Joseon Gunman: Episode 8
by javabeans
The identity game continues as our hero is tested to keep his cover and risk blowing it at every turn to save a loved one, determined to prove that he can protect both at the same time. Which of course he can, if I have anything to say about it. I know I know, I want to have my cake and eat it too, but surely that’s not too much to ask for when your guy is a fast, fierce, and shrewd superhero, right? He’s even got the secret lair and everything! And with the motley collection of loyal subordinates growing, he’ll soon have a Scooby Gang to go with it.
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Human Race – “Love” [ Download ]
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EPISODE 8 RECAP
Yeon-ha dashes into her brother’s arms, while Yoon-kang wrestles with his shock. But he sees Choi Won-shin through the cracked-open door and knows he’s being watched, and therefore shoves Yeon-ha back angrily.
She doesn’t understand why he’s being so cold and reaches for his arm. Yoon-kang recoils and pushes past to leave the room, but Yeon-ha grabs him in a back-hug and asks pleadingly why he’s acting this way. So he musters up the resolve, then whirls around and slaps her full in the face. Gasp.
She falls to the ground, stunned. Yoon-kang growls in Japanese, “Joseon is full of lunatics!”
This isn’t going the way Choi Won-shin expected, but he feigns ignorance when Yoon-kang turns his anger on him for allowing such behavior. Choi tries to smooth over the situation, but Yoon-kang is (or acts) livid and leaves the party.
Even with Yoon-kang’s violent denial, Choi isn’t convinced either way. He asks Yeon-ha if she’s certain that was her brother, and tearfully, she nods. So the suspicion remains alive, though he muses that Yoon-kang would have to be very tough to turn away his sister like that. So either they truly are mistaken—or Yoon-kang returned a much stronger foe.
Yoon-kang makes it back home and physically reels. Wracked with tears, he sobs, “Yeon-ha, I’m sorry.”
He has to pull it together, however, when he is called out to deal with a situation: Soo-in was caught red-handed trying to steal some of their explosives. She tries to make that sound less terrible but he’s not having it. Yoon-kang decrees that as of today, he is no longer doing business with Choi. What’s more, he orders Soo-in to tell that to Choi herself.
Choi Won-shin’s party winds down, and that particularly lecherous guest leaves with a leer in Yeon-ha’s direction. Ick ick ick. For now that’s all he does, thank goodness, but this is far from over.
Hye-won had witnessed Yoon-kang storming out and pulls Yeon-ha aside to ask about it. Yeon-ha says that she mistook the visitor for her brother and begs not to be sent away. Hye-won assures her that she won’t be punished over that, but stiffens when she hears Yeon-ha’s name—a name she’s heard many times from Soo-in. When Yeon-ha gives her brother’s name, that confirms it.
Yoon-kang understands that Yeon-ha was a trap, which spurs his hatred of Choi even more. That means Yeon-ha is unsafe in that household, and he’s determined to rescue her this very night, despite Sang-chu’s urging not to act rashly and risk blowing his entire cover. Yoon-kang won’t be deterred, and vows to save his sister and then punish Choi Won-shin.
Gojong receives an unexpected visit from Lord Kim, who expresses his concern over Gojong’s recent move. The conversation is extremely polite but laced with barbs everywhere as Lord Kim emphasizes the need to transition into change slowly and gradually, and Gojong counters that failing to progress into the modern age will be disastrous for the nation.
Gojong makes his position clear, saying that in the past, a gunman acting on somebody’s orders had killed someone loyal to him: “And I accused that loyalty of treason and killed him one more time. I determined back then that I would not become anybody’s puppet again.”
Lord Kim has his answer: Gojong will not back down. Furthermore, his words reveal that he suspects Lord Kim of ordering the Kaehwa assassinations. Lord Kim decides to observe just a bit longer to see whether Gojong is bluffing or serious, and instructs Choi Won-shin to lie low for the time being.
Ho-kyung finally admits the truth of his paternity to Interpreter Jung, who is stunned to realize that he’s the son of one of the leaders of their opposition. But he is also a fair man who recognizes Ho-kyung’s worth for what it is, and thanks him for trusting him with the truth. Ho-kyung requests to be the one to tell Soo-in the truth, and Interpreter Jung agrees not to say anything.
Soo-in can’t abide the thought of ruining the mining deal for Hye-won and tries once more to beg Yoon-kang for leniency. He rejects her pleas at first, but her continued entreaties wear him down a bit, and ultimately he agrees to allow tomorrow’s demonstration to proceed. He’s skeptical that it’ll succeed, but she walks away in relief to have another chance to try.
That night, Yoon-kang steps into his secret costume-changing batcave (it’s got a swinging bookcase and everything!) and arms himself before heading out on his rescue mission. Choi Won-shin’s house is heavily guarded, but he picks off guards one by one and makes his way toward the slaves’ quarters.
Yoon-kang fights his way to the inner courtyard, but there finds himself surrounded by swordsmen. He’s got his gun, but it’s only one rifle versus a dozen swords, and the fight isn’t going in a good direction. Especially when assassin Sung-gil takes a sniping position on the rooftop, just seconds away from taking a clear shot at Yoon-kang.
Into this situation steps Hye-won, who freezes to see the fight underway. Sung-gil backs off from taking his shot, and Choi Won-shin arrives on the scene with more men. Quickly, Yoon-kang swivels his rifle around and aims it straight at Hye-won, which ratchets up the tension another notch.
Alarmed, Choi Won-shin warns him not to hurt her, but Hye-won speaks up, saying that she doesn’t think the gunman means to kill her. Taking charge, she offers to show the gunman to the door and leads the way with Yoon-kang’s rifle trained at the back of her head, while dozens of swords are pointed at his back. It’s a highly volatile situation, but she remains regal throughout.
Hye-won tells her men to stay back as she opens the gate and leads Yoon-kang outside, at which point she asks what business he has at her house. Yoon-kang merely lowers his gun and runs off—and then he turns back and offers her a silent bow of thanks.
Hye-won asks her father what’s going on, and he apologizes for putting her through the shock. She agrees that it’s been a day full of shocks, mentioning Yeon-ha’s arrival in their household. Choi Won-shin has a plausible-sounding explanation at the ready, saying that Soo-in’s fixation with finding her led him to ask around as well, but that he hadn’t told Soo-in yet because she’s on edge about the demonstration.
Furthermore, there’s a chance they may need to use the Yeon-ha card, in which case they can’t reveal having found her. He explains that one of the guests today took a liking to Yeon-ha… and he happens to have an explosives specialist in his employ. Oh gee, isn’t that narratively convenient. Thus if Soo-in’s demonstration fails, they may have to trade Yeon-ha for that specialist.
Hye-won finds the idea repulsive and exclaims that they can’t do that. Her father doesn’t like the idea either, but is fully willing to carry it out.
The next day, everyone heads out to an open field to test the explosives. On the walk there, Choi Won-shin tells Yoon-kang of his midnight visit by the gunman, and Yoon-kang pretends that this is news to him and asks whether there’s someone with a grudge against him.
Choi mentions Yoon-kang as a possibility, and says pointedly that even if the young man hadn’t died, he wouldn’t last a day in Joseon as the son of a traitor. “He couldn’t live, even if he were to hide his identity. I am waiting for his return—and this time, he will not be able to survive and run away,” Choi says.
Yoon-kang replies just as pointedly, “You should be careful yourself, lest you wind up hurt.” He aims a finger-gun at Choi and says that guns can take you out in a second.
Soo-in prepares the bomb by placing it a shallow hole, then lights the fuse and then hopes for the best. She tenses in anticipation and covers her ears, and everyone watching holds their breaths in hope, waiting for the explosion. It doesn’t come, and Yoon-kang smirks.
Soo-in steps closer to check on the bomb, just as a cloud of smoke starts billowing from it. Yoon-kang sees the imminent danger and lunges forward to grab her out of harm’s way, and they tumble to the ground just as the bomb sends up a shower of sparks.
Ultimately the test is a failure without an actual explosion, and Yoon-kang declares the deal off. Soo-in apologizes, but Hye-won recognizes that they’d asked the impossible and thanks her for trying. She adds that Soo-in ought to thank Hanjo later for saving her just now.
Soo-in points out that the bomb didn’t go off, but Hye-won replies, “It could have. He risked himself for you.”
Gojong appoints several of his men to positions within the new bureau, to the consternation of his Sugu rivals. Minister Kim is particularly chagrined, and his cronies glower as the other faction passes by them in the courtyard. And then Minister Kim recognizes a face in that crowd—his son. Ho-kyung bows his head, and Minister Kim passes him by silently.
He calls Ho-kyung for a meeting in private, asking what the hell he was thinking in entering the court. Ho-kyung answers that he was merely given a chance to work toward his dreams, and took it. Minister Kim bellows in a rage that he’s making a mockery of his father: “Do you want to see people point their fingers, saying that this father raised his son wrong?”
Poor Ho-kyung, who is both hurt and angered: “Is that what you are afraid of? Are you so afraid that it will become known that I am your son?” He asks what happened to the warm and caring father who had elevated his mother from the lowest class to commoner status, who treated his bastard son as a legitimate one and taught him his studies: “What has changed you?”
Minister Kim only sputters in rage. Ho-kyung continues, “I did not realize that having one illegitimate son could make you so afraid. You have risen to the position of government minister! Whose censure are you afraid of receiving?”
Ho-kyung assures his father that he won’t breathe a word to anyone: “Just as I am a shameful son to you, you are not a father I am proud of.”
Yeon-ha is sent to Lord Lecherous’ household, and Hye-won can do nothing but say that she’s sorry. Choi Won-shin visits Yoon-kang to inform him that he has found a new specialist and can bring him right away. Yoon-kang says that it’s already too late, but Choi presses, promising additional recompense to make the waiting worth it.
As Choi leaves, Yoon-kang sees his entourage follow him out, armed with a bevy of gifts for Lord Lecherous… and Yeon-ha. She casts a look back and sees him looking at her, and Yoon-kang watches with his heart in knots as she’s hurried along.
Lord Lecherous is pleased to welcome his new slave girl, who is set aside with the instruction that she is “not meant to be put to work.” Hint, hint. Yeon-ha hears this and understands her fate, and cries for her brother.
This is something of a two-for-one deal for Choi Won-shin, because he gets the promised technician and also another chance to catch the gunman, since he’s fairly certain Yoon-kang will act tonight to save the girl.
The guard presence is beefed up that night as Yoon-kang arrives at the house and sees a perimeter of gun-toting watchmen. His foot slips and sends a roof tile crashing noisily down, but thankfully a cat is on hand to take the blame for the disturbance.
Soo-in pores over her manual, frustrated that her demonstration failed. Her cheeky maid never fails to crack me up, pointing out that she was only ever good at fireworks, and that’s what she produced in the demonstration. Soo-in glares, not appreciating the reminder.
Ho-kyung finds her stewing over the problem, and she decides that the only way to know what went wrong was to consult a real expert. He’s happy to see the return of the old Soo-in, the one driven by curiosity, who has been absent for so long.
Seeing that he’s far outnumbered, Yoon-kang retreats rather than press his luck. The presence of gunmen at Lord Lecherous’ home also confirms Choi Won-shin’s involvement. Now he’ll have to find a way around the line of defense to get his sister out.
Slave girl Je-mi starts teaching Kanemaru a few phrases in Korean, since he’s decided he’d like to understand what’s going on around him. Yay, I want to see this character utilized more, especially since the actor is fluent in Korean and is totally capable of doing more. Yoon-kang welcomes the lessons and jokes that he won’t be able to talk about Kanemaru behind his back anymore.
Sang-chu is less happy, though, and pulls Je-mi aside to chide her for the lessons. He can’t exactly say that having Kanemaru understand would actually be a hindrance, and Je-mi enjoys the work, so reluctantly Sang-chu concedes. “Only a little, though!” he orders. “One phrase a day!”
Soo-in is relieved that Hye-won has found a new specialist, and that their project can continue. Hye-won doesn’t have the heart to tell her what she knows about Yeon-ha, though she sighs to her father that Soo-in will find out someday, and when that time comes, she will likely cut ties with Hye-won.
Choi Won-shin just says that’s unavoidable: You win some, you lose some. Hye-won does not share his dismissive attitude, warning, “But you may lose me as well. Have you forgotten what kind of child I was? I was a slave too.”
The reminder is disturbing to Choi, who tries to end the conversation. Hye-won adds in a hard voice, “I was raped by my owner, and beaten by my mistress who accused me of seducing him.” Choi shouts at her to stop. She continues, “You should not have sent Yeon-ha away like that, in front of the daughter who suffered the same.”
Per Yoon-kang’s instructions, Jung-hoon requests to be assigned to handling affairs that involve the Japanese. This allows them to meet without arousing suspicion, so when he drops by on a police-related excuse, he and Yoon-kang sit down to discuss Yeon-ha’s situation.
It turns out that Lord Lecherous is actually Minister Lecherous (the minister of justice, to boot), and he’s important enough that his upcoming birthday has people all over sending him gifts.
Jung-hoon is ready to jump up and rescue Yeon-ha right then and there, but since he lacks the smarts to make that happen, Yoon-kang tells his friend not to do anything. He especially warns him not to alert Soo-in—it wouldn’t do anything other than make her feel bad.
Choi Won-shin introduces Yoon-kang to his new explosives expert and offers a demonstration on the spot. Yoon-kang agrees to finalize the contract tomorrow and leads the expert to the warehouse of materials.
Soo-in has taken in into her head to find out what went wrong with her attempt, and watches the activity from a distance through her spyglass.
Yoon-kang explains the failed demonstration to the expert, who says that if a certain ingredient were insufficient, it wouldn’t even cause sparks, just smoke. That gives Yoon-kang an idea, and as he steps outside to mull it over, he gets hit in the eye with the reflection off Soo-in’s spyglass. He sees the glinting in the distance, while Soo-in is preoccupied with the view he’s blocking and is just happy when he moves out of the way.
She observes the expert mixing the chemicals and sees that his ratio is different, counting along as he scoops the various powders. Suddenly her view is obscured, and a face looms in her line of sight. Yoon-kang, of course.
Sheepishly, Soo-in confesses that she was seized with curiosity, and that her personality is generally like that: “If I read this book, I become curious about that one. If I see a picture, I become curious about the real thing. And if I have the real thing, I have to tear it open.”
She apologizes again, and thanks him for stepping in at the demonstration. And somewhere during that explanation, the look changes on Yoon-kang’s face and takes on a serious bent. Now he asks her for a favor, offering her to the opportunity to learn about explosives properly in return.
The request is to create a concoction that produces only smoke, which is something she can easily do. He needs her to keep it secret, and he needs it immediately. And so, Soo-in mixes together the powders and produces the smoke bombs.
Sang-chu takes his place in the line of birthday gift-givers outside Lord Lecherous’ home, which gives him the chance to set the bomb and then escape in the ensuing chaos.
Yeon-ha is cleaned up and dressed nicely for the big night, and Lord Lecherous is eager to get the party started. He joins her that evening and makes small talk, which leads to him asking about her father. He recognizes Park Jin-han’s name, and when she says firmly that he wasn’t guilty of any crime, the lord recognizes that freely, saying that his only crime was in trusting the king. And then it’s time to stop talking, and he gets grabby.
Yeon-ha resists, and in her panic she slaps him across the face, leaving a scratch. Furious, he raises a hand to slap her, just as screams sound from outside. He opens his doors to a wall of smoke, and Yeon-ha seizes the moment to dart outside.
The estate is in an uproar, with servants screaming “Fire!” Visibility is near zero, and thus Yoon-kang’s arrival outside the gates and on the rooftop goes unseen.
Yeon-ha creeps along the perimeter looking for a way out, only to be grabbed by Lord Lecherous, who’s offended enough to skip over the raping to get right to the killing. He shoves her to the ground and raises his sword to strike, and Yeon-ha prays, “Oraboni!”
A shot rings out. Lord Lecherous falls, taking the bullet in the chest. Good riddance.
A masked Yoon-kang jumps down in front of Yeon-ha, who cowers at his feet, afraid she’s next. But he calls out her name and lowers his mask before grabbing her tightly in an embrace, crying out his apology.
Just as I’m yelling at them to escape-first-hug-later, Yoon-kang looks up through the thinning smoke and spots a sniper on the rooftop. With only a split-second to spare, he whirls the two of them out of the way as a shot is fired, missing them by inches.
Yoon-kang spins around, cocks his rifle, and takes his shot.
COMMENTS
Yeon-ha is saved, yay! I’m happy for the characters, naturally, since this is what we’ve been building to and it’s such a point of desperation for Yoon-kang. And let’s face it, if our hero wants something, I want for him to have it, just because it hurts him otherwise. But mostly, I’m glad because the story should be moving forward now, and this episode made me feel that the Yeon-ha storyline could have been resolved yesterday.
I understand why you’d choose to deliver the big emotional payoff on a Thursday episode, so it’s not a glaring flaw. But if you have to pick one side, it’s always better to get to a plot point before your audience knows it wants it, than to get there after. That’s what happens when your audience is getting both more savvy and less patient—once we know where we’re heading, we want to be there already. So the best-paced stories will generally beat us to the punch, and that keeps us on our toes. All of which is just my way of saying: We knew Yeon-ha would be saved so we were happy when it happened, but in the absence of game-changers or twists, it’s best we get there sooner than later. Otherwise it feels a bit like watching someone figure out a math problem—you have to go through the whole process and not skip steps, but I don’t necessarily want to watch all of those steps.
That minor gripe aside, it’s still a largely satisfying moment for me and I still totally cried, because you could feel the emotion in the air. And I do think it was a clever bit to thwart Yoon-kang for several days before he thought up the smoke cover—it makes him resourceful as well as just a good fighter.
It also further obscures his identity, because he can slip away with a legitimate reason. I do find it amusing that everybody is essentially convinced that Yoon-kang and Hanjo are the same person (and also the gunman), but stymied by the lack of proof. Because if you attack one household and only steal one slave, it’s pretty obvious why… and yet, while there’s a sliver of a chance that Hanjo is his own person, you don’t want to shoot yourself in the foot.
One development that did make me happy was the inclusion of Soo-in in the smoke bomb plan, for a couple different reasons. First, the fireworks seemed like it could be a throwaway bit used for mood setting and pretty scenery at first (no complaints about that, by the way), but then it served as a way to keep her integral to the plot, which I appreciate. And now it makes her complicit in Yoon-kang’s dealings, in both the good and bad ways—bad because it could get them both into hot water, but good in that she’s acting for a cause she’d willingly support anyway.
Plus, it gives her more confirmation that Hanjo is Yoon-kang, since I’m sure news of the smoke bombing will reach her eventually. (Well, I expect it to be news of fire, but she’ll figure it out.) While Soo-in’s naivety can be frustrating for those of us who want her to be a little sharper, I do think she’s clueing into the possibility that Yoon-kang has a legitimate reason for hiding his identity, and she’s been keeping her thoughts to herself. Really, the only people she’s shared them with are Hye-won and Jung-hoon so I don’t think she’s been a blabbermouth, but I want her to play this one closer to the vest.
I continue to be impressed with Hye-won, and was surprised by the news of her past—not only because it gives her added dimension, but because she almost doesn’t even need it. I mean that as a compliment, in that she is a character who feels like a fully thought-out person just in the performance, and the way she holds herself and betrays the tiniest of emotions in the smallest, fleeting moments. But the slave background is a bit of a stunner.
We’re still left to speculate on the why and how, because as far as I can tell we’ve had no mention of her being adopted; so if she’s Choi Won-shin’s biological daughter, how did that period of her life come to pass? And if she is adopted, what was it that created such a strong bond between father and daughter? The paternal protectiveness is what keeps Choi interesting for me, and gives him vulnerability when he could have been a cold-blooded killing machine, so I’m curious to know more about their pasts.
I’m not going to go as far as to say I prefer Hye-won as a romantic interest because I’m programmed to go with the story as it’s being presented to me, and I do quite like Soo-in. I feel like she’s being held to some unrealistic expectations, but mostly I think the story could stand to move her more front and center, to be more active than reactive. And just to get the ideas flowing, let me suggest that the first thing she can react to are more kisses. If that’s too greedy, I’ll take hugs, too. Fine, some inadvertent skinship, and that’s my final offer.
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Tags: featured, Joseon Gunman, Lee Jun-ki, Nam Sang-mi
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1 jozie
July 17, 2014 at 8:14 PM
I am still enjoying this as a whole a lot, but I was hoping Soo in would act a little older after the time jump and am finding that a little disappointing. It makes it too tempting to ship Hye-won and yet I think it would be bad if the show really went in that direction. I'm not even sure Hye-won's going to make it out of the show alive, she might be a good sacrifice depending how the story goes.
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news
July 17, 2014 at 8:51 PM
I was sadly thinking that to myself but didn't want to say it out loud lest it really happens! It'll be too tragic if that fate awaits Hye-won.
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S
July 17, 2014 at 9:57 PM
I am Not Okay with them killing off Hye Won. I love this show but Hye Won is the one keeping me hooked.
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Oy
July 17, 2014 at 10:35 PM
Based on the period dramas I've watched, the characters they'll probably kill off would be:
- Soo-in's dad
- Yeon-ha
- Yoon-kang's best buddy
- Oraboni
- Choi Won-shin
They're gonna start dropping like flies on the second half just to put us through the emotional wringer. I don't really think they'd kill of Hye-won... She somewhat reminds me of Rie from Gaksital... And might sooner or later break away from the villain's side.
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secretlyaddicted
July 18, 2014 at 8:32 AM
Yeon-ha is seriously a really good actress for her age!
Muppet Banana
September 19, 2014 at 2:49 AM
yup me too...hyewon just to beautiful...hope something'll happen btween her n hanjo
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Muppet Banana
September 19, 2014 at 2:49 AM
yup me too...hyewon just too beautiful...hope something'll happen btween her n hanjo
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KDaddict
July 19, 2014 at 8:59 AM
I've 2nd lead syndrome, n it is for Hye-won.
Soo-In plain bores me.
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ColourMeHaneul
July 23, 2014 at 4:54 AM
am i the only one hoping they cast a different actress to play Jung Soo-In? :( Yoon-Kang is sooo good but the Soo-In is blah
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2 Chandler
July 17, 2014 at 8:15 PM
Thanks for the recap!
Holy shit. It was seriously the hardest thing ever to watch Yoon-kang hit his sister!!! Gah. And then he just breaks down afterwords and my heart just broke for both of them. I'm so glad they finally got to meet, I'm seriously still in tears right now lol.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm obsessed with this show. I just want Yoon-kang and everyone he loves to be happy together forever! And for them to take out a few evil dudes along the way. Can't wait for next week!!!
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Chandler
July 17, 2014 at 8:51 PM
Also I have to add that, now that the drama has settled into it's present world, I'm loving the side-characters and all the relationships between them and the leads. Like the police duo and the japanese dude trying to learn korean! Those little things end up making this world feel full and that's why I haven't been disappointed or bored by the plot. I'm already so invested!
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3 Cocoboo
July 17, 2014 at 8:15 PM
I'm much more curious about Hye Won now too. Why was she a slave when she was younger? Where was her father during that time?
That father & daughter scene was good. He looked so vulnerable and sad.
Another family scene that was caught me was the one between Ho Kyung and his father.
I feel bad for Ho Kyung. I didn't even think his father was ever nice to him until he mentioned it. I wonder if his father will change later on or be conflicted.
Ho Kyung's last line “Just as I am a shameful son to you, you are not a father I am proud of.” was really strong.
I like that the side characters are getting some screen time like Je Mi and Kanemaru. Glad to hear Kanemaru talk more. =D
Yoon Kang & Yeon Ha's reunion was nice, but I was too nervous at the fact that YK revealed his face with gunmens still lurking around.
Hahahaha, I'll take more skinship between Soo In And Yoon Kang any day, any time. xD
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4 hot2trot
July 17, 2014 at 8:21 PM
loving yoon kang ability to finish the job..first korean drama i seen where the bad guy deserves to get killed off..no proven themself at the end or justifying their actions..jus boom and you done..gives me more reason to wait till i see him kill off the assassin..gonna hurt hye won but worth the price for all his crimes..he was willing to even let yeon ha ge rape and sold off as a toy..nothing this guy does can justify his action..
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Pearl~ai88
July 17, 2014 at 8:59 PM
Truly!? I usually find kdrama villians go way out of their way to prove they are deserving of a horrible death, LOL!
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5 S
July 17, 2014 at 8:35 PM
Hye Won is honestly the most compelling character in this drama. And the actress plays her so well!
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6 XQ
July 17, 2014 at 8:36 PM
I'm getting more intrigued, namely:
1. I'm suspecting Choi and Hye Won are most likely father and daughter, had a hard life or were below commoner status, got separated, until Lord Kim came to Choi as a saviour, saved Hye Won and helped Choi build up his trading empire, in return Choi has to carry out his biding, all this time without Hye Won knowing...;
2. What happened to the real Hasegawa Hanzo? It seemed like Yoon Kang took over his identity but how did that happen and why does nobody know about it?
3. Related to Q2, will and how will Kanemaru be a potential game-changer in Yoon Kang's revenge scheme of things? Apparently Kanemaru doesn't know about Yoon Kang's after-dark activities and it wasn't just Sang-Chu who didn't want Kanemaru to learn Korean, Yoon Kang was shooting Sang-Chu a look just before Sang-Chu hurriedly went after Jemi. Who is Kanemaru and how will his presence (not much at the moment) threaten Yoon Kang's existence?
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Megumi
August 1, 2014 at 1:17 PM
I think so too, Choi must have built his empire from scratch, maybe he was just a commoner before who was suspected of treason or something and that's why his daughter was sold as a slave when he got caught, I might be wrong but it just looks like that now, there are other possibilities like Hye won was adopted by him but depending on his character I don't think he is that kindhearted to adopt someone and raise as his own, Hye won must be his real daughter, that's why he loves her so much and she remains his only weakness.
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7 ohhsoogud
July 17, 2014 at 8:42 PM
dont really know if an emotional outcry while making a breakout is the best solution..heheh..but watever works
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8 news
July 17, 2014 at 8:43 PM
I really liked Hye-won from the get go and thought she was interesting. She's self composed, strong and fearless but also warmhearted, understanding and amicable in every situation she's been in. It made me curious to learn more about her background and now that we found out she used to be a slave, it fits perfectly into why and how she has become the person she is. So awesome!
I would prefer her with our hero so they can be extra awesome together..you know, like save the world or something.
And I haven't seen Jeon Hye-Bin in a drama before, but I like her!
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exhalethemoment
July 17, 2014 at 8:47 PM
I can't really compare hye won and soo in since both had different growth paths and living arrangments..soo in grew up in an academic background where hye won had to fight for her survival base on living as a slave from the past..
soo in still draws a bigger attraction for me since she grew out of her comfort zone to help out her friends in the past and present..hye won has lived in this environment her whole life so she is use to threats and violence..soo in overcoming her own personality and life style draws more appeal for me
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news
July 17, 2014 at 9:48 PM
Simply because we don't get to see HW's growth doesn't make her less appealing as a character. The fact that she's already interesting as the person she is today, makes me more curious to learn more about her.
Soo-in is still the same person she was three years ago. I just think her character is poorly written and executed.
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exhalethemkment
July 17, 2014 at 10:01 PM
Soo in was growing and stretching out to the world three years ago before the incident..can u blame her for remaining the same? Remember her father said she was a living corpse for the longest time and she kept to her room and tormented herself because she believe it was her fault that Yoon kang die and yeon ha was taken..she is barely living again but now she believes she sees Yoon kang which would mess anybody up..her character us more believe able to be and excited to the point of where I could see her coming..she had become more bitter and cold towards the world which is what I expected..it's basically like the three years that past had no effect on her cause she wasn't truly living..jus give some time for her to accept reality..I think her characte will become to move the plot forward with her own mind and plans
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news
July 18, 2014 at 8:26 PM
I understand the differences between HW and SI based on their upbringing and life experiences, and I don't have issues with that. But I do think HW is better developed and with JHB's nuanced acting, she is much more compelling to me.
It's episode 8 already and I still don't understand SI's purpose within the bigger story. Everything related to her is always half developed and inconsistent. Maybe the writer and director are too busy focusing on YK and all the side stories that they forgot Soo-in is the MAIN female character or they just don't know what to do with her. Even Kanemaru is funnier and more interesting and he hardly has any lines.
Aegyo and all, I didn't mind her that much in the first few episodes, especially when she shared her dream of freedom and equality, because I thought she would be an integral part of the revolution but that fizzled pretty quickly.
Then she promised YK she would protect YH but that never happened and we didn't even see her put effort. Yes, she was traumatized by YK's "death" and blamed herself for all that happened to YK and YH, but that should've driven her to keep her promise even more.
Instead, with strong determination, she finally found a camera, but I'm not sure if that had any purpose besides reconnecting her with YK.
I'm hoping her knowledge of fireworks and smoke bombs will serve a larger purpose besides just saving YH or I'll be even more disappointed in the lack of consistency and character development. Maybe she'll use it to develop firearms which will help with the revolution? Just give me something already.
So no, I'm not emotionally invested in her life story as it hasn't gone anywhere and I haven't seen her truly tested and suffered by life's challenges. I'm not at all excited by the way her storyline is directed. I don't want to be told that she was a living corpse for three years or that she has become bitter and jaded in the present. That's a passive way to execute emotion. I want to see it and believe it, and sadly I haven't and don't.
Anyway, to each his own.
Kiara
July 18, 2014 at 7:33 AM
"...I haven’t seen Jeon Hye-Bin in a drama before.."
Jeon Hye-Bin was amazing in "Queen Insoo" if you can find it with Eng sub. I used to watch it at Dramastyle but they took it down:(.
She is one of those actresses that carries themselves well in sageuk. She has this elegant queenly air about her just like Park Ha-sun in Dong Yi.
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news
July 18, 2014 at 8:31 PM
Thanks, I'll have to check it out :-)
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9 Pyromaniac
July 17, 2014 at 8:49 PM
awesome~!! die sick old man~! die~!
cant wait to watch.. sitting at work.. well. I shouldn't be surfing while working.. and read the recap.. thanks javabean for the recap~! and I have a report to finish in an hour... to watch or not to watch... mm... well... what the hey... lets find the episode~!
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10 August
July 17, 2014 at 8:53 PM
Whenever Yoon-Kang and Yeon-Ha appeared on screen, I was on the edge of my seat overcome with anxiousness and apprehension about the outcome. The whole time, I kept wondering which course of action the writer would choose. After all, this is just episode 8. Would Yoon-Kang succeed at rescuing and reuniting with Yeon-Ha? Would Yeon-Ha have a similar (fate) situation as in Gu Family Book? Or would Yeon-Ha die?
So so thankful that Yeon-Ha escaped and was able to avoid being raped. After several failed attempts, finally Yoon-Kang was able to rescue, reunite, and apologize to his little sister.
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11 lovedramas
July 17, 2014 at 8:55 PM
Awesome. I am not the only one who thought immediately when HW said she was also a slave, "is she adopted?" Then I thought maybe her mother was a slave so hence, she'd also be a slave (I think?) and Choi is her biological father. That's possible too right? Then she was elevated in status later in life. Merchant class isn't really all that high. It's not like yanban. Maybe Choi had to give up his daughter cause they were poor and when he made it and had money, he was able to get HW back from her master.
Anyhow, in regards to SI, my first thought of her working with explosives was worry. That is very dangerous, even though she is forward thinking and curious. But I do think this will both keep YK on his toes (probably having to save her a few times more) and also possibly a good resources in creating other weapons for him.
It was beautiful reunion btw the siblings. But just how is he going to keep her safe after this rescue?
Lastly, I can't wait for the SI-YK line to develop more. I'd like to see her get more involved and help him. He is a little bit impulsive and he kinda needs someone to help reign him in a little. I suspect that he isn't the one who shot the minister.
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Pyromaniac
July 17, 2014 at 9:18 PM
you saying it was a mystery shooter on the grassy knoll??
interesting twist... if that was the case.. I wonder if it was Hye-won... but imagine if it was Choi Won-shin whose conscience got the better of him and either asked his subordinates to keep a close watch on the minister or actually shot the minister himself..
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jomo143
July 18, 2014 at 3:43 AM
Oooh! I hope you are right.
It will be better if YK has someone on his side.
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12 gl0rious
July 17, 2014 at 9:01 PM
The most logical explanation I can think of is that Choi and his family came from a very poor background, so in the past, he had no choice but to sell his daughter off. He was later rescued by the evil Lord Kim, who supported him financially, and that's why he's loyal to him....and that's also why he works so hard to make money, so they can officially put the impoverished days behind them.
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jomo143
July 18, 2014 at 3:48 AM
That is prolly true.
He also could have been a slave.
The exchange between the Raping Minister and YH made me wonder because he asked: Is your father a slave?
BTW, it is amazing to me that Raping Minister knew and respected her father but was still willing to treat her as chattel.
So disgusting.
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13 Lulla
July 17, 2014 at 9:18 PM
Thx for the recaps!
I'm really touched by YH-YK. Their scenes are my favourite and I'm so so happy to watch the ending. Oraeoniii you finally cooommeee *crying along with them*
I really like SI, but HW is slowly getting more and more charismatic and decent as a romantic interest. If the show would like YK-SI to be together, then their chemistry are better be boosted. I'm not saying that there have to be kisses or things like that, but more to some scenes that are 'emotionally touching'. That is what makes relationship memorable..just like YK-SI in episode 1-4,or siblings relationship of YK-YH.
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14 Nissa
July 17, 2014 at 9:25 PM
The recap came out fast.. thank u.
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15 madqueen
July 17, 2014 at 9:35 PM
As much as I like Hye Won as a second female lead, I don't see her as a potential love interest for Yoon Kang at all. Also, there is little chemistry between Hye Won and Yoon Kang (or even between LJK and JHB for that matter).
T
here is most likely no ship for her and Yoon Kang to sail ever because Yoon Kang is so obviously still in love with Soo In and Yoon Kang will not fall in love with a girl whose father killed his father and involved in some plot which caused the tragedy in his family.
So might as well get behind the Soo In and Yoon Kang but I do wish the writer develops Soo In more quickly and make her more integral to Hanjo / Yoon Kang's life at the moment.
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Leek
July 17, 2014 at 10:20 PM
I guess you haven't seen the princess' man lol
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Elle
July 17, 2014 at 11:59 PM
I would agree, but Seung-gyu and Se-ryeong were in love before the whole your-father-killed-my-father happened. Yoon-kang and Hye-won, on the other hand, had never even met before he started hating her dad's guts. This pretty much makes the couple impossible as all as he doesn't know her beyond being Choi's daughter and has no interest in getting to know her at all.
This doesn't mean I don't like her any less. I think Hye-won deserves a character arc independent of being anyone's love interest.
Soo-in, on the other hand, represents everything that was good in Yoon-kang's past. I think she will become more involved now, what with her interest in explosives. I do hope he drops the Hanjo act around her, though, seeing as he got her involved in saving Yeon-ha.
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news
July 18, 2014 at 9:11 PM
I'm surprised when there's mentioned little chemistry between HW and YK. Their interaction is based on business only so there wouldn't be any romantic vibes present. But I wouldn't say there's no chemistry. Even if it's one sided, it's nice to see HW soften when she looks at YK or talk about him.
I do love the scene when he bowed to her before leaving. That sign of appreciation and respect is quite deserving.
Personally, I wouldn't mind if there were no love story lines. I'd be happy if they further explored and developed the current relationships between YK/CWS, HW/CWS and MK/HK.
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16 annflln
July 17, 2014 at 9:52 PM
Yay!! Thanks for the recap jb!!
I cried a lot on YK-YH scenes. Both of them break my heart for all the misery. Thank God, Lord Lecherous was also taken down.
Other thing that really pique my interest was HW revelation, makes me think what the past tells.
Joseon Gunman getting better and better.
More YK in gunman outfit please!!
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17 hoochie
July 17, 2014 at 10:05 PM
All aboard the Hanjo/Hye-won ship? j/k Although I can't deny that I'm more interested to see how their relationship will play out. She does remind me more and more of Rie from Gaksital. But unlike Rie, I think she is his biological daughter. Haha and Katsuyama's counterpart would be Kanemaru even though he isn't Hye-won's bodyguard. Maybe he's or he'll be Hanjo's bodyguard (assuming he can even fight)? Not that he really needs one...but I do find him curious and now that he gets to learn Korean, we might learn more about him.
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18 Agi
July 17, 2014 at 10:11 PM
Is it me, or does the red shooter (at the end) give off feminine vibes? Could it be Hye Won trying to save YH? If it’s really her, then I’m impressed with this character more and more. Damn, so many ppl to care about :D Speaking of that... RUUUUUUUUUN!!!! YK and YH, you're not safe yet!
Lord Kim goat-ish manner cracks me up. Every time I see him, I subconsciously wait for the telltale bleat ;D Great portrayal!
Also, bonus points to dark elven prince for keeping his hoodie on no matter the fighting, running and wind. Superglue? Superstich? :D
And then minus some points for the white pants/checkered jacket. Hanjo, lemme tell you straight up and early on, so that there would be no surprises later: if you harbor ANY hope of bringing KIM TAN into Joseon era, then, buddy, be prepared either to strip…. or to strip XD ‘cause I ain’t gonna go thru this a second time. No way! … well, unless the stripping actually occurs.. then maybe we could negotiate…. Maaaaaybe. Or not. Not even for that :D
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19 Cheryl H.
July 17, 2014 at 10:15 PM
The writers have done a brilliant job with Hye-won. She is the kind of character writers should be going for when they want to write a 'strong woman', because much too often 'strong women' are written as lacking a softer side/qualities, or as emotionally damaged in some way. Much too often, 'strong women' become strong as a result of a trauma in their past, like rape. If the writers use what happened with Hye-won's former master as the catalyst for why Hye-won grew up learning to handle herself and be competent, I'm going to have to go outside and do a lot of yardwork to burn off my rage. Here's to hoping she grew up the way she did because Choi recognized her intelligence and abilities.
The actor who plays Choi is doing a fabulous job. I remember him from 'Faith', and I'm very glad I have a chance to see him here in a role that is (pleasepleaseplease) more than a one-dimensional baddie. His face when Hye-won said he might lose her spoke volumes.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
July 18, 2014 at 12:16 PM
Hye-won in Joseon Gunman is the narrative descendant of Princess Kyung-hye in The Princess' Man - another wonderfully strong woman who was that way even before life tested her to the limit.
I can accept that Hye-won has been partly but not solely shaped by the traumas of her past, but it would make me far angrier if the writers followed Asian drama convention on victims of rape (i.e. they aren't allowed to be happy afterwards and can only live with anger, grief or coldness).
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20 earthna
July 17, 2014 at 10:22 PM
Wooo. What an episode. Yoonkang hitting Yeon Ha at the beginning just pains me so much coz I know how much it hurts Yoon Kang too. Oh the pain this drama gives me. Hyewon just became extra interesting now (as if I don't lile her so much already). Also, the actress (Jung Hyebin was it?) plays her so well. Every shot of her was just beautiful. I actually like how consistent Soo In is regarding her temper and values. She feels real to me in that aspect. I believe that she already know Hanjo is Yoon Kang and she's starting to get a hint about why he's hiding it from her. Hopefully, we get there soon.
That little bit with Kanemaru is so cute! I kinda like JeMi too.
Ahhh now we have to wait for another week. This is why I don't like watching dramas while they're still airing. What can I do though? I just can't stop. :(
Thanks for the recaps javabeans!
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21 june_rain
July 17, 2014 at 10:41 PM
Agreed. For the past few episodes I feel like we have been dancing around the same bush. I'm glad the finding-and-saving-Yeon-ha chapter has come to a close and we can finally move on. Now only if we can somehow use less of the is-he-or-isn't-he speculations as the main focus of the plot. Don't get me wrong, this is the best show I'm watching right now. I'm just getting frustrated because I can't love it as much as I want to. I'm fine with Soo-in but, like what Javabeans said, I would like to see her more active than reactive. Thanks for the recap!
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22 cupkate
July 18, 2014 at 12:03 AM
Whew! The recaps were fast, thanks javabeans!
And boy am I glad that the lecherous old man is shot because I don't think I would be able to handle all the creepy smile he is giving Yeon-ha. Everytime he does that, my heart would fall, imagining all the worst things that could happen to her.
Finally, some movement on the plot which honestly felt slow to me last episode, so it's always a good thing.
And yes, I want more moar interactions from YK and SI. yes, that means more skinship. Show, is it too much to ask for?
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23 utopious
July 18, 2014 at 12:15 AM
This episode was all about Yeon Ha, I cried for her so much! I almost got mad at YK for hitting her, but that lasted until he collapsed in his room (show, why are you so good at angst, and yes I forgive him so easily heh)
Wow Hye Won's past was totally unexpected, it explains why she's grew up and lived like a 'man', but brings many more why's as well. I still think she's CWS's real daughter, and he's somehow responsible for what she's been through. Even that pain on his face didn't make me feel sympathy for him, though, after seeing how evil he can be in this episode.
Here I'm waiting for next ep, with cramps in my stomach, worrying about everyone's safety, please be this good till the end..!
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24 utopious
July 18, 2014 at 12:49 AM
In next week's preview, SI finds out that gunman used some chemicals in his mission, so she seems to figure out Hanjo = Gunman. We know how persistent she is so she'll surely dig into this issue more. CWS was also interrogating Hanjo about his whereabouts that night. Sadly he doesn't seem to have an alibi this time, at least CWS can't really prove his suspicions for now.
On the other hand, I think it'll take longer for everyone to solve Hanjo = Yoon Kang = Gunman equation.
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25 Pollywood
July 18, 2014 at 2:17 AM
A feeling I get with this show is that every character is doing things for all the right purposes (according to themselves), but they are going about it entirely wrong. Every. Single. One. Of. Them. It doesn't really seem like a battle of wits, how can it, when everyone is so frikkin dim! I want them to be clever! More clever than everyone else, not just barely-lucking-out all the time!
That being said, the cinematography and the action scenes are beautiful ... basically everything is great - except for the stupid writing that does not challenge the viewers at all. Urgh.
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26 john
July 18, 2014 at 3:17 AM
javabeans , thanks for the recap.
Hye-won is an interesting character.
I think she's figured out the Yoon-kang/Hanjo/ Masked Avenger thingy.
She's seen hm in action as Hanjo and as the Masked Avenger, does Masked Avenger have a proper nom de guerre ?
She knows that the Masked Avenger's appearances are tied into Yeon-ha somehow.
I think she's enamoured with this dashing hero. Rut ro!?!
Please writers, don't put Hye-won in the I'm-a-2nd-Lead-Girl-Who's-Hot-For-Your-Man mode.
I don't think she'll try to establish a romantic claim on him, especially since she knows that Yoon-kang is Soo-in's tragic long lost boyfriend.
Instead she'll try to help her BFF get back together with her man, even though her Evil Daddy wants to kill him and Yoon-kang/Hanjo/ Masked Avenger wants to kill Evil Dad. Whew! The angst that she'll face here in future episodes.
Hye-won's painful reveal of her own horrible rape, slave and beat down past. Yikes.
Looking forward to next week's show and recap, Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel .
My wife and I chuckled at the Secret Bat Cave . C'mon show, play just a few chords of the Bat Man theme song, please ?
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utopious
July 18, 2014 at 4:00 AM
"I don’t think she’ll try to establish a romantic claim on him, especially since she knows that Yoon-kang is Soo-in’s tragic long lost boyfriend."
I'm afraid she will. At least that's what is written in her character description. Her love remains one-sided though and she chooses the darker side - that means she probably will have a tragic end.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
July 18, 2014 at 12:19 PM
can we not use the character descriptions as the oracle on the characters, please?
I really don't appreciate spoilers on anything but the absolutely obvious (like Yoon-kang losing his dad in order to get his revenge motive)
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light
July 18, 2014 at 7:02 AM
I too got the Batman vibe! The butler, the technician/engineer helping him out..the smoke...lol..kinda fun..
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27 dfwkimchi
July 18, 2014 at 3:29 AM
Thanks for the recap JB!
I had to stop watching at around the 36 min mark as tension of YK-Janjo being caught had me too much on edge. So told myself to wait for JB's recap to read about the remainder of the episode.
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28 sophieee
July 18, 2014 at 4:33 AM
After watching Golden Cross, I keep hoping that all dramas about leads coming back for revenge with secret identities have smarter family members/friends. Keep your surprised gasps to yourself, people! You're gonna expose him to danger!
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29 mysterious
July 18, 2014 at 5:19 AM
Oh this show is just too good. Lee Jun-ki never fails to amaze me. He isn't just a pretty face (though he most certainly has one) but he's got the acting chops that just blow me away.
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30 Ann
July 18, 2014 at 6:07 AM
l've never miss any Lee Jun Ki's dramas. And as always he is who he is, not only cute pretty face but he certainly can act. l enjoyed watching his crying scenes cosz he still looks pretty even in that scene.
There's still a long way eps to go means his identity will still unknowing to Soo In. Awaiting for the eps when she realise that is Yoon Kang all along.
l beg there will be a scene where Yoon Kang will get shot. This is K-drama after all. Anyway, l enjoyed the show very much and on my top list.
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luca17
July 18, 2014 at 7:36 AM
if Yoon Kang gets shot, I want Soo-In to tend to his wounds…^_~
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31 katy
July 18, 2014 at 7:20 AM
i like HW than SI .
SI is too naive to the point annoying and stupid .
YH is cute and smart character .
LJK is good looking and excellent acting .
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FU
July 19, 2014 at 9:50 AM
Again it began!..
Your "like HW" doesn't mean that "SI is stupid".
My "like SI" doesn't mean that HW is mercantile and wicked, and I don`t say that, but I think that, and you forced me to write this...
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32 mia
July 18, 2014 at 8:26 AM
This was great, each episode just keeps getting better and better. Omg! I want eps 9 now!!! Waiting another week is killing me!
AND LJK NEVER FAILS TO AMAZE ME.
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33 lenrasoon
July 18, 2014 at 11:51 AM
I like this episode, but i feel the story got a bit slow for me, maybe now that Yoon Kang found his sister his plan for revenge might get going? and I feel it's time to clue some people in besides his Police friend.
Anyway, thanks for the recaps!
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34 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
July 18, 2014 at 12:35 PM
I think this episode is actually the best one yet - the decision to focus on the revenge and saving Yeon-ha makes for a good hour, even if I spent half of it wanting to howl at him to save her already, revenge be damned!
Unlike you, JB, I was really not sure that Yeon-ha would be saved, because we've had seemingly light and fluffy dramas where second leads were raped (*coughGuFamilyMesscough*) and Joseon Gunman is no fluff, that's for sure. I could never be sure that the drama wouldn't do an Iljimae on us in that department, either.
Hye-won's past was an astounding reveal, and even though she's so strongly established that the backstory wasn't needed to flesh her out or give her depth, it does make her even more interesting to me. Jeon Hye-bin's performance is masterful, it's a shame the strong girls (as in, strong in character, not just swinging swords/firing guns but acting otherwise birdbrained) never get happy endings in kdramas.
And I am really enjoying the side characters here - from Soo-in's maid to Kanemaru, to Jung-hoon and of course Yeon-ha herself. My skin was crawling during the almost-rape scene, she looked like a child and to have the lecherous rapist scumbag admit her father was innocent but attempt to rape her anyway..... I'm glad Yoon-kang shot him. (and yes, I was yelling at them to get out of there first too!)
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35 PPasun
July 18, 2014 at 2:08 PM
The more I watch, the more I am reminded of "Jejoongwon," maybe because of the same period backdrop and similar backgrounds of the heroines. But to be honest, I liked "Jejoongwon" more than I like "Joseon Gunman" so far. I would love to see another heroine like Yoo Seok Ran in K-dramaland, even though there are other more recent memorable ones like Cheon Song Yi and Oh Hae Won.
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Kiara
July 18, 2014 at 4:29 PM
I'm with you, “Jejoongwon" was a very good drama, well written/directed with a more than capable cast.
Yoo Seok-ran, the daughter of the court interpreter ( Kim Gab-soo, best Joseon dad ever), well educated with a beautiful heart to match her outward appearance.
Sounds like So-in right? Sadly, she is the total opposite.
I love Han Hye-jin in sageuks. Loved her character in Jumomg and Hye-won reminds me of the young Queen Seosono.
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john
July 19, 2014 at 2:24 AM
Kiara ~
Jejoongwon ! I fell in love with Han Hye-jin in that drama. She makes me weak in the knees. Jumong too, Queen Seosono was kickass.
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36 tee
July 18, 2014 at 2:46 PM
I've been enjoying this drama so much and pleasantly surprised with the nuances in the side characters and even the baddies. Hye-won's reveal today made the relationship b/t her and her father so much more interesting. Like I can feel my heart breaking for her already when she finds out that he isn't this upright person she thinks he is. But their father/daughter warmth is real. (Not that that excuses anything he's done but it makes it more complicated for her.)
Also, I find it ironic that most of the gripes about Soo-in's character are some of the qualities that made Yoon-kang fall for her in the first place (naive, idealistic, curious, headstrong, heart before head reactions etc). Well, that, and some mutual attraction and life and death situations but y'know. The chemistry they have is great though, and I don't see it happening with Hye-won.
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tee
July 18, 2014 at 3:00 PM
I forgot, please send poor Yeon-ha off to some faraway land or underground safe house where they can't get her because it's going to be a liability to protect her at this point. Their reunion was so sweet and satisfying but I think it's still too early to consider her safe. Especially when you're still hugging it out when you should be running.
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37 liny
July 18, 2014 at 9:18 PM
I enjoyed so much on the pointed conversation between Yoon-gang and Choi Won-shin... LOL
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38 JenJen
July 19, 2014 at 3:14 PM
considering YoonKang is a gunman, you would think he'd also carry some shot guns instead of fighting with just a rifle. It takes so much more energy to swivel that rifle than pulling out an extra shot gun...
I kinda agree that YounHa has been saved but I think the writer is attempting to create suspense by cutting in the middle of the rescue to make the audience wonder if they will both making it out unscathed.
While I love the acting and all, I do wish this drama is moving very slow through its plot. It has taken 8 episodes for the set up and for this small development. SooIn's involvement should have happened sooner and at this point, we should be getting into the thick of the conspiracy that killed YoonKang's father. but we're not.
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39 memyselfandi
July 20, 2014 at 7:42 AM
There have been some comparisons drawn with The Count of Monte Cristo. But, The Count used his knowledge of his enemies weaknesses against them, while our hero in this drama grabs his gun and jumps up on a rooftop every time he has a problem to solve. I keep thinking of ways he could outsmart his enemies instead of using force, then I remember the title is Joseon Gunman. I do like the drama, mind you, but TCofMC is one of my favorite books (I've even read it in French) so I can't help myself.
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Kiara
July 20, 2014 at 5:08 PM
Same here, I'm not feeling it. I'd rather enjoy them separately because one pales in comparison.
I have the book and movie version for "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Three Musketeers" by the same author. Two of my favorite movies to rewatch during the holidays.
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Lin_K
July 21, 2014 at 12:16 AM
I love the book of TCOMC. However, I didn't like the movie version I watched. It didn't attempt to capture half of the story in the book. It's disappointing how many books are changed drastically when converted to movies. I understand that some revisions/cuts are inevitable but I hate moving from the original plot, especially when the same title as the book is used.
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Lin_K
July 21, 2014 at 12:22 AM
The comparisons can be due to the fact that both lost their fathers/family/status/love and are back for revenge. The Count's plotting was marvelous. At the same time, he had many years to do that, and he knew exactly who his enemies were while YK have no idea who killed his father. Like you said, he is reaching for the gun a lot probably because of the title of the drama. He is supposed to exact his revenge by using his gun??
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40 Ennayra
August 3, 2014 at 1:17 PM
Enjoying the story. Hye-won is dead to me though, after she let Yeon-ha be sold like that just for business. Does it make her actions more or less worse that she has experience exactly the situation that she sent Yeon-ha into? She knows it was wrong because she told her father that as soon as Soo-in finds out their friendship is over. Well as soon as Yoon-kang finds out she's going to be dead to him too.
Go show!
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Cramer Livid
August 27, 2014 at 5:28 PM
Well, she doesn't mean much to him now. Just seen as Evil Choi's daughter. She barely knows his sister and considering the importance of their business relationship, it was a hard but not quite hard choice if you ask me. If she knew YH better, it may have had bigger impact. Plus, she doesn't know her dad is a python in the grass.
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