Boyfriend: Episode 8
by LollyPip
To some couples, a separation like our star-crossed but determined lovers face would spell the end of the relationship… But these two have never been like other couples. Every hardship they face seems to only make them stronger and more committed to making this work. For once, I’m not scared to watch a couple face opposition from society, their enemies, and even their own families, because I know it will only temper their love into something even stronger.
EPISODE 8 RECAP
After hearing about Director Choi’s plans to get rid of Jin-hyuk while she’s out of town, Soo-hyun heads back to the hotel and calls Director Choi to her office. She pleasantly accuses him of plotting to backstab her, and she asks him to explain himself.
When he launches into a blatant lie, she informs him that she already knows the truth. Director Choi drops the innocent act and tells Soo-hyun that he’s not acting alone, and when she learns that Taekyung Group is behind this, she says that now she understands why she’s never liked Director Choi.
She makes it crystal clear that if Director Choi crosses the line one more time, he won’t like the results. She tells him to choose between being Taekyung’s puppet, or Donghwa Hotel’s respected director.
Jin-hyuk marches towards Soo-hyun’s office when he learns that she cut her trip short, but Hye-in stops him to confess that she told Soo-hyun that he was being transferred. He thanks her for caring, saying that he’d have done the same, because they’re friends.
When he gets to Soo-hyun’s office, Soo-hyun apologizes for getting him tangled up in her mess. She promises to cancel his relocation, but he says that it will look like favoritism.
He asks her, “Let me go, and please wait and see how I make my way back.” He says that his only concern is that Sokcho is too far for him to run over whenever he misses her, and she tells him sadly not to make jokes.
Soo-hyun visits her mother to declare that she won’t live as though she’s not allowed to do what she wants anymore. She says she believes that Taekyung Group is going to sue their family over the morality clause in her divorce agreement. Her mother asks why Chairwoman Kim would sue them when Soo-hyun and Woo-seok are reconciling, but Soo-hyun says firmly that that’s not happening.
She tells her mother that she started smiling again when she got divorced, an that she’s never going back. She says that she’s not here to discuss this, but to inform her mother of what she’s already decided.
Her mom asks if she’s acting crazy because of “that guy,” but Soo-hyun just says that she’s decided to be the owner of her own life. Her mother mentions her father’s campaign, but Soo-hyun says that his career is what he’s made of it, and not because of either of them.
Afterward, Soo-hyun tells Driver Nam to drop himself off near his house and she’ll take the car. He offers to take her wherever she needs to go until she says she has a date, and suddenly he’s all “I’ll get out right now!” Soo-hyun texts Jin-hyuk and suggests they have a little farewell party.
Jin-hyuk’s mom is upset that he’s being relocated so far away, and she senses that he’s being sent away because he made someone angry. His dad doesn’t think Jin-hyuk could get on anyone’s bad side, but Mom sniffles that that’s why she’s so upset.
Hye-in offers to write Director Kim a letter of apology for borrowing her phone to call Soo-hyun and alert her to Jin-hyuk’s transfer. But Director Kim says she’ll overlook it since Hye-in acted out of friendship.
At home after work, Jin-hyuk finds his camera that was broken in Cuba. His mom stops him on his way out to see Soo-hyun, and he fibs that he has work to do. He belatedly realizes that she’s carrying groceries she bought to make him a nice dinner on his last night at home, and he gives her a big hug before he leaves.
He takes Soo-hyun to a lovely open field near the city, and as they walk hand-in-hand, Jin-hyuk says he sometimes comes here to “photograph the wind.” Soo-hyun says he should have been a poet, and he confesses that he submitted a poem to a contest once, but it was cut immediately.
He laughs that the same thing happened with his photos, so he decided to just take pictures as a hobby. He tells Soo-hyun that their relationship is truly special now that she knows two of his secrets.
They climb an observation tower to enjoy the view, and to combat the cold wind, Jin-hyuk gives Soo-hyun his coat. He stands close behind her, rubbing her shoulders. She absolves herself of any responsibility if he catches a cold, but he says he’s strong.
Soo-hyun tells Jin-hyuk that she’s made a lot of good memories since meeting him in Cuba, the kind that make her smile at random times. He says that he has too, and he reminds Soo-hyun that they can overcome anything with these good memories, and she agrees.
Jin-hyuk decides to tell Soo-hyun one more secret. He says that he learned about love in a book, and he thought he knew what falling in love felt like. Very seriously, he tells her that it’s clear to him now, thanks to her, what love really is. Soo-hyun smiles and says that his third secret is wonderful.
They stop for coffee, and Jin-hyuk gives Soo-hyun his broken camera. He tells her to think of him while taking nice photos with it, and he shows her how to use it, then steps outside. He jokes that the picture will look great since the subject is so handsome and poses so Soo-hyun can practice.
But instead of taking the picture, Soo-hyun just holds the camera up to her face, trying to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. She regains control, and although her eyes well up again, she snaps a great picture of Jin-hyuk’s smile.
Today is also the day of Dae-chan’s blind date, and he’s so excited that he actually giggles. He gets to the restaurant first, and when Secretary Jang arrives, they both flinch when they spot each other.
Secretary Jang looks around for her date, then calls him when she doesn’t see him. Dae-chan answers, and there’s this hilarious moment when they realize that they’re each other’s dates and just plop down at the table, both looking extremely grumpy.
They’ve never learned each other’s names, so Secretary Jang complains that she didn’t make the connection to Dae-chan’s restaurant. She asks if he opened it when he was in college, and when he says he didn’t go to college, she asks why. He argues that nobody ever asks why someone did go to college so he doesn’t get why people ask why he didn’t.
Secretary Jang remembers that Dae-chan lied on his dating profile, saying that he’s the CEO of a restaurant franchise. He replies that he intends to branch out, but it’s enough to give Secretary Jang an excuse to storm out (after telling Dae-chan not to mention this to Jin-hyuk, ha). She ends up at Subway, asking her sandwich if she was too hard on Dae-chan.
Dae-chan goes back to his restaurant to drink with Hye-in and Jin-myung, complaining that he got tricked. Hye-in invites him to the hotel’s year-end masquerade ball, insisting that there are a lot of nice women out there.
Jin-myung tells Dae-chan to buy a new suit, and when Hye-in says he can just borrow one from Jin-hyuk, Jin-myung reminds him that he can’t pull off Jin-hyuk’s look. He grumbles that he avoids comparing himself to his brother because it never ends well for him, and Hye-in is all, “That’s wise.”
On the drive back to the city, Jin-hyuk tries to hide his cough, but Soo-hyun feels his forehead and declares that he has a fever. He says he’s fine, but he doesn’t sound fine, and Soo-hyun takes him back to her place for some medicine and hot tea.
As Soo-hyun make the tea, Jin-hyuk impulsively slips up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. He says that he’s greedy, and that spending time with her just makes him want more. Soo-hyun touches his hands with hers, which quiets him, but he whispers, “I want to hold you.”
Soo-hyun turns in Jin-hyuk’s arms, then lays her head on his shoulder. They hold each other like that for a long time.
Jin-hyuk’s mom makes Jin-hyuk’s farewell meal for breakfast the next morning. It’s the first that Jin-myung has heard of Jin-hyuk leaving, since he’s gone most of the time, so Jin-hyuk explains that he’s going to Sokcho for more training. Jin-myung brags that Hye-in invited him to the big party, and Jin-hyuk tells him to have fun in his place.
Soo-hyun’s mother complains about their daughter’s behavior to her husband, blaming Soo-hyun for interfering with his political campaign. Soo-hyun’s father maintains that they’re the ones who interfered with Soo-hyun’s life, saying that they never should have married her into that family.
Her mother accuses him of blaming her, but he says it’s his fault for not looking into things when she lied that she got a loan from the bank, or he would have known the money was actually from Taekyung Group. Evidently they couldn’t pay back the loan, and Soo-hyun’s marriage to Woo-seok was their “repayment.”
Woo-seok gets in invitation to the hotel party just moments before his secretary informs him that Jin-hyuk was relocated to Sokcho. He visits Soo-hyun at work to ask her why she didn’t stop the transfer, and when she asks why he cares, he says that it concerns the woman he likes. His unexpected confession angers Soo-hyun, so he leaves after telling her that he misses her a lot lately.
That evening, Soo-hyun tries to get some work done at home, but she can’t concentrate. She finally breaks down and calls Jin-hyuk, who lights up at her call and tells her that he misses her already. She teases him for his cheesy romantic lines, and she wishes him luck at his first day tomorrow.
Driver Nam visits with Director Kim’s daughter again, who tells him that her dad moved out. She says she feels bad for her mother, calling her an abandoned dog, and Driver Nam objects to that. But when she asks him to buy her mother’s favorite bread, he’s back to considering her an awesome kid.
Chairwoman Kim meets with Soo-ah, Woo-seok’s recently ex-girlfriend. Soo-ah tells her that they broke up, but when Chairwoman Kim asks why, Soo-ah refuses to say. Chairwoman Kim goes to Woo-seok for answers, wanting to know how much he paid Soo-ah, and know why he was willing to lie in order to get divorced. Woo-seok tells her that Soo-hyun doesn’t know about this, and Chairwoman Kim calmly dismisses him.
Jin-hyuk is assigned to the front desk at the Sokcho hotel, which seems like a step down from his job in the PR department. During breaks, he makes calls to check on the plans for the year-end party, seeming saddened that he won’t be there for the party itself. After work he wanders the beach, missing Soo-hyun.
Director Kim brings Soo-hyun a few masks to choose from for the party, and when Soo-hyun says she’s only planning to drop by for a minute, Director Kim tells her that Jin-hyuk worked really hard on this and convinces Soo-hyun to pick a mask. She chooses an elaborate black mask held on with a stick, because it will cover her entire face.
Driver Nam shows up in Sokcho, bellowing angrily that the new year’s party setup is a complete mess, and he tells Jin-hyuk’s boss that he’s here to take Jin-hyuk because the CEO is very angry. When they get to the car, Driver Nam says with a twinkle in his eye that he’s actually not here to pick up an employee, but his boss’s boyfriend. Awww.
When Woo-seok arrives at the party, Eun-jin greets him at the door and offers him a variety of masks to choose from. He picks a simple gold mask with a black feather that only covers his eyes.
Secretary Jang is excited about the ball until Soo-hyun tells her that Jin-hyuk planned the whole thing, then she decides that she feels bitter about it, ha. They enter the ballroom to find it full of masked people, and Secretary Jang goes her own way so that people won’t recognize Soo-hyun with her.
Jin-hyuk almost runs into the hotel without a mask once they arrive, but Driver Nam stops him to remind him of his own party concept. He gives Jin-hyuk a box with a mask inside, and a suit that he says is a gift. Jin-hyuk goes inside, leaving Driver Nam to try on the gladiator helmet he brought, which doesn’t fit on his giant head, hee.
Inside, the party kicks off, and naturally Eun-jin is the first one on the dance floor. Director Kim finds Driver Nam sitting outside, obvious in the tiny pumpkin mask he was able to find. She jokes that she feels sorry for his mask, and he fires back that she looks better in hers, so she sails off to look for her prince charming.
Soo-hyun moves through the dancing bodies holding her mask in front of her face, just observing, while Woo-seok prowls the room looking for her. At one minute until midnight, Woo-seok spots her, just as the DJ tells the partygoers to find the person they want to ring in the new year with.
A hand grabs Soo-hyun’s arm and pulls her out of the room. On the balcony, she find herself with a man in a tin man mask, and he takes it off to reveal that it’s Jin-hyuk. Soo-hyun removes her mask, and as the DJ counts down the last ten seconds of the year, they smile at each other.
Everyone inside yells out “Happy New Year!” and suddenly the party decorations burst into life. OMG, Jin-hyuk has recreated the salsa bar in Cuba where he and Soo-hyun danced on the night they met. I’m not crying, you’re crying. Soo-hyun is definitely crying as she watches the salsa dancers putting on a show, reminded of dancing with Jin-hyuk.
At the sight of her tears, Jin-hyuk pulls Soo-hyun into his arms. He looks down at her as if asking a question, and when he sees the answer in her eyes, he kisses her. The party fades away as they get lost in each other, and inside, several more romances look like they may just be beginning.
Epilogue.
Woo-seok had called Secretary Jang to find out what Soo-hyun wore to work today, but at the party, he finds Eun-jin instead, wearing a similar jacket.
A flashback shows that before he left Seoul, Jin-hyuk called the company providing the masks. He’d ordered a custom-made mask, one that could be held on by a stick that would cover the whole face — the mask Soo-hyun chose.
COMMENTS
First of all, I asked for a conversation and a mutual decision, and thank you Drama Gods, I got one. They stumbled on the way there, but Jin-hyuk and Soo-hyun actually sat down, discussed their future, and mutually agreed on a course of action regarding Jin-hyuk’s relocation. It’s worth saying again, that I love how these two don’t shy away from the hardships and complications their relationship causes, but they face them head-on, determined to conquer them and be together. Jin-hyuk is willing to go through with the relocation and make his way back to Donghwa Hotel through his own hard work, and Soo-hyun isn’t scared to be sued for breach of contract by SK and Taekyung Group.
I’m so proud of Soo-hyun in particular, and how she’s slowly but surely learning to stand up to her detractors, even her own mother. Her statement that she smiled when she got divorced was so telling, and it explains why she seems so fascinated by Jin-hyuk’s smile (aside from the obvious). To someone like Soo-hyun, who’s rarely had much to smile about, meeting someone like Jin-hyuk who smiles so easily must be like experiencing a whole new world. And in response, she’s smiling more as she learns to take back her life, which is just lovely to see. She looked so relaxed and happy with Jin-hyuk on their last date before he left, and for once his declaration of love (because he didn’t explicitly say “I love you,” but he was very clearly telling Soo-hyun, in his unique poetic way, that he loves her) didn’t make her back away — instead, by telling him that his secret was wonderful, she may as well have said she loves him, too.
But seriously, they finally kissed! I was expecting it the night before Jin-hyuk left, but I love that it happened at the party, after all the work Jin-hyuk did to recreate the night they first met. They’ve come so far, and the kiss felt like an acknowledgment of everything they’ve been through to get here and a promise going into the new year, that no matter what happens, they’re in this together. I even loved the way it happened — I know, I’m a hopeless romantic — with the countdown, the party reveal, then Jin-hyuk’s silent question and Soo-hyun’s unheard yet enthusiastic answer. So perfect for these two, who’ve never needed words to convey their feelings for each other.
On a side note, I think Driver Nam might be one of my favorite drama characters of this year. He’s such a papa bear, so much so that Director Kim’s daughter and Soo-hyun (even well into adulthood) go to him with their problems and seem to trust and love him like a father. He’s even protective of Director Kim, his deceased best friend’s little sister, and I get the feeling that it’s just engraved in his DNA to protect and cherish the women he loves. I hope that Director Kim decides to give Driver Nam a chance – I don’t sense a romantic connection between them now, but with all of their late-night half-drunk confession sessions, surely there’s something special between them?
But of course, as soon as I voice my wish for Woo-seok to remain Soo-hyun’s reluctant but loyal supporter, his actions start to turn problematic and now I’m worried that his breakup, the confession, and the attempt to corner Soo-hyun at the party signal that he’s about to start making problems. He’s never voiced any concerns about Jin-hyuk, and even seemed friendly, if reserved, on the couple of times they’ve met, but now I’m scared that what I interpreted as cautious friendliness was actually Woo-seok sizing up the competition in advance of making his move (and speaking of which, kudos to Jang Seung-jo for his portrayal of Woo-seok, he’s got me all torn up!). What if he’s not suffering in silence, but biding his time until he can pounce? I can only console myself with the times he’s told his mother to leave Soo-hyun alone to make her own life choices, and trust that he meant those words to apply to himself, as well. If the Drama Gods are still listening, pleeeeease can Woo-seok not be a villain? Please??
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Tags: Boyfriend, Jang Seung-jo, Park Bo-gum, Song Hye-gyo
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1 purpleowl
December 22, 2018 at 10:04 PM
I'm still on Episode 5. But Squeal!
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purpleowl
December 30, 2018 at 7:49 PM
I've always been in love with the leads. I like the characters almost as much as I love the actors.
But omo, the supporting and side characters are amazing. I don't even know who to pair with who anymore. I just know I adore Eun-Jin, Manager Nam, and Hye-in (super surprised by her)
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2 lemoncello
December 22, 2018 at 10:21 PM
If DB has a category for the best matchmaker, the award goes to Director Nam.. :). I'm happy that he's been on Soo-Hyun's side all along, the thing that might his father couldn't do. You know, Mom's sixth sense.
I feel anxious that Jin-Hyuk's mother has sensed something is "up" with her son, and I'm afraid it like pre ominous to what will happen to JH in the later episodes which we know. At some point, I'm afraid that Woo-seok could do something terrible although I want him to be otherwise. But who knows as he already admitted his feeling that he's been in love with Soo-hyun all along.
I suspected Hye-in the beginning to do something bad to JH & SH relations out of jealousy, but she did otherwise. She's proved to be a good friend.
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3 po
December 22, 2018 at 10:25 PM
Seriously this is a good drama. Luckily it's much more well received in Korea than in the international drama fanbase
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Purplelass
December 22, 2018 at 10:58 PM
The show is very well received internationally too search Encounter hashtag on twitter and ig many international fans enjoying the drama and in yt csy x kjy already have fanmade videos.
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Chichaloca
December 22, 2018 at 11:08 PM
I think international fans seem cant move on with song so g couple.im also a fan of them.but after watch dis drama i found my self drown with this drama otp csy and kjh..omg despite the age gaps the make my heart fluttered with their love story.so sincere and cute.sometime i almost forgot that shk was sjk wife.hehe😜😜
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4 seunhyel
December 22, 2018 at 10:34 PM
thank you for the compliments on Jang Seung Jo! That actor has been in my pocket for a long time and I'm glad people saw what I saw in him in just 16 episodes of a daily drama
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5 Purplelass
December 22, 2018 at 11:02 PM
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Mellinadear
December 22, 2018 at 11:12 PM
I had problem with the zooming out (urgh Director) but I wouldn't judge them as it could be their first kiss.
We are aware that JH learned how to love through a book. I wouldn't be surprised it's his first kiss.
Lol I'm making excuses for them.
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Lily
December 22, 2018 at 11:22 PM
Noticed this too! Lol
I thought because the editors were trying to time the angles with the songs? Some even said that the some of the angles looked like a camera trick (in other words a fake kiss) which is kinda stupid because why would they fake a kiss on one angle, then kiss freely on another
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6 Dee
December 22, 2018 at 11:03 PM
Before I talk lengthily about this episode, I would just like to say tha I LOVE how not once did the main couple mention their age difference and class status. They’re just simply two individuals who happen to be insanely attracted to one another and eventually fell in love.
I’m a little bit anxious tho that the writer might insert a wedge between them to drive up the angst since we’re halfway through the series
And I can’t believe this drama will end in a little over a month 😭
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SadKDramaLama
December 23, 2018 at 1:50 AM
@Dee
Don't JH and SH literally talk about their age and status differences in Ep02, Ep03 and Ep05.
What I have enjoyed so much is that they don't run away. They directly address the elephant in the room each time it may be a consideration and together realise that their relationship is not defined by these.
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7 Mellinadear
December 22, 2018 at 11:10 PM
Ooofff..when CSH cried behind the camera, my heart broke for her.
She just started a new life with a new love and there are some evil forces trying to force them apart.
If you zoom in on JH's eye while his picture was being taken, you could see he welled up too but hidit behind his smile.
The kids was soft, I liked it. The longing in their eyes spoke a lot.
They missed each other.
The hug after the kiss, you could see JH's conflicting emotions, trying to smile but also trying to control himself from tearing up (very good eye-acting on PBG's part).
SH on the other hand just let go of all her emotions and my heart broke again.
They might not have said their "I love you"s outright but we all know they do love each other.
As for WS, he needs to let go. That bridge of reconciliation has broken.
Move on man.
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8 geminirat
December 22, 2018 at 11:17 PM
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9 geminirat
December 22, 2018 at 11:21 PM
Thank you, @lollypip for the recap. I, too, am enjoying the show. I wanted Jin-hyuk to work in the PR department in Sokcho since he came from the head office but nooo, they gave him a front desk job. Is it normal? With both Soo-hyun and mother-in-law knowing that Director Choi has his own personal agenda, I hope he gets burned by both - badly!
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Babycakes
December 23, 2018 at 1:13 PM
I don’t think the Sokcho branch has a PR team. They are newly opened and are not headquarters like where JH was working before. What they gave him was probably the only position they had. I’m curious on how he’ll go back to the main branch with his current position though. He’s determined and in love, I’m sure he’ll make find a way
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10 kangminjae
December 22, 2018 at 11:28 PM
Right there with you on Woo Seok! I need him to stay decent for my own sanity.
I loved how carefully and romantically Jin Hyuk planned the masquerade ball, and how it contrasted with Woo Seok as well. The latter wanted to find out what Soo Hyun was wearing so that he could have her for himself while Jin Hyuk crafted a perfect night - and mask! - for her without any knowledge that he would get to partake in it.
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growingbeautifully
December 22, 2018 at 11:39 PM
Great insight @kanminjae ... and there lies the difference in the guys' attitudes and personalities that will make it only natural for Soo Hyun to choose Jin Hyuk. It's so touching to consider that he was thinking of how he could have her enjoy the end of year party.
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SadKDramaLama
December 23, 2018 at 2:18 AM
@kangminjae
@growingbeautifully
Thank you so much for that reminder that JH was never intending to be at the masquerade. It's a drama brain snap where you know it ....but for some reason don't register it.
Like @growingbeautifully, for me the fundamental difference for SH between JH and WS is
SH/JH interaction both bring a new element of value to each others experience...so the experience is 1 +1 =4 (eg. - looking at Whanki Kim's painting)
I don't think we have seen an example of SH/WS interactions where WS expands her world. Hence her experiences don't grow richer 1+1 =1 (eg. The description of the drive to view the sunflowers WS words are only about observing SH's values)
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DoubleFault
December 23, 2018 at 12:28 AM
I agree with you on WS and JH. If I may add, WS is a man who is doing his best to get to know SH, which is really sweet and thoughtful of him. JH, on the other hand, just seem to understand her on a much deeper level. Both guys want the best for SH but JH is more compatible with and more courageous with his feelings.
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CHARLIE
December 23, 2018 at 3:21 AM
Well said! I'd add one more observation: SH feels loved in JH's presence. She never felt loved in WS's. And that's what makes all the difference.
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ryanglass
December 23, 2018 at 6:00 PM
Might I also add that between WS's mother and hers, SH never had time to notice WS's feelings. But they were there all along, she just couldn't see them.
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Blue (@mayhemf)
December 23, 2018 at 7:03 AM
WS had his chance. To show his love and to find happiness for both of them. To communicate with her and get to know each other. Either he tried and failed or he never had a chance from the beginning.
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11 growingbeautifully
December 22, 2018 at 11:36 PM
Thanks @lollypip. I actually wrote this post for Ep 7, but decided that it could fit Ep 8 as well. I'm so glad that you've mentioned the same thoughts that entered my mind.
It occurred to me to give some love to Driver Nam too, for being the best supporter and enabler of 'forbidden' romance that I've ever come across! He's got so much love and caring to give, he really needs his own family, and with all the great communication between them, taking Dir Kim and her girl as his family seems like a given!
And yes, I finally have a kind of SLS. Not that I want Woo Seok to get back with Soo Hyun, but that I like him so much, I don't want him to suffer anymore. Like what you @lollypip said in the last recap review, I want him to fight his mother, but not only on SH's behalf, but for himself as well. I want him free and happy and able to find love again.
I'm not yet afraid that he'll turn to villainy ... of course it's possible since show may think having 2 interfering mothers and heaps of rumour mongers are not enough conflict, but I'm not really feeling it yet. He appears to want to re-establish a closer relationship with Soo Hyun, now thinking that she's letting Jin Hyuk go.
It occurred to me to give some love to the oft forgotten but essential side characters of the parents. This show works on many levels of warm and sweet, because we get Jin Hyuk's parents being some of the 'bestest' parents ever in dramaland. His friends and brother too are wonderfully human and relatable, and not at all mean. So refreshing! I wait to see how his parents will react to news that he's dating not only an older woman, but one outside their social sphere. I am certain we will not get the Pretty Noona crazy mother deal here. *fingers crossed*
I'm rooting so hard for Secretary Jang to eat all her words of rudeness and arrogance spoken to Dae Chan. I think it would be a hoot, squabbles, bickering and all for them to end up the Moonsnails Couple. He's definitely fascinated with her, against his will.
Like I said before, it's amazing that a show with so little plot and such a relaxed pace is not boring at all (to me). It must be the wonderful portrayal of many main and side characters who've so far been consistent and rather relatable. I'm even hoping that Soo Hyun's mum can twist the evil mother cliche to change for the better and admit her selfish greed.
So much hinges on how much nicer everyone can be despite the challenges coming up, and how much more we end up liking them until the end. (Please show, do not give us a BTLIOF ending! Chaebal!!) 😆
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SadKDramaLama
December 23, 2018 at 1:31 AM
@growingbeautifully
Sun-Joo indicated there may be something tragic in Driver Nam's past when she says he disappeared when her brother died. (I am so scared he may have been negatively involved in the death...but pray its not that).
For me, I don't need Dae Chan and Secretary Jang to become a couple. I would be happier for them to become fantastic but acidic friends. JH has this ability to grow friendships around him. If they all couple up, his world stops growing. However, if being part of this friends network opens you up to even more people who may become your partner....that world grows ever larger.
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mintful
December 23, 2018 at 2:53 AM
Beautifully said! Mr. Nam is the president of the SH/JH ship :') I love that fake (and pretty well done. with the toilet flush lol) stomachache acting.
While I am not all that charmed yet with WS, I also wanted him to be happy with someone he loves because he deserves that. I am really wishing he won't be the villain. He is actually a nice guy ;a; those moms... please don't do this to your own kids aaahh! what's so good about destroying your own flesh and blood only for 'power'... :(
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12 Maia
December 22, 2018 at 11:39 PM
Thank you for the recap. I always look forward for this as i love this drama.
Ep8 is just wow! I love how JH and SH handled each situation and showing their strenght and will power to fight for their happiness.
The date, the back hug and the kiss scene made me emitional. PD and crew and OTP did a great job with everything. The scenes just draws you into their world where u experienced mixed feelings of happiness, sadness, worriies, determination and courage.
Watching the kiss scene, OTP executed the scene perfectly and kudos to the great PD again for his brilliant directing.
KS- the gaze just screams love, wanting and longing.
Backhug- just so emotional and heart fluttering.
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13 javinne
December 23, 2018 at 12:02 AM
Different things I like about this episode:
1. How Sh and Jh decided to face the separation, not only their dates but their phone calls. Sweet! 😍
2. Manager/driver Nam, of course.😉
3. JH's family and the way they talk to each other. It is a combination of affection, simplicity but deep concern that it makes me feel safe. I wish I could have a family like that. I loved that they tease each other but don't get angry, and how they are able to make each other laugh. People, it is so important to be able to laugh with the people you love! For me, it is a sign of sanity. And there were people dropping this show because Jin hyunk laughs so much!! Look at his family and you will understand. I love them all. 🙂
4. The back hug. Well, simply because I felt it. It was naturally slow, but comfortable, and I liked that she didn't react surprised or awkward, I loved her reaction and timing, and when he said he wanted to hug her (even though he was already hugging her), she turned back and hug him as well. Beautiful!! A hug is a total acknowledgment and consent of being in this kind of special relationship. Some people would have kissed as well, immediately while hugging, that is ok too. But I am glad they didn't. I feel they are really conscious of their closeness and approaching little by little, and I feel it is consistent with their personalities and also circumstances and roles. He is not shy with her, but he is not aggressive or treating her like she was younger or same age. I really appreciate the little ways in which he shows this respect he has for her. Also, she is not necessarily shy, maybe reserved, because she is use to be like that, but she is also open with him, if that makes sense. Taking into account her personality, position, etc, I think she is becoming more and more open to him, and that makes them both feel comfortable. They have a similar mindset, but different personalities and totally different situations in life, age gap, class gap, that could be tricky and make people gossip about them even if they were not that "famous" (at least her). So, I really appreciate how they treat each other with such respect, dignity, honestly and yet still learning familiarity, humor and now even physical closeness, slowly but steady. I like that. It feels natural and makes me feel comfortable as well.
5. The kiss! I thought, these two actors being friends in real life, it would be difficult for them to kiss, and the director would give us a very short kiss, or a eskimo-kiss, or a kiss with a weird angle, but no... They actually kissed beautifully and even three times. Loved it.
I almost hear other beanies complaining that the kiss lacked passion, and that they don't buy the romance here, etc, etc, etc 😂😂😂😂 but I will get back to them later! LOL For me, it was perfect for the occasion, and taking into consideration it was the first time. It was way better than other way more famous kdramas.
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Ally
December 23, 2018 at 5:29 AM
Thus was beautifully written and I agree with all your points! But mostly, I love Jin-hyuk’s family too. I love how his parents are quite considerate of one another. His mother making his father tea and bringing it to him on a cold day. This simple act shows us where Jin-Hyuk gets his thoughtfulness. Also, his he insists she go home even if he would rather her stay with him, because it’s so cold. She ends up gong to the store to buy groceries for Jin-hyuk instead. And again we see how selfless they are. And this happens every day in healthy marriages and families. I also loved Jin-hyuk’s brother when he nonchalantly says that he’s learned to never compare himself to his brother because it never turns out well for him. I would totally be the same. And sweet Hye-in, someone needs to date that girl and marry her. Maybe the brother? I kinda don’t think he’s good enough for her, but at least she’ll be able to reap the benefits of that great family!
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SadKDramaLama
December 23, 2018 at 3:51 PM
@ally-le
Thank you for summing up that world so beautifully. JH's mother seems such a simple character at first glance...but her depths are subtle and disarming. I want to share fruit with her.
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Ally
December 23, 2018 at 4:10 PM
She reminds me of my mother-in-law actually.
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SadKDramaLama
December 23, 2018 at 5:08 PM
@ally-le You are so lucky.
Ally
December 23, 2018 at 5:54 PM
I know. 😜
14 KaniaDJ
December 23, 2018 at 2:58 AM
Ugh my heart! It fluttered all the way to Cuba, Sokcho, then back to my room. Honestly, i was afraid about how the kiss would look like. But I'm glad it was done tastefully & beautifully. Kudos to PBG on conveying all the raw emotions through his eyes, it was amazing. I teared up a bit, no lie.
You know what, what i hate the most is people who kept bringing in SJK into all the comments. Many comments were also borderline offensive, insinuating that adultery is happening between PBG & SHK. I know it's mostly just jokes, some of the memes are quite funny, but i really hate jokes about infidelity. Puh-leeeess.. just grow up already! They're actors! I'm sooo glad the you beanies aren't like that.
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Dee
December 23, 2018 at 3:37 AM
You took the words right out of my mouth!
I absolutely find it ridiculous that out of a thousand comments on several videos of the kissing scene on Instagram, more than half of it are related to SJK. SERIOUSLY! This is acting, an art form! People ought not to sully this important moment for two CHARACTERS by injecting their butthurt feeling over SHK kissing PBG.
They are WAY too obsessed with SSC. Yuck.
/endrant
Lol
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Mia
December 23, 2018 at 8:36 AM
I think some fans don't get that actors are professionals.
Growing up watching western television, I watched married couples working on the same show playing characters who's storylines had them doing very intimate love scenes with different actors in the cast. SHK & SJK are both professionals. I think they can at least handle a kiss. If SKJ couldn't give it her all, I doubt she'd take this role.
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ryanglass
December 23, 2018 at 6:06 PM
Oh you have no idea. I saw someone going on about SHK's husband beating the life out of PBG because of the kiss, and I was like, seriously? They're professionals y'all, if not for anything else, respect them for that! Jeez...
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SadKDramaLama
December 24, 2018 at 6:57 PM
@kaniadj
Its hard to think of another actor in PBG's age group who could play this role with the required lack of pretension that he is able to bring...this is different to naivety or innocence. (Any sense of pretentiousness and he would come of as self-serving or opportunist).
SHK is one of the few in her cohort who would take (and pull of) the visual/style risks she needs to here. Not many 35+ Korean female stars would risk going short hair and slightly softer (but way more expressive) face for a role.
I'm with you, to me the SJK comments are so troubling. Why should women curtail their careers just when they skills are hitting their straps. I mean hells bells - if people force out married male leads of acting in romantic roles - Kmovies and KDramas are in trouble.
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15 SadKDramaLama
December 23, 2018 at 3:04 AM
The game is afoot.
From the very first frame of ep08 it is clear the political machinations are on (OMG...what a stunning shot of Song Hye-Kyo). In amongst all the romance of this episode, darkness is seeping to the surface.
We learn:
- The loan the tied SH's family to Taegyeong was organised by the mother (did she knowingly sell the family for power)
- Mr Nam mysteriously disappeared after Sun-Joo's brother died
- SH is now looking to turn Taegyeong spies in her organisation...or remove them
- Mr Nam's actions (always cute & for the best of intentions) are again dangerous.
- JH's parents both know 1/2 the story...the mother is more perceptive but not aware of the scale of danger. (I fear for these beautiful characters at the hands of Taegyeong)
- WS and his mother's frictions are now exposed. A power struggle of this magnitude is dangerous and unpredictable for everyone.
The battle is not only if SH will gain her company and happiness. I think the test is can they succeed and JH still be that person who smiles.
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mintful
December 23, 2018 at 3:16 AM
ah... makes me scared that JH might not smile as much in the future because of everything happening ;a; as people pointed out he smiles a lot in this drama. What if his sun-like smiles started to dim and SH realised that? :(
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Ally
December 23, 2018 at 5:33 AM
She’ll realize it and make it better. But yeah, PBG tears me apart when he becomes melancholy. I said on an earlier recap that she’ll need to mend me as she’s mending him if he starts getting hurt.
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naomi123
December 28, 2018 at 8:18 AM
Previous dramas helmed by this director would indicate that SooHyun will not be able to have her cake and eat it, too. As well, if SooHyun is willing to give up the professional battle, she will win the personal one.
This isn't to say that this drama won't buck the trend; in fact I'm hoping/halfway to believing that it will because:
**JinHyuk is trying hard to help SooHyun maintain her position, which is unlike the director's previous dramas
**SooHyun's dad is aligned with his daughter and has (for now) the support of his political party
**the likelihood that SooHyun's clear ability to bring in the money will speak louder than any pressure the Chairwoman could apply
**Although we've seen hints that SooHyun is struggling (her insomnia), I think WooSeok is more likely to break under all the stress. And when he does, that will be what takes all the wind out of his mother's sails.
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16 mintful
December 23, 2018 at 3:14 AM
Ah, this drama. I'm glad I didn't drop it. First of all, Mr. Nam, I need someone like you in my life! Like a personal cheerleader ahaha xD He takes care of the people around him. Also Congressman Cha, Mr. Nam and ... what was her name I'm sorry sobs ><.... drinking together was so cute. I need my older brother friend to be that nice (First I need an older brother, tho).
I love how they handled the relocation that they know happened because of their relationship. They talked it out and decided what to do together. He didn't just move silently. She also didn't stop his decision to move. To me, it's a way to show people that despite being in relationship it doesn't mean that SH will always be protecting JH and used her power to stop him from moving, as that could backfire as well. I love the gender reversal in this drama so much too.
Mr. Nam was pretty much a fairy Godfather! He gave him a ride in a (rather expensive) 'pumpkin' and gave him a 'makeover' ;a; if SH won't be using her power to bring him there then leave it to Mr. Nam xD He is such a matchmaker!
Also, those simple moments between them feels so meaningful. They way it was told and shot made me feel happy with them. Close up to hand gestures when he came to his house, the back hug, the kiss!
Also that scene when he was comparing his room with hers. He realised his social standing, maybe it felt like a dream to him, too. But his love was so pure. Their love is. I hope it works out for them uHHHHHHHH I WANNA PROTECT THEM.
I really hope WS won't go all villain in the future eps. I have faith in you ;a; be a good friend with JH would be awesome.... maybe bromance.... too much? ahhaa
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17 Angela
December 23, 2018 at 4:35 AM
I am so in love with this drama especially because of song hye kyo..can;t help but admiring her beauty and acting so much. I like her chemistry with park bo gum more than song joong ki in DOTS (maybe because of the storyline too).Both song hye kyo and park bogum are really good in Encounter visual and acting match well...love them so much.
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modestgoddess
December 24, 2018 at 1:19 PM
This really is the perfect role for her. Elegant, beautiful and determined career woman.
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18 isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
December 23, 2018 at 4:43 AM
I'm loving this drama! I loved in Soo Hyuns conversation with her mother she said that she's making these changes for herself. That Jin Hyuk isn't the reason or the catalyst, the she herself is both and she's done with her in laws and her mom, both. Fall in line, sister!
I had an...uncomfortable? (anxious?) moment when Jin Hyuk told Soo Hyun that he wanted to hold her. Reminded me of Pretty Noona Who broke the creator-viewer contract (why yes, I DID just finish reading Sayas year end review), when our Noona killer tells the Noona (I've finally purged their stupid names from my head. I'm not inviting them back again) that he wants to be closer to her. That lead to delightfully fun sexy times. AND ULTIMATELY THE DRAMA WAS A HUGE FAIL. Unless the dramas goal was to turn it's viewers into enraged humans. So, that small moment was a problem for me. Normally I'm 100% pro sexy times for everyone. But noy wiyu that lead in, I guess.
I still don't think that PBG and Song have blazing chemistry but that kiss was everything (and more!) than what I wanted/expected from this couple. It had the quiet sweetness that I was anticipating from their first kiss. I was not anticipating that it would look so....hungry. Get it, y'all.
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Ally
December 23, 2018 at 5:36 AM
Ahhh, you are alive! I always enjoy your thoughts. And I’ve never been uncomfortable with Jin-hyuk’s displays of affection, mainly because I really think he knows her and her conservative nature. That last hug with him all angsty but she’s genuinely happy, PBG did well here. It was all him.
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isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
December 23, 2018 at 6:12 AM
It wasn't the hug itsself that gave me pause. It was the sentence! Here, he said, "I want to hold you" (or something) but in my head I heard, "I want to be closer to you" and it made me think of that horrible Pretty Noona drama! I want nothing of this delightfully soothing drama (seriously, I don't drink at all, but this drama makes me want to draw a bubble bath and watch in the tub with a glass of wine. Or out at the end of a long walk as I sit under a tree and watch a sunset or something. In a hammock--I dont even mind the work machinations which is normally the most boring part of any drama for me) to remind me of that horrible drama! I still get a twitch in my left eye if I think about Pretty Noona too long.
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clouds and dream
December 26, 2018 at 6:05 AM
loving Son Ye-jin since the time of Personal taste, I found the that script really poor, so I tell you that I could never make the comparison between Encounter (masterpiece until now) and another drama (such as Pretty noona). The phrase of JH in the back hug fwas not absolutely ambiguous, because if you know his character, he really wants more and more from her and their relationship in a romantic sense, not just sexual. I think that their relationship is so natural that it is completely without embarrassment and I feel serene and happy looking at them, and I am sure I would not be embarrassed even if I passed on to a later stage. Who's talking about bad chemistry with each other or embarrassing kisses, has not yet descended from a superficial view of the drama and is still stuck to the initial clichés (es.lui is a friend of her husband) and prejudices (she is more big and is married).
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CS
December 26, 2018 at 10:54 AM
I'm with you that I haven't not bowled over by the chemistry between PBG and Song, but that kiss was fantastic! PBG did not disappoint with his smoldering puppy eyes.
There were a couple of times when they were walking on their date that I thought they looked more like a young aunt and nephew, but I take it back now. I hope this is the start of more chemistry between the two.
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19 Lixie
December 23, 2018 at 4:58 AM
Nobody cares he is now a receptionist. :)
I don't remember about his major and college education but if someone does please post here. How can he go from PR to the hotel desk?
Maybe there is something I don't know about careers in their country?
It's also very convenient to make as if the workers of this Sokcho hotel don't know who he is. If she is so famous and they work for her and probably know many people on the main hotel, they would know. Maybe they will on the next episode.
If anyone is curious, there are many things I like in this show, but I think everybody else already talked about those, so I usually post about what seems strange.
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Lily
December 23, 2018 at 5:17 AM
It was Taegyong who decided to relocate him to Sokcho, it’s possible they also had a hand in demoting him from PR guy to receptionist. I’m sure he never got a say on what his position in Sokcho will be like
He majored in hotel management I think
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Lixie
December 23, 2018 at 5:57 AM
I know why he was sent there, I'm just wondering why nobody cares it was not only a transfer but also it seems to be a demotion. I'd think he should have some thoughts about this?
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isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
December 23, 2018 at 6:21 AM
He has a college degree in hotel management, I believe.
I think no one is saying anything about him being bumped down because everyone knows that his demotion is a punishment. And I'm not sure how things are in Korea or in the business/hotel world in general but at one of my old libraries it was pretty standard practice before someone was fired to have them demoted to somewhere else in a different building as part of the punishment practice. But, we had a union and we didn't have "at will" employment. It was pretty dang hard for management to fire anyone and they had to look like they were genuinely trying to make things work with that employee (which is why they were demoted) before they were officially fired. It looks like they are doing the same thing here. Taegyong is demoting Jin-Hyuk before they fire him so that if he tries to make a public stink they can say that they tried to make it work with him--when he was "stalking" the CEO he was moved to a location away from her, and then he still didnt work out and was canned.
As for the workers not knowing him/Soo Hyun, it could be the same as when Jin-Hyuk didn't know who she was in Cuba. They dont work with her in the same building. They probably aren't super interested in the work gossip from a building 3 hours away from them, so even if they heard Jin-Hyuks name they probably didnt connect the dots. When I worked at a bigger library I couldn't point my director out of a lineup with front row BSB/GOT7 tickets on the line.
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Lixie
December 23, 2018 at 7:50 AM
Thanks @isthatacorner for the reply!
You are right, it was Hotel Management, for some reason I thought it was Business or Economics.
I'm still thinking he has more to loose staying than leaving but I'll just go along with the story and believe that maybe he thinks it's a temporary demotion.
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modestgoddess
December 24, 2018 at 1:25 PM
Hello fellow librarian!
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isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
December 24, 2018 at 4:28 PM
Oh you're a librarian as well? What kind? I do childrens and teen services
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SadKDramaLama
December 24, 2018 at 6:32 PM
@isthatacorner Does that mean you get all the fairytale references?
P.S. Love your screen name :)
modestgoddess
December 27, 2018 at 8:48 PM
I’m a Cataloging librarian
isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
December 27, 2018 at 8:51 PM
@modestgoddess do you like it? Anything other than copy-cataloging seems SO HARD TO ME. My friend is a cataloger and she loves it.
modestgoddess
December 27, 2018 at 8:58 PM
I like it , most of my original Cataloging is movies so lots of fun stuff
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
December 24, 2018 at 4:51 PM
#Library Beanies Represent!!!
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blnmom
December 23, 2018 at 12:50 PM
Oh, I didn't take it as a demotion, although that might have been what it was. I just took it that he was learning all the different practical aspects of running a hotel, and at the front line of PR for a hotel are the receptionists. If I was him, I wouldn't mind working reception for the experience, as long as my salary remained the same.
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naomi123
December 23, 2018 at 3:57 PM
Keeping on pointing out the things you find strange! :)
I agree-- SooHyun as the CEO should know the tricks of the trade well enough to realize what the next step from HR should be. If even JinHyuk's mother knows that this Sokcho transfer is wrong, it should be sending off alarm bells to SooHyun at a deafening volume. However, she may be thinking that with her threat/warning to Director Choi, JinHyuk's ability to move up the ranks again is strong possibility. As well, from a PR standpoint, there are many ways SooHyun could spin the transfer to her advantage.
As to whether or not the Sokcho employees know who he is, at this point, JinHyuk's name and face have still not actually been revealed. The people at the head office all saw his face during lobby confrontation, but I didn't see any phones snapping photos during or after. So, there's the possibility that the rumors have not yet reached the Sokcho front desk staff.
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Lixie
December 23, 2018 at 5:28 PM
They don't need his face, by then, so many people on the main hotel would know his name that I thought it would have reached the other hotel, even more after the news of the transfer. I'm going to believe the explanation the workers of Sokcho are not that big on gossip.
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20 Yuki
December 23, 2018 at 4:59 AM
It was a nice episode and I swooned over that kiss. This show is so beautifully filmed and SHK+PBG pairing is working quite well, they are doing a great job.
Anyway I'm mainly watching because of Park Bo Gum and as expected he's delivering. He is so good with his expressions and his eyes convey so many feelings...in the last scene of this episode, he really reminded me a man in love: his shining eyes, his body language and the way he leaned in for the kiss, that was just perfect. I have some qualms with the way his character is presented (too focused on Soo Hyun and we see little of his motivations and desires apart from her) but I forgive everything since this show is still a pleasure to watch.
I hope Bogummie's popularity keeps growing and next time he chooses a meatier role. He's so talented it feels a bit of a waste to have him in a so standard romantic set up.
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popo
December 23, 2018 at 5:21 AM
We’re only halfway through, here’s to hoping he has more material to work on
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21 Ally
December 23, 2018 at 7:29 AM
I LOVED this episode. I’m watching this one for me and me alone. I’m a million times more selfish than Jin-Hyuk, so it’s almost foreign to me how incredibly selfless his actions are. How can someone be this considerate? Well, as I mentioned above, it’s all in his family. But everything he does is for SH. Everything. I was a bit upset that he stood his mother up and lied to her for dinner, but understood that it was his last day before he left and his girlfriend needs him too. But glad the family all had breakfast together.
I till love the art and animation that bookends these episodes. So romantic.
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javinne
December 23, 2018 at 7:47 AM
I also felt bad he lied to mom. For a few seconds I though he will invite SH to their home, but then I said to myself: "you are expecting too much".
Anyway, I wish we will have a scene when she is at his house and meet his family. I think they would act normal, and she would get to know what a normal happy family looks like. 😊😅😀
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SadKDramaLama
December 24, 2018 at 2:45 PM
@javinne
JH's lie removed his mother's ability to protect her world. As @ally-le noted, his caring world, is actually that of his parents. I.e. it is not his alone. JH knows how scary Taegyeong is--and he only knows the edge of their power.
I know most men (and I suspect women) would choose that fib to ease their mother's disappointment...but here it has other ramifications. Sure, his father knows about the "girl" but he is blind to the risks...and it is doubtful he would connect the dots.
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javinne
December 24, 2018 at 8:59 PM
It is very bad, because they could choose to approach his family with pictures of him and girlfriend and create their own version of the story to tell. Typical mediocre trope that we have seen in dramas before. I had been scared a couple of times this could happen here too. Or even worse, that they would hurt his family whatsoever and then threatened him do that he can play the noble idiot.
The more we are into the story, the less I believe they would do something like that, for the writer seems to be smarter, but you can never know how a "good" writer can ruin a good story (I am looking at you, BTLIOF! 😂😒😠). So, let's wait and see... hopefully, we will be happily surprised.
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Elfeu
December 24, 2018 at 11:46 PM
I apologise for being ignorant but could you please tell me what exactly is BTLIOF?
Mel
December 24, 2018 at 11:53 PM
@elfeu BTLIOF stands for Because this Life is Our First :)
Elfeu
December 25, 2018 at 1:59 AM
@Mel thank you :)
22 Foglia
December 23, 2018 at 7:40 AM
Candid and unique dialogues...
There are three scenes that I loved very much.
Choi Jin Chul is in Soo Hyun's room:
“I am talking on your level to help you quickly understand what I am trying to say”
......................
“This’s it. Not one more time. If you ever cross the line again, you won’t be able to handle what comes next”
................
She is not aggressive but definitely not in a compromising state as well. Clear. Determined. Ready to face any kind of unpleasant conventional move.
.......................
The two rookie sweethearts are having private time and 'the male rookie' shares his third secret with her:
“This is what love is. This is what happens when I fall in love”
He doesn't speak in a timid way. He doesn't speak because he is supposed to say all those. He just enjoys what he feels and speaks his mind.
................
It's the first night that they're apart. They're on the phone:
“If I’ll get lost, I will give the police your phone number”
“Good idea, I can use it as an excuse to go to Sokcho”
“Great! You should come”
“I’m not joking”
“I know; I encourage you to come”
They are transparent. No need to hide how enamoured and in love they're. Confidently teasing each other.
It was a real pleasure to watch this episode.
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RevSparklyAndroid
December 23, 2018 at 8:04 AM
Exactly how I felt.
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23 RevSparklyAndroid
December 23, 2018 at 8:02 AM
SH's attempts to take those pictures through her tears (and his) got me. These actors are masters of the nuance.
I also loved the way SH cut Director Choi down to size. Her choice of words in this confrontation was superb and the guy had it coming after that horrendous showdown in the lobby area. I wouldn't be surprised if his overambitious self ends up being tossed aside by both parties--he's not someone I'd want in my corner.
Driver Nam should definitely win the MVP of the year award for being such a creatively supportive matchmaker and all-round trusted confidante. I grinned when he told JH he was there to pick up his boss's boyfriend, not an employee.
Thanks for the recap, @lollypip.
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24 SY
December 23, 2018 at 9:31 AM
Love this episode so much! I especially love how JH tells CSH to wait and see how he makes his way back!!! He knows that he’s capable and will be able to make his way back! It’s this understated confident about JH that make me like him so much.
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25 ys
December 23, 2018 at 10:31 AM
Only watching for the side characters, especially ex-husband. Started Money Flower (wow!!) because of the actor playing the ex-husband. Also love the romance starting between the restaurant hyung and spunky secretary bff. And Jinhyuk with his family. But the main couple scenes are soul-crushingly boring and the anguish unconvincing. Oh the ex-mother-in-law! Love her scenes. That actress is so powerful and subtle and beautiful and effortless.
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SadKDramaLama
December 25, 2018 at 6:34 PM
@yarluan & @ysbee you win the Beanie inverse internet prize.
Comment #24 + #25...not only to your screen names inverse so your comments...
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26 SadKDramaLama
December 23, 2018 at 3:42 PM
@LollyPip
Thank you for another year of beautiful writing and wonderful insights. Even with the approaching holidays your recaps are there for us to enjoy.
All the best for the next year to you and those you care about.
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27 naomi123
December 23, 2018 at 4:04 PM
Are there any other firstborns, "never made a mistake in their entire childhood" out there who are also empathizing with JinHyuk's reluctance to share his relationship with his parents? Not that the relationship is a mistake (we can tell JinHyuk doesn't think that), but he's apparently never done anything his parents would find questionable. And if this thing, that's so important to his soul, is the first thing... well, that's a tough hurdle to cross.
He needs a helping hand to push him to stop lying and talk about it with his parents. Because as it is, I don't think he's going to work up the gumption until it's too late.
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SadKDramaLama
December 25, 2018 at 6:28 PM
@naomi123
Thank you for that insight....so good.
I think it is one of the things that makes his character actually seem 28 yr old. It's not immaturity, its more a lack of experience.
Without these consistent little foibles - he would be too suave by half to be believable.
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28 ryanglass
December 23, 2018 at 5:38 PM
“I'm curious because it concerns the woman I like...I've missed you." SAY WHAT?
He definitely mistook SHK's silence in PBG's transfer as lack of interest and as a sign for him to press his suit.
Cue the music please
💝Wildflower by Park Hyo Shin💝
That kiss though, I think it would have achieved it's intended hotness if it were with our Second Lead, I'm sorry PBG!
Did Secretary Jang know she was laughing at the antics of Mr. snail? Damn masquerade parties! I love these two!
Driver Ahjussi is 💯👍
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Libby
December 25, 2018 at 11:41 PM
Ahahah....the kiss between two who already love each other is so perfect and intense ... why ruin the poem with such a comment? with the ex husband it would have been unjust and without passion. this would have pleased only SSC fans
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ryanglass
December 26, 2018 at 3:54 PM
Muahaha! Really? I'm a fan actually, they're a cute couple acting in a well written drama, what's not to ship? But I can't overlook the lack of chemistry either. Ain't no spark baby, at least not yet...
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29 johanna
December 23, 2018 at 7:07 PM
i think im in the minority who think the kiss (the camera angles at least) was awkward. it seems as if the director fears a backlash of sorts from song-song fans. the director could learn a thing or two from the kiss scenes in hundred million stars from the sky.
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iagree
December 24, 2018 at 2:16 AM
Maybe PD was testing the waters first as to how the public will react
Hopefully the next one will be better (should we get another one)
I swear SHK marrying SJK has been a curse because of how obsessed some of the fans are. Sorry not sorry
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SadKDramaLama
December 24, 2018 at 4:20 PM
Korean fan & anti fan world is just too scary.
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30 SooHa
December 23, 2018 at 7:29 PM
Those 2 actors really really a great actors. I cry along with them when they have to say good bye and joy with them when reunite again. The story side is common but I can get the feels because they can deliver it so well.
I think I will always give them credits for they acting and not really for the story :D
I mean the story is not really new but the packaging is well done!
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31 shichybot
December 23, 2018 at 9:27 PM
Yes. No more love triangles with Woo Seok pining for Soo Hyun please! Can they just be happy together? But then again, there's a reason why this is called a drama. 😊
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32 KK
December 25, 2018 at 11:28 PM
I do not think so. it was the kiss of a new year at a party. he could not and should not have been more passionate. but sweet and moving. the fact that it was double and accompanied by caress makes it more intense and sensual without needing anything else. now it's well. I agree on the speech of the fans who can not to separate real from the drama.
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33 clouds and dream
December 26, 2018 at 5:30 AM
Now that I have more time, I would like to say something else about this episode, an example of pure poetry and visual and literary art. I love how JH wanted to spend the last day with SY, but not to say goodbye, simply to have an extra precious memory with her; I love how he declared his love, saying he had never known love before and I love how he eventually chose the mask of tin man to represent this very passage: as in a fairy tale, thanks to her he discovered to be able to love and to take off the mask represented for both and the drama a moment of transition to a new phase of history, life and love. Fabulous!!!
I agree with the negative perceptions of a possible evolution of the personality of the ex-husband in "extremely dangerous".
I say one more thing: those who speak of a predictable plot, obviously can only give a superficial reading of the story, perhaps the script to be truly understood needs some additional intellectual talent or simply a greater effort. Who says that she prefers her ex-husband to JY, maybe she did not really understand who she is and what JH represents for her: beyond the unquestionable beauty, he has the ability to show her the world in a different light, he's giving her the life, in other words he is saving her. That's why she loves him and can not do without him. Finally, the side characters have very little space, but they leave their mark, music and photography are incredible and the two protagonists are really the best in acting and a bomb of alchemy when they interact.
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SadKDramaLama
December 26, 2018 at 1:52 PM
WOW @alma74, you comment hard...love it.
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34 Tintel
December 29, 2018 at 9:46 AM
I hate that I had to rewind and view The Kiss again to fully appreciate it. The first time, my brain was half expecting her ex-husband to pop up from behind the pillar and see them, like he did in The Necktie. I'm still not fully convinced this didn't actually happen, though it wasn't shown in this ep. Show could still sneak in something like this in the next ep, which could then be the tipping point for him to go from sympathetic fence-sitter to full-on antagonist.
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35 Imastranger
January 4, 2019 at 4:32 AM
Hello, does anyone know the title and artist of the song which played while they were kissing at the end?? I’ve been searching up its lyrics but nothing exactly the same ever came up.
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36 Oakley
January 4, 2019 at 6:46 AM
I have to admit that I love the dyanamics between Jin Hyeok's parents. They don't scream or smack each other around, which seems to be the trope for kdramas (I just finished watching Strong Woman Bong Soon). Also, why does some blogs say "Encounter" and others say, "Boyfriend"? The text are the same. Just wondering.
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