilemma to choose between two different scripts. He looks up after an agonizingly long pause… and reads off the one without the humidifier controversy. On one hand, that’s a relief, but your principles, Shin!
The crew is disappointed and Mi-rae turns off the broadcast. The pair of reporters wait for Shin after the broadcast with dismay, but he walks right past them.
Oppa learns that moving Ajumma in her currently unconscious state is potentially dangerous, yet leaving her here doesn’t seem like a great option either.
Se-joo asks if there’s something he doesn’t know surrounding Ajumma’s sudden collapse and wonders if Mi-rae actually believes the ajumma’s dubious time-travel story. Mi-rae knows it sounds ridiculous, but says Ajumma feels like a long-lost twin, so seeing her in distress pains her too.
Mi-rae seeks out Sandwich Board Man at his home, where he shows her his meticulous records of his son’s illness and death. He’s grateful that she would even listen to his story and doesn’t care about protecting his anonymity because he’s already lost his son. How sad. What angers him is that those businessmen still profit from their unethical deeds, calling them murderers.
Ajumma Mi-rae wakes in the hospital and has to be physically restrained from leaving until Oppa and Mi-rae arrives. Both Mi-raes jump at the sight of each other—Mi-rae is shocked at her future self’s gray hair and Ajumma is surprised… seeing herself? Wait a minute, are we dipping into amnesia territory?
Sure enough, Ajumma insists that she’s in her thirties, refusing to believe that she’s middle-aged. The doctor confirms that it’s degenerative amnesia due to trauma; the good news is that her memory could recover in time (unlikely) but she’s also susceptible to dementia.
We backtrack to Oppa’s earlier conversation with the Black Men, who informed him that the other Kim Shin is waiting for his wife to return. Apparently he’s still alive and well, thanks to a life-saving surgery after Ajumma left for the present.
So Mi-rae sits beside Ajumma’s bedside, wondering what was so traumatic that her future self would want to protect herself by forgetting it all: “Or is it because you don’t want to go back [to the future]?”
Mi-rae and her brother are invited to lunch with Chairman Lee and Se-joo, and the chairman wastes no time to suggest that they settle on a wedding date, what with the engagement rumors floating around and all.
She assumes that Mi-rae will need to be properly groomed for marriage, like cooking or floral design, but she’s surprised to hear that Mi-rae has already mastered those skills. Oppa is all for the kiddos to be married and suggests they go the formal route with an engagement party.
It isn’t the kind of reaction Chairman Lee was expecting, but she reluctantly complies. She asks why Ajumma didn’t join them and Mi-rae informs her that she’s in the hospital.
At the same time, Ajumma Mi-rae wonders where her diary has gone and where Shin hasn’t dropped by her room with flowers today.
The demonstration continues at NTN, to which Shin asks if Hee-kyung was trying to distract him with fancy parties and golf dates to prevent his participation. She defends that it isn’t, but that’s when Yoo-kyung suddenly pops in for a visit, introducing herself as Shin’s ex. Ha.
She’s here to ask for his help with her overseas scholarship application, and Shin can’t help but be impressed at her ambition. She beams at that and jokes that Shin should have liked her rather than Mi-rae.
She asks if Shin is really okay with Se-joo and Mi-rae’s impending engagement, but before he can answer, he gets a frightened call from Ajumma Mi-rae asking him to come visit her.
Mi-rae finally informs Se-joo about her previous meeting with his grandmother after lunch, to which he asks if Mi-rae can really quit her job. He says that he’s just kidding, since he respects that Mi-rae will only be happy if she’s working.
His voice turns serious to ask if she’s ever given any thought to studying abroad. She hasn’t and he lets the matter drop for now.
At the hospital Ajumma runs to hug Shin the moment he walks through the door. Thankfully he’s already been filled in on Ajumma’s condition and learns how they first met and gotten to know each other in her timeline. She grows nervous, saying that he sounds like someone who’s never heard this before.
He tells her that they’re both trying to run away from their pasts and paths, and it rather feels like they wound up where they started. Ajumma Mi-rae replies, “The fact that we’re trying to escape our own fate means that we’re still at the mercy of our own fate.”
Shin is approached by Sandwich Board Man at work to expose Taeguk Group aka the one responsible for the toxic humidifier sterilizers, but Shin turns it down. Mi-rae doesn’t have much luck at her job either, the tiny network lacking the power to put it on the airwaves.
Looking over the other script, Shin thinks back to the father’s pleas and Ajumma’s teary confession of her own son. An older gentleman calls out to Shin, blaming him for ruining his life. He’s Future Shin, isn’t he?
Shin asks if he was affected by the humidifier scandal, but the older man laughs back: “Can’t you tell? I’m you, from the future.”
To be more precise, he’s the future Shin who kept his mouth shut for the past thirty-five years, and he regrets that decision every day. He led a successful and prominent career and wanted for nothing, at the cost of his wife’s death and he lost touch with everyone close to him.
Future Shin hasn’t heard Mi-rae’s name in a long time, and he’d always wondered if he would have made the same decision if he went back in time to that fateful day. A tapping sound interrupts them, and when Shin looks back, he finds his future self gone.
Another tap alerts Shin back to the newsdesk just in time for broadcast, which both Mi-raes watch in the hospital room. Ajumma is moony-eyed for Shin, but Mi-rae has had enough and asks if the memory lapse is just a ruse.
She parrots Ajumma’s own words back at her to say that she’s trying to escape reality right now, but Ajumma only blinks back, perplexed.
It’s time for Shin’s ending statement and he initially misses his cue, lost in thought. Then Shin looks up to report one more scandal as he informs the public about the toxic humidifier sterilizer. Ajumma Mi-rae jumps up in shock while Sandwich Board Man smiles in gratitude at home.
Shin apologizes for not addressing the news sooner and rallies for public support as Ajumma Mi-rae says in a panicked voice that they have to stop him, her memory now returned. But she’s in such distress that she needs to be given a tranquilizer.
He walks off set where he promptly runs into Hee-kyung and asks her if this means he’s fired and in debt now. She tells him that it’s worse than that because she’s extremely disappointed in him. Why do I find that so funny?
But that’s the least of his worries as he recites another clause in his contract that states it’s his job to report the facts, and leaves.
Mi-rae returns to Ajumma’s room to find her crying, and that’s when she learns that the other Kim Shin is still alive. Her immediate reaction is relief but Ajumma bows her head in shame. Mi-rae says she can just ask for forgiveness from her husband, but Ajumma replies that she’s also ruined Shin’s life in this universe, too.
So Mi-rae stays up all night researching Taeguk Group and their humidifiers, and pitches the idea to her brother for tomorrow’s broadcast. Oppa defends that that move is media suicide, but Mi-rae reminds him of how a drop in an ocean could change the world just a little.
This is the hope their show has been hoping to find, Mi-rae presses, and asks for his help. She also approaches Writer Bae and Yoo-kyung as well, and they both agree even though it means putting their careers on the line.
The men on the team are more reluctant, but they change their tune once they hear how Shin’s career is doomed because of this ordeal. Heh, I like how it takes an extra thwack upside the head to get the rookie announcer on board.
When Se-joo turns down the proposal, Mi-rae asks if he’s been threatened by Taeguk Group since the news report, but we know that it’s Grandma’s firm hand behind the order.
Se-joo explains that Taeguk is a major advertiser they can’t afford to lose, and exposing them would put everyone’s jobs at YBS at risk. He in turn ask if she’s pressing the issue because of Shin, but Mi-rae answers that it’s her principles that are driving this manner.
She thought Se-joo would be on the same page. “Because you’re different than the chairman.” Those words weigh on Se-joo’s mind for a long while, and then he calls to give the okay.
It looks like Shin was fired after all as he arrives at his office to find it already occupied by a new resident. He smiles as if both amused and relieved.
The Pandora Box team goes ahead with the humidifier story that leaves the corporate higher ups fuming. The protesters cheers while Shin watches the broadcast with relief as Yoo-kyung stresses the importance of journalists defending their own.
The broadcast is a success and the newspapers and the internet is abuzz with praise for Shin’s strong conviction and dedication to the truth. Needless to say, Chairman Lee is furious and demands to know how her grandson will take responsibility for such a ruckus.
She blames Mi-rae for his wavering heart and yells that she should have fired Shin years ago. But Se-joo won’t run a company where he’d be ashamed to show his face to employees and hands in his resignation.
Se-joo meets with Yoo-kyung outside, who tells him that she’s received the journalism scholarship. She’s headed for the States soon, and asks what Se-joo will do now that he’s unemployed.
She accurately guesses that he’ll spend some time in Jeju and takes his silence to mean that Mi-rae won’t be accompanying him. Then she asks if things would have been different if Se-joo had met her first—would he have fallen in love with her instead? He says he would have.
Mi-rae is called in to see Chairman Lee, who immediately demands that she break up with Se-joo. Slamming his resignation letter on the table, she accuses Mi-rae as the responsible party for her grandson’s ruin.
When Mi-rae refuses, she throws in the threat of blacklisting Shin from the industry as well. Mi-rae rises at that moment to say that she believes one’s feelings cannot be swayed by power nor money and leaves.
Mi-rae invites Se-joo for a home-cooked meal, and doesn’t answer when he says that the setting makes it feel like they’re newlyweds. They both have something to say to the other, and Se-joo asks to go first.
He informs her that he quit his job and plans to study abroad. Thanks to the recent broadcast, he’s realized that up to now, he’s always done things he must do. Now he plans to pursue what he wants to do and learn to build his own great broadcasting network.
He asks if Mi-rae is willing to accompany him, and she apologizes that she won’t be. She feels sorry for always being on the receiving end of his kindness, and that she wasn’t able to give him anything in return; she fears that she’ll hate herself if she stays by his side.
She plans to take some time to work on herself to become someone better. She’s not asking him to wait for her because she understands he could end up with someone else. Slipping the ring off her finger, she asks that he considers giving this back to her if his feelings don’t change in the future.
Se-joo tells her to keep it and Mi-rae gets up from her seat to break the tension. He then rises to give her a backhug, and she places a hand over his.
It’s finally time for goodbyes as Ajumma Mi-rae wearily informs her younger self that she’s going back. She’s suddenly looking years older by this point and dismisses the warnings that the journey alone could kill her, saying that she’ll die anyway if she remains here.
Mi-rae asks if she can’t stay a few more days, but Ajumma says that she wants to be by her Shin’s side to the end. She has to go back to apologize to her husband who’s waiting for her.
So Mi-rae and Oppa accompany Ajumma and Black Man No. 2 (because the first one strangely disappeared) back to the elevator. Oppa gives her one last hug and smiles when she nags him to take care of his health. Ack, these two.
Then Ajumma takes her younger self by the hands and tells her not to suffer by time-traveling like she did and take care. Crying now, Mi-rae thanks Ajumma for coming back to the present. “Thank you for making me into a better person.”
Mi-rae places a key in Ajumma’s hand and explains that it’s the key to Pandora’s Box. She says that she’ll bury a chest in their yard, so Ajumma must make the journey to find and open it. She doesn’t know what she’ll put it in yet, but she’ll decide on something.
“Even though you can’t change the past, you can always change the present.” Mi-rae says. With that, Ajumma climbs into the elevator and they both shed tears as the doors close between them.
As Shin leaves NTN, he’s moved by the protesters show their support for him. He turns around to see Mi-rae, and the two go for a walk. She asks teasingly how it feels to end up the way Ajumma had predicted, and he answers that he’s okay with it, given how much he’s helped others.
He thanks her for the broadcast and says he planned to come see her, but she deflects it by assuming he meant it as a professional courtesy. She informs him that Ajumma has left to be with her husband who’s alive, and Shin is relieved to hear it.
Mi-rae says that doesn’t mean she plans to date Shin—why who would want a man with a mountain of debt? He asks if she would when he’s debt-free, and she answers that she’s not sure.
Mi-rae tells him that she’s going to let the future worry for itself now and wonders why anyone has to determine their future in the present. At that, Shin smiles and tussles her hair, saying that she’s all grown-up now.
Then they each take their separate leave as they walk away in different directions.
3 Years Later. Christmas Eve. Yoo-kyung now headlines her own show as the MC and wraps up her interview with special guest Mi-rae, who’s now a bestselling author. Afterwards, Yoo-kyung asks if she has any special plans tonight.
Mi-rae doesn’t answer and Yoo-kyung jokes that she has so many invitations out the door. That’s when Jokey PD says he’s available tonight and both ladies skedaddle. HA.
Se-joo arrives at the aiport and his secretary asks if there’s a special reason why he returned to Korea a day earlier than expected. He says there’s no particular reason, but there is somewhere they need to go first.
Oh yay, Oppa is now happily married and his pregnant wife (carrying their second child) appeals to Mi-rae to persuade him out of leaving for yet another overseas trip for his documentary show.
As for Writer Bae, she teaches a broadcasting class and drops the hint that she’s friends with the famed Writer Na Mi-rae, which earns her an impressed response from her students. Her lawyer husband meets up with Shin, who thanks him for taking on the case against NTN.
It looks like Shin has his own journalism show now and though he’s invited to join them for dinner, but he politely declines because he already has plans.
Mi-rae walks into a bookstore and rifles through a book entitled—you guessed it—-Mi-rae’s Choice. Moments later, Shin walks in to pick up the same book. Not one to be left out, in walks Se-joo to grab a copy of his own.
As she passes by both men without notice, we hear Mi-rae’s previous narration in voiceover that one hopes for a Christmas miracle and holds onto the feeling that this year will be happiest Christmas of one’s life.
Mi-rae exits the store with the book in hand, only to double back. She suddenly stop in her tracks and smiles.
Epilogue. In the future, we see Ajumma Mi-rae digs up the chest that her younger self told her about. In it are pictures of a handsome young man. Aw, is this little Geon all grown up?
She flips through the pictures that document his life in reverse from his teenage years to his childhood to Mi-rae holding him close as a toddler. As Ajumma holds onto the last photo, another male hand clasps over hers.
COMMENTS
Despite the rocky opening that started off this hour, I rather liked this sweet epilogue, even if it doesn’t follow any alternaverse rules that give me more migraines than they’re worth. The photos contained in the time capsule gives Ajumma the hope that her son Geon is alive and well in another universe and timeline. It’s a sweet present that Mi-rae can provide to give our time-traveler closure and to convey the message that even with her endless meddling, she was still a part in changing Mi-rae’s life for the better. I’m warmed by the fact that not only did Ajumma make it back to her future, she’s also reunited (and I presume, reconciled) with her Kim Shin whose hand I also assume is his at the end.
As with most dramas, I have to suspend some belief that the child in the photos is Geon, since I don’t think Ajumma would have had the same visceral reaction in her hands if it were Mi-rae with another child. Naturally that begs subsequent questions of the boy’s father and whom Mi-rae chose at the end (which I’ll get to). I do think it was a deliberate choice on the show’s part to leave this open-ended by not showing us who he was both when Mi-rae returned to the bookstore and that final photo of her and her son, even if it left me even more confused than ever. And just because it was deliberate doesn’t always make it a good one. Yet because I do believe that it is Geon, I’m inclined to believe that present Mi-rae did eventually end up with present Shin.
There is, of course, another infinite batch of possibilities thanks to our multiverse theory that vary from marrying Se-joo to marrying neither man to a slew of others based upon the various decisions our characters were faced with at every turn. But what I can gather at the end is that although Ajumma Mi-rae initially arrived as the same person as present Mi-rae (with a few added years), it was that very moment she arrived in the present when their paths diverged. So I can see the show’s initial aim to place emphasis on the choices present Mi-rae would make, and how that fell apart as Mi-rae became less of her own agent of change (of her own life in another timeline. Oy, the headaches) as the story progressed.
As for the ending itself, I am aggravated that it just… stopped. We don’t get anything past a closeup of Mi-rae, and I paused for a good minute, thinking, “…then what? And why?” and it’s as if the show answered back: “Oh, you wanted more?” In a sense, I feel cheated out of both romances between Shin and Se-joo as they were built up (and sometimes torn down) as we followed along the series, only to have the story giving no resolution to either at the time of the ending, making us as viewers do the guesswork on our own. And while I’m usually okay with open endings, this is one case where I was scratching my head and resignedly concluded that it wasn’t worth another headache.
The past few episodes aren’t without its hiccups, what with the original Kim Shin being alive, giving Ajumma Mi-rae a main reason (apart from her ailing health) to return to the future and loosely constructed love triangles to string us to the end. As for present Shin, I did like that he got a wakeup call from his own self about the consequences of choosing not to disclose the story and even with that, the words I assume comes from a manifestation of his own conscience. Then we saw that Shin can also have a positive impact on others. Despite his stubborn thinking that he has to forge his own path and that he tried to push Mi-rae away because he was afraid he would bring her down with him, there are people who are there to put their necks on the line and support him, including Mi-rae.
I do like how the women still managed to pursue their own dreams with Yoo-kyung clearly ahead of that pack. She’s one character whom the earlier phrase that she needn’t depend on a man truly applied, studying to go abroad on her own and to provide for her family with her own strength. I thoroughly enjoyed her as a female second lead and left a little left wanting for her friendship with Se-joo.
So even with its odd turns in its story and often comical time-travel authorities to even more confusing time-space boundaries, I’m still reminded of the heartwarming moments between Oppa and his sister from another universe. But you can bet I’m never going to hope that another me comes back from the future to tell me that she wants to fix ONE thing in my life, that’s for sure. She can stay in her own universe.
RELATED POSTS
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 15
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 14
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 13
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 12
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 11
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 10
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 9
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 8
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 7
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 6
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 5
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 4
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 3
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 2
- Mi-rae’s Choice: Episode 1
Tags: featured, Han Chae-ah, Jung Yong-hwa, Lee Dong-gun, Mi-rae's Choice, Yoon Eun-hye
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51 hello
December 4, 2013 at 3:50 PM
There are not even that many behind the scenes/NG vids for this drama. Maybe the cast really were so good, everything went smoothly...
I'm glad I "got to know" Lee Dong Gun and Oh Jung Se through this drama! Will look out for their new projects.
If Yong Hwa has the time, he should try acting in those daily dramas. I read that it would be a good training ground for actors to hone their skills.
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TJ
December 4, 2013 at 7:13 PM
I think he should stick to the guitar and stop torturing himself and us.
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goodbye
December 4, 2013 at 7:41 PM
LOL! He can continue to be an actor, but not in main lead or second lead roles... Maybe cameos will do... for now. Maybe he can be a resident performer or something, like that lady singer in Ally McBeal. I would think Min Hyuk could fare much better if he's Se Joo. Loving him in Heirs.
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lola
December 5, 2013 at 1:19 AM
Minhyuk has a cute baby face though, he looks really young, that's why he's so convincing as a high school student
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Annie
December 4, 2013 at 8:08 PM
For real. He improved but 'no longer resembles log on screen' isn't exactly a leading man's descriptor.
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applecrumble
December 5, 2013 at 3:20 AM
Ooh yeah, I've caught some of the BTS vids. Is the director the lady with gray hair? YH, YEH, HCA and even OJS and the rest of the cast seem to click well with one another. Not much of LDG, he seems to be the quiet, introvert type.
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52 RaineeDays
December 4, 2013 at 3:56 PM
Let us all take a moment of silence to reflect about one of the greatest disappointments of this show.
Lack (total absence) of skinship.
I mean, it's Yoon Eun Hye. The one who's not afraid to go at it in kissing scenes. Hello, I'm-Not-Leaving Kiss from Coffee Prince, and Coca-Cola Kiss from Lie To Me.
Sigh.
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Dody
December 4, 2013 at 4:28 PM
Sigh
very disappointing...
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TJ
December 4, 2013 at 7:10 PM
Really I agree. If anything she seems to be one of the few Kdrama actresses that isn't afraid to do more than an open eyed lip mush. She's got some of the best kiss scenes in Kdrama. Maybe she's happy she didn't have to kiss either one of them.
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53 Gia W
December 4, 2013 at 4:23 PM
Honestly I am disappointed with this series because it felt like writing just fell flat. I thought it would be a romantic drama, but it's the first drama I seen with YEH where there is no kiss… especially after the tease they had on ep. 8 or 9 at the haunted house… such a disappointment. I watched these also on Dramafever, and believe there were lot of YH fans wanting final pairing to be YEH and YH… but to drop the ball on the series…so sad… I was really looking forward to this series, especially since its the first for LDG after service…I agree with some of the others here that said, last few episodes seems to have lost the theme, who are the main characters were…I too saw that… also I agree, the premise of this show was not setup for an ambiguous ending…and agree that only redeeming character was YK.
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54 Noelle
December 4, 2013 at 4:45 PM
what the hell kind of ending was that? I mean I liked the sentiment between her and ahjumma MR but I wanted something with either her and shin or her and sejoo. Just so we know how it ended or started with them.
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55 MarlyP
December 4, 2013 at 4:45 PM
So glad I stopped watching this at Ep7. Thanks for all the reviews and the comments. I did follow all of that. Voting for Beanie Awards made me realize how few dramas this year were really top notch. There were a few shining stars that I feel were well written and acted but not many. What happened to 2013? I've been watching for 10 years and it seems like the quality has gone down hill, not so much in the acting but the writing. Why don't we make a list of all the horrible writers and post it so we don't have to waste all those hours watching their dramas. Tops of the list goes for Fashion King, Mirae's Choice, and One Hundred's Year's Inheritance. How do we find out the writers of these?
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56 MarlyP
December 4, 2013 at 4:52 PM
Oh , I forgot to put in a plug for a well done drama that wasn't the norm , no romance, no hot guys,but great acting and well done and unusual story line. Watch the 'Queen's Classroom". Kids were unbelievably good actors and carried a fascinating show that really made you think about Korean Education.
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57 pootcha
December 4, 2013 at 4:57 PM
I like Lie to Me better than this even if the plot of LTM was so jerk at first (contractual marriages, so cliche') but YEH and KJH's chemistry was so so smooth and very strong. LDG and YEH don't have chemistry at all plus the fact that Mirae's Choice spinning-around-like-a-tornado, beating-around-the-bush story make me wanna vomit.
I always thought why YEH accepts this kind of dramas. She better watch out for good projects just like what Choi Ji Woo, Song Hye Kyo and Bae Yong Joon did.
But indisputably, you are still the Princess of Romantic comedies for me, Yoon Eun Hye! *thumbs up*
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Dody
December 4, 2013 at 6:45 PM
agree with you except for the part that you say LDG/YEH doesn't have chemistry, to me their chemistry was burning my screen in the first 6 episodes, when they were actually interacting with each other, but after that everything lay flat due to the lack of skinship and actual romance scenes.
but anyway it's a matter of preference!
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goodbye
December 4, 2013 at 7:51 PM
I agree with you, Dody. I felt the chemistry too. Their skinship was so few and brief, I thought and wished there would be more. Some of my favorite scenes include the part in the elevator when Shin wanted to see her scar and she wanted to slap him or something after that. Her reaction was pretty funny. Also, when he advised her not to do that BCA thing and she heeded his advice. At that point, I really thought they'd be good for each other.
And they didn't mention anything about the expired licence thing anymore at the end...
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Dody
December 5, 2013 at 3:35 AM
@goodbye
yeah the first part of this one was actually rom-com, funny scenes and the romantic flashbacks that brought them together, it was great
I really loved all of there scenes, I thought they are brilliant together, I fell for them the moment I saw the flashbacks, then we got the dates and it was so romantic especially with their theme in the background!
they were so good together even from the BTS photos, I was desperate to see them together to the point of wishing that we had a drama about that alternative universe when we see shin/mirae without all this crap!
it was pure torture seeing Shin watching Mirae from afar the whole time, like WTH! is this a romance or melo!
seriously watching the episodes from 1-6 makes me very sad cause I know we won't see them together anymore, they were seriously going to be one my favourite OTPs of all time till everything went downhill cause of the SJ/MR crap
the script was definitely changed! the first 6 episodes are totally different from the rest! they never talked about the expired licence or the water thing! just like something it never excited!
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58 klesis
December 4, 2013 at 5:07 PM
The buried box makes no sense. It's totally different universes right? That really bothers me... and is only one of the many problems with the plot here. This writer seems not to have even drawn up a diagram of her plot? She just seems to write in any willy nilly rules as she goes along...
I don't HATE the drama, I just won't ever watch it again. I still think the ending is better than Fashion King/Shark.
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59 sixtyeightmonkey
December 4, 2013 at 5:10 PM
If only the show had as many viewers as this thread has comments.
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windsun33
December 4, 2013 at 6:45 PM
+1 :D
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thursdaynexxt
December 5, 2013 at 4:29 AM
+ 2 :)
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60 kaede
December 4, 2013 at 5:30 PM
The story might have been confusing, but I like the ending. I think the writer did not research too well on the parallel universe theory, but I still like the ending nonetheless. This drama is not just about love, and people who are fond of summarizing a story can get the gist.
"You can never be sure what kind of consequences your present actions may have in the future, but at least you can rest assured in the notion that there are some things you can change now, which is what’s important at the end of the day."
I like this line. The loveline became second priority to me even after reading this, because for me, what is important is that, thanks to Mirae-ajumma, the people involved had their lives turned to the better one.
I Seju and Mirae's pseudo-breakup as somewhat sweet and sad, unlike Go Mi Nam's rejection of Kang Shinwoo in "You're Beautiful" where it is totally heartbreaking.
At first, I dont like Yoo Kyung, but she got better as the story went on. It is good that she as second lead did not walk the path of a heartbroken bitchy second lead, but she was empowered in the end. Even Seju was empowered. And it was good that the leads and second leads worked together.
Moral of the story: If your heart tells you something to do something you had always wanted to do, do it when the good opportunity comes so that you will not regret when you meet your future.
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61 mike
December 4, 2013 at 6:11 PM
The box wth photos must be some kind of riddle the WRITER wanted viewers to solve and get our answers?
Lets see...
With lots of plastic surgeries happening in Korea, try trace the photos in the box whether Shin or Si Joo when they were young.. probably we will get the answer of who Ma rae married?
Anyway, the young boy in the photo looks more like Si joo..
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mike
December 4, 2013 at 6:27 PM
Another riddle could as well be the holding of HANDS. Whose hand while she was looking at the photos fm the box. Could well be Si Joo.
The dinner when he asked her to keep the ring and hugged her from behind, she held his hands right?
The whole 16 episodes we see the two of them together more compared to her being with Shin.. so Okay I will just come up with my own Si Joo conclusion here.
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lemondoodle
December 4, 2013 at 8:18 PM
That was FMR with the box (don't ask why the box is there, it just is). Mirae said she'd bury it and gave her the key. So the hands were future Shin.
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mike
December 5, 2013 at 12:30 AM
had it been future Shin's hand writer cld have easily shown his face in the final, yet only showed the hand.
It can also mean present MR is married to SJ and it is SJ's hand.. when future MR went home, waiting for her is not Shin but JR?
Dear o dear.. what a messy ending!
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jestss
December 5, 2013 at 12:50 AM
Who in the world is JR?
62 Quiet Thought
December 4, 2013 at 6:40 PM
In the entire series, did no ever ask why Ajumma Mi-rae looked nothing like young Mi-rae?
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windsun33
December 4, 2013 at 6:49 PM
Yeah, but there are so many k-dramas where the adult looks nothing at like the kid or even the teenage version that I tend to just ignore it. That weekend drama.. Passionate Love the grown up girl looks totally different from 10 years earlier.
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August
December 5, 2013 at 7:42 AM
Well maybe Lee Mi-Sook should have been cast in the role of Future Na Mi-Rae instead of Choi Myoung-Gil. Consider that Lee Mi-Sook's and Yoon Eun-Hye share a similar face shape, haircolor, and figure with each other.
Plus, it would have been interesting since Ko Du-Shim was cast as Miranda (AKA Park Se-Joo's Grandmother/Lee Mi-Ran).
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63 coco
December 4, 2013 at 7:00 PM
I do not get why they let us imagine who she would choose if the main purpose of this drama was to tell us who she would choose in the end. I mean if she was going to go all female power and choose to be alone why bring up the romance, They should have at least shown us that mi rea had feelings for both men so it would actually be plausible that she had a choice to make.
School 2013 did a great job by not hinting about any romance I did not feel like anybody had to end up with another character
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64 Choua
December 4, 2013 at 7:19 PM
I like how the drama ended. It wrapped up the ideas from episode 1. That she needed to take control of her life and do some thing she loves. This was the key thing that future MR lacked. She never did what she wanted to in life. I do like how that main point flowed to the other main characters. I understand why people would be upset about the open ended ending. The inner dialog during that scene pretty much explained it all, that you don't know what will happen in the future, magical things can happen. Yes, if one is going to nitpick the drama and nitpick the final scene with the box, I agree, it makes no sense. But that scene was a wrap things up scene, a closer for Future Mi Rae. I feel that most people's rant is about either time travel or not showing who Mi Rae ends up with. I never found it complicated and it doesn't matter who she ended up with.
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mamamia
December 5, 2013 at 5:56 AM
Well said. I also liked the open ending. I guess what the writer wanted show is 'how you live/make decision is in the end all up to you, and future is always open' something like that.
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65 Miko
December 4, 2013 at 7:44 PM
Okay, it's finally over. Honestly, I gasped at the screen once it was done, shocked that the drama actually lived up to my lack of expectation for a good ending. Except it succeeded in surprising me because it was worse than expected. I really could've done without her returning to the store and smiling at some unknown character (for all I care, it could have been the janitor). It was like the writer slapped me in the face as if ending the drama nonsensically wasn't bad enough. Why dangle that false hope in my face that she chose the guy I wanted for her since the beginning?
Anyway I'm okay with her not ending with any of them. Actually it's best that she didn't since she never made a decision about either until the very last few moments of the drama.
I don't and won't buy the alternate universe plot because it was botched and poorly executed. Seriously introducing it in the eleventh hour doesn't make any sense. It was like the writer just couldn't think of anything else. Had my eyes rolling for the entire hour, when Kim Shin's future self joined the party... ugh, it went downhill for me.
So sad that this was supposed to be a romance but the only hints of it was a forced back hug which MiRae still looked incredibly uncomfortable in... did the actors agree not to kiss or show any public display of affection? This drama lacked sizzle, it was honestly agonizing to watch. The longing stares and shared smiles didn't seem genuine enough for me to believe this was a true romantic comedy. Tis a pity since I really wanted LDG to romance YEH. But he surely couldn't do that while spending half of the drama staring longingly at her from his car, now could he?
Goodbye MHIYD, glad to be getting off this rollercoaster ride.
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66 Rococo
December 4, 2013 at 7:47 PM
Ahhhhgggg...why did I invest 16 hours to get this ending and 10 seconds of an ambiguous epilogue that is evidently supposed to suffice for all of the angst I have forced myself through? I am sorry, I know a lot of people like the concept of an open ending and a "choose-your-own-aventure/ending" but I do NOT. If I wanted to choose whatever mythical ending I want, I wouldn't watch scripted dramas, and just daydream it or write it myself. Even if it's not the ending I would have picked (honestly conflicted between thinking Mi Rae would be happier with Shin but for some reason hoping she could learn to return Se Joo's love), at least I would know! I may have slightly screamed when I realized that this was all I was going to get. I know it was stupid to hope for more, but alas, I did.
Thank goodness for Oppa or this would have been a complete waste. Not that it hurts to watch Yonghwa twice a week either, but even that can't quell my current frustration.
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67 messi
December 4, 2013 at 7:48 PM
Thank God it ended.
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68 YY Chats with Toast Between Bites
December 4, 2013 at 7:48 PM
Guys, watch LDG's "Sweet 18" if you feel you didn't have enough of him *rolls eyes*. These two shows are guaranteed to make you very very happy because LDG is in every scene and is the lead from beginning to end, shares sweet moments with his girl from beginning to end, kisses her, and best thing, she loves him and he loves her. This is my fav rom-com of all time.
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DayDreamer
December 4, 2013 at 8:07 PM
Sweet 18 was a true romantic comedy. I'm rewatching it now; the heroine's antics and LDG's reactions are hilarious while both of their loving nature is sooo sweet and cute.
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YY Chats with Toast Between Bites
December 4, 2013 at 8:49 PM
Oops, I forgot to mention the other shows: "Smile Again" - LDG is a jerk with a heart: loved his swagger throughout the show, and the ost was beautiful, and "Stained Glass" - terribly romantic in the beginning, with the theme song sung by LDG himself, which I absolutely love and still listen to to this day; that lovely rich soaring voice of his never fails to send a chill down my spine - the ending was weird, one of those non-endings that irritate me, which marred the story, but hey, you get oodles of LDG here, and he speaks Japanese too! *swoon*
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69 light
December 4, 2013 at 8:49 PM
I think I do understand the message of the whole drama. you can't change the past. But we can live the most out of today and not worry so much about the future. The ending made that clear. We do not really know what the future brings us. BUT,
at first I thought that Mirae ended up with Shin. Because, come on, she never looks at Sejoo that way when she turned back into the mall. I even thought Sejoo ended up with YK, him being overseas to study and all. And YK and MR having plans after the shoot. THEN,
when I rewound, at the scene where MR and SJ are eating dinner, something nags at me. I think she met Sejoo at the mall. She didnt let go of the ring, because heck, even though she annoys me with her confusion, she does like SJ a bit after all.
I too am with the people who thinks Mirae should end up with Sejoo, because he is really supportive of her. Shin is as well, but I got it more from Sejoo who supports her career-wise.
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70 light
December 4, 2013 at 8:53 PM
Thank you Gummi! Your recaps are excellent. I depend more on them than the actual drama.
Actually, I wasn't going to be disappointed if MR ended up with Shin. I didnt care. i just wanted a good ending or closure to this mess. I was more disappointed with the writer not being able to have the guts to tell us.
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71 light
December 4, 2013 at 8:54 PM
Also, the funniest part was Shin's hair. It never changes style. Lol.
Love oppa!
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72 grey
December 4, 2013 at 9:04 PM
So, can anybody tell me what is ending talk about?
I just confused :(
Why LDG character is just a waste?? Shin? Why?
a Drama that i dont get it
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Dody
December 5, 2013 at 7:10 AM
cause korean netizens never liked shin character they say! most of them rooted for MR/SJ so we got this mess
I just don't get them -.-
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73 Dara
December 4, 2013 at 9:33 PM
My choice of ending, that MR tells FMR that she lives well and her son didn't die, because FMR's hands are trembling when looking at the picture so it must Geon for sure, and FKS clasps her hand, to me it's kind of telling that MR chose the same path with FMR (married KS) but lives well. It's kind of sweet of MR and also more meaningful that way than to think MR ends up with SJ, it's too typical for me, got rejected-time skip- meet again-married. It's a more substantial ending with KS, and in line with episode one.
The writer also hinted at possible SJ/YK too, I like it because now YK's carrier is stable in the sense that SJ's grandma can't look down on her.
My choice of Ending like this, it makes the whole drama worth watching again, make better of today, leave other things to the future.
And I think it's a heck of a question from KS to ask if he clears out the debt, if he can date her again. To me, it's the first time he admits that he still loves her and misses her, from a stiff guy like that.
When FKS have a talk with KS, I thought it would be great if the writer had explored more on them early on.
All in all, it's a reasonably good ending that helps the whole drama worth watching, you can't change the past, can't force the future, do your best now, and if you learn of your possible future, choose wisely like how MR waits for KS to clear up the debt first, and then she will decide.
Love it.
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74 katherina
December 4, 2013 at 9:58 PM
personally, i love this drama. in my opinion the plot is interesting and different from the other standard plot from K-drama. eventhough there's a triangle love story but it can't be compared to the other.
the.most important thing is this drama still stick to its title. it's still considered as mirae's choice not to choose anyone. she chose to be alone and live her life (i dont know till when) without shin or seju. she let the future decide when the time is right. not because of someone interfere but because that's the wway it is. overall, i llove tthis drama with it's lack in some points. i agree with the fact shin didn't feel like the lead in the last few episode.
but still i love watching it till the very end. good reference though. sorry for my bad english
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75 caco
December 4, 2013 at 10:10 PM
after watching and reading all the comments. i feel that this drama is worth watching. this is not a typical romantic story although it's sci-fi theme story i think that it's realistic in a way .. i feel that a drama that makes us say something or gives as a thoughts is what the writers want..
i feel that the story have 4 messages;
1st you cannot undo what is done even if you go back and make it right it will only have a same result,
2nd you should change for yourself and not to please others,
3rd if you want to be successful in life you should work hard and not rely or depend on others specially to your future spouse.(this is not Disneyland people!:)
4th you can't give enough love if you don't know how to take care of it, romance is good at first but when in times of troubles that how you can measure your love.(remember the marriage vow: ... for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.)
Although it's an open ending on the love life of present mirae at least it shows that she live her life well and for the future mirae although she suffer a lot, she still find her way to her happiness.
PS: I've watched a lot of drama but this is the only drama that makes me want to write a comment.
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76 SuziQ
December 4, 2013 at 10:14 PM
If we are to believe in the parallel universe.. which wasn't identical since Mirae and FMR didn't have the same burn scars on their legs.
Mirae and Shin went their separate ways and they never showed them together after he cleared his name or debts.
FMR went back to FKS who recovered from his suicide and surgery and FMR messing with the events did not change their future.
I thought I saw SJ ring on her finger even after he left for America. So I think Mirae married SJ who waited for her and supported her. She just left the photos of their son to show FMR that she had chosen wisely and it ended all right and that she was happy.
Although it was confusing and nonsensical, it wasn't a sad, but an optimistic ending.
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77 lovely_angel
December 4, 2013 at 11:08 PM
I can't believe that the writer of this series was also the writer of King 2 Hearts... I can't even... I couldn't... It couldn't possibly... oh, darn.
Thanks for the recap anyways. I stopped at episode 5. Your recaps were very much appreciated guimmimochi!
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78 sejussi
December 4, 2013 at 11:17 PM
My ending wouldve shown the photos of mi rae with.... se joo.
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79 nammy
December 5, 2013 at 12:15 AM
i could not understand what happened in last... who is Mirae's choice??? it should be more clear about ending.. need another ep. I am totally confused. :(
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80 Amelia
December 5, 2013 at 1:20 AM
I can't hate this drama coz' I love the YEH, LDG & JYH. For YEH & LDG, it's waste their talent but for JYH it's developed his skill (I can't imagine if he choose Heirs for his project). HCA could delivered her cast as YK (I like this type).
I think the writer (Ms. Hong) must take responsibility 'bout all bad comments & bad rating. No plot, no romance, no comedy like their adv. Aigooo!!!
Open ending? Ok. I must realize this is just drama.
Hope YEH, LDG & JYH get better project next. Thanx gummimochi :-)
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81 loveprevails
December 5, 2013 at 3:25 AM
I think this drama is misunderstood.
We all have hopped on to this drama with certain expectations and a presumed structure of how normally a Korean drama would be. When I read through the comments, the argument seems to be confined to the viewers’ expectations of the type of time travelling we are exposed to and the same overused structure of Korean drama romantic setup.
Firstly, I like to explain briefly on the time travelling concept that the writer has chosen. I think it’s not only about multiverse and parallel realities. It’s about infinite realities/timelines, infinite you living infinite lives concurrently not sequentially. Meaning, the past and future are all possibilities because past, present and future are all happening in the now. This also indicates that only now, this moment matters as each choice you make, multiple branches of timelines are created. I hope it make sense.
Anyway, this explains why FMR’s past didn’t change. It was explained earlier on that she took a risk on a rickety unstable time machine and she wasn’t sure it would work. She was right. She went to one of her infinite past possibilities, unfortunately or fortunately. Although she did it with selfish intentions but when you look at the bigger picture, her meddling and the sharing of her experience gave all of them new insights and the awareness to help change the parts of themselves that are holding them back and the chance to choose differently or be fearful of the predicted outcome.
If you have noticed, the ‘life changing’ situations still happened even though it’s a different reality. If she didn’t appear, I wonder if the same or something similar to FMR’s life would still have happened accordingly because there was no awakening. So, the main point of the drama is that when you know better you can make choices and change the outcome. As for FMR unearthing the box, both Mirae’s made the choice for that to happen. That reality exist, the path was formed through their intention.
Coming back to our expectations, even though most of us would like to see something refreshing and different however we don’t seem to be that ready yet to let go of the basic K-drama formula where the leads must end up together.
I wonder if it’s the writer’s intention to break us out from the familiar. The situation we are in is kind of like the characters in the drama. We are pretty set in our own ways with our usual expectations, concepts and familiarity. With this drama we are thrown into unchartered territory. We are trying to make sense of it with the disjointed information given bit by bit and it didn’t match with what we came in thinking that we know and expect it to be. The inflexibility of Kim Shin in adapting does mirror our own inflexibility in embracing something new.
The writer took a big risk if this was really her intention. I think time travelling through parallel realities is a very complex premise to work on. And on top of that, if the original script was to have a leading lady with two leading men, which was what I was leaning towards because SeJoo was given so much airtime, then kudos to her for taking this leap to break the mould.
The drama didn’t do well. Could the writer have done it better? Maybe or maybe I should watch it again and leave all my expectations outside the room before I decide? I wonder if this drama may turn into a ‘gem’ instead for me and those of us who have been hoping that K-drama would mix it up a bit and get us out of...
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loveprevails
December 5, 2013 at 3:28 AM
...the box. :)
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82 mike
December 5, 2013 at 3:37 AM
OKAY girls and guys, let us not get hyped up with the ending.. This is my take.
DNA proven tht they are the same, present and future
The funny man taking her home goes about like an idiot.. so probably coined up last minute excuse to lure her back to the future by saying Shin is ALIVE and waiting for her.
She went home and discovered everything did actually change. MR married SJ, had kids with her and the HANDS touching hers is SJ's. See back in the present, almost similar gestures was seen when SJ hugged MR, otherwise why must they focus on this?
Shin had his own broadcasting coy, why then did he not approach MR earlier (agreed that once he is not ridden wth debts they wld try and get back?) so definitely even being in Korea (not US) he did not make any effort to reconnect with MR.
Thats my ending and I am going to stick to this..
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mia
December 5, 2013 at 7:57 PM
i think if Mirae wants to be with Shin, she would have done that in the 3 years period in which Seju left for overseas and Shin fighting for his rights in court
when Mirae meet Shin, i do think she has let go everything about him and he's just a friend to her. they spoke calmly and friendly while joking. she doesn't have the 'in love' look when she looked at Shin
Mirae and Seju actually didn't officially break up, she mentioned that he can come back to her if he wants and let her have the ring back. she said she wants to be a better person
Seju came back early and said that he need to meet up with someone first before going back home. he probably have set up a meeting with Mirae at the bookstore. after all their usual meet up place was at the library
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docster6
December 7, 2013 at 3:40 PM
Komawo, Mike and Mia. I really, really wish that is the ending of this drama series. Thank you for your analysis. I am worrying about this even 5 days later and I am glad to hear you are on my side. Perhaps someone who is fluent in Korean could clarify something for us, i.e., interpret the last voice over that MiRae did when she walked past SeJoo. I carefully read through the translation of two different websites and they are different. So I am still conflicted about who she would end up with. The translation of the GoodDrama.net feed was, "The return of old friends who have left...And a call from a lover you've lost touch with...It's a day when all miracles of the world seems possible." From that second sentence, it seems a slam dunk that she was happy that SeJoo called. But the viki.com and drama.net translation read like this, "The return of a long-time friend. A welcoming call from a long-time soul mate. A day when all kinds of miracles seem like they will occur." Now that scares me. I suck at English and I don't know Korean. But that period between the two sentences made me feel like she was talking about two different persons. The first sentence is about SeJoo coming back after a long time. The second sentence sounds like Kim Shin may have called her after he settled his law suit. You see, Kim Shin told Writer Bae's husband that he has an appointment somewhere. That slight smile on MiRae's face seems consistent with the second translation, that she was surprised to see both of them there. The good turn around in the Heirs series has relieved some of my stresses, thank goodness. I can't wait long for another YEH drama.
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August
December 7, 2013 at 6:50 PM
I was hoping you might revisit the MHIYD thread...
MHIYD did a number on me. I had to stew for 2 1/2+ days trying to collect my thoughts and rehashing all that transpired in those 16 episodes.
Hopefully, the following postings about Mi-Rae’s Choice you will find interesting to read.
MHIYD Episode 16 Finale Recap
7.3.3.2 August December 6th, 2013 at 5:07 PM
7.3.3.2.1 August December 6th, 2013 at 5:08 PM
7.3.3.3 August December 6th, 2013 at 5:10 PM
Friday 12/06/13 Open Thread - Post #37
I hope this helps. :)
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docster6
December 7, 2013 at 9:36 PM
Thank you, August, I admire your thoroughness. You are a great contributor to this site. Of course I did your reading assignment, I am an addict, after all. I will re-read everything the next few days, it seems a lot of good posts are now up there. I agreed with ALL of your ideas, the only thing that bothered me was that MiRae was never that excited to see Se-Joo. That offset all of the lesser dates that she and Shin had. You have no idea how hard I cheered when she avoid Kim Shin's kiss in the haunted mansion. The final episode of MHIYD is similar to other final episodes of YEH's other dramas. In Coffee Prince she spent two years away in Italy to make herself a barista. In Lie To Me she went to Jeju Island to find out if she is qualified to marry into a Chaebol family. In MHIYD she did the same thing. I am glad the fan base for the Se-Joo marriage is significant, count me in.
August
December 8, 2013 at 1:46 AM
@doctor6
"...the only thing that bothered me was that MiRae was never that excited to see Se-Joo. That offset all of the lesser dates that she and Shin had."
At first I thought so as well. However, I rewatched Episodes 15 & 16 again and noticed some things that I had previously missed...
In many of the latter episodes, Mi-Rae's excitement towards dating Se-Joo was very understated...a concealed regard. You really had to read between the lines. Their romance together was the culmination of a buildup of moments from Episode 1 - 16.
Many remarked about the lack of kisses and romantic moments that we normally see in kdramas.
Mi-Rae invited/brought Se-Joo to her home twice. First time it was dinner with Oppa, Future Mi-Rae, Se-Joo, and herself. Se-Joo saw her room and slept in her bed. The second time it was just her and Se-Joo.
However, Se-Joo was allowed into her most private space - her bedroom. In a way, this was a form of intimacy...particularly in kdramas.
Mi-Rae and Se-Joo had several car scenes together. Se-Joo dropped her off at home. They walked together through a park near work and through the park near her home.
Kim Shin never stepped foot in her home. At a distance parked down the street near her home, he watched her in front of her gate.
At first (particularly Episode 15) she focused on the ring and what others thought. She was already dealing with overcoming the idea that she advanced because of nepotism. So that made her focus on propriety - dating the Owner/Director while she had the least seniority as a Writer for the company. Gradually her focus on the ring waned and she became comfortable with wearing it all the time. Focus on the ring came back into the picture during the dinner with Se-Joo in Episode 16.
Hospital scene of Kim Shin's 9pm broadcast:
- Amnesia Future Mi-Rae is hogs the remote because she adamant about watching Kim Shin report the news.
- Present Mi-Rae is very agitated/annoyed and wants to change the channel.
- Compare/Contrast...Think back to an earlier scene when Future Mi-Rae and Oppa came home and Present Mi-Rae gets up to leave the living room to go to bed. She admits to them that she had watched Kim Shin's NTN news broadcast.
The difference in the romance between Mi-Rae/Kim Shin and Mi-Rae/Park Se-Joo reminded me of Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility.
Qualities of "Sense": reason, restraint, social responsibility, and a clear-headed concern for the welfare of others.
Qualities of "Sensibility": emotion, spontaneity, impulsiveness, and rapturous devotion.
Compare/Contrast Mi-Rae's actions and story ideas in the workplace based upon her "romantic focus/partner" at the time.
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docster6
December 8, 2013 at 4:59 PM
Thank you again for the clarification, August, I consider you a very good friend. I read a lot of comments about how Se-Joo's personality changed for the worse in the last few episodes when he became aggressive. I totally disagree, I feel that last action as the CEO of YBS was incredibly brave. He authorized the airing of the Pandora Box knowing that he would be in 100% trouble. He did it out of his love for MiRae and because she said, "I thought we are the same and had the same ideas." Ouch, that was tough. He had to put the finances of YBS on the line for an ideal that he knew was right. That speaks volumes to me about his character. The fact he asked MiRae to keep the ring while he was gone is an expression of his confidence that MiRae is the right woman for him. Se-Joo showed consistently that he loves only MiRae and that is why I shipped him from Episode 1.
August
December 11, 2013 at 8:05 AM
[FMV] Love is Blind - 'Marry Him If You Dare' - Yoon Eun Hye 윤은혜, Jung Yong Hwa 정용화
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQcrCKhsoTE
docster6
December 11, 2013 at 8:40 AM
Thank you, August, for the video link. It matches our sentiment exactly. A very quiet romance, understated as you'd mentioned. I feel this is the kind which would last because there are fewer angry outbursts. As much as I have enjoyed watching The Heirs and its version of young romance for fun, Mirae's Choice lingers in my heart because a matured woman's feeling is very deep and conflicted. I love this drama.
CaroleMcDonnell
December 13, 2013 at 4:27 PM
August, I went back and watched the last 15 minutes of the Mirae Finale and did you notice? There are a series of photos with double portraits before Future Mirae digs up the box….the first one is Mirae and Oppa. But there is no photo of Shin and young Mirae. Only a photo of Shin and Future Mirae. Which honors their timeline. And the last photo of the series is Mirae and SeJoo. Which is very very very telling.
The parting of ways between Shin and Mirae in the park is also telling.
The pics in the Pandora’s Box of the older child has him holding a photographer’s case, I think.
Yep, I’m convinced either SeJoo married Mirae or she pretty much treats Oppa’s son’ Gun as her own. If the child in the pics is Oppa’s son and Mirae didn’t marry, that is also healing for Other timeline Mirae.
August
December 14, 2013 at 1:02 PM
"Love Is...
Love comes in many different ways...
Love means many different things...
Love takes many different shapes or forms to many... between a man and a woman...
To me who believes love is much, much more than looking good together and having intense infatuation or physical attractions...
And... To near 80% of domestic viewers who have wished for, cheered for, and voted for this couple, Seju and Mirae, to be together"
http://ladyoflake.livejournal.com/391709.html?view=1573405#t1573405
83 tata
December 5, 2013 at 4:17 AM
I feel cheated tooooo. How could they do thaaat. Hahaha. Its still possible that she could end up with SeJoo, that backhug scene. Omo. Dunno if MiRae's being sincere or what, and she also told the chairman that she cannot break up with SeJoo. Its freaking confusing.
And as for Geon, Oppa's son is named as Geon right? That might be him in the picture. Dunno.
I loved YongHwa in this dramaaaa. <3
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84 koreandramalover/kay
December 5, 2013 at 4:36 AM
This drama is called "Mirae's Choice" and yet in the end, we are NOT told WHO Mirae's Choice was??!!!!
What??!!
So can someone tell me WHAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF THIS DRAMA??!!
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mamamia
December 5, 2013 at 6:07 AM
I guess "Mirae's Choice" is not WHO she end with, but HOW she lives her life....
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koreandramalover/kay
December 5, 2013 at 8:16 AM
Thank you very much for your kind reply, mamamia! ;)
But then if HOW she CHOSE to live her life was the focus of the drama, why then so much of the drama's time were spent on the 2 guys in her life, which was also the focus of the Ajumma or past Mirae travelling back in time?
And logically, HOW she chose to live her life is DIRECTLY linked to WHO she chose to be with because WHO she chose to be with will directly affect HOW she lives her life. And yet, we are not told WHO she ended up with after so much of the back and forth and angsty involved in deciding WHO she will choose to be with?
Frankly, who among the viewers do not feel cheated after the drama spent so much time making us feel for both perfect guys and hoping for Mirae to put them out of their misery because of her indecisiveness, we end with an open-ended outcome? How does that justify the emotional rollercoaster ride that the 2 guys were put through over 1 woman?
Since it is an open-ended outcome, Mirae could very well end up with any Tom, Dick or Harry, because HOW she chose to life her life is ACTUALLY the focus of the title of the drama, regardless of WHO she ends up with?
My final comment is this : The writer of this drama probably was as confused about WHAT she wants to writer and HOW she wants to end the drama as we the viewers and therefore, choosing an open-ended outcome is her way of escaping from justifying all the emotional turmoil she put the actors through over 1 woman. A cop-out of sorts.
So, this drama should be renamed "The Confused Writer's Choice" - her choice to write and end the drama!
Such an anti-climatic ending after all the build-up. Such a pity!
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85 Atia Bane
December 5, 2013 at 5:01 AM
Zoom-in the Epilogue: "Ajumma Mi-rae digs up the box that Present Mi-Rae told her about and gave her the key to. She flips through the pictures that document..life in reverse from a young man to his teenage years to his childhood to Mi-rae holding him close as a toddler.”
Please watch closely the last two pictures. The background wall panelling looks similar to the interior panelling in Se- Joo's office.
I belong to want @August describes as " some of the audience partial to Park Se-Joo and Na Mi-Rae as a couple."
Like @docster "I wanted Mirae to get married ASAP even if she wants to develop herself, she would be 35 at the end of the drama. With an understanding husband, she could reach an even higher plateau.. ...I wanted to have Mirae marry Se-Joo because I feel he would be that kind of supportive husband."
So I am reading the background of the last two photos as being taken in Se-Joo's mansion. My wishful thinking is Mirae ended marrying Se-Joo. Hooray!
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86 Chua Lay Hoon / pls use alias "lh39"
December 5, 2013 at 5:42 AM
Am I one of the few that enjoyed all 16 episodes ? I agree that some of the frustrations are caused by the writer and director who purposely filmed many scenes and vague ending probably to pacify different fan camps. Kudos to the excellent cast. Many views were shared by people including some who did not watched the show. So I would like to share my thoughts. Shin had captured Mirae's heart first but due to interventions from FMR, he chose to walk away from Mirae supposedly to avoid facing the debt, child's death and his suicide 20 years later. Se-Joo had also learnt from FMR that Shin was Mirae's husband. He was undeterred. He continued his expressions in words and deeds to show care and love. Se-Joo stood his ground against his grandma on his choice of love and professional ethics. Mirae tried to return the couple ring because she does not want to tie him down should he meet someone better. Not because she did not love him - she wanted the best for him. Se-Joo had been her pillar through thick and thin and protected her (told Shin not to speak badly about Mirae; imploring his grandma not to scare her away). He was always there to share her joy and tears. Her choice was made when she accepted the lunch with oppa, Se-Joo and his grandma Plus rejecting grandma's demand to leave him. Mirae has clearly put the past behind when she showed moral support for Shin after his sacking and said without angst and tears that she would not date him because of his debt and especially he had not treat her well before (throwing water in her face and not giving her chance to explain when Se-Joo presented flowers to her at the bar). She was not fearful before when she learnt about the huge penalty/debt and naively thought they could overcome financial hardship if they just love each other. Se-Joo's return after 3 years would also have convinced her that he did not harbour just a simple crush nor obsession to own her (like the toy car). Building a family and long successful marriage take more than love. Mirae would certainly made the same choice again : her friend and soulmate, Se-Joo. Their love will grow built on a foundation of shared dreams, mutual respect and communication.
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87 mamamia
December 5, 2013 at 6:05 AM
Seems a lot of people didn't like, but I enjoyed this drama. I like how they end, and the writer's massage was nice too.
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88 light
December 5, 2013 at 9:05 AM
Amazingly, I am getting more convinced that Mirae chose Sejoo. I believe that miracle of christmas here is her ending up with sejoo, especially with sejoo returning to korea suddenly a day early. I am sticking with this. So in the end, even though generally i am disappointed with the ending (i wanted old mirae with old sejoo scene) i am happy when most clues pinpoint to sejoo..i think.
I like to think that even though fate do play a part in our lives, we can choose our fate still. Even changing the husband fate, if we think love could not survive an unhappy marriage. We can choose whatever we want, in spite of different opinions from different people. In the end, we are the ones who have control over our own lives.
Hope everyone here lead happy and fulfilling lives!
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89 Farah
December 5, 2013 at 9:26 AM
I have come to the conclusion that this drama, "Mirae's Choice", is probably the writer's very own personal autobiography which she tries too hard to camouflage by adding that flimsy illusion of time-travelling. The initial ideas could have been spurred by her very pursuit to become a broadcasting-writer and the failed (love) relationship that she may had encountered in some point of her life. Having never quite gotten over the break-up she fantasizes of the moment where she could have made a better choice in her life and choose the right person. No writer would have been successful in creating such as messed up drama unless she can’t quite detach herself from her personal pursuit and view the written piece objectively.
I cringed at the open-ended ending of this drama for fear that the writer/ director/ producer are looking into a sequel (God forbids). Yes, it may seem endearing to have all three characters purchasing those books for sentimental reasons but it doesn’t necessarily means that those characters didn’t move on during the last three years. Only SJ gave himself 3 years to pursue his studies. Why should SJ continue to hope for Mirae when she clearly turned him down? Was Mirae waiting 3 years for KS to clear his debts and win the lawsuit against NTN?
With regards to the photos in the chest, I believe that those photos are the photos of Mirae’s oppa’s son, whom is also called Gun. Not the supposed child that Mirae would have had if she married KS.
I choose to believe that after the traumatic-life-changing-timetravelling experience that Mirae witnessed, she chooses to remain single. Forever. Haha
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90 ktiep
December 5, 2013 at 9:27 AM
I enjoyed this drama too, mostly because it made me think. Here's my 10 Best List about "Mirae's Choice"
10. The writer tried to break from the usual Kdrama trope and go down a feminist track. As is true in real life, it's hard to break from the status quo since all the existing powers are working against you.
9. The emotions were all over the place. Yea, I know it felt like a "hot mess," but I thought it was an accurate portrayal of a woman who wants to be independent, but has not one, but two men to date and no time to sort herself out.
8. This drama posed a lot of questions. If I could go back and give advice to my younger self, would I? Or are my experiences what make me "me." Is it okay to lie about who you are just to make someone like you? If SJ had been poor, but acted like he was rice to win MR's heart, we would have hated him. But because he's rich it's okay to deceive her? Double standard...
7. Shin stayed true to his principles, regardless of the outcome. I sure hope he wins that law suit and some damages besides.
6. Even though she seemed to mess everything up, all the characters thanked FMR for coming back and changing the direction of their lives (well, YK didn't, but IMHO her life was turning out great in the end).
5. Overall Hong-hwa improved as an actor. I don't know his work except as an actor and I'm 53, so you can hardly call me a fangirl, but I have enjoyed watching his growth. I hope to see him do more mature roles in the future.
4. Shin as Darth Vader, Mirae as a princess. That was a great scene. And then when he was able to sew her sleeve--that got me. It reminded me of when my husband sewed something for me when we were first dating. Who needs skinship when the guy can sew?
3. The hair. I'm voting for Shin's permanent cowlick with SJ's final haircut coming in second.
2. Lee Dong-gun. He can emote without saying a word. Fabulous. So translatable internationally. And a new actor (to me) for me to look forward to watching.
1. Reading your posts with my coffee the morning after. I should have posted more (bashful). Thank you for enriching my experience.
On to the next Kdrama...
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91 Lhainey
December 5, 2013 at 9:33 AM
I believe MiRae ended up with Sejoo. not because i ship that loveteam but based on the Voiceover "long time friends get to meet up (thats how i atleast understood it) and Lover who have not seen for a long time- she really ment Yonghwa as the Lover who has not been in contact. MR mentioned to SJ that he should not wait for her but once his back, shes asking to give her back the ring. I felt like MR liked Sejoo and she surpassed her FirstLove (Kim Shin). And SJ the moment he came back from NYC, he said he needs to go somewhere else and meet someone before going home. thats why she went to the same bookstore as MR becasue that is where they're bout to meet up, only Kim Shin was there too (which is obviously fate). In short, Bookstore is SJ and MR meeting place :)
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92 Dyan
December 5, 2013 at 10:42 AM
I think she did not end up with Kim Shin. We are talking about a parallel universe. And it does not matter even if the Old Mirae ended with Kim Shin, it has nothing to do with the Younger Mirae who can clearly choose whom she wants.
There are a number of clues provided that can make you think she ended with Se-joo.
First, is the fact that she wanted to become a better person so she can deserve to be by his side and not always be on the receiving end.
Second, she wanted him to consider giving her the ring later if his feelings won’t change. This means that she wants to be with him. Plus the fact that we all know that Se-joo feelings won’t change. He did mention it before while talking to his grandmother that no one will do if he won’t end up with Mirae.
Third, when they’re doing the back hug Mirae put her hand on top of his. This means she did have feelings to him and it is not impossible for her feelings not to grow.
Fourth, she entered into a relationship with Se-joo not Kim Shin so when you go back to the lines Mirae stated at the end that she is waiting for a call from a long lost lover? She clearly is pertaining to Se-joo because she never had a relationship with Kim Shin so you cannot treat Kim Shin as her lover but only a friend. Se-joo was her boyfriend, so he should be her lover.
Finally, look closely at the last picture of Mirae with her son. It was taken at what seem to be Miranda’s office walls. Another clue that she did made the right choice, and that’s ending up with Se-joo. And the part where Old Mirae’s hands was shaking then the Old Kim Shin supported her hand, it only shows that she’s that happy because Mirae finally ended up having a son of her own in another universe. It can never be Geon because Geon was already dead in her universe with Kim Shin.
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atz
December 5, 2013 at 3:40 PM
I believe your view is right on.
For the viewers who were eager to watch romance, this drama can be a bit disappointment but I like to view this drama a new set up. The plot can be a bit dud due to the time travel... I did expect something more Sifi involved in the course. I also wanted to see a bit sizzle between Mirae and See joo. Her feeling for See Joo was not clearly revealed. Instead the episode focused Shin and Mirae's lingering feeling.
Mirae, despite of her own flaws, is actually a strong woman who felt the need to stand her own and other women also like to have their own independence. That theme is very unlike any other Korean drama; for that it is praise worthy.
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PeachRebel
December 5, 2013 at 6:29 PM
Didnt really follow up on this series. Stopped when I kinda lost the plot, trying to figure the metaphor or eccentricty or originality of the story. What the writer really wanted to give up. Though i drink coffee, its decaffenaited so my usual perky self is dreaming on a pillow.
Anyway, as I posted before, The Multiverse Theory is the best thing to stick to.
Dyan Cheers. I am not alone. lol
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93 Millie
December 5, 2013 at 6:09 PM
Sad ending. Writers know that we hate watching all these episodes for no romantic ending . We feel cheated. Why do this? Do they think its clever??? Last 2 episodes sucked!
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94 Ssie
December 5, 2013 at 6:11 PM
Thank you so much for the faithful recap gummi! (Although I only read the parts where Yoo Kyung is present :P)
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95 lovely_angel
December 5, 2013 at 7:12 PM
I think it would be more appropriate if the Title of this series was "Guess Who's Mirae's Choice Is?" "The Guessing Game." or "Guess Who?" or maybe "Secret Choice."
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96 Lilium
December 5, 2013 at 7:30 PM
The show, overall, was a huge disappointment not because it was awful but because it failed to live up to its potential. Watching it was a frustrating experience, hoping and praying that it will get better towards the end but it never gets there.
The open-endedness of the conclusion is the least of my problems with this dog's breakfast. Hackneyed plotting, a lack of focus and the butchered characterization of the leads are far worst sins. The biggest problem as I see it is that the writer/showrunners just didn't know what sort of series they were going for. It was one thing one minute and another the next. In the end nothing was developed properly.
One could see the danger signals after Ep 6 (which was really good) when the main storyline started to derail into a "will-they-won't-they" melo fest. The fact that new plot lines were added in the last three episodes was an omen that nothing good was coming.
I find it hard to believe that Mi Rae really cared about SJ romantically. Even on a bad day, YEH is a decent actress so why does she always look like she's suffering from constipation every time he throws himself at her? Even with his inconsistent acting Yonghwa looks like he's crazy about her to the point of creepiness but YEH looks like she's ready to puke when he gets up close and personal.
I also hated the St Shin the Martyr storyline. Really despaired over the hatchet job done on a beloved character. That's when the show reverted to safe melodrama cliches. Before that the character was funny, witty and decisive... sigh...
And SJ... sigh... it's bad enough he became disturbingly attentive but he had to turn soppy and annoying too. I really didn't find his actions cute or protective, just irritating. Clearly he was biting off more than he could chew taking on the YBS CEO job and he shrunk visibly in that role.... a boy in a man's job, as it were.
If I hadn't fallen in love with LDG's Kim Shin, I think I would have jumped ship much earlier.
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97 mia
December 5, 2013 at 8:48 PM
i watched back the scene where MR-SJ at her house dining for a meal
what MR's said to SJ strike me off as her wanting to put a hold on their relationship as she wants to be a better person for him and she need time for it.it's not even a break up.
she said:
" after i meet you i have only been receiving, that's why i want to do something for you too. but there's nothing i can give as you already have everything. if i stay beside you like this, i'll start to hate myself
i want to be someone that can give something back to you. that's why i want to take time to work on myself.i won't ask you to wait for me, you may end up meeting a better fate, if you still hasn't changed your mind later,will you give the ring to me then?"
when Miranda asked her to break up with Seju, even with the threat of banning Kim Shin from the broadcasting world, she stays firm that she won't broke up with him
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98 keidey
December 6, 2013 at 3:04 AM
The best thing was the ending. Oh well. New drama next week with Enrique! I mean, um, Yoon Shi-yoon.
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99 Jillie
December 6, 2013 at 8:42 AM
I want to express how disappointed I am at this Drama. Stars were underutilised. Sejoo, the most dense perdon on earth. Mirae's non-choice, leaving him to still pine for her. There are so many plot holes because she knows Sejoo is supposed to meet Yookyung, the plot hole there is. Knowing that and still 'pursued' her relationship or platonic love with Sejoo. I don't feel the chemistry.
I don't know which one ruined it for me more, the fans or the writer's messy plot. :-( I feel sad that this show ended leaving us to feel lost and heart-broken.
YH's fans proved that their influence does not make the ratings higher either. I can't help it. I am not a hater. As for the last bit of ep 16, hinting she might have ended up with SJ? I still doubt it. That could be Geon or her nephew. Plot hole: FMR can't possibly get photos from alternate universe Mirae. Nope. The box magically traversed parallel universes too. Really? Insisting that was SJ's hands. FKS was waiting for FMR. Again it IS a parallel universe.
I hope YEH and LDG get a better drama after this. A romcom at that with a happy ending. Yong hwa can get another drama where he is a star, not the second lead, his fans just ruin the writing for me. Han Chae Ah on the other hand is now my fave 2nd lead ever!
Sigh. MHIYD had so much potential. Great actors and bad writing. This must be one of the worse kdrama I've ever watched. :-( YEH was queen of romcom. This was LDG's comeback but he was shoved on the corner because fans are rooting for a MR-SJ pairing. The end.
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mel
December 7, 2013 at 1:15 AM
you can't blame JYH's fans for the failure of the writer
not all korean fans of the drama are his fans
the general viewers there like Seju's character more since the beginning of the drama. what JYH had to do with that
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Atia Bane
December 7, 2013 at 4:56 AM
Well said @mel.
I am one of those general viewers, as you described, who happen to like SJ's character more than KS. KS's character which just reeks of signals that say "not an easy person to live with." Good to date maybe but to marry?
Well think again, think twice, three times.
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100 Minn
December 7, 2013 at 2:52 PM
I'm always eager whenever YEH is in the drama, not because I'm a big fan of her, well at least not as much as I like LDG, but because I know YEH wont let me down with her good acting skill, but good acting skill alone is not enough to make a good drama, Mi raes choice has got to be YEH's most dissapointed drama for me, I was anticipated at first, then slowly,but surely it turned into boredom with all the time twist and I ended up by just reading the recap. Anyway, thank you so much for the recaps! :)
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