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Rescue Me: Episode 3

The focus shifts from our insidious cult toward our band of friends and their own problems in this hour. As it turns out, there is just as much corruption and moral bankruptcy in the world outside of the cult, and the deciding factor comes down to what each of our heroes are willing to do in the face of injustice—will they stand by to save face, or will they stand up for what’s right?

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EPISODE 3 RECAP

At Sang-jin’s funeral, Sang-mi offers a cup of water to her mother, who angrily rejects it as she asks how anyone can continue on after what happened to Sang-jin. Dad soothes his wife, telling her not to take out her grief on Sang-mi, and she apologizes to Sang-mi for the outburst.

Mom laments over not being able to protect her own child, and she is overcome with grief, so much so that Dad tells Sang-mi to get some fresh air while he consoles Mom.

Meanwhile, Sang-hwan arrives at the funeral and runs into Sang-mi as he enters. Outside, he apologizes for abandoning Sang-jin, but Sang-mi asks why Sang-hwan approached her first if he was just going to act like this.

We flash back to an earlier P.E. Class, where we see Sang-mi without a partner as the rest of her classmates play volleyball around her. Sang-hwan approaches her then, properly introducing himself and Dong-chul before asking if she wants to partner with them. Though, he does ask playfully if kids from Seoul even know how to play volleyball.

Cut to: Sang-mi expertly spiking the ball at Sang-hwan over and over again as he flinches away from each solid hit. Ha. Sang-hwan tells Dong-chul (who’d been watching the spectacle with his mouth agape) to take over, but one spike from Sang-mi is enough to send Dong-chul sprawling backward as the rest of the class watches on in awe.

Sang-mi goes to spike the ball again, but Sang-hwan yells for her to stop, and she giggles to herself briefly. Sang-hwan notes this is the first time he’s seen her smile.

He remarks to Dong-chul that she is cute when she smiles. But this comment causes her to go back to her typical stoic state, and she quickly spikes the ball at them again. Ha.

Afterward, Sang-hwan offers her a sports drink, saying that spiking the ball with her small hands must be tiring. She counters that she was on the volleyball team with those hands before telling him to drink it, since getting hit by all those spikes must have been tiring.

Flustered, Sang-hwan tells her that he didn’t get hit by the spikes—instead, he claims he let her hit him. Sang-mi is unmoved, and questions why Sang-hwan is treating her like this. “Is it because I’m new here and alone all the time? Are you pitying me?” she asks flatly.

“We’re friends. Why does there have to be a reason?” Sang-hwan counters. “We’re in the same class, which means we’re friends. Do people in Seoul need a reason for befriending someone?”

Back in the present and with that memory fresh in her mind, Sang-mi tells Sang-hwan to stay out of her sight, and he looks remorseful as she turns her back and leaves.

Still at the police station, Dong-chul wipes his hand over his face as he remembers seeing Sang-jin lying dead. Lee Kang-soo, the detective who interviewed Dong-chul, tries to report his findings to his seemingly corrupt colleague as he claims that there was violence involved, but his colleague interrupts him to say that Sang-jin was mentally troubled and attempted suicide in the past. The colleague confirms that Sang-jin fell on his own accord, and tells Detective Lee to send the kids home.

Besides, the corrupt colleague says, the school called and told them not to make a fuss about the case, adding that if they close the case quietly, “those kids” can still have a bright future. Just then, the father of one of the bullies barges in to complain about how his son is being treated. He claims that Dong-chul assaulted his son, but the corrupt detective placates him with news that his son is being released while Detective Lee rolls his eyes.

Detective Lee leads the group of bullies out of the station with their parents, and the parents complain at the detective about how unfair this situation is for their children. The detective mollifies them, but once they drive off, he grumbles about their awful parenting.

Sang-hwan and gang arrive just in time to see the bullies driving away, and they ask why they all got released while Dong-chul is still stuck in the station. Detective Lee angrily yells at the gang that it’s not their business, but he changes his tone when he learns that Sang-hwan is the governor’s son.

Detective Lee tells them that the bullies charged Dong-chul with assault, so they still have to investigate that, which means that they can’t release Dong-chul until that case is settled.

Back at the funeral, Mom screams in grief and agony as Sang-jin is cremated. Dad cries silently as he helps support Mom, but the grief is too much for Sang-mi, who bolts out of the building, crying. She nearly runs into Disciple Jo, who jokes with another (mute?) disciple that Sang-mi just needs to relieve herself in the wilderness to feel better.

Sang-mi stumbles to a nearby cliff, crying, “Oppa, I’m sorry. I should’ve protected you.” She keeps taking small steps toward the edge as she adds, “Oppa, to be honest, it was so difficult to be with you. So… so sometimes I wished that… I sometimes wished that…”

Overcome, Sang-mi continues to inch forward until she’s about to plummet over… only for an arm to suddenly reach out and pull her back to safety.

It’s Disciple Jo, who pulls her close and wipes away her tears while he tells her menacingly, “You should be more careful. You have a bright future ahead of you.” Sang-mi can only tremble and utter a half-scream as she stares back at him.

In his holding cell, Dong-chul awakens from his slumber and sees a boy curled up in a ball outside the cell, crying to himself. Upon closer inspection, Dong-chul sees that it’s Sang-jin staring back at him pitifully before he’s jarred awake from his nightmare by Detective Lee, who tells him that he’s free to go since the assault charges were dropped.

The flowerbed Sang-jin landed in is replaced with fresh flowers as news reaches the classroom that Dong-chul has been expelled. Sang-hwan gets up to find him, only for Dong-chul to barge into the classroom and grumpily take his normal seat.

The teacher chides Dong-chul for still coming to class and ignoring the principal’s instruction to stay home. Unable to take it any longer, Sang-hwan stands up and confronts the teacher about the injustice of Dong-chul being expelled instead of the bullies.

The teacher tells Sang-hwan that she’s only holding back from yelling at him because his father is the governor, and this finally makes Dong-chul get up and leave. Sang-hwan follows and implores him to fight back, but Dong-chul knows it’s useless.

Dong-chul calmly points out that all anyone thinks about when they look at Sang-hwan is his father, the governor. But for him, he says, all people see is his roughneck, alcoholic father. “From the principal to the police, no one listens to me no matter how hard I try to explain. You know that too. So don’t waste your energy like this,” Dong-chul says.

Dong-chul turns to leave a momentarily stunned Sang-hwan, who calls out, “Seok Dong-chul! No one else can define who you are! I never thought of your father when I looked at you.” Sang-hwan encourages Dong-chul to keep his head held high, and Dong-chul returns the same encouragement to Sang-hwan.

Later that night, Sang-hwan’s crew goes out drinking as they wait for Sang-hwan to finish helping with his father’s campaign. Dong-chul leaves for a cigarette, but sees the group of bullies out in the street enjoying themselves and takes off after them.

Sang-hwan arrives and hears about the situation from Jung-hoon and Man-hee, and the three of them run through the streets to find Dong-chul.

After cornering the leader of the bullies alone, Dong-chul attacks him, quickly gaining the upper hand. “Scum,” Dong-chul says. “Someone died because of you. How can you laugh?” When the bully refuses to repent, Dong-chul beats him into submission after taking a few good hits himself.

Crying, the leader agrees to confess everything to the police, claiming that he’s sorry for Sang-jin’s suicide and the fact that Dong-chul got expelled. Placated, Dong-chul begins to lead the bully to the police station, but gets distracted when he hears Sang-hwan calling out his name.

The bully uses this opportunity to grab a discarded umbrella and stab Dong-chul in the chest with it, grinding it in as Dong-chul screams in pain. Sang-hwan intervenes by smashing a bottle over the bully’s head and attempts to lead a bleeding Dong-chul to safety, but the bully lunges at Dong-chul, and the two tumble down an embankment together.

Dong-chul comes up no worse for wear, but he sees with horror that the bully landed directly on a rock, and now lies unnaturally contorted on top of it.

At the Im home, a wild-eyed Mom urges Sang-mi to open the door, hysterically believing that Sang-jin is outside and can’t get in. Dad tries to shake her into the reality that Sang-jin is no longer here, but she just lashes out at both Dad and Sang-mi that it’s their fault before running to open the door herself, claiming that she can see Sang-jin shivering just outside.

At the hospital, the bully is out of surgery, but though the doctors saved his life, they inform his father that his spine is severely damaged, and he likely won’t walk again.

Yong-min’s campaign manager briefs him on Sang-hwan’s situation: The police are only revealing Dong-chul’s involvement so far, and Yong-min must ensure that Dong-chul takes all of the blame. She tells Yong-min that they can get Dong-chul out after the election, and he reluctantly agrees.

At home, Sang-mi goes through Sang-jin’s drawers and finds the church pamphlet. It reminds her of Sang-jin’s last words (“I don’t think anyone will listen to my prayers”), and she quickly recoils.

Elsewhere, Yong-min meets with Detective Lee and pointedly takes a call from a police chief, telling the chief that he knows an officer who is fit to fill an open team leader position in the force.

With the bribery out of the way, Yong-min tells Detective Lee that his son is too shocked to testify in person, and Detective Lee offers to accept a written statement instead.

They share a meal together, and Yong-min asks if he can consider Detective Lee to be family now that they’ve shared a meal together. Overwhelmed by what this means, Detective Lee responds by offering his complete loyalty to Yong-min.

Back at Guseonwon, Disciple Jo catches Father Baek heading out and tries to strike up a conversation as he wonders if Father Baek is nostalgic for “the old days.” Father Baek lets out a short chuckle and replies, “I was a sinner in the past, but I’m a new man now.”

Father Baek takes his leave, but Disciple Jo interrupts to question why Father Baek is taking care of the Im family. Father Baek responds that it’s because of a revelation from New Heaven’s God, but Disciple Jo laughs it off and tells him to be honest.

Wiggling his pinky at Father Baek, Disciple Jo seems to insinuate that Baek has seduction on his mind when it comes to Sang-mi, but Father Baek just gives him a long-suffering sigh and explains that while he left Guseonwon’s affairs up to Disciple Jo, he is the one in charge of saving souls.

“Sang-mi is the most chaste of maidens who will allow us to board the ship of salvation,” Father Baek adds before reminding Disciple Jo that he should look at the situation through the eyes of the soul, rather than through the eyes of the world. He levels Jo with an intense stare as he says this, then leaves.

At the police station, Detective Lee arrives from his meeting with Yong-min to find Sang-hwan there, asking why the police won’t take his testimony. Detective Lee offers an excuse that the testimony isn’t credible because Sang-hwan knows the perpetrator.

Sang-hwan asks if the police would be doing this if Dong-chul’s parents were more powerful, and Detective Lee warns that the best thing for Dong-chul right now is for Sang-hwan to stay out of it.

Meanwhile, Father Baek calls Disciple Kang Eun-shil and tells her to take extra care of Sang-mi and her family while he is out of town.

The next day, Disciples Kang and Jo visit the Im household, and Disciple Kang leads a prayer for Mom, who’s now bedridden with grief. The disciples claim that New Heaven’s God must have a plan for them and that this ordeal must be preparation for that.

Outside his mother’s hospital, Sang-hwan reveals to his father that he plans to testify at Dong-chul’s trial. Yong-min rebuts that he will get Dong-chul out after the election, so he wants Sang-hwan to refrain from testifying, admitting that he could lose the election if Sang-hwan goes to court. If he wins, his father claims, he can make Sang-hwan’s mother healthy again.

They head into her hospital room to find a cluster of reporters waiting. It’s a carefully constructed campaign publicity stunt so that Yong-min can show how he supports his wife through her poor health, and he takes full advantage of the opportunity for some good press.

At the cattle farm where Dad works, the farmer tells Dad that all of the bullies involved in Sang-jin’s death were released without any punishment. Dad doesn’t believe the farmer at first, but when he hears that the kids all had powerful parents who were able to influence the community, he’s stunned into silence as he registers the truth.

In jail, Jung-hoon and Man-hee visit Dong-chul to assure him that Sang-hwan will be at the trial tomorrow as a witness on his behalf. Meanwhile, Sang-hwan sits alone, contemplating whether or not he should appear.

Dad wanders the streets of Muji in search of the bullies, and finds them exiting a noraebang laughing and enjoying themselves. With a large hammer in hand, he follows them.

At the trial, Dong-chul anxiously awaits Sang-hwan’s arrival, but Sang-hwan is nowhere to be found and won’t pick up his phone.

Elsewhere, Dad falls to the ground, covered in blood. It turns out that the bullies thwarted his attack and retaliated with their own. As they mercilessly kick and beat him, Dad’s eyes roll back into his head as he lies on the ground, which prompts the bullies to stop and flee before they accidentally kill him.

Sang-hwan fails to show up to Dong-chul’s trial, and instead drives past a bloodied and disoriented Dad, who collapses in the street. Sang-hwan turns around to help him.

Sang-mi arrives at the hospital to find her father in awful shape. He apologizes for being an incapable father, but she tells him not to blame himself and fall apart like this, holding back tears of her own.

Sang-hwan catches up to the bus carrying Dong-chul back to prison and stops it by parking his bike in the middle of the road. He runs up to Dong-chul’s window and tries to get his attention, but Dong-chul intentionally ignores him.

Through the window, Sang-hwan provides the same advice he gave Dong-chul when he was expelled from the school, telling Dong-chul to hold his head up high. Only this time, Dong-chul doesn’t respond.

As the poliecemen pull Sang-hwan away from the bus, he blusters tearful apologies to Dong-chul, who continues to look ahead unflinchingly.

 
COMMENTS

Poor Dong-chul. He’s taking the brunt of the injustice in this episode (at least in terms of being actively penalized, while the Im Family might be more aggrieved in the overall sense). We’re seeing all kinds of corruption from the adults in this world, and one of the most consistent themes thus far is the effect of influential parents on the outcomes of their children’s wrongdoings.

The bullies got off without incident despite being a big factor in Sang-jin’s death, while at the same time, they ruined Dong-chul’s life because he fought to protect Sang-jin from them, all because their parents are influential while Dong-chul’s dad is a drunkard. Meanwhile, Sang-hwan is able to reap the benefits of his father’s influence as well by avoiding prosecution, and whether he knows it or not, he’s complicit because he let his father talk him out of helping Dong-chul get out of his charges.

We also saw that Yong-min himself was corrupt by bribing the detective with a promotion and manipulating the press to gain positive momentum for his campaign, all in the name of securing more power for himself. I feel that all of this is very likely to weigh heavily on Sang-hwan’s conscience, and I’m hoping that he’ll make sure to rectify the injustices he’s so far been unable to (or unwilling to) do something about.

While the show is taking its time to setup the full extent of the cult and the damsel who will need to be rescued from it, it’s interesting to get to explore the rest of the show’s world a bit more first. We get to see that there are a lot more evils out there than just this cult and, importantly, that these evils are prevalent enough that they can drive people to the point where a fanatical cult might be able to infiltrate their lives, which is a significant step in establishing the believability of the cult in the first place.

The Im Family are essentially primed at this point to allow Guseonwon into their lives: The grief of dealing with Sang-jin’s suicide drove Dad to attempt to assault the culprits, which he couldn’t even manage to do. Mom is legitimately losing her mind, and Sang-mi was one step away from following Sang-jin to the grave before Disciple Jo stepped in.

I’ll be interested to see how much Sang-mi will resist the pull toward Guseonwon, though. She knows from her initial encounter with Father Baek that something is not right, and Disciple Jo also seems to view her as an object of sexual interest more than anything else.

As for Father Baek, I found him to be more predatory in the first two episodes than outright creepy, but the way he talked about Sang-mi in this episode elevated him to maximum creep factor for me. Actually referring to her chastity and how she’ll lead the congregation to salvation is enough to make you wonder what exactly he has in store for Sang-mi, and whatever it is, it can’t be good.

Still, everything seems set up now for the full indoctrination to commence, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the cult is able to engulf all three of them with little effort in the very near future. The question then becomes: How far are Sang-hwan and gang willing to go to right the injustices of the world and help save a family on the brink?

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I feel so sad for Dog Chul he was just trying to help and I also don't blame Sang-mi for not trusting Sang-hwan. I am also hoping that Sang-mi will realize all of the corrupt problems and try to fight back.

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Still that "Save Me" Cringy. In these circumstances i can accept Help Me and Save Me is good for late major battle between cult and adults vs boys.

Most comments are for Dong Chul when Baek made such a big remark. As i said in earlier recaps its much more than Lust Issue. Jo is criminal but i feel baek and the lady has some faith in whatever crap they spout.

I think Sang-Hwan deserves more criticism for avoiding testimony than not helping Sang-Mi.

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Writing is weak compared to > Direction and Music are awesome. They played huge part in making writing work.

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Is this the 3rd or 4th time Taecyeon plays in supernatural ghostly drama? lol he must has a thing for this genre .

Haven't watched this yet, will see how

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Lol. I never realized that until you mentioned it.

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Well, I wouldn't say that this drama is supernatural or ghostly. I wish it was! It is way too real and heartbreaking.

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I am having a hard time feeling for Sang Hwan. He seems like all talks and no action type of person.
Also, even if he didn't meet Sang-Mi's father he would still be late in court.

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The problem isn't the character but the actor here......I was so let down by Taecyon, he has a very long way to go. Hyung Shik or D.O. from exo could work wonders with the role.

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I agree that actor is a problem. I actually dislike how he is written, but if he was played by someone like Park Bo Gum I would probably feel sorry for him.
And the age is really a problem here, the only reason I could somewhat justify Sung Hwan would be if he looked 17, but I can't do that, because the actor looks his age (29?).

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The funny thing is that Taecyon seems to be in a very different drama from the rest even when they are in the same scenes. It's like Ye Ji and Do Hwan are in this show and Taecyon is playing a character from School 2017. In fact, put Kim Jung Hyun here, I tell you the bromance will be to die for.

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I agree!

Every time I watched Sang Hwan's scenes, I have to kinda of recreate it, imagining how another actor would do.

Taecyon may be alright in certain roles but not this.

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I tried very hard to read conflict, guilt and helplessness in Sang Hwan's portrayal in the episode. All I got was the same slightly agitated and annoyed expression. Sang Hwan's arc is a bit much for him to handle, that is what I think.

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Yeah I'm dissapointed that they can hire these amazing actors but for a lead they chose Taecyeon. Not that he's bad and can't act. It's just that his costars is in another level of acting. I watch this amazing dark,creepy, moody drama, but then the camera pan to Taec's face acting and I feel like watching a highschool drama with daddy/mommy issues. The other scenes feels cinematic and a movie watching experience because of the intensity of the actors performance, but then there is Taecyeon's scene where it's just a TV drama level experience. His eyes just not expressive enough. Also doesn't help that his character have a similiar background with his other character in Dream High with famous dads and all. I think Kim Soo Hyun also overshadowed him in that drama.

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I do understand him though. He's stuck between family and a friend. He's smart enough to know that this "scandal" can cause his father to lose the governor title but naive enough to think his Dad will get Dong-chul out of jail once he wins.

I don't think he actually went to testify. I bet he went there to apologize.

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The thing is, he saw the consequences of his mistake the first time. The poor boy killed himself and his best friend got expelled. He made the exact same mistake the second time.
Plus, even if he naively though his dad would get Dong-Chul out of prison he still should have known that has-been-in prison isn't the best thing to write in your resume. And no matter how much I think about it, I don't get how lying in court (not exactly, but same in context) could somehow be justified by the hope of -maybe- helping his mom (I still don't get how this has any connection with winning elections, they were rich as it is, sending poor woman in hospital wouldn't be a big problem).

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What did you expect him to do? At this point, it's a done deal. Even if he goes to court, there's no way Dong-chul will go free. Remember how furious the bully's dad was after knowing his son couldn't walk anywhere. They'd probably do everything in their power to make Dong-chul rot in jail or worse, leave him for dead. Also, he is Dong-chul's friend. His testimony won't weigh much. It would do more harm than good. It's upsetting that Dong-chul gets sacrificed but that's as real as it can get.

I believe Sang-hwan's dad thinks that the happier their family gets, the better the mom becomes (considering happiness=power for him). It's not even the medical side of the situation.

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I don't trust Sang Hwan's dad one bit. In fact, I am beginning to suspect he has a part in how his wife ended up the way she did. He didn't hesitate to use her to further his campaign. I'm sure it's all for selfish reasons.

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Sang Hwan's father, how he is milking his wife's disability to get votes, I found that extremely nauseating to watch. I don't trust him one bit. Even if he isn't a part of the master plans or smaller plans of the cult, if letting them work in secret helps him solidify his position, he'll do it without blinking his eye.

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We keep finding more people who are part of the cult or silently complicit. There's no way it could have existed if the people do their part.

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@outofthisworld Point taken. But you got to cut Sang-hwan some slack. He has never seen his dad in a perspective we've seen him in. As viewers, we can look into each of their perspective but they don't. Plus, he's his dad. Naturally, he's supposed to trust him.

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@earthna I don't have issues with Sang Hwan the character per se. My issues is with the acting. I always have to an extra step and ask things like "Is SH conflicted?" or "Is he merely confused?" It shouldn't be the case.

It's also too early to judge the character or dismiss him. They are just kids. Pity that Taecyon can't bring on the layers. As it is now, we don't feel the same for Sang Hwan the way we do for Dong Chul and Sang Mi.

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It was self-defense, all they needed to know was that Sang-Hwan and Dong-Chul were leaving when the bully attacked.
Dong Chul was seriously hurt as well, it was a prove that there was a fight. all the court needed was ONE statement. Friends or not it would change everything. Both parties knew how important this statement would be, that's why they made big deal out of it (bribing cop, etc).
Bully's father might be motivated to destroy Dong Chul's life, but I doubt Sang Hwan didn't make statement because he thought it might be scarier for Dong Chul in a relatively friendly environment. (Which is also wrong way of thinking, that dad might hate the boy but it is under the question if he would get gangsters to hurt him)

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I must agree with @nerdy. My problem with Sung-hwan is that he is inconsistent with his actions. We have him getting into a fught with other gang for the sake of his friend, helping Sung-mi and Sung-jin with school bullies just to leave them and Dong-chul high and dry right after. He saw what his decesion led to just to have him repeat it again. First time he turned his back to a "stranger" the second time he did it to his best friend. You just don't do that. It paints you black for a life time and no amount of racionalizing your actions or regret can get Sung-jin and Dong-chul their lives back. He has been also, low key using the fact that he is the governor's son. He considers himself just but when push comes to shove he is out. Dong-chul on the other hand stays true to himself, his beliefs and is unbending. Hope we get to see more development of all characters.

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The so called Poor guy was already suicidal. He would have gone with the suicide. Sang-Hwan adviced the heroine to talk to principal/teacher(yeah useless advice) but he got cold response. He had to make choices and he did. Dong Chul is at receiving end of injustice because of his Status. The show clearly broadcast it.
The 2nd time court testimony is his fault. He has taken his father's side on both occasions but we can certainly hope the hero will take discriminate in future and take the route of My-Blood, My Family and will stand for what is right.

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His character, as well as many others here, are very realistic with their flaws on display for us. This is a show that I watch as soon as new episodes are available. I'm still creeped out but can't wait to see what's going to happen next.

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Whenever his family is involved Sang-Hwan has taken its side and i think this will be the biggest conflict that will play in future. Either Father or justice.
He was surely late. Dong Chul is getting manly boost here.

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Thank you for the recap. It seems that Dong chul is the real hero of this story, or, at least, this is my opinion.

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This drama keeps taking my emotions for a ride... I am pretty sure Dong Chul thinks Sang Hwan betrayed him. The drama is overly in a sad/grief mood now...I just hope the comimg episodes will tell us more bout the religion

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Totally cheered when I saw this up! Thank you!

In the previous episode, I thought it was not in character for Sang-mi to ask help from Sang-hwan but just dismissed it as her being desperate. But seeing that tiny flashback made more sense to it and made it more heartbreaking. She thought she can count on them because it seemed that they were genuinely trying to be friends with her only to be rejected by Sang-hwan at a time like that.

Ah, the pain. The scene with Dong-chul and Sang-hwan hurts so much. Dong-chul saw how much a father's influence can change the world. It just happens that his best friend's father is the most influential of all. Sang-hwan knows this too so I really appreciate him telling Dong-chul that he's never once thought of his father when he looks at him. He's just Dong-chul to him. So it's even more heartbreaking watching that last scene.

I feel so bad for Sang-mi though. She's barely holding on. The people who were supposed to be her strength are collapsing one by one. I wouldn't know what I would do in her shoes. Hold on, Sang-mi! Don't give up!

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Dong-chul has had my heart since our first look at him. He's killing me! Here's another kid I want to hug, set him down by a warm fire, give him some hot chocolate, and tell him how awesome he is.

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And here marks my official entry into the world of Kdrama thrillers! 100+ dramas in, and as of two days ago, I hardly expected to even try a series that wasn’t romance…though I seem to best love dramas where the groups of friends are what make the story for me. The episode 1 recap caught my interest and decided to give it a try. Probably because there seemed to be potential for romance, but I am 200% in, and not because of that, but because it’s completely engrossing. Well woven, atmospheric, unparalleled levels of dark and creepy in my Kdramaland experience, thrilling (yes of course!), and completely different.

For the most part these days I stick to light shows and film, but there are the exceptions. Save Me reminds me a bit of another favorite exception, Twin Peaks, though less quirky.

Even the opening sequence seems masterful to me. That broken burning picture frame foreshadowed so much, and yet I didn’t expect what came! After watching the most recent episode, I noticed that Sang Jin is there on the rooftop in the opening sequence too. Wow.

If I am still all in after that horrendous umbrella scene, I may just be able to stick with it til the end. Who knew thrillers could be so fun!

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Yay, I'm glad you're watching! This show is about as dark as I can go and still sleep. I love it! I still can't handle scary/horror stuff. But this show, wow! So good. I agree with others that Taec is off for the casting dept, but I'm not as frustrated as others by him. Fingers crossed for Dong-chul to get a nice story arc, though my realist side tells me that's not the kind of show we have here.

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I'm full on hoping that the producers are low key hoodwinking us into believing that Sang Hwan is the lead when it's actually Dong Chul. I am ready to stand by that based on the fact that he was introduced first in episode 1 and they're both on equal level on the main poster. It's really a disservice to Taec that Do-hwan just steals the scene every time he's in it.

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Uhh, no.

1. No romance here is much much better. I want the drama to take risks all the way and not be conformed to the norm.

2. It's a disservice to the other actors if Taec is the lead, just because he is Taec. The others are performing better than Taec.

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I really like Taec in this role. He's the tall, handsome, well-behaved son who has had things easily all of his life and is finally getting the first test of what his personality actually is. Everything Sang Hwan's had in life so far has been a combination of birth luck (family) and genetic luck (physical strength, all of the "good" genetic markers). Now he's going to have to make hard decisions regarding who he is outside of those traits.

Basically, Taec is playing Privilege in this show, and it's good to see him struggle with it and also get a little destroyed by making decisions that retain his privilege but corrode his soul. Most of us get to make those incremental decisions earlier in life when the stakes are lower - Sang Hwan is hitting that point much later, when the stakes are incredibly high and he's got to break down his own understanding of what he's earned by privilege, and earned through efforts.

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I tried to like your comment but apparently, I've already given it a thumbs up. Shows how much I love what you said.

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1. I know what you mean, but who said that the drama can't go all the way with a romance in it? Perhaps it could become an even bigger twist if they DO include a romance? Because well…THAT would be unexpected ;)
2. And I agree on the Taec part…the other actors are overshining him at the moment…let's in the future…

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1. In my opinion a little bit of romance wouldn't hurt. If it wasn't even a little bit intended, why would they have so many shots focusing on Dong chul's glances at Sang mi.

2. You misunderstood. I meant it as a compliment to Woo Do Hwan in that he outshines Taec in every scene they're together. So it doesn't make sense that Taec is the lead.

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This drama is my personal paradox. After the first two episodes I was hooked. Now I can and can't wait to watch the next episode. I do want to know what happens next, but I am afraid of what will happen next.

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LOL, I understand! However, the first thing I do is check to see if new episodes are available everytime I start a drama-watching session. If there are new eps up, I'm cringing as I press play.

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There was some serious antagonistic vibes between Father Baek and Disciple Jo. And can we say pedophile? Creeeepy...

After watching so many kdramas you would think Korea is the most corrupt society ever. Is justice ever properly served???

Lastly, what is the drinking age in Korea? I thought it was over 19. Or is the restaurant owner serving underage drinkers? I assumed they were 16 or so.

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Yes, there definitely is trouble in paradise. All is not well among the key cult members. If you just look at Father Baek's expression when Apostle Jo first calls out to him, you can tell that he does not even want to speak with him.

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Yeah

But who is the bigger creep? Apostle Jo or Father Baek? Dramafever translated Father Baek's statement as Sang Mi is the most chaste of virgins while the recapper used the word "maidens." I like to think that the emphasis on Sang mi's virginity is a clue or marker indicating the presence of one or more sexual predators. I'm inclined to think that they both are, but while Father Baek relies on persuasion, Apostle Jo uses force.

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To me they both seem to be sexual predators. Just one is much more overtly aggressive. But, I do not doubt for a second that Father Baek wouldn't try something given the right circumstances. He seems as if he plays the long game and would try to manipulate Sang-mi into some sort of sexual "relationship". We know he is a master manipulator and controller.

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Who is the bigger creep? Who knows. One of them definitely isn't subtle about his creepiness. :o

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What does Jo have on Baek to have that 51-49 control over the cult leadership? And who really has the 51% portion?

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There is definitely some dark deeds from their past that Jo is using to assert some control over their relationship. I wonder if Father Baek was also a gangster (as I assume Jo was once).

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My favorite is the umbrella scene and what happened after it. When I saw the two going down that hill, I'm like 'Sh*t, they are really going there. Yes, kill more characters." I was jumping in joy and excitement that this drama wants to go where no Korean drama has ever done.

I am really really in love with this. I will pray alongside Father Baek just so that this can stay amazing through the entire run.

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So brave of you to pray alongside Father Baek. Thank you.

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He is the lesser of the two evils. Disciple Jo is more creepier for me. That curly hair doesn't help either.

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I find Father Baek creepier. Disciple Jo is like a cactus, sane people know how to avoid him. Father Baek is like a venus flytrap, attracting victims with his sweet promise of salvation.

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I love that imagery!

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Father Baek is definitely not lesser than two evils. The writer hasn't shown the dark and evil side of him yet. It's like what people say, save the best for last.

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Good point. I will expand to what @outofthisworld mentioned. When I see Disciple Jo, I instantly see the ugly things he wants to do. So as a result, I don't want to be near him. I feel like it would be more difficult to escape from him as he is crazy. With Father Baek, I can physically escape from him easily when put in danger. I think I'm strong enough mentally to not be persuaded into his cult.

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Our wishes will be fulfilled.

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Let me spray some spiritual water on you. On us.

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And on everything we eat and drink. Lmao

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He's gonna squeez your while praying though...

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*your thigh.
Lmao

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I did the same thing at the umbrella scene! *joins hands in the bloodthirsty circle*

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Thank You for the recap Regals :).
When he said that Sang-mi was their maiden to salvation, that gave me intense goosebumps, they are all crazy. I really want to know their backstory, they have mentioned the they were "saved" exactly how and what led them to believe that they are the chosen ones to "save" other people. I love WDH, he is definitely stealing the spotlight sorry TaecYeon but to me he is the main character and I hope he ends up with SM :) (if there is romance I mean).
Also did they use a "signal" song for the bus scene? I know that recently dramas have been recycling OSTs, or was it just me?

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The conversation between Disciple Jo and Father Baek is short but it creeps me out especially when Disciple Jo wiggling his pinky denoting that Father Baek might have some sexual thought in his mind towards Sang Mi. And when Father Baek said that she's the maiden that will allow them all to ship the boat of salvation, I was like "what the hell...."

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“Sang-mi is the most chaste of maidens who will allow us to board the ship of salvation,”

That was the creepiest thing ever! I immediately thought of the virgins who were sacrificed to dragons in folklore and also in satanic rites. And what's this ship of salvation? In any case, it's definitely evil.

There's a lot of references to Father Baek's past. I'm sure there are skeletons in his closet. Who knows, maybe there are literally skeletons!

I totally empathize with Sang Mi in feeling guilty about having wished Sang Jin dead at some points in the past. With parents who can't really help, the burden was laid squarely on her shoulders. It seems like she's the one leading and caring for the family. This show often make me frustrated with her parents especially Dad. Jung Hae Kyun is marvelous in playing a weak minded, gullible man who's unwittingly brought his family to tragedy.

The next episode is even harder to watch. Don't get me wrong, I love this show but I've read of people dropping it because it either creeps them out too much or it's too disturbing.

I like that it's not trying to be dark, it is dark. It does make all the wannabes look juvenile. It doesn't even need lots of violence or blood to make a point. Just look at the way the bully ended up grotesquely arched over the rock.

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The next episode made me hate a few more characters and I am totally loving Sang Mi, my kind of leading lady.

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Thanks for the recap! Been frantically refreshing dramabeans for it hehe. I'm fully hooked on this drama now with Woo Do Hwan killing it with his soulful eyes ? Looking forward to seeing more!!

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This drama never fails to amaze me! I was shocked when the bully fell onto the rock! I knew from that point, Dong Chul will be blamed as they all come from influential family. As much as I hate how Dong Chul got into juvenile centre, the writer also shows how karma will hit you back directly. The bully bullied Sang Jin for having cripple leg, but now he can't even walk after the accident.

My heart breaks for Dong Chul at the end of episode, I know he's disappointed at Sang Hwan, but he can't really blame him for what happened. I just hope that they will have a chance to talk it out. Sang Hwan did hesitate because of his mother, but he did try to go to the trial but got there late because he helped Sang Mi's dad to hospital. I hope their bromance will heal as soon as possible as I need to see all four of them as Four Bumpkins again and be the hero of the town to save Sang Mi and the rest of the victims at the Guseonwon.

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This drama is good at showing the different ways that people deal with grief and loss.

It was particularly interesting when Father Baek mentioned that he left Guseonwon's affairs to Apostle Jo. I guess he lets the latter take of the dirty work.

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"take on the dirty work."

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I think I'll just read the recaps from now on, I love dramas like this but my blood boils when I see shitty people getting away with things. This drama is an absolute goldmine though and I'm loving the ending song.

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Dong Chul is such a super hottie! He is such a bad boy but with a soft heart. I am loving the creepy vibe and the country accents.

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Going into this, I definitely expected the focus of the show to be more on the cult than the four boys from town, but I'm so glad that we get to hear their stories. Dong-chul is the obvious favorite (the injustice in this episode made my blood boil and my heart hurt), but I love the others too. I just need Sang-hwan to start making reparations. (Sidenote, tbh I'm getting more romantic vibes between him and Dong-chul than either of them with Sang-mi, especially with that apology.)

Sang-mi is awesome and I love her—I know that part of the reason the boys are in this show is to rescue her, but I hope we get to see her doing some rescuing herself.

I agree with the comment in the last "What We're Watching" that this is the most dread I've felt watching a show since White Christmas. I get stressed watching plenty of shows, but this is the most pervasive unease I've felt in a while

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Very true. I feel tense and on edge pretty much the entire time I'm watching

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Poor dae chul such a kind, brave heart and look where it got him. ?????? Not gonna lie, a bit annoyed with sang Hwan for not stepping up for his friend.
This drama is unflinchingly grim.

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Poor Dong-chul. I'm afraid he won't be willing to step right up to aid Sang-mi without some pretty strong persuasion. Considering all he's suffered when all he wanted to do is help someone. I really haven't thought to much about Taecyeons level of acting I was too busy vondeming his characters behavior. In the event of an actual pairing I'm already firmly on Dong-chuls corner.

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Condemning

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This show is so dark and brutal. I cant bring myself to watch this. I will just stick with recaps.
Please don't kill or make DC more pitiful T.T

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Taec's gonna ba overshadowed again. Back in dream high kim soo hyun overshadowed him, now it's dong chul. lol. the guy needs to step up his acting.

Thanks for the recap. Will keep watching :)

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I agree that Taec needs to step up his acting game, but I don't think KSH overshadowed him in Dream High. For a while, I thought he's the lead in Dream High and KSH got the girl as second lead, but as I read some comments recently, KSH had always been the first lead. In this drama, I think his physical look doesn't really fit high school character, so I hope he'll be better with 2017 timeline as adults.

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My heart would be broken to pieces by Dongchul ?

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The cult has a hand in politics since there is a senator supporting them. Spiritual father considers Sang Mi as Virgin Mary leading to the “Boat of Salvation”. I don't know if he sometimes really believes in what he says because he sounds sincere. And I'm surprised Spiritual let Apostle Jo be in charge of financial management. He doesn't inspire faith but I guess that's not a problem.

Sang Mi... Oh poor girl. She's strong but how long can her frail shoulders support her broken parents.

Karma hit the bully hard and I didn't feel one bit sorry. Dong Chul is suffering from unexpected circumstances and has to go to juvenile center when he had no intention of doing wring things.

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Hell! I am so pissed at those bullies not getting what they deserve (at least that bully finally got what he deserve). Those are the kind of people that should be exterminated in this world. Sorry, not sorry. Must be a bully myself for saying such things, but I freakin' hate such people.

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Very late to this show but i got to say this show deals with some high school issues better than some dramas centred around high school especially the bullying thing my heart just goes out for the family honestly

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