101

Marriage Contract: Episode 14

The current changes at last as Hye-soo’s insistence on being alone is worn down by Ji-hoon’s insistence on staying by her side. Movable object, meet irresistible force. But as hard as it was to be alone, it’s just as hard being together when biology and pesky chaebols continuously conspire to keep you apart. But the two of them haven’t fought so hard to come this far for nothing, so a pox on anyone getting in their way now.

EPISODE 14 RECAP

Ji-hoon wakes up next to a still-sleeping Hye-soo. Smoothing her hair, he drops a kiss on it and quietly tiptoes out. While he shops for breakfast, he messages Jung-hoon to meet him later.

Jung-hoon gloats about making Ji-hoon roast, and Madam Yoon wonders what he’s so pleased about. He chortles that if you sin, receiving punishment is only natural.

Ji-hoon cooks breakfast quietly, even breaking every egg softly, so as not to wake Hye-soo up. He looks over at her every few seconds, unable to keep the smile from his face. When she rouses, she finds a note on the pillow beside her, inviting her to breakfast. Adorable.

Touched by the spread, she thanks him, and he asks for a kiss in return. She just laughs. Seriously, this dimpled grin is going to break his face. He tells her not to pay mind to the jerk threatening her, because he’ll take care of it. He doesn’t tell her the culprit, but reassures her that they didn’t do anything illegal.

He also hopes to have good news for her soon about her illness, and tells her he’s sent her charts off to a renowned specialist in the U.S. In exchange, he asks for a pinky-promise that she’ll never run away.

When she extends her finger, he slips on the ring she once rejected, and reveals his own matching ring. They seal the promise and Ji-hoon angles for a kiss again, turning at the last moment to receive it on the lips. Smiling, he tells her to just try running away again — he’ll go to the ends of the earth just to kiss her. Hye-soo can’t help tearing up, and he wipes her eyes.

Ji-hoon drives her back to pick up Eun-sun and is pumped about seeing her, but Hye-soo stops him from coming out. Next time, she promises, not wanting to spring him on Young-hee. She waves at him from the house, motioning him to go, and at last, he does. But ain’t nothin’ gonna wipe dat smile off his face.

It’s news to her that Ji-hoon was there the night before. From how urgently he looked for her, it’s obvious he really cares about her, Young-hee says. More importantly, Eun-sung adores him, so he must be a pretty okay chap. She urges her to take him back, insistent that Hye-soo not feel uncomfortable about it for her sake, because she’s all for it. Aww bless you, you’re such a hero. Eun-sung chimes in agreement.

Chairman Han congratulates himself for Ji-hoon’s business acumen (“He’s just like me!”), but is unpleasantly surprised to hear that rumors are circulating about Ji-hoon illegally trading organs.

Jung-hoon barks over the phone at Shark, who’s loitering around Promise, to get Hye-soo’s signature on that damned paper. But he’s cut short by the sudden arrival of his father. The Chairman knows he started the rumors about Ji-hoon, and scorns his jealousy. He throws an envelope of his misdeeds at him: It has complaints from his mistreated former employees, which Dad had blocked, and evidence that he embezzled company funds.

Dad also knows Jung-hoon’s plot to remove him from office, which brings him to his knees before his father. Dad charges him to clean up the mess he’s made, or he’ll make sure they both go down together. Jung-hoon cowers in defeat.

Back in the Chairman’s office, his secretary delivers the secretly-snitched report from the U.S. specialist (did he hack Ji-hoon’s email or something?) about Hye-soo’s prognosis.

The rumors of Ji-hoon’s illegal organ-trading have even reached Promise. Chef loudly decries him — what’s next, murder? But Seung-joo and Ho-joon both leap to his defence.

Hye-soo suffers another bout of vomiting, to Joo-yeon’s concern. She just needs to take her meds, she reassures her, but the worry remains in Joo-yeon’s face. Looking lovingly at her friend, Hye-soo thanks her for everything, and promises to repay her when she’s recovered. Joo-yeon brushes off the serious moment and tucks Hye-soo in to rest.

Ji-hoon reads the email from the American specialist, all the happiness gone from his face: The location of the tumor is too risky for surgery. He tries to take it in, and barely hears Ho-joon telling him about the widespread rumors about him. He heads to the office.

Chairman Han reads the translated report, looking disgustingly smug. Ugh I hate him. Ji-hoon enters and lays down his resignation, apologizing for bringing trouble on the company. Dad refuses it, telling him the matter’s already under control. But Ji-hoon believes he ought to take responsibility for his own actions. He gives a final thanks, and after a solemn bow, leaves.

As the door closes behind him, his flustered father tears the letter to shreds.

Ji-hoon encounters his brother in the lift, and they share it going down. He tells Jung-hoon he’ll back off like he wanted, but he’d better leave Hye-soo alone. But newly-subdued Jung-hoon tells him it doesn’t matter — anyone can make a mistake, after all. He makes it out like he’s letting Ji-hoon off the hook as a brotherly gesture. Ji-hoon takes his words at face value, and leaves him almost warmly. These brothers never really got a chance, did they?

Hye-soo gets home and finds Chairman Han waiting to meet her. He heard she was ill, and found out Ji-hoon even consulted a specialist in the U.S. for her. He gives her an envelope with the report, telling her it’s not good news.

Oblivious to her distress, he goes on to tell her that Ji-hoon’s about to be ruined if she doesn’t take responsibility for the whole matter. He promises to compensate her generously, twisting the knife by adding that she’ll need the money for her kid after she dies. This worm in man’s clothing. I can’t even. But at least he says there won’t be any adverse consequences for her either, because he’s already taken care of that. He gives her a day to think about it.

Ji-hoon arranges a job interview for himself. Ho-joon overhears and asks if he’s leaving. Upbeat, Ji-hoon claps him on the shoulder and tells him to take care of Promise. Plus, they should be holding a farewell for him and Hye-soo. Ho-joon gasps at the state of affairs this implies.

Hye-soo takes the report to her doctor, who says that it’s not really any different to what they’ve already said. Hye-soo’s face falls , but Doc tells her not to be discouraged — they’ve only just started treatment, she’ll get better. Desperately needing hope, Hye-soo asks her to just tell her that she’s getting better already, even if it’s a lie. Her doctor can’t say anything.

Shark (can’t we just call him Na Suk-chul?) catches up to Hye-soo at the hospital and hounds her to sign his stupid document. She’s exhausted and sick of him, and laughs darkly that so many people want to give her money. Tiredly, she tells him to go away, but of course he doesn’t.

She shows him the envelope with the report, and tells him she’s dying. Shocked, he can’t quite compute it, and she tells him one last time to get lost. He tries to stop her leaving, but Jung-hoon phones him just then to call him off — he doesn’t need her signature anymore.

Chairman Han is busy with making damage-control calls, but when Madam Yoon comes in with tea, he confronts her — she told Jung-hoon, didn’t she? He warns her that if things go awry, Jung-hoon’ll be the first to fall.

Since playing dumb doesn’t work, Madam Yoon snaps that nothing he said was untrue, and Ji-hoon did wrong. The Chairman retorts that it was to save his mom — not that Jung-hoon would do the same for her. That silences her.

Ji-hoon anxiously waits to hear how his mom’s surgery went, and receives good news from the doctor. Happiness lights his face and he goes to see her.

She’s just regained consciousness, and through the glass, he congratulates her and tells her Uncle is good, too. She manages a smile in return, and reaches out a hand as if to touch him. He touches his to the glass, and they share a moment.

Hye-soo puts away the unhappy report. She presses the promise-ring to her lips and struggles silently against her tears. By text, Ji-hoon calls her out to see her face.

Ji-hoon knocks on the window of the nail salon and Eun-sung thrills to see him. She leaps into his arms, and he asks after Hye-soo — did she come back from the hospital? From his question, Joo-yeon wonders if he knows everything. He smiles in reply, and takes Eun-sung for ice cream.

Joo-yeon looks in on Hye-soo, who’s meant to be sleeping but isn’t, and tells her that Ji-hoon came and took Eun-sung. Joo-yeon nestles down and asks Hye-soo for the skinny: Is she dating him? She doesn’t even need Hye-soo to answer. She figures out they were together on her trip, too.

Hye-soo looks very much like she got caught sneaking out the window at midnight by her mom, haha. Joo-yeon speculates on their renewed relationship, but curtails her own questions, “Never mind. Later, when you want to tell me, tell me.” The two women smile at each other in understanding. Joo-yeon jokes that she’s jealous of how much Eun-sung adores Ji-hoon.

Eun-sung asks Ji-hoon if he’s made up with her mom, and basks in her praise. Solemnly, she tells him that Mom’s sick. Coming to sit beside her, he agrees she’ll definitely get better — she’s the strongest and awesomest person he knows.

He says he used to be a coward, but since he met her mom, he gained strength and courage. “Because your mom told me I was a good person. That I was a good person…I lived not knowing that.” Eun-sung immediately concurs that of course he is, like it goes without saying. Aww. Moved, he thanks her, and says that the three of them should live and be happy together a long, long time.

They play a game of hide-and-seek, and Ji-hoon panics when he can’t find her. But to his relief, she springs out of hiding, giggling, and puts a flower in his hair. They’re deciding who’ll hide the next round, when Hye-soo surprises them. The two girls celebrate meeting each other with an adorable dance and song.

Ji-hoon comes to her with a smile, and offers her the flower Eun-sung picked. He chides her for going to the hospital alone. Smiling back, she agrees to tell him next time. Ji-hoon adds that the punks who keep chasing her won’t anymore.

Hand slipping into his, Hye-soo casually asks if he’s heard from the U.S. She tells him not to feel down even if the news is bad. He loudly insists it’s not, and she smiles at his bluster. He makes her pinky-promise to beat her illness and they’re just about to seal it with a kiss when Eun-sung pops up cheering them on. Hee hee. They squish her with kisses instead…or messy raspberries, in Ji-hoon’s case.

They walk back under the cherry blossoms, with Eun-sung now asleep on Ji-hoon’s back. He asks her if there isn’t anything she wants to do with her boyfriend. She indulges him (and herself): walking together holding hands, watching cherry blossoms together, riding bicycles together. There’s so many things that he’s amazed she’s held it in all this time. If she treats him well, he’ll do those things for her, he grins.

She tries out using his name, and Ji-hoon helpfully chips in with an “oppa”, haha, keep trying! Mischievously, she asks if he reeeally likes her. Stepping provocatively closer, she keeps up the questions: Why? How much?

He answers with a peck on her lips. If she keeps talking, he’ll keep kissing, he threatens. Hee. Woken up by their friskiness, Eun-sung sleepily deadpans from his back that she doesn’t like all this kissing. The adults chuckle embarrassedly.

Na-yoon gets another unwelcome visit from drunken Jung-hoon, who mocks her for chasing Ji-hoon even though he’s in love with his faux-wife. He grasps her arm when she attempts to leave, and she throws him off to land flat on his back.

She asks him if he’s even once loved someone pure-heartedly, with all of his being. He scoffs that there’s no one in the world who can. But there is, contradicts Na-yoon: Ji-hoon is someone who loves like that, and so she can’t stop liking him. She smiles pityingly at him — he doesn’t know what she means, does he? Dignity in every inch, she leaves him yelling after her.

Shark tracks down Jung-hoon (now even drunker) to collect his fee for stalking Hye-soo. But he’s met with rejection and insults, which raises his ire. Following Jung-hoon into a club, he calls insultingly back. Jung-hoon runs at him in a rage and Shark socks him full in the face, but he tumbles down the stairs when he fails to land his return-punch, haha. Disgusted by his crybaby-ness, Shark warns him to pay him, and points out in parting that Jung-hoon wasn’t pushed, he fell all on his own.

Uncle, also recovering from surgery, gets waylaid by Chairman Han’s secretary (bearing a showy bouquet) just as he’s about to visit Mi-ran. The secretary passes on a message that the Chairman has something to discuss with her about Ji-hoon and would like to visit. Uncle rightly tells him to buzz off. Mi-ran gets the message (and the bouquet), but she’s not happy about it.

Hye-soo meets with Chairman Han. He thanks her for making the right choice. Offering her the document to sign, he asks how much she wants. But she places an envelope before him instead, returning the money she previously took.

She explains that she’d taken it in desperation for her daughter’s sake, but it weighed on her conscience. There’s no need for compensation this time, either. To save Ji-hoon, she can put her name on anything, and easily signs over the document before her. The Chairman thinks it’s all an act to achieve some other pernicious end. You would.

Ji-hoon asks about the bouquet and Mi-ran says it’s from his father, the irony of a gift from the man who wanted her dead not lost on her. She’s sure he wants something from her, probably about Ji-hoon. In curiosity, he asks what his mom liked about his father.

She answers that he didn’t used to be like he is now. He had a purer spirit, before he had too many things to protect. “When people have a lot of things to protect, they lose the truly precious things,” she says, and tells Ji-hoon not to be like him.

Ji-hoon consults with Hye-soo’s doctor about operating on the tumor, but that would only be possible if it got smaller, she says. He’s disappointed to hear that the treatment has had little effect on it so far. He shows her the report from the U.S., and is shocked to find out that she’s already seen it from Hye-soo.

Ji-hoon heads straight to his dad’s office, but he’s not there. Instead, a laid-up Jung-hoon tells him that “that woman” confessed to the false marriage fiasco taking responsibility for the attempted organ-selling. The Chairman is holding a board meeting about it right now, in fact.

Going directly there, Ji-hoon pauses outside the door. He hears his father reading out the statement, and enters just as he’s showing directors her signature. As soon as he sees Ji-hoon, he attempts to usher him out, but fails.

Ji-hoon crumples the paper up, and addresses the room: The statement is false and the woman is innocent. He did it all, knowing it was illegal, and he apologizes for bringing the company into disrepute. For that, he’ll step down. Bowing deeply to the directors, he leaves the room.

Ji-hoon confronts his father about what he said to Hye-soon, and why he gave her that report. Dad condemns his ingratitude, and he’s sure her motive for returning the other money is because she intends to squeeze Ji-hoon dry. How she must regret losing the catch that was his inheritance! He marvels at her greed, and I marvel at his inability to see good in anything.

Ji-hoon doesn’t know how he’ll face her after this, but Dad emphasizes how hard he’s working to save his hide. Tiredly, Ji-hoon tells Dad, “I don’t need any of that. If I’ve done something wrong, of course I should be punished.”

Dad tells him he can’t ruin his life for one woman. Does he even know what a frightening world it is out there? Ever more tired, Ji-hoon tells Dad that he’ll take his chances in that world: “However frightening that world is, I don’t think it can be as frightening as you, Father.”

He takes his leave, and Dad yells after him that he’s no longer his son. Outside Dad’s office, Ji-hoon takes one last look backwards, before heading out. In the foyer, he takes off his tie and loosens his shirt. With each step, his face grows lighter and lighter.

Ji-hoon runs through the cherry blossoms until he reaches Hye-soo, a simple bouquet of calla lilies in hand. (Is he going to propose?!) She lights up to see him. Radiant with joy, he walks straight up to her and wraps her up in his arms. Hye-soo hugs right back, and Eun-sung runs up. He expands the circle of hugs for both his girls, and it’s a moment of perfect happiness for our little patchwork family.

COMMENTS

Ahh. That’s a contented sigh. Can we just end the show now?

I think we all knew, when she took back the ring and kept it on, that it marked a sea-change in Hye-soo. I think it’s worth examining in retrospect why her long rejection was actually meaningful and, by my interpretation, genuinely necessary. Ji-hoon’s pursuit of her was based on answering his own needs, but she needed an assurance that he could be what she needed. She needs a rock-solid guarantee that he’ll stick, no matter what. It isn’t enough for him to just like and want to be with her. Because of her situation, she needs him to be so much more a merry-weather boyfriend. And even if he would always have been dependable, he had to make her be able to believe in him. And at last, he does. Everything he’s already been through at this point to be with her isn’t even the real test — that’s yet to come. He needs not to be just a hundred percent in, but a thousand percent, because things are going to get really, really hard.

I think ever since Ji-hoon discovered his mother was about to die, he set down the road of growing up. But this episode was his true coming of age. He’s always remained restrained, inscrutable and outwardly acquiescent to his father, but facing him down was a last leap in maturity that finally allowed him to free himself. I do love how these small actions are so rich with symbolism — Hye-soo cuts her hair, Ji-hoon takes off his tie. It’s clear he’s taking off the yoke he’s worn all these years, and as it comes off, the man he can and wants to be emerges. It’s a moment that gives truth to Na-yoon’s description of him as someone who holds nothing back when he loves, and the love that gives really is the most virtuous of virtues.

Speaking of Na-yoon, for a change, we finally saw something real and sympathetic in her, and it makes me a tiny bit sad for what her character could have been. Kim Yuri has a natural spark for making complicated, prickly characters likeable, but she was written into a box with her standard-issue second-lead. A little more complexity would have made her appearances interesting, at least. Instead, I’ve steadfastly refused to talk about her until now. I so enjoyed her being badass, plus whiny (or is that…winey? Excuse me while I chortle) Jung-hoon deserved the put-down. I feel like I’m beating a dead horse every time I talk about Jung-hoon or his father, but I still couldn’t help noticing the routine low-level public humiliation his father serves him with on a daily basis. With that kind of treatment, why would the company employees give him any respect?

I find it fascinating that Hye-soo and Ji-hoon are both opposites of the Chairman, and how it comes out differently with each of their respective encounters. Hye-soo, as LollyPip noted before, automatically sees the good in people, and it lays a stark contrast to the Chairman, who can’t see it even when it’s quite literally staring him in the face. He truly is frightening, because he’s a prisoner to his own fears and suspicions, locked in his own head. And what’s scarier than that? The most precious thing that Dad lost is himself, and I think that’s Mi-ran’s true warning to Ji-hoon, who as his father rightly recognizes, has all the qualities that would make him as incisive and successful as him. But unlike his father, he can’t drown out his own heart, and crucially, he refuses to.

I’ve observed how mean-spirited Dad is in a previous recap, but he takes actual pleasure in other people’s sorrows. His schadenfreude makes him infinitely worse than your average avaricious dramaland patriarch, and he’s a man with very little to redeem him. I don’t expect it, either: He’s been a heartless shell for so long, he has no idea how to be a person. When Hye-soo was telling him why she couldn’t accept his money, all I was thinking was that he didn’t deserve to hear such soulfelt words. This is a woman who cries because she’s treated well!

Young-hee deserves a shout-out, too. She’s another opposite to the Chairman, with so many feelings that she struggled to handle them. Although she’s a much smaller secondary character, her journey has been deeply moving. It’s rewarding, therefore, to see her reach this place of inner peace, full of hope for the future, all thanks to our little catalyst Eun-sung. It’s sweetly funny how she says totally opposite things to Hye-soo, all to support her whichever choice she makes. Like the best of girlfriends (aka Joo-yeon), she wholly agrees that Hye-soo was better off without Ji-hoon when they broke up, but was a hundred percent supportive when they got back together. That’s a gem in a girlfriend, but priceless in a mother-in-law.

I think I’ve reached a point where I’ve analysed the characters to death (if you’ll pardon the pun), and now all there is left to do is let the remaining story unfold. I do at this point truly fear for Hye-soo’s survival in a way I didn’t before — until now, I always thought she would live (that’s WHY they changed the title, right?). But maybe that really isn’t as important as knowing that they’ve all decided to live as happily as they can in the present — together — come what may.

RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , ,

101

Required fields are marked *

eeeeee! I was waiting for this recap! thanks so much, now off to read. I'm so pleasantly surprised by Uee's performance this time around.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I thought this show couldn't break my heart anymore, but NOOOO that little greeting dance Hye-soo and Eun-sung did just shot an arrow straight through my heart reminding me of the tragic tale of Reply 1988

JUNGHWAN-AHHHH AT LEAST I LOVE YOU

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Awww... that adorable little heart for Eun-sung and those beautiful flowers for Hye-soo... and with those dimples *swoon*
(ok, I totally know that there's deeper stuff on... but those dimples...)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loooveed this episode.
Prepare for the heart break (T.T)

Fave scene is when Ji hoon told eunsung why he love her mother, so sweet...
i love when this two together.
Also, when moms told Jihoon that "some one will lose his precious things, when he try to protect alot of thing"
It just speak to Ji hoon heart, because that time he was in confusion whether he going to leave it all or not.
And his mother just speak right through his heart... Love it, its so warm...

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think the part where Ji Hoon tells Eun Sung that Hye Soo called him a good person.made this episode for me. We saw the moment it happend, but did not truely know the impact those words had until now

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh also when Ji hoon visit his mom after she got the surgeries.
When his mother raise her hand, and ji hoon raise his hand. They holding hand up through the glass windows and when ji hoon just swept the glass window, but we see from his point of view that it mean that he caress his mother hair.
Oh my god, that was so sweet....

This PD and writer is so great to create this kind of heart moving scene, without any dialogue.
Daebak Marriage Contract!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Agree with phoe...
That scene is so sweet... My tears just flew unexpectedly watching this scene... Showing Ji Hoon's deep love to his mother and reminding us to love our parents unconditionally... And the last scene also, again made my tears flow unexpectedly, it's happiness tears... we're just so happy watching them three dancing happily together (supported by the beautiful bakcground music), aren't we?

This episode is very very very good... So many deep, meaningful and beautiful dialogues among the characters in this episode (of course excluding the dialogues involving that Evil Old Man, who is he dare saying "you're going to die anyway", what the ****!!!) And i love how Na Yoon described Ji Hoon,... It IS the right reason why you love a man, lady!! But too bad, now he already has someone else he loves even more...

Now let's wait for this coming Saturday and Sunday... What will happen, please end this beautiful drama beautifully!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I replayed the scene where Ji Hoon pulls out the chair for Hye Soo at breakfast and as she asks in wonder at breakfast - he stoops down (you can't see his face) just looks at her and leans in and nuzzles her.

That was an intimate and loving gesture and I had it looped for a little while o--o! :P

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

OMG YES!!! +10000000000

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loved that scene, and also when HS grabbed JH forearm and slid slowly then wrapped tightly by his palm, it's so sweet and intimate to my romantic heart.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

yes that was so sweet...
Simple gesture but full of love...

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love those lines too, that some one will lose his precious things, when he try to protect a lot of things. Kind of remind me that family comes first.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

LSJ's dimples will be the death of me.

I loved this episode. Seeing the trio as a happy family made my face hurt from smiling. Of course there will be more sadness to come but I hope everything turns out alright in the end.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Same here! i cant help but wonder how hye soo resist those dimples, when he asked for a kiss im like yes please :P

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think the series could have ended after this episode and I would have been happy. Of course there are other things that I want to see happen and I am looking forward to our last two episodes, but the fact that our two leads have chosen each other and are willing to fight for each other no matter the cost means everything.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

That "come what may" is the saddest "come what may" I ever read

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well, Saya, the last picture on your comment IS the picture I wish I could snapshot while watching. So much love, admiration, and assurance shown in that simply we-look-at-each-other picture.
Ps: Saya, are you Indonesian? Your name means I/me in Indonesia.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hey Jin :) I'm not, but I found that out from friends who are! It was totally unintentional -- I sort of ended up picking the name on the spot without much time to think about it. Which is why I'm not PlatypusWoman.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"Ahh. That’s a contented sigh. Can we just end the show now?"

That's exactly what I feel when i saw the ending of ep 14.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This show is so beautiful! Who knew it would be one of the most enjoyable kdrama's I've seen to date (particularly with that slow start).

Things that make me go ugh:
Jung Hoon - it's not suprising that Jung Hoon turns out to be a creep that sexually harasses his secretaries. Nor is it surprising that Dad has spent many years covering it up. But it is gross. So gross. Even though it makes me dislike Jung Hoon, the failures of his parents are so ridiculously huge that somehow I'm even angrier than ever at Dad (who knew that was even possible). What a terrible family! Can it ever be said enough.

Dad - Unable to see the good in anyone, covering up the ill-deeds of his family. What is the point of you, disgusting old man?

Things that make me go aww:
Young hee- I was actually quite miffed in ep 13 when she shooed Ji Hoon away, but the quick turnaround and her support of Hye Soo was incredibly heartwarming and lovely. I'm so glad our secondary characters are fully three dimensional.

Promise crew - I luff them, they're so cute. Chef! Ahjusshi! I kind of wish this show was 18-20 eps so we could see them react to finding out about Hye Soo's illness. Perhaps we only need the two episodes left.

Hye Soo- I'm glad she took the time to decide what she wanted and equally glad now that she's certain she is all in. Love you girl, you're awesome.

Ji Hoon - You've grown up well, Dimples.

This show is so amazing that even though I'm hoping for a happy ending, if the worst happens I'll still be happy I took the bittersweet journey with all these wonderful characters.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the recap. I can feel this story will make me cry again this coming weekend. But I love it to bits. A surprise chemistry between Uee & Seo Jin. An improved performance by Uee as well. I hope this weekend will come soon. I just can't wait to see what's next.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks Saya!

Your recap got me crying again! "our little patchwork family"! Their scenes warm my heart so much, the tears just bubble over from the smile in my heart. So nice to see them together not just once but twice in one episode.

I'm so grateful to this production team and director for giving us so many good scenes and not wasting time on those deliberate, long-drawn out, angsty scenes repeatedly. They have rather given us so many sweet scenes early enough for us to appreciate and enjoy the bonding of our main characters.

It's so great when a show does not try to keep all it's best cards to itself and only lay them down at the very last episode, as a contrivance to get viewers to watch to the end. That's why I'm so appreciative that what we have is good story and a sedate but progressive movement that will bring us to a logical conclusion, and not just contrivances to lengthen the show.

Kudos to all in the team and the actors, who have brought such inspiring characters to life!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

God, that old man is just too much. I can't even put my boiling rage into word properly. I almost cursed out loud when he so cruelly told Hyesoo to just die without inconvenience his family anymore. That is... Wow... Words fail me.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Quote : " Ahh. That’s a contented sigh. Can we just end the show now?"

as you said.. we can just end the show now. That last scene is too beautiful so that we dont need to see anything further, the story almost conclude itself. Very heartwarming scenes. We dont need to see Hye So struggle because of her disease, we already knew it going to be ugly and sad :(
So let's remember the show as cherry blossoms, warm hugs and happy smiles..

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

Totally agree. That last scene of three of them hugging and laughing under cherry blossoms was just so beautiful I started crying. The thought of how Hye-soo will most probably die at the end really breaks my heart.. I really don't think I can handle seeing the process.
I guess the only consolation is Eun-sung and Ji-hoon will have one another, but still...

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

You know, maybe there'll be a wedding scene since they need to re married for Ji hoon to be able legally to take care of Eun Sung. And we all know it will be another beautiful heartwarming simple ceremony yeah?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Actually I don't think they were ever divorced, as he ripped the papers up.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

But, JH did concede to HS to divorce her (with condition, of course) AFTER he ripped the papers. Later on, JH and HS admitted that they got divorced. So, they probably filled up a new set of the divorce papers.

0

Yes, agree. Please end the show there.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well, I'll be the one this time to say what a fantastic actress the little girl is. I kind of feel sorry for her, as she'll be working A LOT if her parents let her.

I loved the last scene -- it looked to the outside world that Jihoon was losing everything he had worked for all his life, but he totally knew that he was gaining so much more than what he lost, and he's never going to regret it. I also left a lucrative career for doing what I love for a lot less money, and the day I left it was the best feeling ever!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks For the recap Saya

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

It is so refreshing to see a Main Male character just give himself completely to his feelings. He doesn't try to hide them, he is not a complete jerk to hide them like in many K-Dramas. This is what I love about this show, the central point is the love they feel for each and their struggles, which means virtually no love triangle. I read a comment in another website that is so true, the main point in this show is love. However, not just the love between our main characters, it is also about the love for your family, the love JH feels for his mother, and the love HS feels for her daughter. They love them enough to become selfless by putting their lives on the line. In this process however they have also learned that there are situations in this world where you have to be selfish if you want to be happy. JH has learned that in order to be happy he has to put himself first before his father and HS has also learned that she has to think about herself, her health, if she wants to be happy with the people she loves.

I will not lie and say I am not afraid with that ending as it seemed too perfect, kind of "the calm before the storm" I truly don't have a guess about how this will end. The fact that the writer saved his mother also scares me. I keep thinking what if the author saved the mom because killing both the mother and HS would be just to much for poor JH, I hope I am wrong.

This is the first time I have seen anything with this actor and I can say I have become a fan. His feelings look so genuine, his expressions, his emotions that I wouldn't be surprised if they started dating in real life, screw the age difference. Besides they are both cute with each other behind the scenes.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

You know, for most shows I love watching, I dread seeing the final episodes but I'm really looking forward to the last episodes of this one. I think its because, no matter what the outcome is, I trust that it will end beautifully.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks Saya for a beautiful, heartfelt recap that got me crying again.

So many wonderful moments in this episode. I loved your analysis of the characters, esp Hye Soo, whom you described as someone who cries because she's treated well, Which is why I loved that little scene at the start after Jh starts feeding her and she is overwhelmed by it all and couldn't stop her tears from flowing. It was such a believable response and so in keeping with her character.

I love the directorial choices made too; the best has to be that last scene of him unshackling and then running towards them and then the moment slows down and it was just a perfect moment captured and you imagine that the feelings of that moment will hopefully vaccinate them against the coming hardships that's sure to come.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

That meal scene really got to me. I loved seeing Hye Soo release some of her burden when she realized this man really did intend to take care of her and be there for her. Those silent tears were devastating (in a good way). Well done, Show!

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

The other one that I LOVED was when he explained to ES how he didn't know he was a good person until HS said he was a good person ( which of course is an oversimplification of complex emotions and motivations) and ES coming back with a totally matter of fact and nonchalant "eh, you're a good person". And he was so MOVED by it and you could read how much grattiude he felt for having found these people in his life that saw the goodness in him and saved him from the emptiness that was his life.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes, and Lee Seo Jin is a very good actor. Because he could show those glimpse of emotion so naturally and in such quick moment, yet we still be able to notice it...

Ah, this drama is just beautifully written and act. Nice!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

She has to live, right? Right? Oof! I don't think I can take it if she dies.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I smiled through this episode (wherever there was no Dad and Jung Hoon)!

But at the same time - there is this really heavy rock pressing down on my heart and as I smile through the beautiful scenes of the patchwork family, I find a tear unexpectedly rolling down my cheek....................

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The last scene when Ji hoon start walk outside, loosening his tie, blooming his smile on the way out, bring the flower, run to Hye Soo, hug her, then Eun Sang come, Ji hoon pull her up and then they hug in smile,
Beautiful ,
I am happy for them . . .

I hope you don't mind me for saying that I actually okay with Hye Soo leaving the world, because it makes sense and I don't want to force miracle to be happy in life. They are already happy, Hye Soo still has time (as limited as it is), Eun sang is in the right hands, Ji Hoon already find his life,

it's okay if she gets cured too, i find the show already put its heart in the right place and right direction. ^^

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

+1

And what I love about that whole sequence of Ji Hoon leaving the office and becoming lighter and happier was that it ends with him smiling broadly,... running (not walking) with full abandon, with lilies in hand and a glow in his face. I've never seen a kdrama scene quite like that before... so poetic, so right... and when Hye Soo caught sight of him, she was transfixed. And then his joy spilled over to her and to Eun Sung and they were just happy... just because.... I'm SOOOO touched!!!! :)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I watched those scene over and over and feel so satisfied,
it's like they ask us to let go of our worries together for that moment

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I totally agree. If I have to have my heroine perish then this show has made it a natural though heartbreaking outcome. Strangely the warmth I've felt throughout this whole series remains. It would be a bittersweet ending, but I think our beautiful bunch will have a bright future no matter what happens in the next two episodes.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This is my new drama crack. An absolute guilty pleasure. I think this is why dramas with this kind of troops are recycled over and over again. Because a viewer like me exists! Lol.
But honestly, kudos to the director who is really working hard creating beautiful scenes. I'm a fan from now on. And to the actors, LSJ-Uee chemistry is just great. Uee is doing a better job than I thought and her acting as a young mom is more natural than most actresses I've seen, though I still have a problem with her crying scenes (which is good, actually, she doesn't try to be pretty whatsoever but I just need to get used to it). Grumpy-turned Giddy Lee Seo Jin + a kid is just too sweet I might be getting diabetes. Idk I can see he genuinely adores the child actress.
And Lee Seo Jin's dimples should win an award.
The thing about this drama is that I don't really care if it won't be a happy ending. They know they love each other and I'm sure Eun Sung will be in good hands even if her mother dies.
About the old man, I can't hate him sincerely because I always imagine how it feels to act with him, like for me I'm sure I can't stop asking for his son's signature and basically just talk about Ha Jung Woo when he was a child. That'd be awesome.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

"And Lee Seo Jin’s dimples should win an award."

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeese! Can someone create such award!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank you Saya for the recap

If the drama ends here I won't feel lost but happy.
Not sure how my heart will take on the last remaining episodes.

Yes Eun Sung is the catalyst, the prime in this drama.

Kudos to pd team writers team actors and all

Subtle moments in the show that leaves an impact that grows with the characters

Eun Sung & Ji Hoon

I love the part where ES went to the restaurant and bad temper JH saw her. She goaded him by rocking on the chair. She slipped and JH dived to save her but realized too late that it was just a tricked on her part.
Hahaha don't mess with me!
Here I noticed that JH is a gentleman. He has a kind soul.

There's more ..... Let's share you favs

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The last scene of the episode was so emotional with the three of them it brought tears to my eyes
happy that HS didn't run away from HJ after what his father said
I hope for a happy ending

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Please Drama God, let it be happy ending.
Otherwise please let it stop here.

Not sure if I can handle the heartbreak this time...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"These brothers never really got a chance, did they?"

NO THEY DIDN'T, AND IT HURTS ME DEEP.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks, Saya, for the recap!!!

I CAN FINALLY BREATHE!!! <3 Honestly, if this were to be the finale episode, I would still be happy, even without all the little finale bows tied and set in place =))
THAT OPENING BREAKFAST SCENE <3 Kudos to Uee (~merong~ To her naysayers!!) and Lee Seo Jin's awesome acting. There was little dialogue in the latter half of this scene, but SO SO MUCH emotion was being given just through the way they looked at each other, and I could feel the love they have for each other just oozing out from my screen <3 The subtlety of Ji Hoon's little peck on Hye Soo's head when he sat her down, that glow of happiness and relief that she exuded, and then the overwhelming love that he basically poured out onto her, simply by feeding her breakfast, and that she felt and how she was brought down speechless and in tears... Ugh PERFECT~!!! <3 And then there's that whole PROMISE RING ~~!!! *dies of happiness for them both* "Seriously, this dimpled grin is going to break his face..." haha No truer words, Saya!
In a nutshell, Chairman Han's words to Hye Soo: 'Leave my son and go die' UGH!!!!! But... but... what is that look you gave Hye Soo when she WILLINGLY THREW HERSELF UNDER THE BUS TO SAVE YOUR PRECIOUS SON (that you only want back in place just to use him for your own benefit, anyways ugh)???? Is that... defeat? Remorse? Pity???
The hospital scene between Ji Hoon and Mi Ran :') It felt like a moment that Ji Hoon had been waiting with bated breath for a VERY long time
My 2nd favourite scene from this episode (the 1s being the opening breakfast scene): Eun Sung and Ji Hoon's conversation at the park; it was so telling: I think that Ji Hoon as this point can identify with Eun Sung so much, in terms of having sick mothers, and it was really sweet and such a profound moment when Ji Hoon basically told Eun Sung when and why he loves Hye Soo so much: Hye Soo was the first and only person to ever tell him that he was a good person, and she's such a strong person in her own right. Hye Soo was the only person to ever treat him like an equal, with no qualms and no strings attached, she's always been and will forever be real to him and sees under all that gruff and grumpiness that everyone seems to either gloss over or not want to look deeper as to why Ji Hoon is the way that he is.
I hate to divert my attention from our OTP, but I have to mention Na Yoon for just a bit: she gained my respect in this episode. I've always just regarded her as the cliche second female lead who's the ex of our male lead, but seriously, her schpeal with Jung Hoon this episode has earned my respect for her =) I guess Shark got his payback due from last episode from Jung Hoon haha And then there's the whole office scene between Ji Hoon and Chairman Han: “However frightening that world is, I don’t think it can be as frightening as you, Father.” So true. And then Ji Hoon's face and expression as he was exiting the building and taking off his...

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

... Ji Hoon taking off his tie-- ANOTHER one of his smiles that could break his face, seriously-- if one were to look up the definition of freedom, it would be Ji Hoon's expression/face at this very moment. Lastly, that sense of "knowing" that came up on Hye Soo's face when she saw Ji Hoon when he came to her in the last scene, a sense of just "knowing" that something happened to/with him without him even telling or saying a single word to her = perfect chemistry between Uee & Lee Seo Jin and indication of how much Hye Soo & Ji Hoon love and UNDERSTAND each other <And then that hug between our little family right before the episode ends... PERFECT <3

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

@bebeswtz

*grinningWide* enjoying reading your giddiness ??

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ flip I'm glad my fangirling and the pouring out of my feels amuses you =)

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ flin, sorry, autocorrect

0

I think that Hye soo returning the money to the chairman was a confirmation of her faith in Ji hoon in his ability to take care of her, that she no longer needed to rely on her own resources, she could depend on him to be there for her and her child. She no longer felt alone, or insecure or needed the security that that money could provide her. It is also in keeping with her promiseto him never to run away again.

I felt that the reason Hye soo fought so hard against being dependent on Ji hoon or trusting him with her heart, was not just because she couldn't trust or depend on Ji hoon, but more of questioning herself, what she brought to the table to this relationship.

What could she offer Ji hoon, poor, sick, dying of a complicated sickness she had little chance of surviving? We already know she felt inadequate in her first marriage, where she felt she had little to offer her late husband and this led to a lot of bitter quarrels which she ended up regrettingafter her husband died. . It's no wonder she fought this relationship so hard. She needed Ji hoon's assurance that she would be enough for him. Just her. Messed up, sick dying and all.

And he rose to the occasion beautifully. Giving her the assurance only he could provide and in a way that would convince her of his sincerity. Na yoon was right. Ji hoon is a man who knows how to love purely, openly, deeply and passionately without expecting anything in return.

0
7
reply

Required fields are marked *

+1! especially about HS's first marriage.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

+11111 Beautifully put

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So, in your oppinion she gives the Chairman's money back, because Ji Hoon will now pay for her?

I really don't hope that's the case. I admit she has to pay for her treatment and can't really afford to return the money, but does she really believe that Ji Hoon will pay now? That wouldn't fit her character.
You've got me thinking whether this might be a glitch in the script or not.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't think she meant financially. I think she means that she can let go of all her worries because she sees that she can lean on him emotionally and physically. I'm sure they'll figure out the finances together because it's been emphasized how their individual talents and interests could work together in opening their own business.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Crysta's right. I didn't mean financialy. I meant emotionally and psychologicaly she no longer relied on the money as a safety net, now she has someone looking out for her.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank you for clearing this up. I was really worried someone could insinuate financial reasons for Hye Soo.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well written "Adal".
This episode has illustrated really well how both Hye-Soo and Ji-Hoon have matured in this area of financial dependence. We have seen how Hye-Soo has lived under the burden of not having enough money. We cannot underestimate the dread poverty can have upon us. Ji-Hoon's mom has wanted to protect her son from that dread.
However, we see that when a support system comes around us, one that can support us emotionally, mentally, and I would add spiritually, those people, not money bring us into a place of peace. A place, where money does not have dominion any longer.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

PS. I just wish the drama would end on this high note of hope. If this were ep. 16, I would be perfectly happy.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wow it takes a really confident writer and PD (and also actor) to make the confrontation between Ji-hoon and his dad so low-key. In almost any other K-drama there would have at least been loud voices and longish speeches. JH's comment that his father is the scariest one of them all pretty much sums up it.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

+1!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

so true.. was surprised to see that scene executed and ended just like that. Maybe they know that we are already tired watching those kind of scenes. And based on 14 episodes, I am not hoping for whatever explanation JH will give to his father that he'll understand,

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I thought it was all the more powerful for it, even. Ji-hoon knows what he really believes in now and doesn't care about what anyone else thinks. He doesn't need to be loud about it, because in this aspect he hasn't changed--what his dad (or anyone) thinks of him honestly doesn't matter. He just wants to love Hye-soo. He never got uppity about the rumors unless they were aimed at her.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

..Ahh. That’s a contented sigh. Can we just end the show now?..

Yes! Please just end the show right there and then!
My heart can't take another twist and knot if it go crazily angsty on the next ep.

When I watched the ending of ep 14 live and with sub, my mind kept screaming to the screen: "Nooo! Don't you go Fuyu No Sakura, or 1 litre No Namida, or I Give My First Love To You, or Autumn in New York on me!!!

I hope, it won't go to through that route.. Please drama God, have pity to my weak heart.. *praying*

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Or Snow Queen or 49 Days!

I do agree with others that I could see this still being a beautiful drama whether she lives or dies. I just hope they show us enough of them all together before it ends either way.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

thanx for the recap, Saya!

This is such a warm episode. Tho the chairman always succeeds in making me boils with range. i too, marvel at his inability to see any good. i thinks that the chairman have this victim mentality, where he sees/feels like everybody is out to get him/his property(read:family).

at this episode's ending, my mom and i simultaneously sigh that how wonderful it is if that is the series ending, and denies any tumor exist... and they live happily ever after...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Some of the many things I love about the drama (omg not going to use names because I suck with names, how embarrassing)
- The daughter isn't there just for the cute. Though she hasn't revealed her cancer, much else is explained to her in a way that suits her age, but also isn't a lie. The man, too, is able to describe something very meaningful (change! in the male protagonist! spelled out! not in an annoying, 'in your face, viewer' way!) in simple language to her too.
- The brother is really just a sad, sad embarrassment. He couldn't even cause a scandal properly. (I thought it'd be a much bigger ordeal, and Shark boy would have to come in and 'save' the day, but probably not, it seems.)
- We see how people know how special our lead protagonist is.
- The quiet moments of this drama! Yes!
- Also, pfffffffffffffft, our main dude is so smooth. I actually dropped my jaw the moment he slid the ring onto her finger. Such a change compared to the recent We Got Married episode where the comedian thought the ring would slip easily into her toe in the shoe, but ... it didn't. Ha.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

For me the drama ends here.. Happy ending!!!
I am convincing myself for days with that thought..

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Kang Hye-soo is now officially my hero. She will go into my Hall of Fame of favorite female Korean drama leads of all time, because, seriously, LOOK AT THAT WOMAN. I was so sure she'll go down the road of noble idiocy after Chairman's speech and I would not have even blamed her in the least considering her situation. But nope. Not Hye-soo. Even at the face of powerful chairman, she doesn't budge or sell out her beliefs.

If I were a man, I'd marry that woman in an instant, brain tumor be damned. No wonder Ji-hoon is so head over heels with her.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

+100 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000

<3 ???????

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Are you these two aren't dating in real life because those dimples are toooooo naturally shown??!?

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I ship them! although in some site they are ewwwing about the age difference, which is like.. who cares?!

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well Bae Young Joon married someone half his age. These people seriously -shrugs-

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think marrying someone a lot older or younger is part of human rights. If the woman and the man love each other, what's our problem?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi Saya, I always enjoy reading your recaps and especially your comments, ever so insightful. Cheers.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

They really know how to end an episode, don't they? A hug, this wonderful kiss, him crying, snotting (is this a even a word?) and pleading, another, desperate hug, and now this wonderful scene, which will become my head canon should they really let her die.

BUT more than ever I'm now stubbornly convinced (or convincing myself) that Hye Soo WILL live in the end, because THEY JUST CAN'T LET THE CHAIRMAN WIN! This old hag's attitude 'You'll die anyway' will not be the end of this wonderful show!!!!

Her tumor will shrink, she will get an operartion, they will live, and this promise ring will finally be slipped on the right finger. End of story.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

*live happily

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for recap.... I loved it☺

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I will not even mind if Hye-soo won't live. If she is to die, then I want her to live the remaining time she has being loved by all people around her, her friend, Eun-sung and Ji-hoon. Especially Ji-hoon. He will love her, care for her and take responsibility for her up until the end and beyond. And once she is gone, he will remember her and take care of Eun-sung like she was his own daughter because at that point that is exactly what she will be: his daughter.

Being with someone you truly love for even five years is so precious, so wonderful that I could not demand more. All I want is for Hye-soo and Ji-hoon to love each other and be a family with Eun-sung for as long as they can.

And later, if Hye-soo does die, I wish for Ji-hoon to find another good woman to love and maybe have children with. He's a relatively young man, I would not wish for him to be alone unless that is what he desires, of course. But I think he could always love Hye-soo and remember her even if he would later love another woman. I'm sure this is what Hye-soo would wish for him, too.

Of course it would be IDEAL if Hye-soo would live. I would take any miracle for that to happen, I don't care about realism at this point. But if not, then I just want them to make most of the time that they do have. Be happy. Be SO HAPPY!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The intimacy between LSJ and UEE in their scenes together made me blush. I felt like I was intruding on their time together just by watching them, it felt so real. Loved how he couldn't keep his hands off her, he'd kiss her hair, push her chair in...and when he gave her the couple ring! Ah! (Fans self). It made me appreciate watching a mature man as a romantic lead, and not a flower boy. They are smoking hot together. Yikes!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Eeeeeeee!! When he help her to push her chair at breakfast and intentionally kissed her hair..... I melt like a puddle of chocolate ice cream under the blazing sun. Abusing that rewind button about a million times over!!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"Can we end the show now?"

YAAASSSSSS!! PLEASE!!!

The impending heart break is so imminent that I don't know if I can handle the HEARTTTT BBBRRREEEAAAKKK!! - Dokko Jin style-

I love how both JY and MIL resonance each other's thoughts about how ES adores JH that I think it might be one among 1001 reasons HS will stick together with JH until the end, come what may. Well, how can anyone refuse that tenacity and that ridiculous dimples, especially when they were shoved to your face on a daily basis. I'll crack at the first smile shamelessly, any time, any day.

I am bracing myself to face the curve ball they will throw right to our cute patch family, I guess if anything should happen, there's always this place where I can share some group hugs with fellow beanies -sobs-

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh my gosh. That reference made my day.
And yes, he has dimples like the Grand Canyon. I love them. :)
I'll give you some virtual chocolate in the event of a curveball--right there with you!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Is that how you call that kind of kisses, Saya? Messy raspberries? ...LOL....nobody can deny LSJ's chemistry with Uee, but Ji-hoon and Eun-sung together...arrgghh.... come on LSJ, please have a daughter in RL...or just adopt Eun-sung, you're so good together....that baby girl Eun-sung is sooooo spectacular, she is so natural, I never once feel like she's acting. I really adore that she never once tries hard to look aegyo or pretending to be wiser than her age like any other child actors in kdrama. The way she hugs n touches her Ajushhi, OMG....I don't think the girl can deliver her affection in such way if LSJ doesn't have that kind of relationship with her in RL...and has anybody notice LSJ's face simply lights up plus that megawatts dimples instantly appear whenever he sees her or calls her name, "Eun-sung ahh..." ..I've never seen this kind of chemistry happens between the child actor and the main lead in any Kdrama before! Stop ruining me show, please. I wonder if LSJ has to do "approaching phase" to that girl just like Ji-hoon to Eun-Sung. Did they really play together off screen? Did he buy her ice cream n play hide n seek with her in RL? Did he kiss n hug her like that in RL? Huhu...my head hurts...this drama ruins me. Can we skip the whole hospital scene and change it with one special episode only for Ji-hoon and Eun-Sung playing together, please.....

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Every time Ji-hoon brings up this oppa business, I keep thinking about Hye-soo calling him that for the first time while she's on her death bed, and I don't know whether I want to laugh or cry at the visual in my head.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"The most precious thing that Dad lost is himself, and I think that’s Mi-ran’s true warming to Ji-hoon"

Her true warning, not warming! ARGH CURSE YOU, LACK OF SLEEP!

Usually my typos don't bug me (I sweeeeear they go into hiding when I'm proofreading), but this one was killing me, sob. I'm convinced it turned into an 'm' after it came out, haha.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Are you not able to edit after you submit your post? This isn't meant to sound snarky... I'm just curious.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Not after it publishes, although the Overlords can. Typos are a thing to be zen about, they usually don't change the actual meaning. This one bugged me because it did. I'm over it now! XD

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Don't worry! I read it as warning, didn't even notice it. (maybe that just means I'm a bad reader?--no, it just means it's ok). Thank you for posting recaps, even on low sleep!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

No worries Saya!!! Everyone can make mistakes...
Fighting for the last two recaps, for you and Lollypip!!! Can't wait!!!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This drama has felt sooo fresh to me, even with all the mix of cliche tropes like tumor, chaebols, mistresses, secrets, etc because whatever they are saying has such different meanings than as we watch them.

Hye-soo, though she was never a gold digger, really did value money a lot - and she was a good person but she also really thought money would solve her problem. That's why she put down her pride and asked money from the Chairman and 'gave up' on Ji-hoon a few episodes back. But when her pain became acute and when Ji-hoon didn't run away after her denials....she grew to realize, to really actualize and accept in her own life, that love was more priceless and valuable than any amount of cash.

The Chairman was right about her (in a very literal sense) when he said she was greedy and she was frightening and would do anything for money. She did!! (yes, it was from a desperate situation, tragic and helpless, without an answer), but there was so much more to her than that only, and we saw her love for her daughter, her friend, even her mother-in-law.

Jung-hoon is right - if someone did something bad, it should come out! Only we see his hypocrisy because he does bad stuff too, but that's been covered up.

Mi-ran had some amazing contrasts too! She gave up her family (both parents and also Ji-hoon's childhood) for her love (with Chairman) and had nothing in the end. Then she gave up her love for the Chairman, realizing he was changed and that it wasn't 'love' after all, and gave up on her life, and received love (from uncle and Ji-hoon) and life (liver) too.

This kind of reversal, this level dramatic irony and meaning to the characters' lives.... this drama is so heads above anything I've seen before.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thank you again Saya and Lolypip for all your hardwork. I appreciate each and every recap...they set the stage for all of us to express our thoughts..Thank you both! Glad we could share Marriage Contract drama together.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I cried again while reading the recap. This episode is so beautiful in so many ways. I love how the director chooses to focus on small gestures that mean bigger things. Subtle camera shots of their hands... Ah, I love it!

I'm all for this drama no matter how it ends but please, let her live! I want to see her alive and well with a family she has always wanted.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was super skeptical when Uee was cast opposite Lee Seo Jin, but these two have really great chemistry that makes up for the age difference.

I agree about Kim Yoo Ri's Na Yoon; she's not drawn out enough, and it's a real waste of Yoo Ri's talent. She was fantastic in Master's Sun (so much so that I've actively sought out dramas she's in), but I think her talents are often wasted in a second lead role. I'd love to see her really shine because she's an incredibly capable actress.

I have enjoyed this drama much more than I thought I would. I don't know how neatly this can be wrapped up (considering the letter from MD Anderson in Houston), but if anything Ji Hoon's transformation (both for himself and Hye Soo) has been a real treat to watch unfold.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Pheeewweee... I'm so glad to be caught up. Finally. Because this show has been breaking my heart in all the right ways, and I didn't want to bug every post with my comments so I figured I'd save it all up in a memo on my phone until I now. Oh my goodness and now I have to choose what to type from there--haha it got a little bit out of hand. That's how much I love it.

So. Eun Sung. She's such a little sweetie! That girl deserves an award for her acting--she manages to convey the emotions of a child so well, in my opinion. She knows there isn't much she can do to change things, but she clearly feels protective of those she loves (ep. 13 at the in-laws) and wants to protect them. All in a look and some body language. She amazes me.

And Mi-ran! I love her! I love her so so much! I've often thought about how useless pride is, and when I started this show I thought "well, I think this show will have a lot to say about that." And oh my goodness, has it ever! Shamelessly admitting your desires (although not always acting on them, as not all desires are good), deciding to live--striving to make up and apologize with those you've wronged or cherish... she just makes me happy.

But what really, really strikes me every time I watch this show is how beautiful the love between Ji-hoon and Hye-soo is. How human it is. Everyone, at one time or another--at some level or another--has felt they are a mess. That secretly, sometimes oh so secretly, they are utterly and completely broken. And more than anyone we need someone in our lives to tell us that it's ok--that they are there for us and love us, mess and all. We all need someone that believes we are worth knowing and loving, even if we cannot see it in ourselves at the time. I think you were so spot on, Saya, when you said they see the best in each other. I've never felt like they ignored or hid the fact the other has faults--but they unabashedly decide to see the good instead, the potential of their partner's best self. Not as a pressure to them, but simply because they believe in them, and will love them even when they make mistakes. And that's amazing, to me. Plus they're just so cute together. So so cute. Please don't die, Eun-sung! I believe in you!

Phew, ok. I think that'll have to do. Someday I'll get the courage to link my blog to my comments--and then I'll put a link to the rest of my thoughts. :) Thanks Saya, Lollypip, and the drama world, for Marriage Contract!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *