Healer: Episode 18
by javabeans
Strap yourselves in, folks, it’s a roller coaster of an episode, running the entire emotional gamut—there’s plenty of cuteness and laughs, but with only one more week left, we can’t rest too assured in momentary comforts. We’re never far from the undercurrent of unease that runs throughout, reminding us that there’s just enough time for one more big fight. And that’s sure to be a doozy.
SONG OF THE DAY
Akdong Musician – “Melted” [ Download ]
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EPISODE 18 RECAP
Backing up a bit, we see how the tape made its way to Moon-ho’s broadcast, rather than into the Elder’s hand. Aha, so it was Dae-yong who got to the charnel vault first, and she finds a box tucked in the back containing the real tape. She swaps it for a decoy, then takes it to Moon-ho directly.
Moon-ho listens right away, then calls Jung-hoo to inform him of its contents. As they’d known, Seo Joon-seok wasn’t guilty, but moreover, he wasn’t even initially a suspect. He’d gone to the police to report Gil-han’s murder, with photos as proof. Thus the tape isn’t a suspect statement but a witness statement.
Jung-hoo has to pull over the car to process the good news, and he and Young-shin smile at each other.
Moon-ho thinks the tape is enough to take to broadcast, and tells Jung-hoo to come back. Jung-hoo asks Young-shin what she thinks, and she’s of the same mind as him: They’ll see through the original plan.
So now we resume with Jung-hoo capturing the Elder’s face on camera for all the nation to see. A bodyguard blocks the Elder from view, but Jung-hoo jumps into reporter mode (with some of Bong-soo’s demeanor) and starts asking a question. It goes ignored as the Elder leaves the room.
Jung-hoo has a few seconds of broadcast time before the guards close in on him, and calls out, “These people must work for the Elder! I’ll ask you a question! Surely you wouldn’t use violence and beat the reporter who came to interview the Elder during a live broadcast?”
His glasses and wallet are confiscated, and then the Elder returns to the room. Upon confirmation that this guy is a reporter named Park Bong-soo, he asks, “Didn’t you say you were the Healer?”
Jung-hoo laugh-stutters, “I-if I said that, ha ha, I was told you’d meet with me.” Gah, I am so glad Bong-soo is not real, because he would not be long for this world. The Elder says he’d talk if Bong-soo were the Healer, but if not… Jung-hoo guesses, “You’d k-kill me? But I don’t wanna die.”
He asks if “Grandpa” really is the Elder, and the Elder replies that he didn’t need to broadcast his face in order to ask that. But Jung-hoo counters that Gramps kills people who bother him, and he couldn’t have that—this is their way of posting a “Beware of dog” type warning sign.
The Elder crouches to meet Jung-hoo’s eye level and calls him child, asking who he is. Jung-hoo replies that there’s a man named Seo Joon-seok among the people Grandpa’s killed: “I am his son, Seo Jung-hoo. Grandpa, when you kill people in the future, you ought to think of their sons or daughters.”
Outside the house, Young-shin waits impatiently with a camera, trying to urge the police officers with her to intervene. But the police can’t do anything without proper authorization, so Young-shin just starts filming right there. There’s not much to see, but it’s enough to show police officers stationed outside the Elder’s house, and Moon-ho turns over the broadcast to show the scene. Within moments of it airing, the guards restraining Jung-hoo inside back off.
The Elder invites Jung-hoo to sit, offering Jung-hoo a drink that gets refused, and lighting an incense stick like this is some kind of polite visit. Jung-hoo has dropped the wimpy act and faces the old man defiantly, sneering at the Elder’s description of his side as “working to save people.”
The Elder explains that there’s the “us” who protect people, and the “them” who receive their protection: “Young man, which side do you want to be on?”
Jung-hoo is unimpressed with the Elder’s talk, but… wait, why are you fading and your senses dulling? Gah, it’s the incense, isn’t it? The Elder starts to blur in his eyes as the old man says he quite likes Jung-hoo but won’t wait long for his decision.
Jung-hoo tries to clear his head through the smoke, and then sees the stick and puts it out. Oh thank goodness. But the drugs have done their trick and he falls over, unconscious. The Elder leaves him in slumped in the room.
Back to Seo Joon-seok’s witness statement, which we see in flashback. Joon-seok sits dully in front of the detectives, emotionally traumatized from Gil-han’s death, and explains that “they” call themselves Farmers. As a trio, he and Gil-han and Moon-shik had been chasing the story for the past year when they received information about a planned truck shipment, which they took to mean slush fund movement.
Joon-seok describes the “farming” that this group does: They view the country as their field for the plowing, sowing money around to reap all sorts of benefits—political, legal, financial.
Young-shin finally gets tired of waiting and bursts onto the Elder’s property. She finds Jung-hoo starting to stir, trying to shake off his drug-induced stupor. She asks worriedly, “Why are you always sleeping when I see you?” He replies, “You always wake me.” Pause to aww.
She offers to take him to the hospital, but he asks to sleep a bit, resting against her shoulder and holding her arm. He asks, “Our fathers were very close, weren’t they?” Since he didn’t get to see the broadcast, Young-shin says that their fathers were loyal to the end, and recounts the events that we see in flashback.
1992. Moon-shik drives the car as the three friends follow the truck in question, and the mood is lighthearted with bickering and laughs. They think the task will be a simple matter of snapping a few photos showing the money handoff.
Upon arrival, it becomes evident that the situation is more serious than they’d anticipated. One truck contains large metal paint canisters, and another is filled with apple boxes containing massive sums of cash.
Gil-han wants to see inside the paint canisters, while Joon-seok holds him back. Gil-han just quips, “What are they going to do, kill me? A reporter?” But they accidentally knock over a bin that alerts the others to their presence, and Gil-han offers to divert them while Joon-seok gets to the paint cans. Before his friend can protest, he runs off and is quickly followed.
Joon-seok grabs a canister and runs back to the car, where he alerts Moon-shik to the danger. He tells Moon-shik to prepare for getaway, then heads back to get his friend.
When Joon-seok makes it back, Gil-han is already prone on the ground, his head bloody. Moon-shik arrives just in time to grab him back from going after the Farmer guys, but Joon-seok wells up in righteous fury. He starts snapping photos openly, and Moon-shik forcibly drags him back to the car.
The car escapes, and Joon-seok explains in his statement that he was on the run for days, and eventually found out what was in the paint cans. He explains that it was chemicals used in construction projects to weaken steel, and as soon as he reveals this, men in suits burst in to stop the proceedings.
Young-shin wraps up the story, and Jung-hoo sighs, “It’s over. The homework. For Teacher, Father, and you.” He’s free to leave the Healer behind, and Young-shin praises him for a job well done, Jung-hoo rests his head in her lap (…but… the Elder’s house…) and asks, “Living like other people—is it hard?”
“Let’s try it, living like other people,” she says. He asks, “You’ll be with me, right?” And she replies, “Of course.” He sighs that that’s enough, and closes his eyes to sleep some more, taking her hand in his.
Myung-hee prepares a nice dinner for her and Moon-shik, and her outwardly pleasant attitude puts him in a good mood. It seems she’s watching for his reaction as she tells him of watching Moon-ho’s broadcast and asks about what he didn’t tell her. He answers that he hadn’t been holding back from her, admitting that he’d suspected Joon-seok all these years, and the broadcast has allowed him peace of mind knowing that wasn’t true.
Myung-hee doesn’t like that answer (well, it is a blatant lie), and I wonder if she’d been hoping he’d respond differently. She keeps her pleasant face on, but looks meaningfully over at Ji-an’s birthday spread nearby. I do hope her suspicion extends to that story too.
Moon-shik retires to his study after dinner, and his mind flashes back to his first encounter with the Elder. And now we see what happens next: Moon-shik accepts that deal, and gives a witness statement to the police that he saw Joon-seok killing Gil-han. Interestingly, the first statement is given while he’s bloody, terrified, and shaking. The second time, Moon-shik is resigned and dead-eyed.
But by the third time, he’s crisp and alert, confident in his lies as he says that the money triggered Joon-seok’s greed. When Gil-han refused to keep it, Joon-seok killed him.
In the present day, the memory doesn’t even stir a pang of regret as he sits there, idly eating Ji-an’s birthday cookies, soul unruffled. Or maybe absent.
In contrast, over at the cafe, Young-shin and her father eye that cookie with reverent anticipation, both bummed to see that it broke in transit. Young-shin feeds Dad the first bite, and they marvel at the taste. Then Dad asks when she’s bringing “that guy” over, and she initially feigns ignorance (“Which guy? I kinda have a lot of guys”).
Dad tells her to drag him over, then sighs that of all the men, she had to pick one so weak and frail, always ready to cry at the drop of a hat. She dies laughing.
When she gets to her room, she’s startled to find Jung-hoo already here, having climbed in through the window and all ready for his hugs. She pushes him back to arm’s length and lays down a few ground rules about how to live like other people, which includes using front doors. And meeting her father to get his permission to date, which makes him grimace. Also, on his girlfriend’s birthday, he should give her a gift.
She holds out her hands expectantly, and Jung-hoo fumbles to come up with something. He gives her the necklace from around his neck, and she points out that it would be nice to get gifts that are new and wrapped. He tries to make it better by pointing out that his necklace has a tracker in it, but that just sounds worse, lol.
Young-shin lets him fasten it around her neck, and he asks, “Can I hug you now?” He grabs her in a hug without waiting, and she kicks him. HA.
He looks hurt as he asks why she keeps pushing him away, and she reminds him that he wanted to live, and love, like other people. He asks what this is, and she says, “This is… a little different from other people.”
Jung-hoo decides he can do things in the proper order, and tells her to wait. She agrees, telling him not to take too long. He notes the key points—father, salary—and she heads to the door to show him how to use it properly, only to turn around to see that he’s already left via window. Siiiigh.
Adorably, Jung-hoo then barrels in through the cafe doors, psyching himself up to get this over with. But the longer Dad stares at him blankly, the more his nerves falter and Jung-hoo mutters to himself that he can’t do it. He stammers to Dad that he’ll come back next time, and I love that he’s really not too far off from wimpy Bong-sookie after all.
Pickpocket Ajusshi enters just then, blocking Jung-hoo’s exit, and Dad slowly wraps his hand in an apron like he’s getting ready to inflict some pain. Jung-hoo says nervously that he’s here to give his proper greeting and get permission.
Young-shin hears noise and hurries downstairs, where she finds Jung-hoo in the study with Dad and ajusshi. Jung-hoo sends her pathetic pleading looks while Dad warns her to stay out of this.
Dad starts with the cafe kiss a few days ago, and just thinking of it spurs violent impulses. Ajusshi intervenes: information first, then kill. Ajusshi takes over the interrogation and asks how far they’ve gone, and thankfully Dad shoves him aside because I’m not sure that’s an answer they want to hear.
Dad asks if that soup was any good, and Jung-hoo answers that it was delicious. You’ll recall that Young-shin had called Dad for recipe instructions from Jung-hoo’s pad, and now Dad knows that Jung-hoo was the friend needing nursing all night long. Ajusshi has to hold him back while Jung-hoo darts around the room trying to avoid a beating while blurting, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
Making this even better is the fact that while sounds of destruction come from the office, Young-shin listens from outside eating ice cream. As you do.
The mood takes a darker turn, however, when later that night Secretary Oh makes his way inside Moon-ho’s apartment. This can’t be good.
At the paper, Editor Jang alerts Moon-ho to postings on the Someday message board that offer information from witnesses who’ve met the Elder. It’s unclear whether these tips are legit, but Moon-ho instructs his staff to look into them, and they’ll follow up on anything that sounds promising. Editor Jang points out that they’ll be understaffed, which is Moon-ho’s cue to introduce their new employee: Jung-hoo, or rather, Bong-soo, who is heartily welcomed.
While the team congratulates him for his intrepid undercover work, Young-shin tells Moon-ho about Jung-hoo wanting to live like a regular person, which Moon-ho notes isn’t the easiest thing. Young-shin quips, “I think living like other people means not knowing what you’re doing. What’s so great about that?” She adds that Jung-hoo’s done being the Healer, laughing that she thinks he got fired. Yay for ajumma.
Moon-ho informs her that Myung-hee asked for an excuse to meet Young-shin again. As they talk cozily, Jung-hoo shoots Moon-ho the side-eye and steps right between them, just like old times. Aw, jealous Bong-sookie.
Young-shin starts to narrate an explanation about a friend reentering mainstream society, and we see Jung-hoo adapting to civilian life. He struggles to remain awake all day at work, which she compares to being a wildcat—awake for the hunt, sleeping otherwise.
When his first paycheck comes in, Jung-hoo calls in to ajumma to ask how much it was, shocked at the paltry sum (“But… I worked a whole month!”). He even wonders if he should pick up some side jobs, but ajumma reminds him that he quit being the Healer and wants her earset back. Then she screams at her screen—not at Jung-hoo, but at the hapless newbie who can’t do a simple task right. Ha, is she training the new Healer?
It’s Dae-yong, who’s in plain view of all the car black boxes around her. Dae-yong complains that there’s no street in Seoul without parked cars, and ajumma barks, “That’s why your hyungnim flew around on rooftops!”
Young-shin’s voiceover comes from her conversation with Myung-hee, and she laughingly describes how this guy is a teeny bit older but acts thirteen, which is why she has to look after him. Myung-hee guesses that she likes him, then leans right in to brush a crumb from Young-shin’s face and touch up her makeup, their rapport already comfortable.
The day arrives for Moon-shik’s live broadcast interview, and at the last minute, Moon-ho receives the alarming news that Moon-shik arrived at the station and announced that he’d be deviating from the script. This is equally disruptive to both the broadcaster and Someday, but it’s worse for Someday, who’ve lost their opportunity to counter Moon-shik’s interview replies in real time.
At the station, Moon-shik just tells Min-jae, who’s interviewing him, to ask whatever she wants. The Someday team gathers to watch, and Moon-shik starts by deftly fielding questions about whether he’s able to manage Seoul when he can’t even manage his brotherly relationship.
Moon-shik speaks openly of Moon-ho’s current activities opposing him, but invokes his own reporter past. He identifies himself as a member of the pirate broadcasts that have garnered Moon-ho so much popularity these days and even pulls out that photo to show on air.
Calling himself a journalist who once fought for the freedom of media, he says that he has to take his brother’s activities in stride—because that’s what he fought for. God, that’s infuriating. Moon-ho watches with a sour expression, and is forced to cancel their planned broadcast, given the direction of Moon-shik’s interview.
Myung-hee’s reaction is similar, full of impotent anger, and Young-shin takes her hand as they listen to Moon-shik talking about how the press frankly has too much freedom these days, and in order for that to happen, those in power have had to sacrifice a lot. Oh, boo-hoo for the rich and powerful.
Then he takes out the old suitcase full of cassette tapes belonging to Moon-ho—so that’s what Secretary Oh was doing lurking in his apartment. Jung-hoo has to jump in to keep Moon-ho from physically assaulting his television as Moon-shik proudly shows off the tapes and the old Healer zine as treasured memories. His smugness is maddening.
Myung-hee watches bitterly as Moon-shik explains the meaning behind Healer, proclaiming the press as a force that identifies and treats society’s pains, and he just takes credit for everything like a goddamned hero. Moon-shik turns to address the camera/the public, saying that he worked to protect the media, and will now turn those efforts to protecting the city of Seoul, “as well as this country’s freedom, democracy, and order.”
Myung-hee cries to Young-shin, “I’m sorry.” Young-shin doesn’t understand why, but holds her mother in her arms as she cries.
Sitting grimly after the broadcast, Jung-hoo offers to steal back the tapes, which shouldn’t be too difficult. Moon-ho points out that he’s given up his clandestine errand-running job, saying that he’d like for Jung-hoo to live normally. “But… are you okay?” Jung-hoo asks. He looks over at Moon-ho and says in joke-relief, “I was really scared you were crying.”
Moon-ho returns, “I almost cried.” Jung-hoo asks if that’s because of the stolen tapes, and Moon-ho just tells him to buy some more beer and come over, because he’s got a lot of things he wants to tell him and Young-shin.
Our Double S Guards make a reappearance, although it’s to get shoved to the side as the operation gets taken over by Jeil Newspaper’s Manager Ahn. I suppose he IS more effective than Sang-soo, who finds his office taken over by the brusque newcomer.
Min-ja has her eye on Double S and notices the movement, as does Dae-yong, who’s staking out the building. They watch the Jeil team leaving the office, and Dae-yong wonders why they’re here. Ajumma merely replies that she’s making the Healer a retirement fund, and it involves the thugs who followed him after the ex-cop died. It’s likely that one of them was the killer—but why would they be affiliated with Double S?
Dae-yong photographs the Jeil team, and the closeup of Manager Ahn’s face niggles at ajumma’s memory. Where has she seen him before?
The Someday staff stays late working their way through the Elder tips, which are mostly duds. Moon-ho looks exhausted, but rather than take a break he’s preparing for things to start soon (…more things?). He’s not sure when or how they’ll come at them, but he knows to expect something.
While the staffers doze, Moon-ho finds Young-shin sleeping in Jung-hoo’s lap, clutching his arm. He notes that the couple is being pretty blatant, and Jung-hoo informs Moon-ho that she can’t sleep around just anyone. “What about you?” Moon-ho asks. “I’m not just anyone,” Jung-hoo replies.
Jung-hoo asks about Moon-ho fighting the Elder now, and wonders if that puts Young-shin in danger. Moon-ho doesn’t know, and asks if Jung-hoo would like to take her away someplace far, where it’ll be easier to live as a normal person. Jung-hoo admits that he’s hesitating over the idea: “I think it’s because of you. Leaving you on your own and going away just the two of us doesn’t feel right.”
Moon-ho touches hand to heart and half-teases that he’s touched. But Jung-hoo says seriously, “I can’t be without her now. So if it’s for her, I could throw you away.”
“That’s okay,” Moon-ho says readily, smiling. Ack! Stop doing things that make me scared for you!
In the morning, the attack begins. In a flurry of activity, Moon-ho is hit with legal documents, including a summons by the prosecutors’ office. Then a team is sent from the National Tax Service, acting on the report that misuse of funds were used to buy out Someday. Fuming, Moon-ho can do nothing while they confiscate everything.
It looks like they’re going after Someday big-time, and Editor Jang wonders to Jung-hoo whether his wife’s current business troubles could be related. Her restaurant was hit with a health inspection and enormous fine, and the timing makes him wonder if there’s any connection. But he shakes his head, telling himself there isn’t.
Later that evening, Moon-ho pulls into his parking garage, with Jung-hoo and Young-shin not far behind, armed with beer for a friendly visit. The second Moon-ho opens his car door, he’s ambushed—gack! Noooo, not Moon-ho!
His attackers drug him with chloroform. Their cars peel out moments later, just as Jung-hoo’s car drives in. That strikes Jung-hoo as odd, and the moment he sees the dropped camera in Moon-ho’s parking spot, his sense of alarm spikes.
Jung-hoo connects to ajumma right away, asking her to track Moon-ho, and gives Young-shin the choice: come with him or wait in Moon-ho’s apartment. She guesses that fighting is likely and quickly gets out of the car—better not hold him back. When he tries to escort her upstairs, she waves him off, and he’s pressed enough to hurry out after Moon-ho. Uh-oh. I have very bad feelings about all of this.
In the getaway car with an unconscious Moon-ho, the Elder’s minions find his cell phone and hand it off to a motorcyclist, who drives off in other direction. Crap crap crap.
Jung-hoo therefore follows ajumma’s instructions following the wrong vehicle, while Young-shin waits for the elevator to Moon-ho’s apartment. Someone joins her, and she nervously looks up… at a smiling, smarmy-faced Secretary Oh.
COMMENTS
Well that’s certainly not a face you ever want to see, especially when it’s looking so gleeful. Secretary Oh should never be happy, because only bad things happen when he’s happy.
What a great (and terrible!) episode of turnarounds, coming off last episode’s euphoria of Team Healer pulling a fast one on the bad guys with such aplomb. Then there was all that relationship cuteness, and moments of warm humor, and promises of the future… and bam! We slam into a wall of darkness and unease. Dramatically, it’s fantastic. It’s just, as a viewer, I don’t know how much my nerves can take. I just care too much about these people, so sue me. *cries into cornflakes*
I was a little surprised to see the Elder storyline settle down so quickly after the live broadcast ambush, because while I knew that he would regroup later, I didn’t expect him to just… vanish and let the characters be happy and safe. I suppose that lull just makes the attack more painful when it comes, but it also serves the purpose in giving us a glimpse of life after Healer-dom, which I didn’t realize I wanted to see so badly until we saw it.
That’s not just because I want to see Jung-hoo normal and happy, but because there’s a thread of sadness woven into this concept of being reintroduced to society that I really appreciate. It’s amusing in the moment to see Jung-hoo’s reintegration foibles in a comedic light, but it also hurts the heart a little when you consider just how much of an impact his isolated life has had on who he is as a person, and how he reacts to the most ordinary of circumstances. It’s funny to call him thirteen and laugh at how he goes through windows, but then he asks in a plaintive voice why Young-shin is keeping him away from herself, and the reality comes crashing in: He doesn’t actually know how to react. He doesn’t have social graces. He’s always tired because he’s never had to be a functional adult.
It’s therefore just as saddening as it is amusing to see Jung-hoo struggling to adjust to mundane life, especially since this current life isn’t too different from what he did the first time as Park Bong-soo… it’s just that the first time, the job was the afterthought, the B-sides to Healer’s super-fly action movie A-story. This time, he has to live the B-sides as his main life, and the beauty of that is that this humdrum ordinariness is actually the goal he wants. Once he gets used to staying awake for a full workday and answering phone calls he doesn’t want to, that is. It might take a while, but thankfully, he’s got the rest of his life to figure it out.
I find myself flip-flopping on Moon-shik with every twist, and I suppose that indicates that he’s been very well-drawn on both sides of his character, because both of his extremes feel credible. Yesterday I saw him in a more sympathetic light, but today he went back to pissing me off, albeit in a good way because he’s showing more complexity and shades of his darkness, not just going back and forth between stark white and black. His interview was brilliant and infuriating in equal measure, and showed once more his gift in taking the truth and using it to shape the narrative he wants to present.
Nothing he said in the broadcast was false, and furthermore, you get the sense that Moon-shik truly believes his explanations of why he was acting for a good cause. He’s not just a good liar; he may be self-delusional about his motives, and that makes him a very dangerous character. It’s almost sociopathic, his ability to convey earnestness and truth in a way that’s just wrong. The Moon-shik of 1980 didn’t seem so bad, and the Moon-shik of 1992 (even after the accident) also appears well-intentioned and loyal. But there’s no getting around the fact that since then, he has made choices with his eyes wide open and is warping the past to bolster his actions in the present. That explains why Moon-ho and Myung-hee reacted with such frustrated rage, because he’s just too good at twisting facts into his version of the truth.
The explanation of the Farmers takes us in an interesting direction, shifting the story away from the personal injustices and into a darker well of institutionalized corruption. This is something Writer Song does particularly well (and reminds me of Story of a Man, in fact), and by the time we get to this part of the story we’re deeply invested because of the connection to our main characters. (As to the particulars of the case: I’m not 100 percent sure I’m understanding correctly, so correct me if I’m wrong, but the scene witnessed by Gil-han and Joon-seok showed the Farmers involved in a massive payoff that involved the willful use of bad construction materials. It turns this into a more dangerous issue than politicians merely stashing away illegal funds—that’s a bad enough thing, but at least not a direct threat to public safety.)
But on to Moon-ho, whose fate isn’t looking so good right about now. To be honest, I was never convinced he’d make it out of the drama alive, but the more he integrated with Team Healer, the more positive I thought his chances were for survival. On a symbolic level I argue with myself that it works better to keep him alive, as a survivor of this cyclical series of events that began in 1980; his internet broadcasts carry echoes of the old rebellious spirit, and because of his age he has always been smack-dab in the middle of the two generations, acting as a link but never quite belonging to either group. So he isn’t necessarily bound to the old tragedy, and I feel like an argument could be made for him being the way to break the cycle in the new generation.
On the other hand, recent episodes hint at his willingness to hurtle headlong into the fight without concern for coming out of it alive, and he might just go down fighting. It’s a lovely contrast to his earlier apathy, where he lived because he wasn’t dead, not because he had any great motivation to stay alive. Now that he’s discovered a passion to keep him going, surely the writer wouldn’t be so cruel as to snatch that away from us/him, would she? (Worried side note: She totally would be that cruel. It’s kind of why I love her writing, and also feel pain because of it.)
And perhaps viewed symbolically from the other side, it’s possible that the message for Moon-ho is that it’s more meaningful to live with purpose for a short time than to exist indefinitely without purpose. That links him closer to the older generation, most of whom met premature ends but whose lives were, as far as we can judge, well-lived and well-loved.
Aghhhh, basically I think this means that Moon-ho could live or die and either case is supported thematically and symbolically, and now I’m just scared. Don’t die, Moon-ho! Please?
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Tags: featured, Healer, Ji Chang-wook, Park Min-young, Yoo Ji-tae
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1 sophee
February 3, 2015 at 8:30 PM
Whoa~ wow *totally speechless-again* It goes from tense and thrill to revelations and resolution of the 1992 case then straight to cuteness overload that left me grinning and spazzing and hitting the rewind to rewatch the adorable scenes... Then I realize that it feels too peaceful, too lull after our Healer Team pulled off such an elaborate stunt against our bad guys and it dawns on me that they are preparing for their counter attack.. And with the ending full of suspense we are set for finally week.
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sophee
February 3, 2015 at 8:31 PM
*finale not finally
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Cindy
February 4, 2015 at 2:53 AM
With only 2 episodes left, will we witness the making of a real hero? Would JH become a social injustice fighter?
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hedgehog
February 4, 2015 at 2:36 PM
Am I the only one super worried about the incense that was given to JH????? It seems that he's constantly sleepy after inhaling it...... :( Don't die JH!!
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kd
February 7, 2015 at 9:16 AM
Yes, I wondered about that also... why would elder drug him, and why just leave him there.... it didn't make sense, and the writing is too tight in this series to leave such an inconsistency. They also flashed then to KMS being pressured under the bright light, and I thought maybe there was a brainwashing element going on.....
Shuerei
February 7, 2015 at 5:31 AM
@ Cindy
A legit statement. Transforming into the real Healer. Taking on the legacy of the 1992 group. That will wrap up the theme of the show nicely. Good thinking.
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adelaide
February 4, 2015 at 11:49 AM
Thoughts: last two episodes. will surely miss this but I can always watch it again from the beginning.
I hope the writer won't kill off Moon Hoo, a lot of people died already, and what for just to wring more sympathy from us, maybe Moon Shik would be the one to go coz there's no other dramatic exit for him than that, jailtime is too mainstream.
so happy to see Park Bong Soo in this ep, really for me he is the much cuter version oof the Healer. I wont try to guess as to how the last two eps would end and what life is there for the ex-Healer, I am trusting the writer on this one, just one request - give some more sugar,please?!
ah,yes, whoever casted those five friends' younger version did a good job, except maybe for Myung Hee's younger version coz that girl had big eyes and doesn't really resemble the lovely,older version. But the four guys? spot on for the teacher's younger version, and those three younger version of Moon shik, Seo Joon Suk and Oh Gil Han- total eye candies!
Is that Park Si Yeon up there? picture-perfect!
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recaplover
February 5, 2015 at 5:26 AM
I also hope the writer doesn't kill off Moon hoo, too. It's too cruel to gothat way because it seems to show us that the moment Moon Hoo wants to have a purpose to live his life, he gets killed because of that. I hope he and the lady sunbae reporter end up together.
When the camera keeps focus on the plate of cookie Myung hee madewhen Moon sik is eating, I have a thought maybe she would poison the cookies to kill him and kill herself. Although it's not her false, but she's indeed the main reason why Moon sik has gone evil. So I think kill off her makes more sense than kill off Moon hoo.
I also hope that Jung hoo and his team bcome freelance Healers, not for money but for justice. Whenever there's injustice in the society, there will be Healers to fix it
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kd
February 7, 2015 at 9:18 AM
That is a great idea! Healers for justice!
Moko
June 27, 2015 at 3:08 AM
'I hope he and the lady sunbae reporter end up together.'
I don't really hope that, I never really liked her that much. Because unlike Moon Ho, she didn't have the sass of a reporter, she just always went along with everything the upper people told her and completely believed their sh...
And then again I can't blame her because she just doesn't seem to knew it better, but Moon Ho did.
And yes, this actress is so pretty, my eyes hurt looking at her. But they look good together and Moon Ho having found happiness in what he does and a friend/lover would be great. I so want him to be happy.
Shuerei
February 7, 2015 at 5:37 AM
@ Adelaide
I agree, the eyes and complexion of younger myung hee were different. Maybe people change when they grow older? Also, bound on wheelchair, she rarely goes out to the sun. I am "pale" now compared to times in junior high.
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TurkishRose
February 3, 2015 at 8:40 PM
Omggg I freakin loveddddddd this episode. DAEBAEK :) :) :)
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sophee
February 3, 2015 at 9:46 PM
I don't think normal life suits Jung-hoo, it seems too boring for him.. on the other hand I like that dae-yong is having her chance to be Healer replacement because that's what sshe was griping about from the start of the series, wanting to do a bigger job that deliveries.
Frankly I don't want Jung-hoo to leave Healer life completely and Young-shin seems to enjoy going undercover/taking part in Healer job. In short I don't want Team Healer to disband.
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2 milktea
February 3, 2015 at 8:30 PM
YESSS!!!
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3 growingbeautifully
February 3, 2015 at 8:32 PM
Yay!!! Thanks JB!
Note: For the FANS PROJECT please refer to Episode 17 Recaps, Comment 7. There's too much to move over here and anyway, it's about deadline time so .... :)
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Havens
February 3, 2015 at 8:55 PM
Have emailed you :)
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growingbeautifully
February 3, 2015 at 8:59 PM
Hi @Havens, Yes, and I replied to you under Ep 17 recap and added you to the group already!! :)
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rainerust
February 3, 2015 at 9:24 PM
Nobody sent in anything so far HAHA looks like our video cut is gonna be as ready as it gets. We should just IG the link to JCW...
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azfih
February 5, 2015 at 4:17 PM
could someone link what u guys did? I would love to see it too!!!
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Mary Bethany
February 5, 2015 at 6:44 PM
Hi. Please please please, could you show us what you SIN Beanies did? Should be v fun, dying in curiosities to know? You gals re act out a scene? Parody ? Should be nice to make them laugh or be touched , since most of the lead casts will be shroud in shadows of impending ending n "disbanding". Hope your stuff can comfort them n warm their hearts.
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growingbeautifully
February 5, 2015 at 10:31 PM
Hi Mary Bethany
I think we'll release it on the Ep 19 and/or 20 Recaps thread, after we've sent it off to the FANS PROJECT. :)
I hope you and everyone who sees it will have a fun time (with feels LOL!). Keep watching out for the FANS PROJECT sub-thread to see the link. :D
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Mary Bethany
February 7, 2015 at 5:24 PM
Splendid. Will watch out. Read somewhere (Weibo?) that Min Young mentioned saddened n doing the count down. Poor girl. Hope some of your works do mentioned her or dedicate to her also.
4 wits
February 3, 2015 at 8:32 PM
Been tapping my feet, pacing around my room or just staring into space... that’s how I was after watching episode 18. A basket case! That’s what Healer did to me!
Oh this show, after giving me such a happy first half (I was literally rolling in laughter at the Father-Son-in-law “confrontation”), it breaks my heart for our Moon-Ho and then, lets it race in the final minutes. Oh my loves - Moon-Ho! Chae Young-Shin! who will our Seong Joon-Ho save first, and how can he, if he was led in a merry goose chase??
And tell me! Just tell me, how can I survive the next six days with this hanging over my head??
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divyrus
February 3, 2015 at 8:49 PM
@wits
I didnt even enjoy those, I knew this was coming!!!!
I want him to live so badly!!!!
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camry
February 4, 2015 at 2:21 PM
For some reason, I feel like something like JH saving MH and then realizing that YS had been in danger far too late will happen. I mean, he's already going to save MH so I really don't think he'll be able to save both. And hopefully, the writer won't make it so that he chooses which one to save (though that is also pretty likely) because that is basically the equivalent to saying "hey, this life is more precious than this life" which is just terrible in every way. I mean, I suppose that JH considers YS more important but I also don't think he's the type of person to totally abandon MH just because of that. Anyways, my point is that I really just want them to live their lives out, the three of them as extremely close friends (and, of course, the couple), and grow old together---the way that the original gang never got to do.
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shell
February 4, 2015 at 9:51 PM
Don't forget...YS has the necklace on that has the GPS. All she has to do is press it. I don't think JH will have to choose.
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Shuerei
February 7, 2015 at 6:17 AM
@ shell
Smart! I forgot about that. Also, I think she should just whack him - bruises, scars, lots of blood ...
And is he the same guy who caused Myung Hee's accident? I wonder with his mechanic skills...
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Emma
February 5, 2015 at 7:32 AM
I have this bad premonition that he will have to choose, especially when I think back on specific times in this episode. Telling her why the necklace is better than something else because of the GPS, the conversation where he says if he has to pick he's going to save her not MH, and then both of them being in trouble. I don't want it to happen, but I feel like it's coming, so I'm bracing myself for it. I want them to have the happy ending the older ones didn't get, but I can also see the beauty in MH facing up to his life of only doing so much by sacrificing himself, too. Who knows? But I've loved the writing so far and whatever happens, I'm sure it will be great TV.
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5 KDaddict
February 3, 2015 at 8:32 PM
Forgive me for saying I’m not too fond of this ep, cos in it, our good guys get the short end of the stick.
1st and foremost, Jian and J Ho’s fathers died of amateurism and foolhardiness!
They had been following this gang for a year and half, and should have known they were dealing w serious crimes and criminals. You son’t go to such a stake-out as if you were going on a picnic w your best friend. There was no sense of impending danger, just a sense of adventure and righteousness. You most certainly don’t fight and struggle w your best friend a few yards away from the goons in the middle of a hideout. They didn’t even have a car or driver. You don’t get a guy who had no vested interest in your big scoop to be your getaway driver. So it was a task that was bound to fail from the start, and they were the ones who set themselves up for failure.
Jian’s father was esp. naive when he said: "I’m going to lure them away. They aren’t going to kill me; I am a reporter!" Wrong!
If they had run together towards the car, and have M Shik drive away, they’d live to fight another day. But such is the foolishness and foolhardiness of youth and idealism.
So when all is said and done, to the extent that I understand those guys, I don’t begrudge the writer for building a whole drama and tragedy on these guy’s mishap. It’s easy to judge them w objectivity and an advance in years over their, but in their place, at that age, that was what they were like. Tipping over that barrel was like missing a step and falling onto a train track.
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divyrus
February 3, 2015 at 8:53 PM
@KDaddict
That foolishness and foolhardiness of youth and idealism was what established so well in first episode. Thats how they defined themselves. They reveled in that rush of adrenaline!
And they never were untouched by tragedy or violence, just normal kids growing under tough times sticking to each other and finding purpose.
I can make a argument saying they never touched so high up in the ladder so they didnt know its going to that dangerous, but you are right, I did a facepalm when that barrel was tipped over. Like this whole chain of events is started by that!
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dramapenchant
February 3, 2015 at 9:05 PM
@Divyrus and @KDaddict That youth and idealism you mentioned was exactly what made them such good and resilient reporters during a time when freedom of speech was so repressed. Without it, they wouldn't have had any motivation for fighting the system. It takes quite a lot of gut to do what they did.
When we're young, we all have that invincibility complex. That's what allows us to do some pretty stupid stuff but also makes us face our fears and deal with things in a manner that "adults" would deem as foolhardy. However, I think they did what was right and they risked their lives fighting the injustice and corruption of society which is laudable.
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Mary Bethany
February 5, 2015 at 7:38 PM
Dear all.
Even though the spirited Five ( minus one) were chasing the case for a year, but the limited info they got by far only revealed dirty money laundering. If not the very cautious n calculating Moon shin will never agreed to chauffeur them, yes. Their guts n drive n aspiration as re plausible , but they lack the calm n wit in sudden turns of events, while the second Gen Healer does begets the gift of applying n make good used of whatever things on the spot to help or camo. Our lives sometimes are moves n been strengthened thru trials because GOD provide silly but sincere people like these 5 along our road. While I will not want my husband to do what the 2 goons, I will be very touched to keep as closed buddies if I have such as friends. If ever I have such buddies behind my blind sides, I may even dream that I want to be given a chance to " Just go for it, come what may!!!" That is why we watch dramas, to be moved and believe there are such silly but beautiful people around me, the unsung heroes.
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Shuerei
February 7, 2015 at 6:11 AM
@ kDaddict, divyrus, dramapenchant, Mary of Bethany
I love your thoughts on this particular thread:
1. This episode was bit dry for me. Maybe it's a pre-withdrawal symptom with Healer show ending soon.
2. They were naive. They lacked cunning. And clueless what evil looked like. Moon Shik survived coz he was shrewd, desperate (to keep Myung Hee alive) and ...he had tea with d-evil.
3. Healer show and your comments reminded me of the protest in a Hong Kong. Youth and idealism. The older generation may not understand them but it's hard not to emphasize with their struggles - fighting for a place in the university, competing for work, saving up for the rising living cost etc.
Mary Bethany
February 7, 2015 at 5:39 PM
Shorten, good provoking thoughts as u linked the Genesis Five to Hong Kong Protest, then recall u the Tiananmen Square incident ... Storms n exposures n inspirations , lead to blood shed, exiled, jailed, family ruined, then ... NOTHING. lives goes on. Voices miles, pioneers confined works over sea, decades gone, leaders replaced ... Euro American leaders confined to friend China... Just like moon go said new leader will raise up. And just like jung hoo said, when that time comes then we handle one at a time. Some times the fruits of labour may not be seen by this generation, but it for a down history luminous n inspire out next.
Shuerei
February 9, 2015 at 10:33 AM
@ Mary of Bethany
1) I think the writer takes on a tough theme - to set up our heroes against a very formidable force/kingdom of Power and Wealth. By weaving loyalty and love embedded in a group of journalists she is highlighting that truth and love are virtues to overcome the dark forces.
2) It takes time, wisdom and humility to find our blind spots. The writer highlighted their lack in their haste to chase the lead. What if Teacher was with them during that fateful day, would the tragedy be averted? He had the right skill set and insight.
On the contrary, KMH, SJH and CYS having suffered losses are more guarded. Let's hope that truth, love, patience, wisdom and humility will win against opposing forces.
nil
February 4, 2015 at 12:10 AM
@Divyrus @KDaddict @dramapenchant that foolishness whatsoever in the earlier episodes is done when they are trully young. as in maybe their 20-s, when KMH still crying over spilled milk. but the tragedy happened in 1992, when they already had babies (KMH in highschool?), so its like about 10 years later, isnt it not young anymore? its just silly and irresponsible.
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wildfly
February 4, 2015 at 12:43 AM
I dont really remember the starting episodes but wasnt teacher at that time being arrested and sentenced 10x years for their journalist activities, taking the blame? So how these clowns are being so carefree thinking it's one big game?
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plumwine
February 4, 2015 at 1:04 PM
Jail is one thing; death another. Teacher was arrested by govt. employees and still alive; so I imagine they thought the worst that could happen to them would be being beaten up and their camera destroyed. You can still be idealistic and naive after becoming a parent. (More experience than I need in this area.)
Alienkay
February 3, 2015 at 9:18 PM
I feel like there might be an overarching theme to their foolishness and why their death was more important then them just dying because they were being stupid and had no common sense. Maybe it will come out in episode 19 and 20 about how far the corruption they witnessed will go? I have no idea where 19 and 20 will go but we know the Elder is not happy. So hopefully we get that in the last two episodes since the Elder was obviously planning their attack while the Healer team was thinking it might be partially over.
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Pranx
February 3, 2015 at 10:33 PM
I think it was a mistake in the direction. The writer wanted to show them in the same light as real-life reporters who fearlessly go to war zones. Her scene must have said "daring reporters stumble on a massive story and lose their lives while covering it". The director went wrong in setting the mood for the scene and creating the incident which led them to being caught.
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Jig
February 3, 2015 at 10:55 PM
Scriptwriters are way more precise than that. They (usually) will have the entire action sequence explained especially key moments that are essential to the plot and some will even give direction on how someone should say certain lines and such. She would have had the whole scene explained including barrels falling and whatnot. The director could have taken liberties still and the mood would be his responsibility but otherwise their job is more on framing the shot, camera angles, length of shots, acting direction, and such, not story control.
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Mary Bethany
February 8, 2015 at 7:03 PM
Take for example the most recent cases re:ISIS of Syria. The middle east was ongoing even before Arab springs which turned out to be Arab Winter. And lots of Aids workers, medicals staffs, reporters went into the heart of war zones, believing that as long as they bring money, aids , and link to some officials organizations, even learn to speak some Arabic, verbally sympathize with cause of the freedom fighters , the terrorists won't do anything to them, thinking they are not soldiers but journalists n medicals workers right? But truth is, ISIS started journalists. Most people who stand on the fence, or provides some helps, always think the sharks or lions will not eat them, they are not enemies after all right? And the journalists always has this noble indignation that even if they are to die they don't mind fight to evil. Problem is , if they really plan well, they may not have to die, to die glorious but wasteful is easy, to live in in dignity and righteousness is harder and more effective for the cause we fighting. Journalists always think it won't happen to them after all, do you know how many thousands of them gone missing and are kept silent by authorities. What these 5's is are common, esp when they only realised the depth of their sleuthing when it's too late. Even ahjumma was asking to delete file closed case, so what even if they present any photos or documents, to be effective means lots of planning n patience.
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nil
February 3, 2015 at 11:52 PM
i agree with you. when i watched raw last night, *meaning i only rely on their gesture to understand the story* KMS is actually the one that show maturity. i mean those late fathers didn't look like they do this job out of the reponsibility for their work, or that they have responsiblity to feed the babybears at home. as you put it, they rather do this dangerous job for fun and look amateur.
i somehow feel bad for everyone they left, including KMS.
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6 Azale
February 3, 2015 at 8:33 PM
Wooah earliest I've ever posted.
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7 little-muffin
February 3, 2015 at 8:33 PM
What an awesome episode we have here!
So far, Healer has given us pretty much what we wanted:
1) Park Bong-soo is back!
2) CYS met her mum and even though she didn’t know the truth, she treated her like she’s her daughter
3) In-law session! Jung-hoo finally faced his greatest fear
4) Moon-ho in danger, but now of course we hope that he will be ok. Don’t kill him please T_T
Next week is going be to be epic! Finale is hereeeeee
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Lilly
February 4, 2015 at 6:54 PM
But what about the mom?
Now that she knows the Elder killed her husband and her daughter (she thinks) is she just going to sit quietly in her wheelchair and do nothing?
She does have access to some money.
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little-muffin
February 4, 2015 at 11:12 PM
I'm sure she's not sitting down quietly and she'll find out about Ji-an soon and they will have a lovely tearful reunion.
And of course Moon-ho and Jung-hoo will stay alive and they will gather together for some great family bonding (with CYS's dads too).
All is well and happy for our Scooby Gang! (please writer-nim!!)
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Helenya
February 5, 2015 at 5:03 PM
What if Myung-here's injuries were not sustained in a car crash. What if she was being so badly beaten by the Elder and co. to extract information that she sustained a head injury and spinal cord injury. What if Moon-Shik acted as he did to literally save her from a fatal beating. And then abandoned Ji-An not because he wanted Myung-hee for himself, but because it was safer for both women? Has there been credible car-crash flashbacks yet?
PS still think Moon-Shik is a douche but...
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Shuerei
February 7, 2015 at 8:09 AM
@ Helenya
Had the same thought as you about KMS and JiAn. He probably knew JiAn's life would be threatened by the Elder. After all with her father dead and MyungHee crippled, they would depend solely on him so he had no reason to abandon her. Letting her go missing and pretending she was dead would save her from the Elder's killing zone. He couldn't tell MyungHee the truth coz she might blurt out in front of Sec Oh...well that does not absolve his other sins though. But at least the thought that he didn't meant direct harm to JiAn provides a tiny hope that KMS may resort to do the right thing in Ep 19/20.
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8 dramapenchant
February 3, 2015 at 8:33 PM
Park Bong Soo's back yo! I've missed him so much. Writer-nim really has heard our prayers! We even got the scene of YS reacting of JH acting as BS!
And on a side note, I'm glad BS's back because I love his outfits. His style is much better than JH's :P
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rainerust
February 3, 2015 at 8:58 PM
Lol yes cos all JH wears is black. PBS actually has color in his life!! So telling isn't it?
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KDaddict
February 3, 2015 at 9:26 PM
Not only colour, but colour-block cardigan and a TIE, can you believe? I can't believe this guy owns a tie, and a mop!! Boy, he really is trying to rejoin the human race as a regular Jo. LOL
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rainerust
February 3, 2015 at 9:39 PM
It is the cutest thing I swear! I love PBS so much (although I seriously think JH has trouble living as PBS for reals cos he's asleep in the day pretty much all the time LOL).
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siesta
February 4, 2015 at 12:02 AM
i've always wondered how he kept that huge place clean coz it's hard enough for me to manage my own little space haha
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patinalee
February 4, 2015 at 8:28 AM
@siesta
Periodic cleaning binges I suppose? Remember how his table will be littered with food leftovers and how he piles up the trash (and empty cans)?
Now that he's got a girlfriend, the cleaning-up just gets done more often! :-D
Shuerei
February 7, 2015 at 8:17 AM
@ siesta
I am having same problem. I shifted from tiny space (cleaning ok but cramped) to a large place (everything not ok). I remember SJH had a large trash can so I bought a few large baskets in the weekend. Now I know why we love Healer so much coz we can identify with the little things about the show unlike some chaebols living in museums or castles with maids and gardeners.
dramapenchant
February 4, 2015 at 10:15 AM
@patinalee Haha, yes the boy needs to clean up after himself if he wants his girlfriend over for some sexy time
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MajorDickason's
February 3, 2015 at 9:04 PM
Hooray! Park Bong Soo as intrepid (in a Bong-Sookie way) ace reporter!
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zlyfairy
February 3, 2015 at 10:08 PM
I am so glad Bong Soo is back <33
I think they knew we all missed him.
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9 NovaKarlina
February 3, 2015 at 8:33 PM
Whoooaa.. here comes the racap.. thankyou so much JB..
i love this episode too..
so much cute scenes *squeee*
2 more episodes left *tear*
♥ Healer ♥ Ji Chang Wook
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10 NN
February 3, 2015 at 8:34 PM
Great drama. Thanks for recap!
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11 KDaddict
February 3, 2015 at 8:34 PM
There are some things I don’t get in this ep, maybe cos I’m a cautious person who believe in Prevention is better than cure, and Being suspicious is defensive and self-preserving when you are engaged in a fight to take down the Lion.
I wouldn’t sit across BIG BAD when he lights an incense stick, knowing full well that he was skilled in the use of poison for killing.
I’d say: "Excuse me, I’ve TB and am allergic to smoke", and put that out pronto. As alert as Healer is, I don’t get why he’d let that slip.
I don’t get why CSY doesn’t have the cops help her carry J Ho out of the lion’s den, and instead sit there to have this long chat of the broadcast she just saw. It had me scratching my head nervously the whole time.
I don’t get why K M Ho would continue to keep those tapes in his living room, once he has declared war on M Shik, and M S on him in turn. Some things r better kept in a vault when you have worthy opponents.
I don’t get why M Ho thinks that his office or his person is safe. Why aren’t there guards on duty outside the office and around him? Guards wouldn’t be able to keep the agents out, but it’s not agents I’m worried about when the tape is being delivered, or when they prepare for the broadcast, or when he goes home alone late at night. I’d have loved to see the Healer trainee and her gang be hired to stand guard.
Good guys often underestimate the depths that bad guys sink to protect their interests. But after everything that M Ho et al have uncovered about the Elder, they shouldn’t be making this mistake.
But then I'm just complaining cos our good guys are winning in this ep, YET!
Please just win and don't Die, any of you! Esp. not out of stupidity, carelessness or foolhardiness like the dads, ok?
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KDaddict
February 3, 2015 at 8:38 PM
Stupid typo: Sorry.
our good guys areN'T winning in this ep, Yet!
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patinalee
February 4, 2015 at 8:41 AM
While I do wonder how JH and YS can be comfortable being in the Elder's lair, even when the lion is not in his den, having the police in close proximity to JH, much less helping him out of there is NOT a good idea, what's with his composite and all that....
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Shuerei
February 7, 2015 at 8:39 AM
@ KDaddict
Yeah that's a bit too relaxing. That's probably the key factor that I find this episode a little lacking. Though they probably saw all the bad guys leaving the compound - if I were CYS, I wouldn't spare a minute longer in that weird place. As for SJH, I think he should have been suspicious of the incense.
KMH does appear to be a bit lax on his personal safety and belongings. Knowing that the Sec Oh was released he should have taken some security precautions.
I am very irritated at KMS. Surely by now he would have garnered some resources eg some bullets or bulletproof measures to protect his wife and brother. The fact that he let Sec Oh roam freely in his house after killing his good pal is unthinkable. KMS is overconfident - that creepy eunuch could probably harm his wife!
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ngoreo
February 3, 2015 at 9:01 PM
I was scratching my head too when the Elder just left JH in the room, sleeping. Spoiler: don't let JH died by poison like Tahwan died in Empress Ki! I can't take more heartbreaks.
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Chandler
February 3, 2015 at 9:42 PM
Well, I think the reality is that it's obvious that he's protected in that situation, at the very least. Because if he ended up dead in the Elder's home, it would have made things much worse for the Elder.
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wildfly
February 4, 2015 at 12:20 AM
That is only logical the elder didn't touch him then. Why he let the situation escalate and spiral out of his control is beyond me. I wish they would DO something. The villains are being pretty mediocre here
starting from the elder down to the incompetent SS goons.
i mean, why be always one step behind? they only respond, never try to prevent
any harm done to their position. It was obvious from Mon Ho's first broadcast
in someday news, that when he cut ties and left his prestigious job he meant business.
so they should have taken steps, for example...sully his good name.
Mon Ho's power is in his good name as a journalist.
All they have to do is bribe and coerce his colleagues to testify against
him or use some made up material, describing him as someone who uses the information
to blackmail the influential (sometimes fabricating evidence he publishes)
and publishing articles only if someone doesn't pay up, while using the
twice murder suspect, the healer, in his shady dealings and so on.
publish a few well-written articles and interviews... plant money...
they wouldn't even have to prove anything; the public will never again listen
to moon ho and he'll probably need to leave the country.
(which is great, from the POV of the elder, as he stays alive,
so his bro can be a mayoral candidate/future president and live quietly.)
...but no, what do they do instead?! Kill teacher INSIDE the freaking
police station (a desperate and incompetent act if i've ever seen one) only to put any detective with more
than one brain cell on the right track.
so i hope against hope our villains will collect their wits and present us with some real challenge..
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Mary Bethany
February 7, 2015 at 6:21 PM
ELDER can easily take down JH any times, be it that room or later on.. keep in mind that this kind of Mastermind mafia father take pride in taming gifted wilds and owned them. Mafia boss always believe there is nothing they can not buy or own, in worst scenario just kill what you cannot keep in the end. ELDER was impressed with healer, he may even think of need healer to counter MS, Knowing MS Will be a threat in future.
Jig
February 3, 2015 at 9:03 PM
But those tapes are technically not worth anything or damaging to anyone. They just have personal value to Moon-ho, so he wouldn't think that he would need to lock them away. They were only stolen for MS to twist the past so that he'll look good.
I do feel like they could have taken better precautions, but I can understand not doing so as well. You can't live your life in fear of someone coming after you. They knew the risks and probably figured that they could confront whatever came around (they are able to take action by having ahjumma track him even though that doesn't work out).
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siesta
February 3, 2015 at 9:03 PM
based on JB's recap i think lighting an incense stick when a guest comes over might have been a cultural thing? like maybe it's not such a strange thing to do esp in a house that traditional
i was actually a bit confused why elder put JH to sleep and not do anything to him but i guess they just drugged him to make their grand escape? seems like the house was totally empty when YS and the police came barging in
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dramapenchant
February 3, 2015 at 9:09 PM
@siesta It seems like elder didn't hurt JH because
1) He still thinks that JH can be of use to him and can persuade him over to the dark side (Oh hell no, old man)
2) He just wanted to knock him out so he could leave without getting followed
3) It's not like he was going to hurt JH with YS & the police right outside. Also, it'd probably be pretty suspicious if something happened to the Someday News reporter right after showing elder's face right?
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KDaddict
February 3, 2015 at 9:24 PM
@siesta,
Under normal circumstances w normal ppl, yes. Lighting an incense and pouring out tea to welcome your guests. But with the Elder? Nothing can be regarded as normal w this wicked old man who doesn't operate within normal cultural or legal bounds.
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fantasy
February 3, 2015 at 9:42 PM
I think JH could only think the drink could be poisoned, incense smoke could effect both... That's why he could not get suspicious about incense , I suppose. Because he was conscious otherwise he would take the drink.
The tapes were really not harming to anyone, they just had an emotional value. Moon Ho might not even think that they could be used like those. And he was too busy with his broadcast and they had upper hand then. Is it not more humanly that when you are in an advantageous stage, you become a bit careless?????
And the guards???? Well I do believe that guards can be taken care of in any country :P
And the long chat well it's a drama, moreover JH was not that sick and basically they are out of danger... Ha ha :D
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rainerust
February 3, 2015 at 9:52 PM
The minute I saw that though I was all like, shoots The Elder probably had the antidote in the wine didn't he?! And he offered it to JH knowing full well that JH's wouldn't drink it cos he would be suspicious of the drink right?! That's why the incense knocked JH out but the Elder just breezed out?!
Also I do think its ominous that the Elder just let him be after knocking him out, I feel like they are revving up for something more (deeper and badder) than before...
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Chandler
February 3, 2015 at 10:54 PM
Yup, that's definitely what happened there.
I actually got worried for a second by Elder's words, saying that he'll only give Jung-hoo so much time. Like, maybe the incense still has an affect and he needs to come and accept a drink from Elder in order to survive...LOL just a thought. I don't actually think they'd go that far (or would they?!!?).
plumwine
February 4, 2015 at 2:49 PM
@ Rainerust & Chandler - For the love of ..... ! I just figured Elder was immune like Inigo Montoyain in 'The Princess Bride'.
Now I have to worry about an antidote!
united
February 4, 2015 at 3:48 PM
@Rainerust: The smoke from the Elder wasn't poison. Are there antidotes for sleeping gas? I was thinking that the Elder somehow that the smoke from the incense would only blow in JH's direction. Even if this was true, it should have been explained.
@KDaddict: "I don’t get why CSY doesn’t have the cops help her carry J Ho out of the lion’s den."
Yeah I agree. It did appear that JH wasn't in bad shape, but she couldn't know for sure. He could have been poisoned.
rainerust
February 5, 2015 at 9:05 AM
@united hmmm not too sure about wind direction, seems like if it was incense it would get diffused in the air...which is why I reckoned the antidote was in the wine, because he drank it and was fine while JH didn't drink it and obviously succumbed to the incense. Probably just a guess but that's how it works in most of the Chinese martial arts dramas I've watched too haha.
dukdam
February 3, 2015 at 9:27 PM
The incense stick has a meaning opposite to that of the drink that was offered. The drink is an offering of goodwill, it means “come join us, be our friend”. The earlier scene of the Elder and MS pouring each other rice wine demonstrates this. The incense stick, on the other hand, is a warning. Its smoke may at first seem innocuous enough but can soon knockout even the Healer. It shows that if you dare oppose the ‘farmers’, there will be repercussions, perhaps in ways that leave no trace, just as the incense smoke soon disappears.
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plumwine
February 4, 2015 at 2:50 PM
Wow! Love the deeper meanings you came up with there. Very thought provoking.
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12 galfrend
February 3, 2015 at 8:37 PM
Thanks javabean!
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13 Aaannie
February 3, 2015 at 8:38 PM
The actor who plays Secretary Oh is so good at sending chills down your spine. Wasn't he the evil mastermind in The Face Reader?
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dramapenchant
February 3, 2015 at 8:50 PM
He's soooo creepy in this show but I'll always remember him as the lovable grandpa in Hong Gil Dong :D
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ys
February 3, 2015 at 9:51 PM
He was SO creepy scary in Face Reader. That head tilt still gives me shivers. Eep I'm picturing it now!
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Emi757
February 3, 2015 at 10:55 PM
I'm sure I've seen him in other dramas, but this role for now is overshadowing any other memories of him acting anywhere else.
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Dee
February 4, 2015 at 7:38 PM
He was in Joseon Gunman as the big scary bad guy in the background too! And he also had the creepy head tilt in Joseon Gunman.
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14 Raqeena
February 3, 2015 at 8:38 PM
I am so pleased with the trajectory of this drama. This is probably the only drama i am willing to watch raw first, and I have no regrets. Definitely one of my top 3 dramas so far and I've been recommending it to all my fellow drama watchers :)
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Mel
February 3, 2015 at 9:01 PM
Totally agree--this is the only drama I've ever watched raw. I'm waiting to have my family watch it to make sure it ends well, though.
There have been too many dramas I adored that blew it in the last couple of episodes.
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MajorDickason's
February 3, 2015 at 9:10 PM
So true. No weak Last scenes like in City Hunter please.
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houstontwin
February 4, 2015 at 5:11 AM
I know...I recently rewatched City Hunter (because of Healer!}. What a strange, ambiguous ending.
A City Hunter ending for Healer might look like this:
JH ends up going to that blue tropical island all by himself to recover from whatever disaster is about to befall the team. YS will take care of mom. MS will go to prison. MH will have a poignant funeral where the cynical exgirlfriend will cry and say "i'm sorry."
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sungsta
February 6, 2015 at 4:06 AM
Hahaha, I think I'm gonna have nightmares tonight after reading this.
Sure hope the scriptwriter doesn't pick up on your brilliantly terrible idea
Emi757
February 3, 2015 at 10:25 PM
Same here. Raw, then recap, then subbed, then subbed again, etc.
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Rigby
February 4, 2015 at 1:52 AM
So true with me as well, the only drama I have watched via live broadcast...raw...recapped....subs....then recapped...then re watched so many times and I am not complaining I am actually very happy!
And this is the only drama I have spent long hours of drooling...commenting...drooling....watching....drooling....commenting....
Not to mention grinning...screaming.....spazzing....screaming....jumping for joy....
Great drama I will remember quiet a long long time
BRAVO HEALER!
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15 Raqeena
February 3, 2015 at 8:39 PM
DARN THIS EVIL PEOPLE WITH LITTLE CONSCIENCE AND WATCHING HER DAD DIE KILLLLLLED ME
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16 dramabliss
February 3, 2015 at 8:42 PM
Wow that was really fast. Thanks, Javabeans. But won't read your recap nor comment yet. Waiting for English subs - so antsy based on the raw.
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17 m
February 3, 2015 at 8:45 PM
I am a little sad about the rating. Could anyone tell me why? Our small group of people here has different taste from Koreans? Or Punch and Shine or Go Crazy are even better? I actually don't care but I'm just thinking of the cast and crew.
Thank you so much.
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coby
February 3, 2015 at 9:08 PM
because nobody is dying from brain tumor in this show
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Omomo
February 4, 2015 at 12:24 AM
Or suffering from amnesia, memory loss, or a severe life threatening illness.
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Omomo
February 4, 2015 at 12:25 AM
Oops. Forgot about Myung Hee with the "illness" part. I'll change it to "terminal illness" instead.
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m
February 4, 2015 at 11:16 AM
hahahaa
But, but, but.... nagging again. You have any other explanations, Omomo?
BTW, thank you so much for your work. Love all the banners. You're so talented. I can't even pick a color, let alone putting them all together and make it look fantastic. I am so proud of you and JCW every single time I see them. hehe.
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m
February 4, 2015 at 11:31 AM
I didn't mean that everyone has to like the show. Hope you understand my feeling...
Omomo
February 5, 2015 at 2:02 AM
@m - Other explanations? Hmmm. The show doesn't have a love triangle? There are no 3rd, 4th parties? No nagging parents? Haha.
Yup, I totally get you. It's just that weirdly, Koreans (esp. the Ahjumma demographics) have an affinity for makjang and melo. Well. That's their taste and not ours.
And thank you!!! I am honored. :)
latewatch
February 3, 2015 at 10:43 PM
To be frank, I would not worry. The ratings are doing ok and all three are holding up with each other around 10-15%.
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m
February 4, 2015 at 11:09 AM
But, but, but....
Sorry to be so such a nagger. I just think it's such a good show and it's bugging me why....
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katon
February 5, 2015 at 4:17 AM
I had the same thought toO!
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m
February 5, 2015 at 4:25 PM
Thank you, Katon =)).
nil
February 4, 2015 at 12:23 AM
i dont watch punch but i do watch SOGC while waiting for healer. and it was healer-ious. (pun intended). lol.
no. it is nice to watch, somehow light, with a lot of comedic touch by jang hyuk. but the story kinda draggy, like if you compared to healer fast pace, their ep 5 story would be in healer ep 2. without janghyuk (and ohyeonseo), this drama kinda nothing. so yeah. it seems the stars are matters.
healer for me still better tho. shame on you SK!
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sharif
February 5, 2015 at 11:33 AM
same here,healer deserve more than punch n so on, the drama is well made
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Abcusa
February 8, 2015 at 1:42 PM
I guess first 3-4 episodes kinda confusing, people quit that's it. Not all people love action movies, unless lee min ho in it. I love action, suspense with little romance, I'm not into full romantic comedy or drama with lots of crying games name one of it Angel Eyes, or high school little kids stuff like Heirs. Maybe Koreans love idols ? Lee Min Ho, Kim So Hyun, Lee Jong Suk etc.. Before Healer, Ji Chang Wook wasn't quite idol yet , Empress Ki brought me to watch Healer because I loved his performance so much . Well, I guess now he will become real idol.Healer, I think the story is awesome, kuddos to writer and producer, I hope they don't mess up the ending, like God's Gift. I love that drama except the ending. That's one also very popular Kdrama in US but not so high rating in Korea.
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18 divyrus
February 3, 2015 at 8:46 PM
NO NO NO NO JB! You are totally preparing me for his death right ???
You are supposed to be eternally optimistic! That's what I love about you !
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Marcellina Chiazor
February 3, 2015 at 9:31 PM
@divyrus I know right. I kept saying JB is preparing her mind for wats to come. I don't ve a heart for dat. I dont.
I just want a happy ending,especially for JH. He has suffered a lot due to ppl leaving him....A LOT.
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plumwine
February 4, 2015 at 3:06 PM
Totally agree! It didn't even enter my mind that Moon Ho could die till Javabeans mentioned that. (Many,many times) I hope she is just over preparing because I thought it might be his brother's goons taking him off somewhere so he couldn't interfere anymore/save him from the elder. I'm still ticked because I wanted Teacher and Ajumma to go off to an island.
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19 divyrus
February 3, 2015 at 8:46 PM
This week I hate you show. I really do !
You know I couldn't enjoy one happy moment here because I know its coming? And I was waiting for it to come and was prepared for worst and still , even though it wasnt the worst which you showed(none of them are hurt as of now) but still I am on pins and needles !!!!!!!!!!
I can't do it show, I can't go back enjoy Bong Soo , or OTP moments or the bromance or the awesome daughter-father scene or the budding daughter-mother bonding!
BRING KIM MOON HO ALIVE PLEASE!
I was totally fine with him sacrificed like 4 weeks ago, but now the kids need their uncle !!!
Don't you make that camera scene as farewell ! Don't you dare go there!
Don't you dare !!!
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divyrus
February 3, 2015 at 8:47 PM
SJN avoids cliches right? And KMH sacrificing himself would be the most obvious cliche right? So when she avoided every cliche in the book, she won't really negate by doing this right?
The more they showed KMH this episode, the more I got scared.
I need to believe he will get out of this alive !
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Sandy
February 3, 2015 at 10:18 PM
What I fear even more..... Is that instead of moon ho dying after all this foreshadowing... Is one of the other 2 baby bears dying............... :(
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azfih
February 4, 2015 at 10:34 AM
I think the show is setting me up for this twist as well! They make us think that it is MH whose going to die, but with all this talk about JH and YS 'normal life', and even that scene where JH says I will leave MH if it's for YS, isn't it ironic that he leaves YS alone to save MH, and YS gets kidnapped?
It's all VERY scary. cannot handle.
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loveycat
February 3, 2015 at 10:21 PM
I think, KMH will be get out of this alive, because as evil as KMS, he will never let elder kill his little brother, right?
The kidnapping just for make KMH disepair and can't do anything while KMS's election.
Remember KMS once said that Myung Hee and Moon Hoo is his weekness, and if something happen to them, his injure will be so severely, he can die from it.
And the elder also acknowledge this, KMS too important for them. I think killing KMH will just make KMS rebel to them.
And for Ji an, because Myung Hee already meet her, i also think that KMS will just kidnap her for stay by Myung Hee side, and life just like he made Myung Hee life this all years. (But i not sure if the kidnapping is elder's order)
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Jig
February 3, 2015 at 11:01 PM
But you could argue that all heroes/good guys live never die no matter what is a cliche too (all bad guys can't aim a gun, the good guys come just in time, etc.).
But, yeah she better not kill MH! I could live with injured but alive.
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dramapenchant
February 3, 2015 at 8:58 PM
What a way to go into finale week right?!
We're all on pins and needles but let's trust uri writer-nim. *positive thoughts* *breath in-breath out*
Right, I was basically waiting for the other shoe to fall throughout the entirety of the episode. The first half was so cute and filled with lovey-dovey moments between our couple and it almost felt like it could have been the finale. But of course, happiness in dramaland can't last for long :(
We should start a campaign: "Please bring Moon Ho back"
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divyrus
February 3, 2015 at 9:02 PM
@dramapenchant
When he started clicking the picture, I went nuts!!
I had a flash forward where YS and JH have that photo of them taken by MH in a frame in their house !!!
Its like the final pic he took!!!!!!!!!
*silent screams start again*
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fantasy
February 3, 2015 at 10:24 PM
That scared me too :(
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Emi757
February 3, 2015 at 11:05 PM
Yes, why was he taking pictures? Commemorating his time at Someday because he wasn't going to be around?
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HealerRuinedBel
February 4, 2015 at 9:06 AM
I believe he knew that his Someday Team would be disbanded, and so he wanted something to remember them by. But it could also be a foreshadowing that he won't make it... *whimpers*
plumwine
February 4, 2015 at 3:14 PM
OK, I am avoiding comment 19 and all responses when I revisit. Y'all are really making me worry now.
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20 DDuk
February 3, 2015 at 8:51 PM
I'm going to cry if they kill off Moonho.....
but I also hope they don't go for the batman ending....
You know how batman went to one place and realized he was tricked and instead of finding Rachael he found Dent.... OMGAHHHH
If YoungShin dies... ohhhh nope. that would not be good b/c that would destroy JungHoo's path for a normal life.... but then again....
if he is forced to choose...... between moonho &youngshin... KYAAA... mah gawd this is hard.
I hope Moonho doesn't sacrifice himself or something like that... please do not let that one scene be a foreshadow.... I do not want....!
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21 juzluvpink
February 3, 2015 at 8:52 PM
Yes! Please don't die Kim Moon Ho!! You have found your Ji-An.. you can stop having nightmares and start to live your life again!
Majority of this episode was so warm and sweet that the ending came and hit me like a truck. From MS's broadcast till MH's kidnap my head was spinning (figuratively and literally since I was having a had headache HA).
I wasn't done savouring the cutie moments btween our OTP and now we are faced with the possibility that JH will have to make the same choice MS made.
I don't want!!!
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22 dramapenchant
February 3, 2015 at 8:55 PM
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! Pardon my french, but with a cliffhanger like that, I just had to let it all out!!
Oh my, how's JH going to save either one of them if he's being led away by that damn cell phone? Ajumma needs to get on the street cctvs pronto to look for where MH's car is going!! Please let them both live. I'm weary though because JH did say that he would basically save YS if it came down to a choice between MH and YS, which is obvious and MH understands, but still. He's uri samchun!!!!
I'm praying that MH was just a bait to lure JH away from YS and YS's the actual target (hear me out here) since then only one person is technically in real danger and JH can at focus his attention and save her.
Ahhhh, this show!! So darn amazing!!! <3
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divyrus
February 3, 2015 at 8:57 PM
@dramapenchant
NO NO NO!! Dont make JH choose between her and MH!!
Its gonna crush him!!!
Am just saying NO a lot! I cant function!!!!!!!
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Jen
February 3, 2015 at 9:23 PM
Yes its gonna crush Jung Hoo if he has to make a choice!
He's suffered enough already all his life, and now he's supposed to become a "killer" of either his samchung or his destiny??
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Andwaeeeeeeeee!
DAME!!
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rainerust
February 3, 2015 at 9:29 PM
We all know which way he will swing - he told MH already that given a choice he would always go to CYS first, and MH AGREED with a smile. If that's not foreshadowing I dunno what is!!!!
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TurkishRose
February 3, 2015 at 9:37 PM
@dramapenchant great point. This reminds me of the earlier scene when moon ho was taking a picture of young shin sleeping holding bongsooki's arm. Bongsooki told moonho that if I had to choose I would choose young shin to protect. So I'm assuming this was a foreshadow of what was to come of the ending right? :(
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TurkishRose
February 3, 2015 at 9:38 PM
Let's also think of the Ost lyrics...that should tell us something...
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patinalee
February 4, 2015 at 9:15 AM
@ dramapenchant
Love your French! :-D
But it's MHo that the baddies have to take out. He's the prime mover behind Someday's campaign to expose the truth regarding MS.
As for JH, the Elder wants him in their camp. JH's not a public threat to MS, he doesn't have what it takes to expose MS' facade to the general public.
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23 Juhee
February 3, 2015 at 8:56 PM
I just hope that quote from Young Shin where she says "why are you always sleeping when I see you?” isn't some awful foreshadowing of our hero. If jung hoo doesn't make it till the end tables will be flipped!!
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TurkishRose
February 3, 2015 at 9:40 PM
@juhee omg **gasps** you could be totally right. But at least when he responded to her, he told her at least I have you always awaken me from that sleep. I'm hoping it's not gonna pull an 'that winter the wind blow'ending on us :(
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