Are you me? I wasn't done with the flirting yet but I'll take what's coming.
There are underground subs floating around for eps 1 and 2. I can't post it here cause I'm already in jail lol.

Adding @kdramamom, @gulsan

Can we start with episode 1 first then move on to 2 etc so we are not all over the place?

Me too! Loved Son Yejin and Hae-in! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Cool, cool, cool! ^^; Let's keep it here - I'll bookmark this and return here once I've caught up on the subbed episodes.

Thank you for inviting me. I will watch 4 episode tonight and join the discussion!

hello hello @hades !
I have fiiiiiiinally caved in and watched this beauty of a show! I was gonna wait for Netflix to get its sh*t together, but naaaaaaah !
I watched all 4 episodes last night and *swoon*
*double swoon!*

I'm all in and obsessed !

This is a great idea!!! Plus, the first episode is already subbed in most webs where it's available, although I must say that the visual quality doesn't look good. I have only checked the beginning. (No time). But I will catch up very soon!!!!
Have fun, beanies! 😁

Okay, I just reply to this comment to discuss, right? Sorry if I'm doing this wrong haha.

I just watched Episode 1. I already like it, and I'm ready to fall in love. Son Ye-jin's performance is already so lovely. Sometimes I have to remind myself to look at the whole scene, and not just her face.

One of my favorite things about Ahn Pan-seok dramas is the music. His production team always makes really interesting/eclectic choices and seems to have an interest (and decent taste) in western music. This show as no different in that regard. I was never expecting to hear a Tammy Wynette cover in a kdrama, especially in the same episode as 2NE1's I Am the Best. Both classics for veeeeeery different genres lol. (speaking of I Am the Best, @kiara, you told me about that dancing scene a while back, and I can now report that it was every bit as awesome as you led me to believe lol).

I'm going to try to get caught up on this show over the next week, so hopefully I'll be ready for eps 5-6 this weekend. Already so excited lol.

The first thing that stood out to me and helped keep my interest throughout the episode was the music. The first 2 minutes of this drama were a bit weird to be honest. It didn’t feel like anything special at all. That all changed at about the 00:02:02 mark when Jin-ah is in the department store putting together an outfit to meet up with her thankfully soon to be ex-boyfriend. The drums, the Wo or Oo (or whatever they were singing), and the guys voice just hit me! It immediately reminded me of a 80s-90s American romance movie. Does anybody know the name of this song or track by the way? I swear I’ve heard it before. Then at 00:04:41 “Save the Last Dance For Me” kicked in and I was going crazy with excitement. Waves of 80s-90s nostalgia washed over me. I seriously forgot that Bruce Willis could sing. At 00:51:50, “Stand By Your Man” begins to play in what could have been one of the longest rides for our two leads.

The American-esque music wasn’t limited to music with vocals, but also some pretty awesome instrumental stuff as well. At around 00:17:09, the harmonica plays and is soon followed by the piano riff, and I was asking myself if I was being transported to a different country during a different time.

For as awesome as the 80s-90s nostalgia was, there were times when it seemed like the music was out of place in both song choice and editing. At 01:08:55 Jin-ah and Joon-hee are walking along a busy main road/street and the editors lower the volume on the song and have a good bit of volume on the ambient sound. It sounded more than a bit cacophonous which is quite sad because ambient sound done well can add a real richness and immersive feeling to a drama.

Recently, I’ve been quite surprised that there have been more than a few dramas that have used Western songs with English lyrics. I actually like that they’re doing this because I’m able to connect with the drama a bit more. If I know the English lyrics, I’m able to connect with the beat and the lyrics, and the scene. However I’ve found that since I know the English lyrics here, the use of the songs tends to be a bit WTF at times because I don’t get how they apply to the scene. Do we really need to hear “Save the Last Dance” in so many disparate scenes. On the other hand, if it’s a Korean song, then I’m only going to be able to connect with the beat. Funny enough, the last song completely shreds that theory as it’s not only my favourite song but also my favourite scene of the entire episode.

The last song at 01:17:40, 2NE1’s I Am the Best stands in contrast to the other songs as not only is it Korean and more modern, but the style/genre is completely different from what came before it. Seeing Jin-ah jam to the music was one of my favourite parts of the entire episode because not only did it seem like she was having fun, but her look overall was quite sexy and youthful. There is an odd but interesting juxtaposition between the youthful Korean side and the noona Western side—if...

Things I appreciated in this episode:
1. The music.
2. The cinematography isn’t stellar in this first episode but it manages to capture/have a sense of realism to it. One of the scenes that stands out to me most is when the BFFs are leaving Kyung-sun’s shop after having some drinks and Joon-hee takes her home. Too bad the music doesn’t always do the cinematography justice though.
3. All the scenes involving a traffic cone. 😂
4. There are very real world reasons why you shouldn’t upload pics, especially those with timestamp and location that show what you’re doing at any given moment. With a little detective work, people can find you easily.
5. The BFFs seem to be as thick as thieves.
6. Poor Joon-hee has clearly had a thing for his noona for some time now. Awe.

Things I didn’t like so much:
1. Lee Gyu-min (Jin-ah's ex) is a total slimeball. He cheats on his girlfriend, dumps her, get’s dumped by the “mistress," and then wants to be taken back by his ex. That's super good logic working for you.
2. What is it with workplace sexual harassment? What is it with bosses who embarrass those under them and treat them like drones/crap? What is it with coworkers who have no trouble throwing their colleagues under the bus to save their own hides?! Argh, Mr. Nam is a total POS. He would let his subordinate spend their own money to cover up his mistake! All of those scenes had me fuming because all of those scenes are all too real. Where’s the change we deserve 2018?!

there is sooooo much to ready and like about the comments here !!!
I scanned through and yes, the 1st few minutes didn't engage me very much (I tried once, left it for a few days and it's only yesterday that I continued) but what deeefinitely got me hooked was that Office Dancing at the end:
https://youtu.be/aopiJfueaVM

Thanks for setting up the threads @hades

It took me some time to warm up to the show. It could have been that I've been in a drama slump and was still being 'slumpish' or I may have watched too many bits of the first 2 episodes before getting the subbed full episode. Also there had been disconnections from the server more than once and I was about to give up on getting to watch Ep 2.

However I've finally started to like it from the end of Ep 2. When Jin Ah hit Kyung Min in front of her parents, I got invested in the show.

Music wise - while I like the songs generally, I'm feeling a surfeit of hearing 'Save the Last Dance for Me' and 'Stand by Your Man'. They both have a medium to slow beat and are played so often that find them too repetitive. I can still hear them in my head even now!!! What I do like about them is that the first song is from the point of view of the guy and the second is from that of the girl. So it balances out.

However, I've been spoilt by shows like Goblin or Just Between Lovers that had some 7+ - 15+ OSTs (ultimately) that did not sound repetitive.

Cinematography - Some scenes like those in the car were too dark. It would have been nice to see the expressions more clearly. I also found the colours muted with a beige or yellow tone that made them look dull instead of vibrant. A bit unusual for a romantic show... or maybe it's going for a more slice-of-life feel?

What I liked: The scenes have started to set the obvious conflict - the issue of the age difference, and to bring on the irony . Jin Ah's brother couldn't imagine Joon Hee dating a 35-year old, as it would be like dating Jin Ah. I loved Joon Hee's expression at this.

In addition there is the chat of the 3 colleagues, saying that even a year's difference in age was considered great.

Ep 3, I saw was even better, so I'm hoping to wave goodbye to the drama slump at least for a few more weeks!! 😜

Found the discussion thread. :)
Since I'be already moved on to ep 3, I'll agree with @growingbeautifully - the scene at the end with the family, Joon Hee and Kyu Min sealed the deal for me. I'm in.

Why do we have team dinners? The aim is to increase employee devotion and build teamwork. You should know better. I consider those who fail to be team players very inconsiderate. Where’s your sense of camaraderie? Think about it. We don’t tolerate sexual discrimination and it’s not like anybody forces you to drink. We just get along as equal human beings. What’s wrong with you people? Dismissed!

--Gong Cheol-goo

Ok. Let’s go through this piece by piece.

Why do we have team dinners? The aim is to increase employee devotion and build teamwork.
Ok, I agree with this. However, I fail to see how you, as a senior manager, are achieving this by getting drunk and sexually harassing your employees. You make your teammates/coworkers constantly in fear and uncomfortable. This has a seriously negative impact on getting them to corporate with and trust you.

You should know better.
Yes, you should know better. I am tempted to say that the employees should also know better and file complaints against this vile man. However, if it’s institutionalized, I can see why they wouldn’t even bother. Change has to happen from somewhere though. I pretty sure that while people knew that sexual harassment existed in the workplace in America, not that many people had any idea about how rampant it was and still is.

I consider those who fail to be team players very inconsiderate.
See #2. And that means that you’re inconsiderate as well.

Where’s your sense of camaraderie
See #2.

We don’t tolerate sexual discrimination and it’s not like anybody forces you to drink.
I could be wrong, but as far as I understand it, sexual harassment is, or at the very least can constitute, sexual discrimination. Take that point aside. Are you saying that because you don’t get to discriminate against women you get to treat them however you want and they should be lucky that they have a job. Sorry, I really shouldn’t put words in your mouth.

We all know that when your boss asks you to drink, you drink. It’s a very difficult thing to decline. I’ve watched enough dramas to know this, sir!

We just get along as equal human beings.
The only problem is that you clearly do not see them as being equal to you. In management terms, they are not equal to you because you hold power over them and you abuse that power.

What's wrong with you people!?
Oftentimes, people who are racist, homophobic, sexist etc., see the problem residing with others and not with themselves.

Dismissed!
Yes sir. I hope you get dismissed very soon!

What makes sexual harassment so pernicious is because it often comes from people who have power over others, e.g. this troglodyte. Someone’s boss often has the power to among other things: (make recommendations) to fire, give a pay raise or promotion, and give a recommendation. Employees are often unwilling to rail against sexual harassment because: it is...

Random Rambling (1/2)

1. It seems like the tale of workplace sexual harassment never ends.

2. I laughed my ass off when Kyung-sun remarked that Joon-hee was wasting rent money and should move in with her. Don’t kill your brother’s chances with the girl. Come on.

3. Blasting your subordinates in front of their coworkers should be a big no, no. I shudder to ask if this actually happens and is condoned irl in Korean companies.

4. The work related drama in this episode had be thinking about My Ajusshi a bit. At first I really wanted Jin-ah to quit and start up her own company. I then remembered something Dong-hoon said when his wife wanted him to quit and start his own company. He said something to the effect that there was greater job security working for someone compared to trying to open your own business. There’s no guarantee that you would succeed and you may be worse off for having tried. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that she should try. I’m saying that culture can make it that much more difficult to do so.

5. I really don’t know how Jin-ah ex has the balls to want to get back together with her. In hindsight, I completely agree with Joon-hee. She was way too soft on telling Gyu-min it was over and he should go take a hike. I love how Joon-hee was frustrated with this whole situation though.

6. Gyu-min thinking that Jin-ah cheated on him was projection of the highest order. That is to say that because he cheated, since she has another man that’s around her that he does not know, there is no reason to not believe that she cheated as well. Gyu-min really is despicable.

Ahh so this is where people are camping out!! I was waiting for Netflix to release the drama before tuning in. I'm still pretty far behind so won't be able to join you all on the squeefest, sadly. I fell in love with it from the very first episode though - brought out so many feels after what seems like a long time! Just Between Lovers was the last drama (to bring out the feels) for me, I believe.

I would be lying if I said the workplace sexual harassment bothered me as much as other viewers. I don't like it, but it's soooo common place in KDramas that I didn't find its depiction overly shocking and glaring... this makes me sad, because it also means I'm a bit blazé, like I EXPECTED this misbehaviour... for shame...

In agreement with EVERYONE though, I haaaaate the way these men just randomly touch the women in the office, and berate them, constantly throwing comments about their breasts ("Missiles!!!" with a forced love shot) or their private lives. it's sooooo wrong and sexist and patronizing and AAAAH!! gross!

this was my SQUEE episode!

Ep 3 amused me. I like how Kyung Min's ineptitude and strange stupidity (or lack of pride?) is underlined by his spectacles that can't stay on his face. He cannot even manage his glasses, how will he manage in any relationship.

The picture quality is still too dark for quite a number of scenes. I find this strange because so many other night scenes in other shows have perfectly adequate lighting (with reflectors?). I wonder if this dark 'look' to scenes is deliberate. Maybe the lighting will increase to signal a lift in mood?

What I felt was good:
- they kept the irritating misunderstandings to less than an episode and got the OTP on the same page by the end of the episode.
- we get some backstory of Kyung Sun and Joon Hee, that explains even more why it will seem so 'crazy' for Jin Ah and Joon Hee to get together.

What I really enjoyed:
- The delicious ironies and shades of difficulties to come: Kyung Sun promises to be an evil sister-in-law, unknowingly informing the very person who would be her sister-in-law. And Jin Ah has to pretend to agree that she would be watching from the sidelines instead of being the main party in the situation.
- the superb irony and bitter humour that Kyung Sun thinks Kyung Min is dumb for thinking there's something between Joon Hee and Jin Ah, but the greatest joke is that although KM is wrong in so many things, he's right about this!
- How Kyung Sun's 2 dreams - one of getting Joon Hee happily in relationship and the other of marrying JIn Ah off to a good man. Little does she know that the 2 dreams could be merged into 1 with the brother in front of her and her best friend together.

What I found strike me the most in episode 3 is how reluctant JH is to make a move first to JA. For example holding her hand.
It must be something to do with her being older, he hestitate making a move first. It's like he is stepping her boundaries. Being older means become a leader, the one which used to the first one to make a move. There is conflict between age and gender. Not because he is afraid of get rejected. Just like she stated, they already feel they like each other. So aware this, she is the one who make a move first!

Episode 3 has to be my favourite episode! I almost went crazy feeling excited and cautious at the same time watching them tip-toeing into the relationship - being very aware of how much each other affected them and how crazy it all sound but they just can't help themselves. They are attracted to each other and that's it. Being recently out of one relationship and to start another that quickly sounds crazy, but it's not unrealistic. It's also kinda crazy to be in a relationship that feels so wrong on societal level of acceptance but they do it anyway because truthfully, nothing's wrong with that.

I really enjoy watching both of them react to the frustrations and hopelessness of what the society sets for them. That moment when you keep being reminded of the age gap. Being reminded that you're the Noona. That you are older. That he's a brother. That he's young and he can get anyone he wants. That she belongs somewhere unreachable to you. That craziness of having to control yourself. Having to hide your feelings. Having to be treated like younger kid when you're really, not. Doing something that would hurt the other (and yourself) just because you're frustrated of it all.

And when all of that are easily forgotten when you're around each other. That moment you feel like the hell with everyone, we just want to be in each other's company. That moment of how they keep giving obvious excuses so they won't part, keep going fro and back, and grinning foolishly at each other (and I liked how later they don't even give excuses anymore and just pretend how normal it is to walk to the door and back LOL) And suddenly the world feels right again.

The rollercoaster feels are suffocatingly real, this drama. And I love how it makes me feel.

Episode 3 won me over. I'm in.

The car scene with their hands was so real. I lived that scene. I dated and married my brother's best friend, and while the age and cultural situation is not the same, there was still some family tension and renegotiating of friendships. Just making the choice to date was fraught with the added risk of damaging other relationships, so making that first move to hold hands.....so much tension.

Damn, I didn't need another show on my plate.

1. The reaction to the hand holding was more than what I have come to expect from a K-Drama. The conversation was what you would expect it to be in a situation like that irl. Nothing blown out of proportion. Nothing exaggerated for whatever reason. Lol. Their excuse to meet up after drinks was too good. Watching them skedaddle out of their friends' view was adorable.

2. I find it very rare that a K-Drama is able to effectively relay the nuances and subtleties of not only the "figuring out what this--the relationship--is" but also the just being together/spending time together aspects as well. I can't remember the last time I've seen an OTP spend time on the phone as much as a couple would. Probably the first and last time was Coffee Prince.

3. I think the first part of this episode could be entitled the silly things we do when we're in love. Parking your car after you've almost left the parking lot because your bf says he'll drive you to work. Wanting to look your best for the person you like. I love how this show doesn't shy away from how silly but often necessary that is. Joon-hee back at his office cleaning up and waiting on the couch was too cute and again real. You want to make a good impression, right? 😂 He couldn't contain his excitement. That euphoric feeling of, is this actually happening!? When his drunken coworker almost ruined the whole evening, you couldn't help but laugh at the whole situation.

4. Probably one of my favourite aspects of this drama was Joon-hee being chauffeur. Partners often are for the other--given they make/have the time. Why don't we get more of this simple fact in dramas?

6. Probably the most interesting aspect of this drama at this point has to be the problems that the couple may face from both their families. They’re in a situation where they’re like family too each other and with each other’s families. Kyun-sun is not only Joon-hee’s sister but in many ways his guardian/mother. She had great difficulty supporting her family with the passing of their mother and the absence of their father. She is also Jin-ah’s best friend. Jin-ah may not get the usual best friend support, but will be faced with the guardian protectionism, even if it’s against her best friend. It would be really interesting to see if the drama goes in the opposite direction with this and have her be soon to accept after she finds out.

7. Their seeing each other behind her back could be a much bigger issue than them telling her about it up front. But that’s the thing of relationships. You don’t quite know what it is at the very beginning and you need to at least give it a chance. There’s no way that could happen if their families know about it. It’s just that I don’t think I’m going to like the part when Kyun-sun expresses her feeling of being “betrayed.”

8. Talking about families, I’m just going to take two (2) seconds to say that Jin-ah’s mother continues to be an abhorrent character to me.

9. I honestly thought that things were going to get very bad for Jin-ah when her ex showed up at the coffee shop. Given the tone of this show, she could have been at worst, raped. It was interesting that they chose to use something relatively funny—the whipped cream in the face--to deescalate the situation. I honestly believe that she should have reported him to the police. That altercation alone would have warranted it.

10. While Jin-ah is a strong woman, it’s surprising to see that she lacks conviction in certain matters like this. I guess it’s her ex, someone she may have loved and that could complicate things. Situations like these are frustrating to watch as a friend/family, and I loved how the show really nailed that frustration with the Seo siblings, but in very different ways.

This episode is the one that sealed my love for it. And it started at the interlacing fingers. Truly, smooth as silk, and that look he gave her, like, “two can play at this game, and two WILL play at this game,” was what made my heart stop, and I had to remind it to beat again.

Favorite scene: when they stayed at the airb&b. The camera angles, lighting, furniture, wine, him making food for her, agh! Just everything about it was romantic and beautiful. I wrote somewhere else that it reminded me of Italy, and it truly was gorgeous.

So, in rewatching episode 2, I realized that the scene at the beginning of that episode when Jin-ah's drunken coworker came back to the office and interrupted our OTPs fun was mirrored here with Joon-hee's coworker. It's pretty much the same with both of them: leaving the other in the office; trying to pretend to leave the office; desperately trying to get their coworker into a cab; sprinting like a crazy person back to the office; the other watching this happen through the window; the other hiding in wait; them looking desperately for the other; and the other trying to be give him/her a heart attack. This was too cute.