185

Hwarang: Episode 9

As the Moon Festival draws closer, the Hwarang boys begin to worry as outside pressures close in on them. Their secrets are too big to stay secrets for long, and several relationships will be stressed to the breaking point. The Hwarang is a dangerous place to be, and they’re going to need to band together if they’re all going to come out of this alive.

 
EPISODE 9 RECAP

Sun-woo brings Ah Ro a bouquet of chrysanthemums, recalling that she once used them to make a medicinal tea for him. She says softly that she’s happy that he’s her brother, which makes Sun-woo smile.

Ah Ro thinks back on her conversation with Sun-woo’s first adoptive father Woo-reuk, where Woo-reuk had told her that Mak Mun always talked about her and dreamed of her, but now he’s dead. Now Ah Ro tells Sun-woo that she knows he’s not her brother. She drops the flowers and asks accusingly, “Who are you?”

Caught, Sun-woo doesn’t deny the truth. He says that he’s her brother’s friend, and Ah Ro asks through angry tears what happened to her real brother. Sun-woo says that he died, and Ah Ro asks tearfully why her brother had to die while Sun-woo lived.

Sun-woo barely holds it together as he explains that Mak Mun died because he came back to help him (after they snuck into the capital), and was struck down. He says that he doesn’t care whether Ah Ro believes he’s her brother, because he intends to live as if it’s the truth. Unable to bear it any longer, Ah Ro walks away from him.

Ji-dwi sees Ah Ro on her way out of the Hwarang school, and playfully jumps out to scare her before he realizes that she’s sobbing. She keeps going so he follows her out, staying a short distance behind her as she walks aimlessly and cries.

She can’t stop thinking of all the times Sun-woo pretended to be her real brother, and breaks down all over again. At the same time, Sun-woo beats a practice dummy savagely until he breaks his wooden sword and his hands bleed. It reminds him of when Ah Ro had bandaged his hand and asked him not to get hurt again, and he’d asked the same of her.

Ji-dwi covers his absence from the Hwarang school by making Pa Oh huddle in his bed with a “Do not disturb” sign next to him. Su-ho enters the room, balls up the sign, and asks the lump under the covers why nobody will tell him what happened the night they all went out over the wall. He says he feels like something weird happened, but he just can’t remember.

Pa Oh starts to moan loudly, pretending to be sick. Su-ho smacks him and warns “Ji-dwi” not to mess up their performance in front of the queen regent at the Moon Festival, and finally leaves Pa Oh alone.

Ji-dwi eventually approaches Ah Ro and tries to give her silver back (that she gave him to pay off her debt). She ignores him, so he offers to either hug her or kill whoever made her cry like this. He threatens dire consequences to anyone who’s bothering her, which is violent, but also kind of sweet.

Ah Ro looks up at him with big, tear-filled eyes, and says that she’s the reason she’s crying. Without revealing who she’s talking about, she admits that she feels so much anger toward him, but she’s also relieved, and she hates herself for being so torn.

She walks until after dark, and Ji-dwi stays right behind her. He vows that she can stop crying, because he’ll make her his.

Eventually Ah Ro makes her way home, and she stares at her father as he works, silently asking, “Why didn’t you tell me?” She wonders what his reason is for having Sun-woo pretend to be her brother, and what else Ji-gong is hiding from her.

Ji-dwi sneaks back over the Hwarang wall, and finds Sun-woo there waiting to ask about Ah Ro. Ji-dwi senses that Ah Ro’s tears are because of Sun-woo, and asks how “someone” could hurt her so badly that she’d cry like that. Sun-woo just grabs him by the collar and desperately demands to know if Ah Ro is okay.

Sun-woo and Ah Ro both sit up late that night thinking about each other. Ji-dwi is also awake, and he tells Ah Ro’s drawing of the birds in the tree (to represent the king and the queen dowager) that he pities her too, so he asks why she can’t look at him the way he looks at her.

The queen regent is still fuming over her argument with Hwa-gong, angry that he plans to have the Hwarang perform in front of the people. She asks an advisor what he thinks of Hwa-gong, and he says that while he’s the only person who can handle the Hwarang, he’s also not someone to trust completely.

PRINCESS SOOKMYUNG (Seo Ye-ji) causes a stir as she arrives in the city in a closed palanquin. She’s been away recuperating from an illness, and is finally well enough to come home.

Sookmyung formally greets her mother, Queen Regent Jiso, at the palace, and coolly thanks her for her concern over her health. The queen regent steps close to hug her, but the princess’s expression remains cold and distant.

The queen regent informs Hwa-gong that the princess has been highly trained in etiquette, music, and dance, and can be of help to him as he prepares the Hwarang for the Moon Festival performance. He jovially declines the offer, and the queen regent rounds on him and demands to know if Ji-dwi is really his nephew.

She tells Hwa-gong that although she let Ji-dwi into the Hwarang because of their agreement, he’d better not turn out to be a spy, and she asks for proof of his real identity. This worries Hwa-gong, as he knows nothing about the young man who calls himself Ji-dwi, other than that he wants to drag the queen regent down.

The queen regent tells Hwa-gong that if she decides to torture Ji-dwi, he’ll confess the truth before he dies. Hwa-gong asks if she’s making a bet with him, and tells her to do as she wants. He agrees to let Princes Sookmyung into the Hwarang school.

Ah Ro is still preoccupied as she brings Hwa-gong tea later that day, and he takes note of her distracted expression. She asks if Sun-woo will be a great Hwarang member, and if he’s someone trustworthy. Hwa-gong doesn’t answer, and Ah Ro takes the tray and leaves, dejected.

She grumbles to herself while she does laundry, and finds Ji-dwi lurking behind a hung sheet. He notices the disappointment in her eyes when she realizes he’s not Sun-woo, and she tells him to leave her alone.

He yanks her close, and Ah Ro asks if he’s planning to kiss her again. He says he could, and asks if she can really stand so close and not feel anything, when he’s standing there inwardly screaming that he likes her.

When Ah Ro stays silent, Ji-dwi asks again if she really feels nothing. She looks him in the eye and asks if Sun-woo is okay. Well, that answers that question.

She moves aside to sit down, and Ji-dwi sits beside her and shields her eyes from the sun with his hand. He says that he’s disappointed, but adds that at least they got a little closer.

Ah Ro looks past Ji-dwi, and sees Sun-woo watching them from a short distance away. When Ji-dwi also sees Sun-woo standing there, Sun-woo turns and walks away.

Hwa-gong greets Princess Sookmyung at the Hwarang gates and offers to show her around. She says curtly that she’d rather look around by herself, and Hwa-gong mutters that she’s just like her mother.

The boys watch Sookmyung from a distance, and Han-sung is impressed by his first look at a real princess. Su-ho wonders why she’s here, and Yeo-wool figures she came to the place where the best men in the capital are gathered, to find a husband.

Su-ho sneers that she looks nothing like her mother, and calls the princess’s expression cold. Han-sung says confusedly that the queen regent seems much colder, ha.

Ji-dwi and Pa Oh look on as the princess continues around the grounds, and Ji-dwi wonders what Sookmyung thinks about the things their mother is up to.

Sun-woo goes to mope by the river, still troubled by Ah Ro’s reaction to the truth that he’s not her real brother. He sees the princess a short ways downriver and watches as she looks around to make sure she’s alone before taking off her shoes to dangle her feet in the water.

A little while later, Sookmyung is half-dozing by the water, and she opens her eyes to see Sun-woo approaching. She reaches for her sword when he draws his practice sword, but he’s not attacking her — instead, he swipes a snake off of the tree branch just above her head.

Sookmyung draws her sword to kill the snake, but Sun-woo knocks her sword aside. He gently flips the snake to safety, and Sookmyung levels her sword at his throat and asks why he didn’t kill the venomous snake.

Sun-woo just knocks her sword aside again and asks why he should kill it when it’s not the snake’s fault it was born venomous. He leaves after telling Sookmyung to be more careful.

Back at the Hwarang school, Sun-woo silently takes a box of books from Ah Ro and carries it to the doctor’s room. She follows him in and asks what he’ll do if she can’t keep pretending he’s her brother. Sun-woo answers that he’ll live as her brother, no matter what she does.

Ah Ro calls him a liar, reminding him that he said he remembered their childhood, her voice faltering. In response, Sun-woo begins repeating things about her that Mak Mun probably told him a thousand times — that his sister was burned by a brazier, that she cried, and that she was pretty.

Fighting back tears, Ah Ro asks Sun-woo his real name. After a long pause, he says that Sun-woo is his only name, because he never had a name before (Moo-myung means “nameless”). Ah Ro says that when she looks at him, she feels ashamed and hates herself, and Sun-woo reaches out as if to touch her comfortingly.

But Ah Ro tells him to leave, and he pulls his hand back. He obeys and leaves, and Ah Ro collapses and gives in to her tears.

That evening, the sound of Woo-reuk’s gayageum echoes through the Hwarang grounds as Sun-woo watches Ah Ro head for home. Hwa-gong’s assistant asks why Hwa-gong agreed to let Princess Sookmyung come to Hwarang, and Hwa-gong just says it was to protect the Hwarang.

Princess Sookmyung stays up thinking about her encounter with Sun-woo by the river. Ban-ryu is also awake, recalling a conversation with his father, Ho Gong, who’d told him that he must prevent the Hwarang from performing at the Moon Festival.

The next day, Soo-yeon complains to a brooding Ah Ro that she’s worried about Ban-ryu’s safety if her brother doesn’t find out that she’s the one who grabbed him. Ah Ro complains that she found out her brother isn’t really her brother, and she wants him to be, but she hates him because he insists on being her brother. Yeah, that’s confusing.

The boys continue practicing their music and dance, and we get a hilarious glimpse of them helping each other stretch. Su-ho hikes Ban-ryu’s leg over his shoulder and takes great delight in making him cry out in pain, while Ji-dwi looks like he’s trying to split Sun-woo in half (and boldly admits that he’s doing it out of jealousy). Yeo-wool and Han-sung just get the giggles, failing to touch fingers over their outstretched legs.

Han-sung gets the okay from Hwa-gong to eat with the rest of the dancers, and Yeo-wool compliments Ban-ryu on his improved dancing. Still thinking that Ji-dwi is sick, Su-ho shares his rice with him, which is pretty sweet.

He warns everyone to do well at the festival because he intends to show the queen regent his loyalty. Yeo-wool snickers that it’s not loyalty Su-ho wants the queen regent to see, and Ji-dwi narrows his eyes at Su-ho.

The Moon Festival nears, and Hwa-gong reminds the Hwarang that they’ll pass or fail depending on the people’s reaction to their performance. Only Su-ho notices that Ban-ryu is nowhere to be found.

Ah Ro finds him brooding alone, but her main concern is Soo-yeon. She asks Ban-ryu if his feelings for Soo-yeon are genuine, and says that Soo-yeon likes him a lot. She holds up another letter from Soo-yeon, and when he sees it, Ban-ryu’s expression changes to something that almost looks like hope.

Ah Ro says that if Ban-ryu’s feelings are not sincere, then she’ll tear up the letter right now. We don’t hear Ban-ryu’s answer, but next thing we know, he’s reading Soo-yeon’s letter. Awww. He smiles as he reads that she’s looking forward to watching him dance at the Moon Festival, and says that she’ll always support him.

The boys gather that night for one last rehearsal, and they do seem to have improved by leaps and bounds. The princess’s arrival unnerves them, and Hwa-gong informs them that she’ll be staying here for a while to help. One drummer pipes up and asks what the princess is good at, and she confidently steps to the middle of the rehearsal space.

Princess Sookmyung draws her sword and executes a few precise acrobatic moves, all the while holding challenging eye contact with Sun-woo. Woo-reuk starts beating a simple rhythm on the drum as the princess continues her sword dance, ending with a flourish. She then levels her sword at the throat of the Hwarang who asked what she’s good at.

The princess addresses the entire Hwarang, and says that she heard this will be their first introduction to the public. She warns that they can’t make a single mistake, and behind her, Hwa-gong smiles.

As the town women pretty themselves up so as not to be outshone by the beautiful Hwarang men, Minister Park and Ho Gong also prepare for the Moon Festival. Ho Gong assures Minister Park that Ban-ryu will do as they instructed and ruin the performance.

Ji-dwi visits Ah Ro and attempts to cheer her up, and she sighs that he must be sleeping well lately. He asks if she’ll sleep with him if he isn’t, cheeky boy. Ah Ro whips out an acupuncture needle and warns him not to even try it.

He asks if she’s coming to the Moon Festival, and says that he wants to dance for her. He leaves, and Ah Ro sighs that she’s getting tired of hearing him say the same things over and over.

Ah Ro runs into Sun-woo outside later, and steps up to say that he’s not her brother. She says she’s only staying silent about this because it’s a crime to hide a low-born, and because she feels sorry for her father, who’s spent years looking for her lost brother.

Sun-woo stops her from walking away, and reaches up to smooth her tousled hair. He asks softly if she’s coming later, but Ah Ro slaps away his hand. With one last accusing glare, she leaves, muttering that he’s not her brother.

Queen Regent Jiso calls Ji-gong to the palace again to check her health before the Moon Festival. Refusing to look her in the eye, he tells her that she won’t be able to sit and watch the festivities for a long time. His expression hardens when her attendant brings her tea, and the queen regent notices and decides not to drink tea today.

Ji-gong starts to leave when Hyun Chu tells the queen regent it’s time to head to the festival, but she stops him and asks if he’s considered her suggestion that they start over. Ji-gong only tells her to dress warmly.

The Hwarang all dress in their performance uniforms — all but Ban-ryu, and Sun-woo notices that he’s unusually agitated. The crowds arrive, including the officials, all preparing to watch the show. Kang Sung, the troublemaker who beat up Mak Mun and nearly assaulted Ah Ro, stops to pay his respects to Minister Park, who comments that tonight should be interesting.

Ah Ro does show up, though she keeps hidden, alternately worrying about Sun-woo and berating herself for worrying about Sun-woo. She runs into Yeo-wool, who drags her back to the tent to help the boys get ready for the show.

There’s instant awkwardness, until Han-sung chirps that he needs help. Ha, he looks so pleased to have the pretty lady fastening his belt, though she’s busy trying not to get caught staring at Sun-woo.

Ji-dwi leaves, stating that he has an appointment, then Sun-woo leaves without any excuse at all. Yeo-wool notices that Ban-ryu is also missing.

Ban-ryu is in the tent where the instruments are stored, and he takes a knife from his sleeve. But he lowers the blade, seemingly unable to do it, then hides it again when Sun-woo spots him and asks what he’s doing. Ban-ryu levels a glare at Sun-woo and tells him to leave before he decides to pay attention to him again.

Hwa-gong addresses the Hwarang and asks if they’re ready, and the boys say they are. Yeo-wool raises his hand and tells Hwa-gong that two Hwarang have gone missing.

While Ban-ryu struggles with himself, Han-sung finds Ah Ro bandaging one of the drummers’ hands. He says that both Ji-dwi and Ban-ryu are missing, and that they’ll all fail if they don’t find them in time for the performance. Ah Ro overreacts, worried that Sun-woo might get a second fail, then says it has nothing to do with her.

Still, she goes looking for the boys, and she spots Ji-dwi joining the queen regent in her tent, where she’s gone to rest. Ah Ro hears Ji-dwi ask the queen regent why she brought Princess Sookmyung home, and she’s shocked to hear Ji-dwi call the queen regent “Mother.”

The queen regent sneers at Ji-dwi for lowering himself to dance in front of his people, but he says that it doesn’t matter, since nobody knows he’s the king. Just as Ah Ro realizes that Ji-dwi is the exiled King Jinheung, she’s grabbed from behind by Hyun Chu. He knocks her unconscious and carries her away.

The queen regent informs Ji-dwi that according to Silla tradition, Princess Sookmyung will be his queen. He refuses, stating that he’ll choose his own bride, but his mother tells him that his feelings have no bearing on the matter.

As they watch the dancing, Minister Park asks Ho Gong how his task went. Ho Gong says he thinks it went well. What are you two up to?

Just then, the drummers go to get their instruments, only to find that every single musical instrument has been destroyed. Drums are slashed to ribbons, gayageum strings cut, tambourines broken in half.

Ah Ro lies on the floor in front of Queen Regent Jiso, still unconscious. The queen regent confirms that she’s Ahn Ji-gong’s daughter and that she saw the king’s face. Furious, she draws a sword, and points it at Ah Ro’s throat.

 
COMMENTS

Well that’s just fantastic, now Ah Ro is going to die because she knows Ji-dwi is the king. Considering that several people have already met their ends just for accidentally seeing the king’s face, I really don’t see how she’s going to get out of this. Obviously she will, or we’d have no love story, and I’m actually pretty interested to see how the dynamic between her and Ji-dwi changes now that she knows he’s actually the king.

I’m glad to see Princess Sookmyung finally make her appearance, and not just because I really, really love Seo Ye-ji as an actress. The show does feel a little unbalanced with so many men and only two female characters, so introducing a new, strong woman into the mix is a breath of fresh air. I like the princess already, particularly how she feels like a female version of Ji-dwi — strong, capable, independent, yet stuck in her role and unhappy at being forced to live a life she doesn’t want. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how she fits into the Hwarang brotherhood, and what she can do to shake up the queen regent’s plans for Ji-dwi. (And to avoid confusion, Princess Sookmyung is the queen regent’s daughter, and Ji-dwi’s half-sister, who were married in real life. Silla royals married within their own families to keep the “sacred bone” bloodline pure. No judgments from me — it was a different world and a different time.)

Speaking of royal children, I’m about fed up with Ji-dwi right now. It’s one thing when a second lead gets mixed messages from their love interest and pursues them based on that, but there is nothing mixed about the messages Ah Ro repeatedly sends to Ji-dwi. She has made it crystal clear that she is not interested, not even a little bit, no really, she’s not interested. And yet he continues to hound her, pressing her to change her mind about him, when it’s obvious to anyone with half a brain where her heart lies. I’m not saying Ji-dwi is a bad guy, or that his wooing hasn’t become a lot more respectful, because it has. But the very fact that he’s still doing it when Ah Ro has told him no over and over is making me lose sympathy for him.

I was willing to give Ji-dwi a small pass for a little while based on the fact that he was probably raised being handed everything he ever wanted. But he’s shown in other ways that he’s intelligent, insightful, and mature, so I’m not really buying the spoiled young king explanation anymore. Nor do I excuse his behavior based on cultural norms at the time, that the king could have any woman he wanted. Yes, Ji-dwi could probably wait until he’s outed as king then order Ah Ro to become his concubine, but that’s not what he wants. He wants her heart, and that’s not something you can force just because you’re the guy in charge. It’s time for him to accept that, king or not, it’s not going to happen.

As much as I’m glad that the whole false-brother secret is out, seeing the pain that the truth caused both Ah Ro and Sun-woo is hard to watch. I do admit feeling a bit confused by Ah Ro’s anger being almost entirely aimed at Sun-woo, because while I understand that she feels betrayed by his lies, he’s not the only one lying to her (not to mention, where was the grief over the discovery that her real brother is dead?). I can’t help but wonder why she didn’t confront her father to ask why he’s going along with this, because he can afford to be more open about the true reason why he asked Sun-woo to take his son’s identity. I see Ji-gong as the more responsible party in the lie, because the whole thing was his idea. And Sun-woo didn’t have much of a choice if he wanted to find the person who killed Mak Mun and make them pay.

However, Sun-woo’s pain felt very real and very understandable to me. I do recognize that that’s in no small part due to the fact that Park Seo-joon’s performance resonates more with me than Go Ara’s, but I think that for me, it’s also because he’s just got so little in this world. His pact with Ah Ro to take care of each other, even aside from their growing feelings for each other, is pretty much the only good thing Sun-woo has in his life right now. He’s given up what little he had to avenge the death of his friend, her real brother, and he’s made it clear that he intends to see this through as far as he needs to in order to make things right. But the spark of happiness that was finally returning to his eyes has died again, and it’s difficult to see him walking around looking like he’s got nothing to truly live for, again.

RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , , ,

185

Required fields are marked *

This episode was ummmm....boring. IDK but Ah Ro's crying and sadness did not feel authentic to me. Like I honestly felt nothing even though she's technically supposed to be devastated that her brother died. And imo, Ji Dwi continued to be annoying.

0
40
reply

Required fields are marked *

Also the first 20 - 25 mins, contained so many flashbacks. Some of them didn't really need to be re-shown.

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

I can't seem to feel anything for Ah Ro, I don't feel her pain or the lack of it. She just fills the time, I don't know how they can sell this loveline when there's nada between the two leads. Ah Ro's got the charm of a rock, Park Seo Joon can only do so much. Maybe the princess would have been a better choice, if only, it won't be deemed as something overly capricious on Sun Woo's part to aim for the moon, but it makes for a better romance than Ah Ro who sucks the life out of me. And there she goes knitting her eyebrows again, I wonder why she feels so hurt and crying like crazy when we all know she is just too happy knowing he isn't her real brother.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I wrote this as a response to someone below, but I am going to re-post this because I completely agree with you.:

"I understand what she’s supposed to be feeling. I get the logic behind her self loathing and sense of betrayal, and even devastation, on not knowing who/what to believe. My issue with Ah Ro, and to be honest I have to say Go Ara, is that I don’t feel it. I am a very sensitive person, so it actually caught me off guard when I realized I just didn’t care about her pain, when usually I cry at even the slightest release of tears. It’s so weird for me. She cried so much and I have no problem with the crying per say, it’s the fact that I just couldn’t connect."

The character just feels so flat and one dimensional that I can't even feel the supposed love she feels for Sun Woo. I don't even know when Sun Woo started falling for Ah Ro. Like it's pretty good in terms of editing for a pre-produced drama, but its so flat. I need meat lol

1
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Her constant frowning makes me dislike her character.

0

Unfortunately I have to agree with everything.

0

Yessss. The endless frowning. Do they think it's cute or something?

0

Absolutely agree. They've done this a lot in the series but the first half of this episode contained an inordinate amount of 'thinking' flashbacks to scenes we'd just seen real-time minutes before. My only real complaint about Hwarang is its pacing, leaving me bored every second episode even though I'm intrigued for the most part.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Like literally SO many flashbacks in this episode, I counted so many just within the first 15 mins. If we took out all the flashback the episode would probably only be like half an hour of new footage. This episode was definitely a disappointment, here's to hoping the next one is better.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Not to mention we're getting unusually long sequences from the end of the last episode at the beginning of each episode including this one. So much filler - did they run out of story, I wonder? Is this another pre-produced drama? I'm becoming increasingly discontented with them. Cheese and Moon Lovers were both preproduced and were crack for me aside from story logic in the last half of Cheese and the really horrendous editing/pacing issues in ML. Looks like Hwarang is repeating some of those flaws. Too bad - like the other two has great potential to be excellent. Oh well, I'm in it now. Still liking the majority of it. Birth secrets always keep me intrigued and meanwhile there's all that pretty.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ji Dwi is such a twit. I mean I understand how he was raised but how come he thing wooing a woman includes gorey descriptions of pulling off someones´ limbs? eww. it is not shexy at all. but I can see where that self confidence and cruel way of expression comes.

and Ah Ro cried wayyyyy too much. on the other hand she had to let all that out somewhere.
I dont really care for either of them though - especially now that we have that interesting princess.
now if only they told me it wasnt Ban Ryu who ruined the drums. I think it was someone else we might not suspect. can I hope it like that?

0
22
reply

Required fields are marked *

Some people are just wired like that. Fierce, passionate or whatever you call it. When they love they love fiercely and when they hate they do so with the same intensity.

The crying yes, while we do understand that it's devastating she doesn't need to walk around town crying that river all day and the next. Less is more girl, this is not reality tv.

I'm so into Ban Ryu that I'm willing to believe that he is not going through with step-daddy's plan. I think that little jerk who beat up the real Sun-woo is going to mess with the drums since they showed him at the festival paying his respect to Minister Park.
Ban Ryu would not fail his girl. (I remember him dressing in red in one of the teasers so I think he'd be dancing for Soo-yeon.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ahh I'm glad you mentioned that little jerk! Hah! I almost forgot him. I think he will be a backup plan to Ban Ryu's order like maybe Minister Park didn't trust Ban Ryu to do his job.... Or like you said, he could be the true culprit.

I think the guys will still be able to put on a good show despite not having the instruments. :)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I so agree. Ban Ryu is such a three dimensional character and I think the actor is doing a wonderful job portraying just how torn up he is. On the one hand he has to protect his dad from the evil step dad, but on the other hand he wants to be a good crush for the girl who grabbed his butt and flailed about it. I can see the battle within, but I want his slip to the hwarang to be a bit more gradual. this is the first time his step dad has asked him to do something for him, so i think he'd comply, but then slowly, gradually lean into his hwarang bros. Augh, such a sweetie! <3

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm rooting hard for Do Ji-han. He's got something to show. The prayer circles that was held for his last drama might work in his favor here lol.

0

Lmao I agree about when Ji Dwi was describing how he would kill/ torture the person that made Ah Ro cry. I was cringing through out the whole thing. I feel like the writers are trying to hard to make it seem like Ji Dwi has this undying love for Ah Ro, but it's just not working for me. It's a little excess. I also hope that it wasn't really Ban Ryu that ruined the drums.

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

more than undying love it is a kingly obsession to own someone. I am not sure if he is really even in love. He treats it like he is giving out a decree. he is totally wielding his authority and for a smart person his manner of speech is already a giveaway he is someone who is used to unlimited power. I am surprised Ah Ro actually had to learn it by listening in.

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

You're actually right. That was the explanation I was looking for, but had trouble putting it into words. Thank you.

0

Yes, he's repeatedly mentioned that people deserve to be boiled in oil or something when they irritate him. Like, I think that's a perk only reserved for the guy at the top!

0

From a different point of view, I don't take what he said literally. He was trying to make her feel better after failing with the silver and the hug lol.

He has no kingly power. He doesn't know how to be a king yet let alone date a woman in the era of arranged marriage.

0

@Kiara: he might not have real power now, but he certainly feels entitled to it, he talks and acts as if he has it already or it is a matter of perspective. and he thinks his power to be is for hurting and torturing people. he talks about those things with such ease like he is talking about chopping wood. I just think that´s a bit psycho

0

@redfox

Yes I do agree. He is a spanking pure royalty to the highest and that comes with power and entitlement.
To me, it depends on the situation and who he is talking to. If he was serious about what he said, fake Sun-woo would've been dead instead he made him pay by hurting him while they were stretching.
He is clueless. Those royalties don't know how to court women. They are forced into an arranged marriage with their own half siblings, uncles etc.

I'm not disagreeing with you at all. I'm just looking at it from a different point of view.

0

I feel embarrassed for JD now. I hope they try to turn his chasing after Aro into a running joke of him having no game instead of wanting the audience to feel sorry for the sexy man with the feelings. It's almost a drinking game now-every time Aro dismisses him, take a shot! Maybe have all the ladies not interested in him and have Paro be like his only fan girl.

He sort of reminds me of the second male lead Itazura Na Kiss/it started with a kiss/playful kiss. The guy who loves the main girl and chases after her (calling her dad "dad" and working in her college's cafeteria) even though she loves the main guy. She thinks of this guy like a friend, but is also embarrassed and annoyed by his antics

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree, kiara
I think his dogged pursuit of aro is part of his longing to have an emotional connection with someone. Regardless of the way the script is heading ever since the kiss, park hyung Shik makes the character likable... in the hands of another actor it would be worse..

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

And not to mention the fact that Ah ro's tears were so, well, fake *rolls eyes*. I don't really have anything against Go Ara, but her acting in this just seems forced to me. And GET THE MESSAGE ALREADY, JI DWI !!

The only story arc I'm interested in is Ban ryu- how he's gonna overcome his hurdles as the step son, and how he's going to deal with falling in love with his arch enemy's sister.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Just to point out the point in the recap..

no one with half a brain will think that Aro LOVES her own ( no half blood) brother.. NO ONE

So when there is a girl he likes and who has no one in life.. she is of marriageable age.. although she is not in love with him but she isn't bugged by his advances either ( yes a half hearted bored no.. but mostly she lets him be...someone she doesn't hate but then he is in those middle spheres).. he would pursue her no.. in hope that as interactions increase she will change her mind..

And the wooing is respectful..

PS: I gotta admit.. Go Ara is quite bad an actress.. or maybe its her voice..

when she is crying, i don't know if she is pouting like a 5 yr old when things don't go their way.. or is she really heartbroken ( barring today's crying after realizing SW is not her brother)

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Agree. Ji Dwi didnt know Aro is in love with someone else, let alone her brother. As far as he knows, no other man is making advances at her, so why not woo her.

Every time Go Ara cries, i will cringe. It s not heartbroken cry but more like kid temper crying. And the brow knitting and pursing lips need to stop. A bit dissappointed with her acting. The script is not helping either by turning her from a happy money grubbing erotic storyteller to crybaby with overly affection for brother.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

IA. even when asked point blank whether she doesn't feel anything at all, she didn't say 'NO' outright. she simply asked after her brother instead. so i'd say half the fault is on Ah Ro. i don't think she is as immune to his courting as it seems. as long as he stays respectful of the boundaries, i find his dogged persistence leaning towards sweet than ick.

he probably inherited that persistence from his mother, except the queen's advances towards ahn ji is a lot more ick since she'd actually harmed his family.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Siesta + 1000000

I am a new fan of park hyung shik. So it's hard for me to dislike JD now. Yes his pursuit is A+ one sided crush but can't blame the man/king for his persistence when there's not many intelligent and pretty girls in the show...

And I recall aro was kind of considering him a little bit in the previous episode though 99 percent of the time she was much more into her brother. That's more icky especially before the late brother discovery.

1

now if only they told me it wasnt Ban Ryu who ruined the drums

Maybe the guy whose hand A-ro was bandaging? His hand slipped down the knife when he was stabbing the drums?

(BTW, a lot of swords & knives in kdramas suck in the (missing) handguard department. Handguards are there to guard your hand against that kind of accident).

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Regarding Ji Dwi's gorey descriptions, I just noticed the Queen also spell out gorey descriptions. Just an observation.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

That's like the medieval era. It's hard to explain without sounding like I'm defending them.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i think it was just his version of a dry humor, like when he was joking to Pa Oh about torturing the hwarang guys for 'mistreating' the king. he just laughed right after. in pa oh's case, they both know he won't actually do it (not that he even could at the time, since he's king in name only)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I truly madly deeply agree. SO MUCH ANGST WITHOUT ANY REASON - so boring. -.-

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

You know the acting/writing is a bit flat when a TPM quote is warranted. Thank you for the laugh!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I feel like this show is moving soo slow. I wanted more action, them finally uniting and fighting whoever threatens Silla. That's the Hwarang I want

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeah, it's not often that I want more politics and less romance. But after the delightful angst-free (for the most part) romances of Shopping King Louis and Weightlifting Fairy, this is super not interesting, 1st and 2nd lead both.

If Sunwoo has a fling with the princess, that might be more interesting.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm with you. At least they are not related (I hope).

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes, please!!! I ship Sun Woo with the princess :-)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Honestly, Im disappointed by Goh Ara's acting. I feel there's enough to her story to make Ah Ro to be interesting and deep. But she plays the part so flat and without depth. Honestly the crying scene was terrible, I had no sympathy for the character and I usually do.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I couldn't agree more! In fact, I think the drama as a whole is boring. 9 episodes and still couldn't capture my heart. I skipped most part and only stop when I see Ban Ryu, Su Hoo, Hansung and Yeo Wool. Ji Dwi's unrequited yet forceful love is suffocating, Aro constant frowning is loathful and Sun Woo i'm-in-love-with-you-but-i'm-just-going-to-pretend-to-be-your-brother is just plain boring! Seriously, I don't know if it is the storyline or the actors, everything just seems a mess and doesn't work well. I know I shouldn't compare and even though I hate the ending, the difference between this drama and Scarlet Heart Ryeo is that in SHR, they cast really good actors! The pain and suffering at least manage to reach the viewers. For this drama, only the part where Mak Mun died is really touching, but the others.. meh~

I hate Aro character, the constant damsel in distress is really getting on my nerves now. I feel like in this drama, I prefer the other two female actress, Soo Yeon and Princess Sook Myung. I think the princess did quite a good job playing a stoic and cold character. Even when she speaks, I found that her voice suits the Silla period setting.

I don't know, I would probably stop watching the drama now and just read the recap. Aro's character, coupled with the forceful Ji Dwi and Sun Woo naively stupid-but-holier-than-thou character just doesn't suit my taste.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I wanted Ji Dwi to hug her but if he did, his character would be blasted again for being un-gentleman. Sigh.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Actually I like how Ji-dwi already learned which boundary he couldn't crossed. He asked Ah ro whether she wants a hug and when he got no response, he just gave her space and followed her from behind. Not everyone need a hug when they are crying, imo.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@gadis: same here! I love how he lingers and keeps her at close watch without disturbing her thoughts..that's some kind of love from a king!

1

good he didn't hug her, else people wud be accusing him of groping

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I thought he was offering her a hankie, which would have been sweet albeit chiche, turned out it was a pouch of silver hehe!

At least he offered her a hug and shaded her face from the sun. Though overly persistent, I like Ji Dwi. Him and his sister. Can't it be JD-AR, SW-SM please?

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

*cliche

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i wish for those pairings too.. but alas

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i lol'd when he gave her money to stop her crying coz they're her favorite things!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I personally think this is the weakest episode as of yet. There was just too much angst, and A Ro crying just inheretly put me off. More than half the episode, she cried and cried and cried and just - I needed that to STOP.

Also, I do not like the princess character. It's a late introduction and I kind of see where the plot is going with her eventually pining for sun woo and - urgh nooo. It was already a love triangle; I DO NOT want it to be a square.

I just want me some bromance, some ban ryu and su oh moments and some soo yeon.

Here, dramabeans:

http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/zunairaghazal/media/Header%2022_zpsb24izgiq.jpg.html?o=0

http://s1266.photobucket.com/user/zunairaghazal/media/header_zpsfmawvjfn.jpg.html?o=1

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Whoa, those are so great! The one of Su Ho and Ban Ryu LOL!! It's a classic.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

LOL
Love Banryu-Suho header. The gate to a lifetime bromance is through piggybacking. ;-)

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am almost addicted to this drama. I couldn't wait for the the next episode to be released.
I found this episode moving slower than the previous episodes but this slow movement is highly essential for the upcoming bigger story threads(I guess...)
I always tend to laugh at the way Ah-ro cries. But this episode she became a total cry baby...^_^
I donot know whether to hate Ji-dwi or to like him.
I hate himmmmm.....at the same time looooooove himmmm...
The most admirable character in this episode was the princess. I can't wait to see what mess she is gonna cause in Hwarang.
Another prime thing ... I kind of felt like punching in that evil, wicked, notorious, stingy, disrespectful, inhumane, heartless,... minister's ugly, demonic, mainac face for trying to turn my cute, handsome Ban-ryu into something like him. I wish Ban-ryu escapes that evil mini's clutches and lives happily with Su-ho....errr....Su-ho's sis:-)
I found Ji-dwi sort of annoying and stupid perhaps.
I also wished for some funny scenes but was slightly disappointed ...
Anyway Hwarang has found a special place in my heart. Hoping for many iiinntereestiinngg.. things to happen.
and the much awaited Hwarang performance ..
Plzzzzz... Don't disappoint me shhowwwwwww...

0
9
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

0
9
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't understand. Should the King just give up on his feelings for her? I understand she has given clear answer to him about how she feels ..but should he stop courting and give up so easily on someone he thinks he loves?

Do we all give up on love that easily?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@sweet&sour That was not meant to offend anyone. Just wished to discuss a character in the drama. We can have different opinions as well. I hope you understand I wasn't being disrespectful in anyway.

0

I did too...I don't find him annoying. And rather than see his attention towards Ah ro has annoying or too much, I see it has him being persistent. He clearly knows she has no feelings for him (she's said as much), but he still has that hope, which I think has a lot more to do with her view of the king, than anything else. That's when he began to like her.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

We are on the same team. I could not find him annoying at all. I don't know if I am looking passed on all those arguements over him being un-gentleman is because of Park Hyung Sik's wonderful portrayal.

There is just something sweet and earnest about his action. I will just say that he is being persistent. Yes, he pesters her for her heart, she's clearly not interested but he still tries to woo her in a more playful and honest way, hoping that she would eventually feel touched and accept him. I don't see anything wrong about it as long as he maintains the boundary of respect towards the girl. I feel so bad and my heart bleeds for his unrequited love.

I always like Aro but she bawled way too much and Go Ara is just not good at crying.

My complaint about this show is how unfairly Ji Dwi being treated. Aro likes Sun Woo and I foresee, the same with Princess Sookmyung. So, the girl that he loves and his bride to be is in love and will love Sun Woo. Hmm, then who the hell going to love Ji Dwi? And he will continue being criticized for wooing an uninterested love interest. This is so unfair.

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

+1000 I'm seriously starting to resent Hwarang writers for torturing Hyungsik's character this way.

Pining over a girl who is not even remotely interested in you is not something I like/want to see Show! (most of the time in a love triangle, the girl would be torn between the two guys but it's not even the case here, she finds him obnoxious...that's so painful to watch, now I only wish he would get over her quickly and focus on what's more important at the moment : regaining his throne)...

Would it be possible for Ji Dwi to have another purpose in life other than clinging onto a girl who wouldn't give a shit even if he were to die? Something like bonding with the other hwarangs for example, earn their trust or working on reclaiming the throne. Give me that instead. I don't care about the main loveline, they are boring as hell and I don't feel any chemistry between them. I even prefer Ban Ryu/Sooyeon, their romance is more appealing. I want bromance, characters development, a bit of action, mind-blowing revelations............not unnecessary flashbacks, angst, crying....sigh/ Hope episode 10 will be better.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't even need him to have successful loveline (and to be honest, if Sookmyung did fall for Ji-dwi, I would feel weird). I just need him to find true friends within Hwarang. And maybe, hopefully, some understanding between him and Sookmyung since both of them live with similar restriction and expectation of their social role.

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

This is what we get from fusion sageuks. Useless romance with a king that would go nowhere. This is not King Sukjong and Cinderella Dong Yi from the Joseon era.

It would've been great to see how he is going to take the throne from his mother. He is nothing without her. The ones who are going to support him are the Hwarangs and his half sister. Maybe he should try and win them over instead.

0

Yeonhwa has no problem falling for her half brother, Wang So. LOL

In a way, because I know this is fusion sageuk, so sometimes some other factors like romance would cloud my judgement. If I am in for something serious, I would watch "Jang Young Shil" or "Jumong" instead.

At this juncture, I just hope Ji Dwi would get passed his crush or whatever feelings for Aro. If he is to stay away from her and just love her from afar, I would have hurt less seeing him taking a step back instead of going all out, pursuing his unrequited feeling. I would love for her to miss him once in a while but that is close to impossible. But in a way, I adore Ji Dwi for still setting his goal regarding his position as the King and the direction of how he wanted to build his nation. I hope to see him and his journey of becoming that great king.

Anyway, I don't know if it's just me, but I found Park Seo Joon tend to be overshadowed by his second male lead. Choi Si Woon took the spotlight in "She Was Pretty" and now Park Hyung Sik seems to command more attention, and they both happened to be acting idols.

0

I find him bland when doing serious roles / scenes. Not a bad actor per se but he just lacks that certain pull/punch... like you would feel that he's acting instead of giving life to the character.

0

What I liked: the new princess in town. I am always a fan of sageuk women with deep voices (Honey Lee for instance). As Lollypip said, having another female character in a story of mainly men and boys, is refreshing.

What I'm concerned about: That cruel streak in Ji Dwi. In this he is very similar to his mother. I'd so far taken Ji Dwi's threats to tear people apart as jokes, but this time he was serious. 1) How would any girl fall in love with such killer courting? 2) Is this how you intend to run your country as king? Ji Dwi needs to grow up fast.

What I wanted to see: the Hwarang dance, lol! I hope next episode finds a way for us to see the complete dance. Would be a shame for all that practice to go to waste.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Do not worry about Ji Dwi, as far as I know he was/is celebrated as a very good king of Shilla ^^

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So this episodes had fair share of crying and crying and some more crying. I got fed up and bored with it half way through. I like Ah Ro but she annoyed me a lot in this episode. Why did she not mourn her brother's death who loved her and longed for her so much. Instead she was wailing for Sun Woo's lies.

I wanted more Ban Ryu and his lady this week. More of them being sweet and romantic please ?

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm glad I'm not the only one who felt annoyed with how JiDwi approach AhRo. As much as I love ParkHyungShik (I mean just look at that preweeety face), I really really totally hates JiDwi right now. That is not the way to gain women heart bruh. I usually rooting for the the second lead but with JiDwi, I just cant. He just soo wrong with his moves. I liked him with PaOh, or with other Hwarang, even being the hidden king but loathe him when he with AhRo.

About BanRyu, I have a feeling (barely holding on a thin string) that he did not destroy the equipment. His dilemma is real, between saving his father who treated badly by sinister Minister Park and his newly found happiness and love towards SooYeon.

Finally .. the secret is out! I kind of understand AhRo being mad at the fact that Sunwoo is not her oraboni rather than the fact that her real oraboni is dead. Before Sunwoo arrived, she might have little faith her oraboni is still alive and have long settle with losing her oraboni for good. Then long lost oraboni was there, she was happy, then the person is not her oraboni. Betrayal is stronger than grief for her IMO.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

+1 He is just forcing his feelings onto her, although she is not one bit interested and stated as much at least 10th times through the course of this drama, added to the forceful kiss, the supposedly romantic scenes turn cheesy and uncomfortable..

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ban Ryu didn't do it...its gotta be his "friend...the one who got his but kicked by Sunwoo for beating up Makmoon, tried to drag Ah Ro away and was angry because he didn't become a Hwa rang warrior. It has to be him. Why else would they show him talking to Minister Park? Or even the scene where Minister Park was in the place where all the rejected men that didn't make it into Hwa rang congregated (in a past episode)?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ah, but I kin of *do* want it to be Ban Ryu - at least for now. I want him to lose at least one struggle with himself before truly joining the hwarang team.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

That is not the way to gain women heart bruh

One way to win her heart might be to save her from her predicament at the end of the episode. He could probably do it just by speaking up, and saving her ought to make her dislike him a little less, right?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This episode had too much filler. The plot didn’t move much. Too many flashbacks. I get that Ah Ro had to reflect about her feelings about Sun Woo and the truth about her brother, but Sun Woo’s flashbacks felt unnecessary.

I was really waiting for Hwarang’s dance performance and the aftermath of Ban Ryu’s task. AND the meeting between Ban Ryu and Soo Yeon.

I have not seen the actress playing Princess Sook Myung before. She looks so young, but her deep and mature voice threw me off. It’s kinda jarring. I am looking forward to seeing another strong female character though.

I started feeling it a bit more for Ji Dwi during the laundry scene when he confessed more of his feelings to Ah Ro and she completely ignored his question, asking about her brother instead. But then again, she has rejected him a few times already so I wish he’d get over her soon.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have seen the actress (Seo Ye Ji) who played the Princess only in films before: one as Queen Jeongsun (king yeongjo's 2nd queen) in the film Sado and as a noble woman in the film Seondal.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think Seo Ye-ji (the actress playing Sookmyung) purposefully deepened her voice a bit here. I watched her in Moorim and Potato Star before, and while she does have a deep voice, it's not to this extent.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Since AR doesn't seem to have some birth secret a relationship with Ji Dwi can never be anyway. Non shippers dont need to worry.

The bone rank system was law in Silla. Marriage outside the system was illegal and Ji dwi has a lot to lose. She can never be Queen consort since she is not sacred bone or even a concubine since she is not pure true bone.

Even though Jinheung and Seondek were sympathetic to low ranks and were patrons of talent in arts, science and agriculture they never repealed the law since it secured their right to the throne.

When it comes to a choice between the girl and the throne I think we all know what choice Ji Dwi will make.

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree with you. We all know what his ultimate choice will be.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Aware of that too. He is getting his heart broken and mend it by choosing his throne knowing that he could not get passed the bone rank system.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't think marrying outside your bone rank was illegal at all. In history some married below their rank even the "sacred bone." Just like Lord Ahn-ji in this drama. He married a low class servant and that's why Ah-ro is a half breed.

The strict "sacred bone" class didn't last at all. It ended with Queen Jin-deok. King Muyeol aka Kim Chunchu a true bone, ascended the throne after Queen Jin-deok.

0
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

but it was still very much in force in king jinheung's era, so if they're sticking with history in that aspect, SMJ would end up with the princess

even if it's not illegal, true bones marrying below their rank would 'fall from grace' and probably lose their status as in the case of ahn ji

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I didn't say it wasn't enforced. It was strict but that doesn't mean the "sacred bones" and "true bones" didn't marry below their ranks.
Sometimes they were forced to demote themselves to give up their status and power. That happened to
King Muyeol's father.
Lord Alcheon's father was a sacred bone but married a true bone so his son doesn't become a sacred bone and fight over the throne.

In this drama, Lord Ahn-ji probably married Ah-ro's mother for a couple reasons:
Maybe he was forced by the late king to marry someone else. Marrying his daughter would not produce an heir to the throne because he was just a true bone. Maybe he had a passion for medicine over politics. Maybe he wanted his children to be free to do what they want to do etc.

Of course Princess Sookmyung will end up with Jin-heung. She was his wife in history. I'd be surprised if they'll change it.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ Kiara - Illegal as in you would be down ranked, loss of status and assets etc.

Remember, Beopheung had promulgated it into law as opposed to just a societal practise.Silla remains the only country in the world to have legally enforced a caste system.

I agree the bone rank system was disentigrating this since there were very sacred bones and pure true bones left. BR and HS seem to also be the last pure true bone males of their families.

Cheonmyeong gave up her status and right to the throne by marrying a true bone.

The law did end feuding and secured the throne for the Kim family.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

@Moose
I get it thank you! You were talking about "illegal" and I was rambling about how the bone rank system was being strict.
I never thought of it as a law because it was something that the late king came up with. I just can't imagine the Hwabaek council agreeing to implement it knowing that it would make the royal family more powerful.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"Silla remains the only country to have enforced a caste system by law." Are you sure? Somehow I don't think so.

Also, sacred bones did not lose their bone rank simply because they married someone below their rank. They must have committed some unpardonable act themselves to be demoted (like eloping, being a bad usurper king etc.). And if you lose your bone rank, that means everybody deriving their bone rank from yours (i.e. Your children) will lose their rank as well. But your spouse who do not derive their bone rank from yours will not lose it simply because they married you.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Lollypip, I adore Sei Ye Ji as an actor too and I like her in reality even more. She is an exceptionally thoughtful, well spoken lady. By fangirling aside, I like how badass her character is. You're right about the unbalanced make female ratio in the show. But mostly, because she is clearly here to shake things up and she is no delicate flower.
I was also not convinced of Ahro's sorrow, it felt forced ant it didn't feel like her grief was authentic.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

my first thought at the princess´s sword dance was: "She is awesome. Can we just have everyone crushing on her instead?" But then I realized she would prob be super annoyed by that.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

But that super annoyed would be so entertaining. I can just see Han Sung leading them all, following her around like the puppy he is.

On a completely superficial note, I am totally jealous of her hair.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

That would be so much fun to watch! I also have hair envy. I have frizzy, curly hair, and I love it when it's flat-ironed. Too bad the Florida humidity destroys it in 3 seconds, lol!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

In the original Hwarang there were two female wonwha.
It's good to have more women inside the Hwarang camp.
Love Ah-ro friendship with Su-ho's sister and their conversations over the gate. They are just the best of friends but this princess will be the opposite.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Can someone just ARRESt the musical director of Hwarang, and throw him into a Shilla jail until this drama is over ?!!! Or even better never release him!!!!!

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, why?

There is one track that I particularly like, which they played when Sun Woo is sitting all miserable by the river.

I also like the cheerful track they played last episode when the boys are practicing their dance, even though it is completely modern. It seems to be the shows' theme song anyway.

This episode didn't have a lot going for it, honestly, so the music didn't have much to go by either.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

haha @wishfultoki xD Thats one way of seeing it!

I mean the directing is already horrible, the story lacking and the cherry on the cake is truly the music, even when a scene is finally good they have to ruin it with music. I even remember that in episode 2 or 3 when there was this intense and beautiful exchange between go ara and her fake brother about him being truly her brother, the music was so loud that I could barely hear what they were saying and it just ruined the intensity of the scene.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

YES PLEASE! ARREST THAT IMBECILE FOR RUINING THE MOOD WITH WRONG THEME MUSIC!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Glad someone mentioned the music. They play the same song by a female vocalist( a weak one) when each episode ends. The song is so 80' or 70's song that we used to hear when we watched insipid J-melodrama. It was not good back then, it is not terrible in this modern time!

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I hate that particular song by a female singer, sounded like the one from My Girl as was mentioned somewhere by girlfriday(?) (I think).

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Mistake: not 'it is not terrible' but 'it is terrible'

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Started this show wanting to see how being in Hwarang would help all of them grow -- so far the only people I see with much change in their characters are the ones beyond the main three. Glad to see more exposure from the others though. And yassss another strong lady in the mix -- Ah Ro started strong but somehow this whole mess seems to have sucked the spunk out of her completely. Hopefully we get that spunky girl back. I wish and hope that the Princess will not be turned into a simpering mess as well seeing that she started out quite good.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

A lot of scenes in this episode dragged on way too long, like Ah Ro's crying...and crying...and crying. I didn't connect with it emotionally, and mostly I just wanted to yell at her to go and ask either Sun Woo or her father WHY they made up this lie. She was way more upset about the betrayal than anything, which makes sense I guess.

I want to like Ji Dwi (probably because of how charming he can be), but he irritates me. Back off, dude! She has told him in no uncertain terms that she isn't interested. Go work on your friendships with the boys! Then you'd have their loyalties when you have your big king reveal. Grrr...

Still love Ban Ryu and the other boys. Especially Ban Ryu. I don't think he destroyed the drums, the scene of the squirrely guy presenting himself to the stepfather made it seem like he was the one doing the dirty.

The next episode looks like it's going to be much more interesting. Please give Ah Ro something to do other than angst, cry, or be a damsel in distress.

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Every time I look at AhRo now I keep thinking "angry birds eyebrows. ..angry birds eyebrows" . Someone had commented on those eyebrows earlier. Spot on.
I do like Ban Ryu. The actor playing him does a great job. The main characters though. ...I wish I could like them more .

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

For me it's the lower lip frown :( which she does both in serious and lighthearted moments. I hope she would just stop doing it.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes i really dislike the brows!!! V annoying

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

N the coloured contact lenses v artificial

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think, this is why AhRo cries so much. Her brother is dead, the guy that she thought was her brother wasn't her brother and lied to her when she actually started to trust him, confusion over feeling more for the guy she thought was her brother, finds out brother isn't brother after all, but brother is dead, felt relieve that brother isn't brother after all, but looking at him reminds her about dead brother, she's relieve that he wasn't the one to die, but does that mean she's glad that her brother is dead instead of boy-not-brother?

I am impressed her brain hasn't exploded.

I totally get her self loathing and her sense of betrayal, AhRo doesn'5 have a lot of friends, nor people ahe trusts, she doesn't even lean on her father. I think while Ji Gong life is about ideals, being a doctor who rarely gets paid, she's the one who has to get her hands dirty. Her life has been about jobs and getting her debt paid, about survival, so when sunwoo showed up, she decided to trust him, even to lean on him a little bit, so his lies and betrayal hit her hard.

Am i the only one who thinks that something is wrong with the princess's feet? They emphasis alot on her feet, and i dunno, was that her 'illness'? Everytime she opened her socks it seems like she's grimacing in pain. And she seemed to touched when SW said 'it's not the snakes fault to be born venomous. Just something on her face when he said that, maybe something wrong with her feet and SW saying that makes her feel better somehow? I dunno, maybe i'm thinking too much

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

I get Ah Ro's emotions. She just found out that her beloved brother is really dead and the guy she has been trying to convince herself she only has sisterly feelings for is really his friend. She is jumping from bereaved to relieved to guilty. Totally understandable. I understand what they are trying to show, but the acting just feels a bit off key. I'm not sure why. Perhaps because it reminds me of Jennifer Garner in Alias and how she had the same frown for almost every bad/difficult emotion. I've seen that expression for other situations, so I expected a different one for a more poignant/difficult one.

And yes, that feet thing was a bit odd. For a second, I thought Joss Whedon had taken over directing.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, Julia - you're right about her feet, I see that now but would have missed it without your comment. I wonder what it is.
Thanks also for your comments about AhRo and her mess of feelings. I was ready to write her off in this episode as bad writing plus poor acting but the way you put it changes my attitude. When she said about her father, what else are you hiding? I thought, now THAT is the right question, finally! Because it has seemed that she is responsible for a lot and he doesn't even really pay attention to what she's doing. Wouldn't it be odd that your daughter disappeared all day every day into the Hwarang compound? So her father has always seemed fishy to me.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Maybe it's because of Answer Me 1994 and because it's a fusion sageuk with so many modern touches, I feel like Aro should have a close relationship with her dad as they're each other's only family. You'd think she'd be more precious to him after his son's gone, or has his grief over his wife and son left him too broken to truly care for Aro? Yeah it is weird that he never confronted her for working at Hwarang House. When the Queen sort of taunted him with that tidbit, he looked worried. but nothing happened after that.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I felt the same way too I understand why she is so upset but she ended up crying at random times like in front of Master We Hwa which was a bit awkward to watch.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

About the princess's feet... Maybe she's splay-footed as the result of so much inbreeding?

0
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think they were taking a close shot of her feet on purpose. Maybe that's the point?

I would think that General Isabu and Queen regent Jiso would not be as closely related like she was with Sammaek-jong's father.

Anyway, glad she knows how to wield a sword. since she is a daughter of a great general.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Her father (i.e. King Beopheung) and General Kim Isabu are cousins.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Her uncle would still be closer right? I guess Sammaekjong was lucky.

0

Ji Dwi, really? You've just spent a day following a crying girl who told you the reason is that she's upset and angry at herself - and your best response to that is "I will make you mine?" Oh just BARF.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think the director intended to get us to "feel" Ah Ro's grief by overloading this episode with crying scenes. Goodness. I need more of the other boys, they balance out all this unnecessary angst going on.

Ah Ro has really become a huge liability now, she knows Sun Woos reality - which could get not only him killed, but her and her father. Im suprised Sun Woo didnt ask her how she found out and how many others know. But now she knows the King's secret. She's definitely going to blow it and put both boys in danger at some point.

Thank you for clarifying the whole inter-marriage thing. I was confused for a hot second why the Queen wants to marry the two - totally ick. As you said though, it was a different time and that's how things worked then.

Anyway, hoping the plot picks up next episode. I need more action!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Wait, I haven't seen the episode yet, ugh real life why, but is Ji Dwi's father not the previous king? Or is the princess' father not the previous king? If not the who is her father?

0
13
reply

Required fields are marked *

Off the top of my head, according to show canon, King Jinheung was the son of the previous king, King Beophung, and Beophung's niece, Queen Jiso. They married to produce a heir who would be sacred bone thus ensuring his right to the throne. Princess Sookmyung is the daughter of Queen Jiso and I think a general, though what general I couldn't tell you. He must have been sacred bone because Sookmyung is too. Therefore Sookmyung and Jinheung are half-siblings, who must marry in order to produce another heir who is sacred bone. It's difficult to figure out, but royal lineage is always a mess.

0
12
reply

Required fields are marked *

King Jinheung (Sammaekjong) was the nephew and grandson of the previous king.
King Beopheung did not have any "sacred bone" heir to the throne so he ordered his own daughter (current queen regent Jiso) to marry her uncle, her father's younger brother.

Princess Sookmyung is the queen's daughter with General Yi-sabu aka Isabu.

0
11
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

“belly rubbing” was mentioned by O_o :).

0

Yes, and Queen Dowager Jiso loved princess Sookmyeong over her other daughter-in-law, Lady Sado (the annoying Duke Young shil's daughter whom Sammaekjong married at 7 and was very much in love with)--obviously b/c she was her own daughter-- and made her King Jinheung's official queen when she produced a son. However, she fell in love with someone else and eloped (as half-siblings I guess they just didn't love each other that way). She was demoted to a true bone and Lady Sado became King Jinheung's official Queen and her second son was the next king, King Jinji.

0

Comment was deleted

0

I seriously have a hard time remembering who belongs to who lol.
Well, at least Sookmyeong's grandson ascended the throne as the rightful heir. Then the inbreeding continues with Kim Chunchu's parents....

0

No, she had a couple of sons with her second husband and they are prominent hwarangs appearing later on, but her son with King Jinheung or any of his descendants did not become kings of Silla. King Jinpyeong (Queen Sundeok's father and King Jinheung's grandson) was the son of Prince Dongryun, the eldest son of King Jinheung by Queen Sado. Prince Dongryun died early before his father so Jinheung wanted to make his grandson the heir. But his second son (King Jinji) supposedly usurped the throne.

0

I thought Dongryun was Sookmyeong son. Thanks for the correction.
I think it's time to go dig up my old notes from the attic lol. I'm going by memory here like SFD. It was until eps 40 that I decided to reread the translation of Taejo's annals.

0

Btw is this the Hwarang Segi's geneology or Samguk Sagi?

0

Queen Sado's descendants are confirmed history (in Samgook Sagi and Samgook Yusa) in that they were the future kings of Silla. On the other hand, Sookmyeong and her descendants only appear in Hwarang Segi.

0

I figured that's probably why it didn't sound familiar. The detail of the family tree would be from Hwarang Segi.

0

Kiara, do you have any further history references on this time period? I am a sucker for history but not much info I can get from google search on Silla and King Jinheung. Thanks!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi celia, I'm not really using the internet for historical informations but to help me explain it in English because it's not my 1st or 2nd language.
I have a stack of history books collecting dust somewhere that I need to reread and I had an amazing history teacher from years ago.

0

Wow, thanks for all the info, everyone! Does this mean Lady Sado will later appear as Sammaekjong's love interest?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This eps is a bit slow for me, too much brooding-flashback moments and not enough bromance (or even some rivalry).

Sigh, Ban-ryu, you tragic boy. You would totally regret it and hate yourself for ruining that festival. Not that you care about the queen, but those 5 boys and that 1 special girl already stole too much space in your heart for you to disappoint them like that. It's okay, though, you can learn from that mistake. Baby steps.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I really believe he didn´t do it. he had already made the decision when he hid the knife in the sleeve. I am glad they cant take his fingerprints at the time....then again, I am worried there´ll be a misunderstanding and everyone will blame him and he will become even more closed in. even if he screams or beats it into them or goes crazy, I just want him to just spill it instead of brewing on his own.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

After reading the recap, I realized that I forgot about Kang Sung and the possibility of him as a backup plan for Minister Park. I really hope it's not Ban-ryu who did that. And I also worried that he will just let them accused him for that incident, much like what happened between him and Soo-yeon.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think it makes sense for Ah Ro to be so upset with Sun Woo. Over the past few episodes we've seen her struggle over her feelings for him and whether or not he was really her brother. I think deep down she always knew but her want of having someone look after was what won over her doubts about him. When she said that she felt disgusting was really sad to me she had spent so much time calling him brother and finding out that her real brother is dead probably made her feel like she was hurting his memory.
The only thing I didn't like was how she didn't confront her father and is just taking out all her anger on Sun Woo. Although I wish Sun Woo would of apologized instead of just telling her to live with it, a heartfelt apology can go a long way.

The princess though! I did not expect her to be this type of strong character with a sword too! I want to see what more can happen with her in the hwarang house.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree this eposide was slow...the first half with all the mopping/crying. I too did not feel their pain... both guys centered on crying AhRo...Sunwoo felt flat too. Jidwhi was a bit annoying but you could still feel his emotions/intensity... I like the princess but she was also kind of just thrown in there...the flow for this episode was off, as others have said..too many flashbacks...did they really need to kill time? If this was preproduced you'd think they would have more to fill the time no? Oh well...hoping tonight 's episode will be better. Thanks for the recap!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm really dissapointed in this drama. Maybe it's just me but when I was reading the synopsis for this drama, I wasn't expecting a love hexagon with lots of crying, brooding faces and silla-pop.

At first, I was rooting for ah ro and the king, but I wish we would do away with the romance now and focus on the growth of these young men as the future of silla. That is the main story that surprisingly gets little attention.

Plus, I don't know how the writer want to push for a romance between sun woo and ah ro. Since he's determined to keep being her brother, and he'll most likely be seen as her brother by the whole world, what will they do? Sibling fights in the day and moon lovers at night? As if that is not enough, we now have another princess set to whine for sunwoo's attention, given her budding attraction to him in this episode. Jeez..

If nothing interesting happens by episode 10, i'm dropping this drama.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yup. Precisely all the reasons you stated.

I was enjoying it up until the romance angst began to take waaay too much screen time. I just can't get onboard with SunWoo and AhRo being lovers. I just can't help but feel grossed out by it given that he's determined to act as her brother, up until now she's made to believe he's her brother AND everyone thinks they are siblings.

I also wish they developed Bal Ryu's trajectory more. For someone who vehemently refused to be a Hwarang his loyalty is happening way too fast to be believable. Good thing JiHan is doing a good job showing his inner conflict but where is all this loyalty coming from? He was just recently bullying SunWoo. Why the sudden change of heart?

I'll watch one more episode next week but if no improvement, I think I'll just drop it

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

OK I'm glad that it wasn't just me who was let down by this epsiode. First not enough SunWoo I feel like he talked more in the flash backs then the rest of the episode. And I get that AhRo is upset and it's understandable especially after she tells us why, but does she have to cry the whole epsiode??? Also I didn't laugh the whole time. Where is the balance that you were doing so well with?!? And Ji Dwi needs to back off some. I felt smothered by him for AhRo. And when you are that upset a girl just wants to be alone!

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree with everything you said, especially this: I didn't laugh once during this episode. I need more boy-bonding time. I like Ah Ro and understand her confusion, but she can't take up the whole episode with her crying. Do something about it girl! Ask your father, first of all. Or does she believe Sun Woo has deceived her father too?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm fine with sam maek jong's courting. isn't love supposed to be nurtured?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm fine with it too. But since she keeps rejecting him, he should get on with it already. I feel worse when she rejects him than when he courts her.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The first half of the episode felt slow. I dunno, maybe the slow internet connection affected my patience in this one. So I'm pretty glad when the gayageum started playing and it will be about the performance preparations again. The stretching scene was gold! It seems like the actors are just playing on set.

At first, I thought Sookmyung will be the girly-girl type so I am surprised to hear her voice( which is pretty deep). Somehow, she felt like the mini-version of the Queen in the Hwarang.

The ending was good though.

P.S. Maybe it was Kang Sung who wrecked the instruments. Without them, well the Hwarang could just make music out of themselves.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

The pace of the first half of the episode really was definitely off. As mentioned in the other comments, there were a lot of flashbacks. It felt that they were trying to pull a Goblin on us. And the script had Aro crying a lot without doing much. And I'm sure we were all waiting for the Hwarang's dance performance and having a depressing interlude in the middle doesn't help. I was hoping Aro was going to help out more with the dance performance and further integrate her with the Hwaranf. I really liked the moment when Yeo wool found her and pulled her over to help out...like she's everyone's sister.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ah, Yeo Wool, haha. Somewhat, I'm kinda waiting for the drama to fully show the 6 hwarangs and even Aro, as a group. Maybe, I'm being too greedy in here but I'm kinda happy that the Hwarangs on the fringes, Yeo Wool and Han Sung, are interacting more with the main cast.

P.S. Han sung is so cute when he asked Aro for help in tying his belt.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So a lot of people voiced my opinion already on this drama. I too really can't feel AR at all. Now it's really approaching on annoying. I feel like she has negative chemistry with both boys. I think it's more that their characters aren't well written at all either.

I really just want the JD and AR line to end. He is getting really annoying with that. I do understand his background and maybe some of it is translation thing - for some reason even with PHS, it's just now strangely stalkerish and JD needs to just move on.

PSJ is doing a good job but can only do so much. I feel nothing for his loveline and not much for his character either. It's odd - maybe I had too high expectations but I even didn't mind his last drama character as much of a jerk that he was in that one. I don't know, maybe it's just not connecting with me for some reason.

I still have a lot of hope that it will get better and these are just some hiccups. I have watched much worse kdramas and liked them. So it's still possible with this one. It has potential to be really good. Right now it's just ok.

I am rooting for JD - not to get any girl but to get his throne back. I want to see smart plays in there. I love a good old fashion love story but it just doesn't seem to be too strong here. Maybe the production is just saving the best for the second half and are holding back on us? :)

Hope ep 10 is better!! Off to watch it soon.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am praying and hoping they won't go the Moon Lovers' way. Wasting too much time on the first half on something irrelevant and then compressing as much meaty plot in the second half.

Same with you, of all the Hwarang boys, I am rooting for Ji Dwi. At this juncture, the bromance between the boys are just preliminary and they have yet to establish strong bond for us to see how they will tackle the issues with betrayal and loyalty among them. And Ji Dwi has yet to have his own strong support system to remove his mother and take over the throne.

I love the loveline between Aro and Ji Dwi because of the amazing chemistry between Park Hyung Sik and Go Ara. Now that the main OTP loveline is to develop further, in this case, totally bland like a white bread, I totally lost interest in the romance section.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Who else feels like the princess is more suited to be king? I'm kind of hoping for her to be paired up with Suho or Hansung, someone puppyish.

I'm probably the only one who got choked up when Aro confronted Sunwoo about his identity. I think the writing and directing did that scene...her grief and her torn emotions...a disservice by having her crying here and there and everywhere for an entire episode. Because then the sad feelings I felt for her and her internal conflict was then watered down. She could have a had a heart to heart convo with her friend or father. Or maybe have an internal convo with Sunwoo.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree that having her cry everywhere and all day made that initial crying a disservice. Her reaction to discovering that Sun Woo was not her brother was believable. However, having her sob for the next 20 minutes probably didn't please most viewers. It was frustrating that she did nothing about it: not ask her father, not ask Sun Woo why he did it. I'm guessing the director had a plan, and it was to have the performance in episode 10. This episode is basically a melancholic filler. *sigh*

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

YES ! ! ! Yes, yes, yes! I am so over Ji-dwi's bizarre ways of wooing, like . . . I'm sorry, but no. She doesn't like you, get over it. And focus on getting your throne, lol.

Also, Ban-ryu's and Soo-yeon's romance line is sucking me in so much, they're my favorite part of each episode. Ah, they're so cute! She's such a bubbly darling and he's such a conflicted character and they're just so . . . perfect. + There's the whole Su-ho issue, lol. I just. Wow. Love them so much.

At this point, I just want Ah-ro to learn that the real reason her brother died was because he saw the king's face. Especially now that she's the only person who knows who the king is. Like! Get that plotline going! I want it! ASAP!

& I actually like this new princess. She's obviously very badass and I agree about the male-female ratio being very skewed, but that was also something expected when the whole plotline is basically boys becoming bros. Which! On that topic! Why are we not getting more boys becoming bros? There's so much love triangle and flashbacks that not even attention is being focused on like . . . the boys. Being together and nurturing friendships and having each other's backs. I want more of that.

I also understand that all these political machinations are essential to the plot (actually wait . . . are they really so essentially that 1 / 5 of the episode is wasted on them . . . I think not) but like. No. It's so boring watching old men be like, "Take down the queen! How do we do it? Hate her!" Like . . . we get it . . . be more competent in your plots . . . can we skip these useless guys complaining . . . ? I just can't with them.

Oh! And I also paused all the screenshots that played like art at the beginning of the very first episode and there were so many interesting shots! A lot of the plotline is captured in those few scenes so if you want to sort of see where the story will be going definitely go back and check it out. You'll just have to hit pause like a spaz, lol. (Super interesting, though!)

Anyways . . . Ban-ryu & Soo-yeon . . . give me more cute scenes with them, basically . . . thanks! ♥︎

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I do sympathize with Ji Dwi. Though he may hold the crown as king, no one knows he, is even his mother doesn't recognize his efforts perhaps to start properly ruling Silla. He lived away from his home and lived warily that someone will come kill him. Thus, his sleepless nights. Ah Ro seemed to be his lifeline, where he can let his guards down and sleep peacefully even in the middle of the crowd. Although he has the pride and power of the king, Ah Ro hasn't known that and while all his subjects mock the faceless king, Ah Ro crept inside him as she sees through the faceless king's heart with pity and understanding of his predicament. Perhaps the king's pride stops him from admitting how powerless he is against his mother.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

For me, I could be emphatic with Ah-Ro's character when she cries the whole day back to her house. She thought she had finally found her brother and that their family is complete once more. And now she finds out for real that not only Sun-Woo is not her real brother but also her real brother had died. It was as if she lost her brother all over again and this time, there is no option of waiting for him to return. It would make her feel like her whole world crumbled upon her. Of course, it would be arguable that the scenes wouldn't need to be so long. Also, she is doubly confused by her want of Sun-Woo as her brother as well as a man. (Well, she so screwed in trying to figure that one out while we watch on the sidelines).

As for Ji-Dwi, well, he is a boy who had grown up with a silver spoon and I think in his perspective, it just irks him that this girl whom he has ardently pursued is not reciprocating his feelings and he just can't let that go. Though the part where he tries to console her with silver and failing, and continuing with threats to kill the man who made her cry, made me laugh so much! He's a hopeless when it comes to courting. (Well, for all these years he only had his attendant by his side; who is as hopeless in love as he haha).

Hwarang, for me came without much expectations (I was so traumatized by Scarlet Heart that it will forever scar my heart with all the time wasted in angst) but surprisingly, Hwarang is growing and I have some kind of fondness to it. Well, here's to following weeks of waiting, binge-ing and more waiting~

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm still nursing the scars from Scarlet Heart but that drama to me was adddicting like crack. This one bores me when it gets too focused on the loveline. I hope they focus more on the bromance and comedy.. It's what the show does best :D

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Gosh, that's one close inbreeding. I'm surprised Silla royal family lasted that long without any prominent mental and physical impairment caused by the inbreeding.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

highlights of this episode:
badass princess sookmyung (i’ve been waiting for her to appear forever)
ban ryu
sam maek jong

i found the first half of the episode really boring and i feel like the plot is progressing so slowly and hate the way ah ro is written. she finds out her brother died but all she cares about is the fact that some guy lied to her and she likes/hates that he’s not her brother?? like she spent the whole first half crying over that wtf writers

and when will the hwarang finally perform?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

and when will the hwarang finally perform?

Agreed! Too much crying, too little boy band shenanigans!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Agree!

I'd have accepted it if she cried over the loss of her brother and not over the mixed feelings for Sun Woo. It was also quite unfair for Sun Woo to take all the blame. He's been through so much already.

Getting tired of Ah ro and her feelings for err her so called brother. I find no chemistry between her and Sun Woo though I truly like Sun Woos character and have no problem with hers except for her inconsitent personality issues.
I'm rooting for the princess and Sun Woo instead. They do have chemistry for me.

Jwi Di is super cute and well played by the actor. Though i doubt he really is in love with Ah Ro. But his confusion is totally acceptable for me. I find the fact that love makes him do so many odd things very relatable. But though his passion for her can get the best of him and may be a bit disrespectful to our current taste, it is understandable considering his backgound. I like that he knows what he wants and is very honest about it. If only guys this generation could be more decisive as he is and would pursue women with as much fervor as he does.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

wait if the princess is Ji-dwi's half-sister, and is the daughter of the queen, is the queen not Ji-dwi's biological mother?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

She is Ji-dwi's biological mother. Ji-dwi and Princess Sookmyung have a different father, hence she is his half-sister.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

She is Ji-dwi's biological mother. Ji-dwi and Princess Sookmyung have a different father, hence she is his half-sister.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The only pairing I'm invested in for this drama is Ban Ryu and Soo-Yeon. Go, you little star-crossed lovebirds, go!

The others?

1. Ah Ro, it doesn't matter if it's not really your brother, because everybody else thinks he is your brother. So, hands off. Also, perhaps consider how maybe being with the King would mean you wouldn't have to take weird odd jobs to stay afloat. Just sayin'.

2. Ji Dwi, darlin', she's just not that into you. And you only want her because she's the first girl you've been in close quarters with. OTOH, incest. :shudder: (I know, I know. The laws of my tribe are not the laws of the universe, but still. Hapsburg jaw is all I'm saying.)

3. Su-ho, put that back in your pants before I lose my patience!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I just find Ban Ryu and Soo Yeon adorable. More scenes for them please..

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

same, i'm willing to sit through half an hour of ahro crying if that means more ban ryu and soo yeon

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Why does Princes Sookmyung's voice doesn't match her face, she sounds so mature...

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I felt the same way too. Was totally shocked when I first heard her voice yesterday. I thought she would be one of those soft spoken ladies. But hot damn! Her deep voice is sexy to me. I just love deep & husky voices ?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

What i don't like in this episode is the way Aro actually knew that Sunwoo is not her brother in her conversation with Wooreuk. I get the gist that she kept doubtful about Sunwoo being her brother. But i really thought that she wanted to give it a go/ a chance when she nurses Sunwoo injuries (after Sunwoo saves her from the scarface & in the store). So i was hoping that there are more scenes of Aro asking Moomyung who he really is after knowing that other people is doubtful about Sunwoo. Not the scene earlier in this episode. And before the scene, shouldnt Aro act even more distant & awkward towards Sunwoo because she is already knew that other people is doubtful about him. So shouldnt she approach Moomyung earlier. Even if she hoped that Moomyung tells the truth, i dont see the monologue that depicts this. So i find the conflict is kinda fast, a shock & unnatural. I must kowtow to Park Seo Joon. He just uses his facial expression to show his emotions. I would love that his monologue is more. Cant wait to watch ep 10 tonite.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

the writer sucks.

last week the story was getting so good yet now the pacing slows down yet again. ugh.
this week's eps focus on all the wrong things in this drama (romance! ah ro! the queen!) but not enough of the good ones (bromance! hwarang! SMJ's journey to becoming king! SW birth secret!)

i also hate how she/he writes the female characters. the fact that almost all the female charas are prolly miscasted is not helping.

ah ro is just annoying with all her crying and for all the wrong things. she should be mourning for her dead bro instead of angsting endlessly over her hurt feelings. i just cant fathom what the 2 boys see in her to fall in love so quickly. the damsel in distress act is getting old. Go Ara needs to learn that there is more than one way of crying to project sadness/anger/frustration. wailing like a 5 yo each time is not how we would realistically cry in real life.

at this point i'm loving soo yeon more- she's loyal and brave and simply FUN. (prettier too imo)

the queen is like a big baby prone to tantrums- no depth nor gravitas or even a queenly charm.

princess sookmyung has the potential to be interesting, but so far seo ye ji's potrayal of her just make her seem wooden.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i think ji dwi keep pushing ah ro because he think that she likes him back but avoiding him only because her brother doesn't agree, that's why she cried and blame herself (for liking ji dwi) that day

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

curiously tho, princess sookmyung shows no sign of recognizing sammaek jong, while he seems to know who she is from first meeting.. did she not know her brother at all?

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love Ji Dwi's character so much but everytime he's around Ah Ro I just want to head- desk. It makes no sense to make his character so mature and likable and then turn him so obliviously annoying around a girl who he only likes because her erotic stories made him sleepy. Wut.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

can someone enlighten me on why Ban-ryu is a step son of Park Young Shil while his real dad is still alive and close to Park Young Shil...?? honestly so confused, perhaps a historical context could help.
and as for Princess Sookmyung, so Queen Jiso was allowed to remarry after Sammaekjong's father's death?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

can someone enlighten me on why Ban-ryu is a step son of Park Young Shil

The subtitles I'm seeing translate it as 'godson'. A 'godfather' is someone who is appointed to help look out for the child in the absence of the parents (instead of a relative), so I'm assuming Ban Ryu is just the one Park Young Shil has chosen to mentor.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

omg, thanks! I guess subs really do make a difference :/ yes godson makes way more sense

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am more interested in the relationships and bond that will grow between the boys and each character's development in the story and the impact of Sun Woo's real identity in the storyline. The show mainly focuses on the love story among the 3 lead characters making it boring. I don't blame Go Ara for crying most of the time in the drama, she was just being instructed to do so...I just don't like the way she cries. She cries like a 5 yr old kid.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have no idea why either of our heroes likes that frowning petulant girl. Stop bashing Ji Dwi he continues to pursue her because he likes her even if I don't. She's wishy washy anyway and like he said for all that spunk she's pretty dumb. I like their interactions better than those with her "brother". It is a testament to Seo Kang joon's acting that he can pull a tiny spark of chemistry out of this one note performance she's giving.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for the recap, LP!

Didn't seem like much happened in this ep. There was a lot of crying by AR, and it felt kinda draggy. I wish there wasn't so much heartache and sadness for SW and AR. But the confrontation was expected, so better sooner than later. I was just saddened to see the light dimming in SW's eyes after finding "family" to be with. Hope AR can resolve her internal conflict soon and they can patch things up again.

I like PHS, but JD character annoys me. The whole tearing limbs out proposal or making someone go through the boiling punishment... Just ain't attractive to me. And yes, how many times has AR said no already? I appreciated that he kept a distance away after seeing her sobbing, at least an improvement from before. But he's just so in her face all the time. Give the girl some space and maybe work on developing a friendship first.

Finally get to see Princess SM making her appearance. I like SYJ as well and I'm curious what she's gonna bring to the table in terms of shaking things up in Hwarang headquarters or the leads' relationships. I thought the whole exchange between her and SW was interesting. His words gave her something to mull over. She seems sensitive about her feet and I wonder if she has problems (some sorta born defect) with her feet, or if her illness is related to that.

I don't think BR went through with the drum slashing and I hope to see more of him with SY. I'm glad this poor guy at least has someone be a joy or glimmer of hope in his life.

I like SH and find him sweet in his own ways, such as always seeming to know about BR and offering his rice to JD, which surprised him.

I don't like the queen and it's about time that she learns she can't just kill off every single person who has seen the king's face. I'm also waiting for the conflict that will go down later with JD and AR when she finds out the reason her brother died.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hey can anyone tell me the song playing at the scene where Aro is crying and telling Jidwi why she's crying? It's not a part of the OST...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This is my first time commenting for this drama because I'm so confused, if anybody sees this please answer this question.
Is the Princess, Ji dwi's sister? Because the show keeps reffereing to her as the Queens duaghter so doesn't that make them siblings?
Oh gosh does that mean more incest ? XD

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The princess is his half sister. They have the same mother but different father.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I shucked when the queen told Ji-dwi that he must marry Princess Sookmyung , isn't she his sister?! So how can they marry each other ?!!!!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

i call BS on the whole thing.
JUST because she didn't confront her father. that's a huge, huge gap.
1. why does she automatically think that he knows? why doesn't she want answers and her brother's grave?

2. why wouldn't she check that he knows? would she really not make sure that her father isn't being deceived?? especially since it's happened before. did they forget their own story??

3. why can't people learn to eavesdrop?? when you hear a big reveal LEAVE! don't stand around to get caught! wtf

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Go Ara has a lot more chemistry with Park Hyung Sik than she has with Park Seo Joon.. And something about HS.. is just sooo.. He just draws your attention and you can't help but focus on him. No offense to PSJ and GARA...

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *