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One Spring Night: Episodes 25-26

Our lead couple move forward with their relationship at a rapid pace, fueled by all the passion that our librarian’s former relationship lacked. With their compatibility confirmed, all that’s left to the puzzle is where our pharmacist’s son fits in to the new couple’s world. Meanwhile, Dad begins to come around, but the ex-boyfriend still has one final move to make to keep him on his side.

 
EPISODE 25

Ji-ho’s apartment is lit only by moonlight when Ji-ho stumbles out of his bedroom and collapses onto his couch. In the bedroom, even the pillows are thrown to the floor as Jung-in sprawls across the entire bed, haha. And in case you were wondering if this was a family trait, we peek in quickly on Jae-in, who is also taking up her own bed entirely.

Morning arrives, and Jung-in crouches next to the couch where she finds Ji-ho still sleeping. She studies him closely, and he’s startled to find her so close when he wakes. She asks him if she was snoring and drove him away, and he gasps, “You even snore?”

Jung-in grumbles as Ji-ho complains about he nearly fell off the bed trying to share it with her, and Ji-ho teases that she won’t be allowed to sleep over ever again. Jung-in protests, curling up into Ji-ho’s arms on the even tinier couch. They roll and fall gently to the floor, laughing and kissing.

Over at Seo-in’s, Mom and Jae-in are there to cook. Mom asks where Jung-in is, and Jae-in lies that she slept over at Young-joo’s. Mom demands that Jae-in call Young-joo as proof, and the sisters tell her to drop it.

Jung-in strolls in like a satisfied cat to Young-joo’s apartment, but Young-joo looks frazzled. She reports that Ki-seok is on his way over. Jung-in grows frustrated, and promises to take care of this. Young-joo isn’t mollified though, her thoughts on Jung-in and how difficult this relationship will be for her.

Ki-seok’s still at home when Jung-in calls, and she’s curt as she tells him to leave her and her friends and family alone. Ki-seok stands firm that he has to do this, for her own good.

By the time Jung-in returns to Ji-ho’s apartment, she’s in a terrible mood. Ji-ho joins her on the couch and Jung-in vents, not just about Ki-seok but also about how she hates how everyone is treating them like they’ve committed a crime. Jung-in taps her phone to call her mom and tell her everything, but Ji-ho’s calm voice convinces her to cancel the call.

Mom spotted the call though and calls back right away. Jung-in does her best to play it off and says that she just wanted to check in, Ji-ho giggling the whole time while as Jung-in insists she’s been with Young-joo the whole time. Mom knows something’s up, and says as much after she hangs up to her eldest and youngest daughters. Mom badgers them for details about Ji-ho, and they send sidelong glances at one another but stay quiet.

Mom says that she can tell he has some kind of flaw, and the girls promise that Jung-in will tell her herself, but also add that Mom should brace herself for a surprise.

Meanwhile, Chairman Kwon is having a get together with some of his work friends, and one of the guys points out that Jung-in’s dad must have been purposely left off the guest list. The chairman seems surprised that he’s not there, and blames others there for not remembering to invite him.

Alone at home, Jung-in’s dad pouts on his couch. He’s surprised to hear the door open, and Mom returns with her suitcase in hand. She says that she felt bad for stressing him out. Dad asks if Mom managed to talk Seo-in out of the divorce, and Mom demands that Dad think about what brought Seo-in to her decision in the first place.

Then Dad totally surprises Mom by asking to meet Jung-in’s new boyfriend. Mom is suspicious, but Dad just says that she’s been telling him for a while now to listen to his daughters.

Outside Jung-in’s apartment, Ki-seok lurks. He rings the buzzer several times, but no one is home. As he leans over the balcony, he pulls up Ji-ho’s number and gives him a call.

Ji-ho sees the call as he washes dishes, but he ignores it as he gives a glance back to Jung-in, who is still there with him.

Outside Ji-ho’s apartment, Ki-seok’s car pulls up. Ki-seok strides up the stairwell and rings the buzzer, but he’s surprised when it’s Young-jae and Hyun-soo who answer. Ki-seok cranes his neck over their shoulders, still expecting to spot Jung-in behind them, but neither Ji-ho nor Jung-in are there anymore. The guys tell him that they stopped by unexpectedly and don’t know where Ji-ho is. Young-jae invites Ki-seok in, but Ki-seok turns him down and wanders back down the stairs.

The guys close the door and return to their chicken. Hyun-soo scolds Young-jae for inviting Ki-seok in, and Young-jae says he was just baffled. He explains that he knows there was no way that Ki-seok was there to talk to Ji-ho. He was obviously there looking for Jung-in. Hyun-soo denies it, but Young-jae points out that Ki-seok is probably super embarrassed right now (as he should be).

Hyun-soo tries again to defend Ki-seok, saying that Jung-in shouldn’t have accepted the ring at all. But Young-jae isn’t having it, and says that it’s clear that Ki-seok knew very well that Jung-in had no intention of saying yes to his proposal. Young-jae names it as an obsession, and he’s not wrong. Hyun-soo tries to lighten the mood, saying that perhaps it just shows how much Ki-seok loves her. Young-jae responds that if that’s the case, having a one-sided crush counts as dating experience.

The next day, Mom visits Jung-in at work. Mom tells Jung-in about Dad’s new interest in meeting Ji-ho. Jung-in is worried it’s a trap, and asks if Dad heard something from Ki-seok. Mom doesn’t think that’s the case, but she presses Jung-in to tell her what the secret is, since there’s clearly something she’s keeping from them.

Jung-in takes several moments to gather her courage, and then she tells her mother that Ji-ho has a son. Jung-in begins to cry, not giving her mom a chance to have a reaction herself as Jung-in just blurts out her own worries and fears about it. “I can’t be without him,” Jung-in sobs into her mother’s lap, and mom strokes her daughter’s hair gently.

Eventually, Jung-in walks her mother to the library steps to say goodbye. But before she sends her off, the still tearful Jung-in asks her mother to meet Ji-ho. Mom asks why, seeming to protest, but she obviously can’t stay strong against her daughter’s mournful eyes.

Over at the pharmacy, Ji-ho ducks out of work. He says he’ll be back later, and Pharmacist Wang just tells him to be early the next morning.

At the bank, Ki-seok runs into Hyun-soo at the coffee machine. He tries to seem casual as he asks Hyun-soo if he told Ji-ho that he stopped by. Hyun-soo confirms that yes, he told Ji-ho that Ki-seok had stopped by with something to talk to him about. “I had something to talk to him about,” Ki-seok repeats, as if he didn’t hear Hyun-soo say it himself. Hyun-soo nods and leaves Ki-seok alone in the break room. Frazzled, the coffee cup slips from Ki-seok’s hand and spills all over the front of his shirt and pants.

At the school, the chairman runs into Jung-in’s dad in the hall. Dad gives an excuse that he had somewhere to be and that’s why he missed the chairman’s latest hang out (and definitely not that he had been excluded). The two nod politely at one another as Dad darts off to his office.

But not too much later, the chairman calls to invite Dad out for dinner to make up for the get together. But Dad says that he’s got plans. As he hangs up, Dad grimaces at the phone receiver, saying that he won’t be so easily won back.

Ji-ho arrives at the library, looking for Jung-in. Young-joo isn’t sure where she is, but Ha-rin shows up and reports that Jung-in was crying earlier and is now hiding in the basement theater. Ji-ho heads for the elevator, but can’t wait for it to arrive and takes the stairs.

Ji-ho finds Jung-in sitting alone in the empty theater room. He sits next to her, telling her that he wishes she wouldn’t cry alone. Jung-in says that she’s not upset because she was scolded, but rather that her mother left without giving an answer to her request to introduce Ji-ho.

“I always tell you that everything will be okay and that we can take things slowly because there’s this faith, that only you and I know of,” Ji-ho says. “The ‘us’ you always mention?” Jung-in asks, and Ji-ho nods. Ji-ho asks what this theater is, and Jung-in says that it’s a place where people can kiss in secret, and the two lean in for a kiss.

Jung-in returns to work in the stacks, and Ji-ho stalks her again, although this time there’s no fear of being caught. Instead he walks right into the same aisle, and Jung-in smiles and hands him a book to place on a high shelf. Instead, Ji-ho picks her up at the hips and raises her up to the shelf. But she’s laughing too hard to get the book on the shelf. The two giggle with one another, happy to be together.

EPISODE 26

Mom returns to Seo-in’s apartment to discuss the Ji-ho situation with them. Jae-in points out that they have their own future single parent in their family, and while Mom tries to say that it’s different, Seo-in agrees that it’s kind of the same.

Additionally, Seo-in reminds Mom that she regrets not talking Seo-in out of marrying Shi-hoon. “You should meet him,” Seo-in says, “so that there are no regrets.” Both sisters gently encourage their mother to trust Jung-in and meet the guy.

Meanwhile, Shi-hoon meets up with his lawyer buddy, and is surprised to hear that yeah, a guy who abuses his wife may not get parental rights during a divorce settlement. Surprise, asshole.

Shi-hoon insists that he’s just asking for a friend of a friend, definitely not himself. His lawyer buddy says that this guy sounds like a jerk. He tells Shi-hoon that if this is his own circumstances, he definitely shouldn’t ask him to represent him. “This guy will definitely lose the case.”

And now it’s time to check in on Ki-seok, who is sitting in his car outside Jung-in’s library. Ugh. Ji-ho and Jung-in walk out together, neither of them spotting Ki-seok’s car. But Ji-ho ducks back out of his car to make a call, and as he stands on the sidewalk, his eyes lock on to Ki-seok’s own gaze.

Ji-ho doesn’t say anything to Jung-in, but he’s very aware of Ki-seok’s headlights behind them as Ki-seok follows them back to his place. Ji-ho sends Jung-in upstairs first, saying that he’ll park the car, but instead he exits his car and approaches Ki-seok, who also gets out and walks forward.

“You can date Jung-in again after we break up,” Ji-ho says. “This is your least pathetic realistic option.” Nice. Ji-ho then warns that Jung-in will open the window and see Ki-seok, and Ki-seok barks that he’s not afraid.

They square off with one another, issuing challenges, until Jung-in does spot the two of them and comes out to confront Ki-seok herself. She tells Ki-seok that he can bother her, or her friends, or her family, but demands that he stay away from Ji-ho entirely. She warns that if he keeps this up, she’ll do whatever she has to do to stop it.

At Seo-in’s apartment, Shi-hoon blusters in with complaints, until he realizes that Jae-in is also there. He nods at her and then heads into the office with Seo-in. He tries to insist that there will be no divorce and that he won’t give up his parental rights. Seo-in stays strong, and he lurks forward, using his body to intimidate Seo-in back into her seat.

He tries again, but Seo-in will not back down. Seo-in stands, and when Shi-hoon asks if she’ll tell the baby that he doesn’t exist, Seo-in says of course not, she’ll tell them that he’s in prison. Zing.

Except that her remark incites Shi-hoon’s anger, and he raises his hand to strike her. Jae-in is at the door in a flash, now just realizing the full extent of Shi-hoon’s abuses. She yells and strikes out at him herself, driving him from the office. But her bravado drains from her just as quickly as it came on, and she drops to the floor in mournful tears, the baby sister who sees the reality of her sister’s supposed dream life. Seo-in drops to the floor to hold Jae-in tight.

And Ki-seok heads to his dad’s place after his confrontation with Jung-in. The two sit together in the dark room, Ki-seok joking if his dad is worried that he’ll take up music again. The chairman returns that he’s worried that he’ll do something worse, and the topic turns to the photos of Ji-ho and Jung-in together. Ki-seok still denies the truth to his dad and insists that Jung-in and Ji-ho are just friends, and also asks his dad to please give Jung-in’s dad the job he’s promised him.

The chairman asks his son if he can’t win the girl himself, and Ki-seok just nods that he’s willing to take a crappy deal if he gets him what he wants.

At her apartment, Jung-in finishes her skincare routine and cuddles into her bedding on the floor. She’s surprised when she feels Jae-in’s arms wrap around her, and Jae-in asks her big sister to enjoy a long happy life with Ji-ho. They cuddle together as they fall asleep.

Young-jae checks in with Ji-ho at the pharmacy. Ji-ho assumes he’s there for supplements, but Young-jae says he actually just wants to talk, and says that he was joking when he and Jae-in discouraged his relationship with Jung-in. Ji-ho jokes that perhaps he will run, and Young-jae scoffs that Ji-ho is not the type.

Jung-in’s dad sees the chairman enter the school from his office window, and the two look at each other nervously. In his office, Chairman Kwon goes over the organizational chart for his foundation, considering Jung-in’s dad’s spot in it. And Ki-seok makes his own move, sorting through all the photos of Jung-in that were taken and placing the ones of Ji-ho and his son in an envelope.

And meanwhile, Ji-ho’s parents help strap Eun-woo into Ji-ho’s car for an afternoon out with Jung-in. Mom is clearly still worried, but Dad soothes her, saying that Jung-in is the one who asked for Eun-woo to come.

Eun-woo delivers the pinwheel he promised Jung-in as soon as they pick her up. Ji-ho pretends to pout in the driver’s seat, and Eun-woo calls his behavior stupid from the backseat, making Jung-in crack a huge smile.

Jung-in’s dad finds the envelope from Ki-seok in his mailbox, but he’s late for a wedding and leaves the envelope there for now. Whew.

So with that tragedy momentarily delayed, we move on to a joyous time spent with Eun-woo at a children’s amusement park. Jung-in and Ji-ho walk hand-in-hand with Eun-woo, swinging him up into the air and popping bubbles together as they want the performers on stage.

They run with their pinwheels spinning in the breeze, just happy to be together. Jung-in and Ji-ho take a break on a bench as Eun-woo plays in a field just ahead. Jung-in asks if Eun-woo will remember this day, and Ji-ho assures her that he absolutely will.

Jung-in runs over to Eun-woo, and in a moment is back with a photo to show Ji-ho. It’s of the three of them, smiling together in a selfie, and Jung-in asks Ji-ho to replace the family photo of him and Eun-woo beside his bed to this one. Ji-ho is quiet, seemingly stunned, and Jung-in’s face turns to a pout.

She runs out to Eun-woo again, and after a whisper in his ear, Eun-woo runs back this time to Ji-ho. Eun-woo looks up at his dad, and says that Jung-in asked if he’d like her as his mom. Ji-ho swallows heavily and asks what Eun-woo’s response was, and Eun-woo tells him that he said yes.

Ji-ho walks to Jung-in now. She continues to pout, and says that she’s not embarrassed that he rejected her first attempt at proposing. She continues to tease lightly, but Ji-ho’s response is very serious as he asks, “Are you really coming to us?” She warns Ji-ho that she’ll be a tough wife, and he smiles as he says that he knows that already. They hug, Ji-ho’s expression so full of emotion.

On the way home, they stop alongside the road for a celebratory drink while Eun-woo sleeps in the backseat. They look out at the landscape, arm in arm, two small cups on the hood of the car, and kiss.

Back at his home, Jung-in’s dad finally opens up the envelope from Ki-seok. He flips through the photos, the elevator opening and closing without his notice.

Ji-ho’s parents are still up and worrying about Ji-ho and Eun-woo. Mom bounces back and forth between wanting to invite Jung-in inside when they return, and worrying that Ji-ho’s heart could get broken again, and Eun-woo’s as well.

And as for Jung-in’s dad, he’s officially furious and demands that Mom call Jung-in and demand that she come over immediately. Jung-in is still in the car on the way home when her mother’s call reaches her. “Your dad found out,” her mother tells her, and Jung-in’s eyes widen.

 
COMMENTS

We’ve had it too good up until now. We’ve been able to swat away Ki-seok as an annoying gnat, and Jung-in’s female family members have been easy to win over. But now here we are finally, with our real conflict. Dad officially knows about Eun-woo, and he intends to take care of this immediately.

And yet… I don’t feel any real concern. Maybe it’s the “us” that Jung-in and Ji-ho discussed in the basement theater. I too believe that they’ve got this faith in themselves as a unit, and that it’s not going to matter in the end, because they are going to make things work.

Even better, we possibly saw hints of growth from Jung-in’s dad. Sure, it took something as childish as being ignored at work by the chairman, but it was nice to see him stand up for himself a bit and consider that his life doesn’t have to completely revolve around Chairman Kwon and his happiness. I can’t help but think that for all his yelling, that Dad is going to have to come around. He’s already seen that his wife won’t hesitate to walk out the door and leave him to fend for himself if he pushes too hard. And really, I think if he takes a moment and weighs things, he’ll see that his real concern should be Seo-in and how to keep her safe.

So, I’m strangely hopeful. It won’t make for especially interesting television perhaps, but I’m completely okay with Dad’s objections just fizzling away and Jung-in, Ji-ho, and Eun-woo riding off into the beautiful sunset that is their new found family.

That said, the proposal scene didn’t land for me the way I think it was intended. It was supposed to be heartwarming, Jung-in’s embrace of not just Jiho but the whole family. But instead, I was so worried about Eun-woo’s feelings that it took a moment to feel happy for our couple. It obviously made Ji-ho happy, and they are moving forward together. But what if Eun-woo had said no? What if he hadn’t been quite so sure yet after his one outing with Jung-in? Not to mention, what happens when this confrontation with Jung-in’s family blows up? I really don’t want a scene where Jung-in has to tell Eun-woo that she won’t be his new mom after all. This felt like one moment where Jung-in and Ji-ho were really not thinking of the larger picture, and one where I can’t help but side with Ji-ho’s mom and her fretting.

But even though that particular moment didn’t hit me as perfectly as it should, I am happy for them. I’m not mad that they’re moving so quickly. In a show meant to contrast complacency and staying in a relationship where there has never been any real passion to something that just consumes them entirely, I’m fine with the super speed of this relationship.

I had a good cackle when Shi-hoon’s face just fell when he discovered that he might not win in a custody battle against his abused wife. He’s been getting by on the rules of a society that gives the right of way to men for so long, he couldn’t fathom that beating his wife might actually have consequences. And it was delightful to see that smug smile wiped off his face from last week, when he was so sure that the baby revelation was a point for his side.

My only worry is that as the focus shifts to Jung-in, Shi-hoon might get desperate and see an opportunity to find Seo-in left alone. Can we make this storyline wrap up nice and easy as well, and just send this guy to jail?

With Ki-seok and Shi-hoon out here making men look bad, thank god for Young-jae and his enlightened outlook on life. I loved when he had a response to every single one of Hyun-soo’s attempts to put the blame on Jung-in as they discussed the whole Ji-ho-Jung-in situation. Hyun-soo isn’t a bad guy, but he just doesn’t want to be stuck in this uncomfortable spot at work anymore. He’s willing to throw blame anywhere that makes it easier for him, and that means seeing Jung-in to blame for at least a few things. But Young-jae won’t let him get away with that and calls Ki-seok out for all of his bad behavior. I’m so glad that he and Jae-in worked things out quickly, because this guy is a good match for her.

This show has flown by. I was so surprised to realize that we’re almost to the end and that I only have one more week with everyone. It also means that I’ve forgotten to take a guess at what will happen in the end, and I’m happy for that. It means I’ve started trusting this show, and I really think we’re going to make it to a satisfying end. I’ll see you all there, and hopefully I won’t have to eat my words.

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The proposal didn’t hit me as I expected it to be too. It did made me smile when Ji-ho was about to cry again. I guess having Eun-woo’s first word to Jung-in being “Mom” means the kid had already accepted her. I might have wanted that father and son conversation about Jung-in becoming part of the family before the proposal.

As for Shi-hoon, I hope Seo-in won’t go easy on him and put him in jail for a looooong time!

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Yeah, I wasn't feeling that proposal scene. There definitely should have been a conversation between Ji-ho and Eun-woo privately about Jeong-in becoming a part of their family. One outing is not nearly enough family time to ask that of a kid. Plus, with them still trying to deal with their families, it seems wrong to get Eun-woo's expectations up before things are set in stone. If little Eun-woo gets hurt, I'm going to be very upset.

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Agree. It felt like the writer ignored Eun-woo’s feelings

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My eyes flew open and I actually said “oh HELL no!” out loud in my empty apartment when Eun Woo related Jung In’s message. You do not use kids like that. You DEFINITELY do not use motherless preschoolers who glommed onto you with a clear need for a maternal presence like that.

I’m dating a guy with kids, and I am even more protective of their feelings regarding our relationship than he is. I am extremely careful not to confuse them. But if I asked one of the boys if they wanted me to be their mother, I cannot imagine. I cannot. My thoughts go all white and like there’s a siren somewhere. That crossed so, SO many lines.

I do love this show, but maybe that’s an unintentional cultural tell? That there really aren’t many Korean singles dating people with kids, so the red flags aren’t quite so embedded in the culture? Because that was such an obvious, resounding clang that it’s hard to imagine how it made it through editing without someone going “so, there’s a high chance that this sort of ‘proposal’ would actually result in the father dumping this lunatic woman. Let’s talk alternatives.”

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I thought the same thing with regards to culture. It seemed so glaringly obvious to me how inappropriate it was of Jeong-in to do that, and I expected Ji-ho to get mad. When he acted like that was a normal, acceptable thing to do, I wondered if the writer and editors just didn't realize that's not how that kind of situation should go down.

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I agree 100% with you. Jung-in has zero parental experience and seems to think being a librarian gives her all sorts of insight into kids. NOPE. She is way too cavalier in her proposal. I understand that she is breaking free of a dead end relationship but jumping into this marriage is ringing alarm bells in my head.

She is careening down the highway of love like an out of control semi-truck in a construction zone, tossing aside the orange cones of caution heaped on her by her friends and family. No once has she had a conversation with anyone about what it might be like to become a stepmom. I realize that all the family and friends refuse to even imagine the possibility and shut down the discussion. But she has not done any introspection about if that's what she truly wants. I am very concerned.

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It was the timing too. They haven't been together that long. This relationship could fall apart as quickly as it started and she's telling a kid he has a new Mummy? I think I might have really hated that scene. Also because I would have thought these kinds of big life decisions require more conversations and serious discussions than breaking up does - and we've had to endure 12 episodes of that nonsense.

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Looking at the next episodes and the trailer to those, I believe the proposal scene, though sweet but seemingly not quite there, is apropos. I’ve thus far enjoyed the inner turmoils and the inexorable contradictions in humans in this show. Fingers crossed the writer is not going to destroy my faith next week 🧐

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I really hope the writer addresses it again, if not, can we also focus on Eun-woo in regards to this relationship? Because he plays a BIG part.

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Thanks very much, abirdword, for your wonderful recap!

Your comments are on-point and insightful...

I thoroughly love this drama...so many heartfelt moments of sweetness, as well as heartbreaking real-life experiences. Each episode flows smoothly and I am immersed so thoroughly...

The cast is terrific...totally believable in each of their roles.

I’ve been a fan of Han Ji Min since her amazing role in Yi San...naïve and quiet sweetness or, in this case...vulnerable, yet determined and iron-willed...she plays her character so wonderfully!

I’ve become a fan of Jung Hae In after this drama...he first caught my eye and sympathy in Prison Playbook...but his Ji Ho in this drama has me swooning at his quiet charm and sweetness!

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Ki-seok has officially become a stalker now and I'm scared for Jung-in and Ji-ho.

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I cant believe he actually knocked on Ji ho's door.

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For a second, I thought he was so embarrassed at being caught stalking by his work colleague, that he'd give up.

But no, he doubled-down.

I understand that he's hurt and feels like a failure, but putting those photos through Jung-in's father's letterbox was just ... beyond appalling. Not meant to get her back, but meant to cause pain.

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I did too, especially when he was so flustered at work the next day.

I think he felt so entitled in their relationship that he just can not accept that she wants to leave.

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I don't think it's about her any more. It's about not wanting to lose to Ji ho.

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"Surprise, asshole."~~😂😂

He completely thought that the lawyer was going to tell him that it was going to be ok. That somehow as her husband he was within his rights to abuse her.
It might sound weird, but I'm glad that they showed him physically intimidate and almost slap Seo-in, because they are not backing off on the fact that he is an abuser and this is their behavior pattern. That the baby would be harmed by him too and not a cure.

I like the little family trip, but the proposal was just off. I think that was just an error on the writer's side. I know I've seen scenes from movies/shows when they ask the children first, but that is after much more time spent together as a unit.

Loved Ji ho laughing as she had to lie to her mom about where she spent the night.

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I’m pretty sure Shi hoon also brought up spousal rape during that conversation. What a jerk.

Did some quick research, and it turns out spousal rape wasn’t officially considered a crime until the Korean Supreme Court ruled so in 2013.

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Yes, with his surprise that it is considered so even though they are married.

He gives me shivers. The actor plays him well.

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Considering how long it took them to decriminalise adultery, I'm surprised spousal rape is a crime in Korea at all.

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Well, it is important to remember that while yes, S. Korea is behind the US in such things, even in the US spousal rape was not considered a crime in all 50 states until 1993.

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Yeah, I'm glad that the show used that conversation with the lawyer friend to lay it all out. That creep knew full well he sexually forced himself on his wife and that he'd hit her repeatedly. I LOVED that the lawyer friend was like, "Dude, if this IS you, don't even think about asking me to represent you." The fact that the friend didn't try to sugar coat it at all, even though he suspected the truth, was really telling. He's going to loose if she presses charges. I'm just not sure she will. I'm afraid the show is going to settle for a divorce but not legal action against him.

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Maybe they'll cover the legal case in 'Harsh Light of a Summer's Day' - the OSN spin-off drama that focuses on how Seo-in hires a bomb legal team and gives Shi-hoon what's coming to him.

;)

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@thetinyl best. spin off. ever. Love the title!

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From what I understand of Korea and the things that have been happening over the last year, a legal case against her husband for spousal abuse on top of a divorce and the pregnancy would destroy her. She'll use the threat of legal action to leverage a divorce but won't proceed with it if she doesn't have to. The problem is that, HE KNOWS THAT and is counting on her not wanting to ruin her career just to end their marriage.

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@leetennant yeah, I see the reality of that... I just wish things were better for women and victims of abuse in SK. I think that Seo-in is aware of her situation, too. I think she quit her job because she knows she will loose it anyway due to "scandal." It breaks my heart that she'd get victimized a second time just for seeking justice. That's why I so want her to strike him down, because changes only come when people risk it all to do what's right.

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Actually the proposal took me by suprise too. Does Eun-U has been given enough time? Have they really sorted all their issues so that Eun-U doesn't get caught in crossfire? Have they sorted all their issues out?

Man Jae-In broke my heart! The whole domestic violence and direct hint of martial rape hits where it hurts. Be it east or west, it is a sensitive topic and we need awareness and better laws. We need to educate that no means a no. I loved when Shi-hoon lawyer friend told him, that the guy he is describing is a bad person and to stay away from him!!

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I just started this show a week back and quickly caught up to it. After dance sports girls, I think this is the drama that I watched without fast forwarding or losing interest halfway.

I am so suprised at the trajectory of Gi seok. He seemed like a typical entitled guy but not dangerous but now I feel like he is one step away from becoming shi hoon. And jae in's anger and breakdown when she realized what her sister had been through was so heartbreaking. And mom is lovely, actually all the women in this drama are awesome. As for the men, except for ji ho, ji ho's dad and his friends, everybody else should jump off a cliff.

And I also love the way the kisses in this drama are shot, instead of just focusing on their faces, it shows the whole background. So, it looks like a private moment between them as well as feels more intimate.

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Yes their affectionate moments are shot so nicely, the filming makes the scenes feel intimate and private. Which reflects nicely on their relationship.

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I actually didn't think of it as a proposal. I guess I was wrong, lol. I really enjoyed this episode. Seo In and Jae In were the stars. I just loved how Jung In shamed the hell out of Ki Seok and his father, that was incredibly satisfying.

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I didn't think of it as a proposal either! Especially not the photo bit. That this was a proposal went completely over my head.

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You and me three. I'm still not sure what was decided actually.

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Another bunch of great insights @abirdword.

Re: Principal Lee - I didn't even think about him having any character growth, but reading your thoughts, I think I can see it a little. Maybe he's finally, slowly realizing that his attempts to be the staunch patriarch and control everyone around him have not turned out well for anyone: Seo-in is in a terrible situation, Jae-in didn't even tell him she was back in town, Jung-in isn't playing nice and marrying the "socially appropriate" choice, Mamma Lee is going against his wishes, and even sucking up to Kwon hasn't proved as fruitful as he maybe thought it would be. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em? Though I suspect his pride won't let him make those changes so easily.

Re: the proposal - I didn't fully understand what kind of proposal it even was. It was cute and nice and warm and fuzzy, but also perplexing. And I'm not entirely sure I'm a fan of using Eun-woo as a tool - it felt a bit too contrived on Jung-in's part. Of course he's going to say yes, this is the one day you've spent with him and all you've been doing is super duper fun kid's stuff. What kid wouldn't want a mom who's down to play all the time? As much as I feel like Jung-in is totally interested in being a mom to Eun-woo, this scene felt kind of off.

Jae-in and Young-jae were highlights this episode for sure, independently. Though 100% Jae-in realizing the sh** show of her eldest sister's life was the most heartbreaking moment thus far.

With only one week left, I wonder how Ki-seok and Shi-hoon will get theirs. It feels like it's not enough time to wrap up. Or maybe it's exactly enough. The anticipation is killer.

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I wasn't thrilled with the proposal either.
I mean the Eun Woo part.
Don't dare to brake his little heart, Show! 😠
(I will just assume that all the talks and bonding happened off-screen.)

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I have so many thoughts about this show that I had to write them down as I was watching.
The Ex has officially become pathetic. Long ago this ceased being about the girl for him. It is a contest between him and Ji-ho and he doesn't care who gets hurt in the exchange.

The "family" outing was at Petite France, which is quite beautiful.

While the proposal was a little odd, I liked that it was her that proposed. She is 180 degrees from the passive human she used to be at the beginning of the show. Similarly, I like how she dealt with her father head-on and unapologetically. I like when she said, "I have gotten greedier," she is now unwilling to take half a loaf.

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Continued

The Ex thinks that money can buy love and affection, but it can't, just people who are willing to go through the motions. Even his father knows this when he says, "Don't turn out like me."

Much like the proposal, I like the symbolism of the road when she says, "I'll go to you." I think she understands that Ji-ho needs her to be there 1000 percent since he is already scarred by his earlier relationship.

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In what is probably typical K drama storytelling, show gives us a happy (family) outing before the oncoming emotional onslaught of heartaches and troubles. My impression on the entire proposal scene was the intention of showing how committed JungIn was to their relationship that SHE was the one who took the first step in crossing the bridge. I think the writer wanted to show she was ready to face their conflicts head on. Admittedly, it should've been handled more delicately and without using EunU to get her point across.

I felt that scene could've been explored further and was a good time for JiHo to express his fears about EunU and his traumatic experience from his past.

I also wish that the topic of single parenthood and its social implications could have been explored deeper with the intricacies of having to deal with the kids and the realities that come with it instead of focusing too much on the overdrawn storyline of GiSeok and his obsessiveness.

With all the loose threads that the drama has given us, I am not sure how the story will be tied into a proper ending. I will have to jump on board with @abirdword on the "strangely hopeful" and hope for a satisfying ending.

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Thank you as always for the wonderful recap. We are down to the last 2 episodes and i am hoping that the writer can put a nice closure to all the characters involved. I loved episode 13, from JI and JH to jae in and seo in and their family outing. I can't wait for jung in to know that her sister and best friend is physically abused and her pregnancy is a result of marital rape. Hoping SH will get years in jail and hopefully a slap or more from jung in. Writer please do not let us down. 14 wonderful episodes please make the 2 more worth it.

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Joining you in your plea to the writer. This is the drama that I really invested so much emotion, I may need to go see a therapist if the last 2 episodes devastate me. LOL!

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I feel that the proposal scene highlights that whilst jung in is really committed to the relationship, she hasn't thought it through carefully. dating and being married is 2 different things. additionally, they still have unresolved issues about jung in's dad and gi seok in the background. it is no surprise that jiho (being the more cautious and mature one) did not agree.

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Thank you so much for the recap @abirdword. Re the library parking scene.. I thought that it was Ki-seok that Ji-ho called as he was already staring at him when he dialled and Ki-seok’s phone lighted up when it rang but he did not answer and instead they just had a staring contest. That is i guess what a non-Korean speaking fan like me loses in the translation.. but nevertheless I loved JHI’s eyes during that scene.. you could actually feel the challenge that he as shooting at Ki-seok!

I just love the acting in this drama... they did not need any dialogue and yet audience can feel the story. A refreshing approach to storytelling vs. the usual techniques of either a narration or characters spewing unnecessary dialogue or flashbacks.

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I wish the proposal scene had been done really differently. I wish they'd had Eun-woo ask if Jung-in was his mom after all, or would be his mom, that would flow naturally. Kids are like that sometimes. It would've given a more interesting situation and later when he was asleep, Jung-in and Ji-Ho could've had an actual proposal. That and taking the engagement ring are the two things that stand out as negatives from Jung-In.

I have no faith the dad is coming around, if anything the dad didn't take his wife leaving seriously, he knew she would come back and he was right, she came back. It makes me dislike him more because his daughter's happiness and the whole rest of his life is an acceptable sacrifice to keep Chairman Kwon happy and get him his job. But if his own pride is dented even a little bit, he'll hop off 'lick Chairman Kwon's boots' train. What a self-centered, entitled dipsh*t he is. To me it just shows that to dad, dad comes first and last, and all the women's jobs is to do what they must to get dad what dad wants.

Dad wants Seo-In to stay married, so Seo-In must get beaten up and stay married to her abuser. Mom seemed terrified about 'how to handle this situation' with Jung-In - you just know she was thinking 'oh good lord dad is going to blow his gasket'. You can see it, it's not 'Jung-in, how can you consider taking on a child when you weren't even sure of marriage a while ago', it's 'how will we handle this situation'.

Their stupid father IS the situation, the biggest situation in the show. If he was a little less selfish and self-centered, Seo-In would have known she could leave the marriage and be assured of her family's support a long time ago, once she got over her own reasons for staying, she wouldn't have had to deal with Shi-Hoon's abuse again. Ki-Seok wouldn't feel entitled to push into Jung-In's life with such impunity if he didn't know that dad supports him and gives not even half a fig about what Jung-In wants. Mom would be able to focus on Jung-In and what she wants and give advice that comes from a place of wanting the best for her daughter, not wanting to keep dad calm and peaceful. Even Jae-In would've been able to go home sooner after coming back to Korea if it weren't for dad.

Of all the four stupid men in this drama, Chairman Kwon seems to be the only one capable of accepting that women aren't always puppets. Ki-Seok is a stalker and a gaslighter - 'you don't know what you feel, I know how you feel, this is how you feel, you're wrong about how you feel' is gaslighting, and when they were together he'd be an ass in small ways and then keep telling Jung-In she was sulking for no reason. Shi-Hoon should be in jail. Dad should take a look at himself how others see him. Chairman Kwon might, just might, be capable of learning.

Sorry, that turned out to be quite a rant. :D

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Sorry, rest of *her life. :facepalm:

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I agree with all your points. I don't care about dad's redemption arc at all. As a father, he failed to protect his daughter and showed no remorse at that. Ok, even if he doesn't know the full extent of her abuse, atleast after seo in's out burst, he should have asked her what really happened. And he is asking if she is still getting a divorce! The only thing that would make dad slightly better right now is, if he apologises to seo in.

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You know what made me what to really grab a frying pan and bop him one on his head? When he was trying to bully Seo-In into dropping the divorce idea, he said something like 'marriage isn't always easy, do you think your mom and I haven't had to work on our marriage and make compromises' (or something along those lines). I laughed out loud because this is a man who has not made a single solitary compromise for his wife.

Remember that scene where he leaves the house without telling mom why, to go to Jung-In's place and tell her to get back together with Ki-Seok because he wants that job? He didn't even turn his indoor sandals around before leaving, it's mom who did that, after being treated like a goddamn house-elf who should ask him no questions.

There's more reason why I want to go one-on-one with him, he doesn't even stick by the rules of patriarchy when they don't benefit him! According to those rules, is a ruler-of-the-family man supposed to depend on his daughter to get him a job after he retires? It's not for the good of the family, it's for him, personally, to have that job! If he wants to be the patriarch, it's his job to financially care for his wife, his daughters are well able to do that themselves. (Not that I agree with those ideas, but he's inconsistent even according to them.)

He shouldn't just apologize, he should do whatever he can do make Shi-Hoon leave Seo-In alone, and he should tell Ki-Seok that he will no longer be involved in his daughter's dating life.

I bet he thinks mom's life is ideal and his daughters shouldn't hope for anything more than to be stuck with a husband like him because he thinks he's just great.

Ooooohh I'm so angry with dad. (lol excellent acting and good writing to make me react with such extreme frustration.)

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Love your work @abirdword :)

Im relieved to see others' opinions about the proposal part using Eun-woo. Everything was lovely right up until that moment and then it just felt off. Like most other beanies' comments here, it didn't feel right that Jung-in, on her second meaningful meeting with Eun-woo, asked him that question. The intention was sweet but execution fell flat.

That said, this is my drama crack right now and it really is hitting the right notes. Jung Hae In did a great job with Pretty Noona but is knocking it out the park with Ji-ho here. I don't recall seeing Han Ji Min in any stand-out roles i've watched before but I love her here. I love that Jung-in has a certain steel to her once she's made up her mind about something. The female characters in this drama are pure love. Together with Search:WWW, long may this trend of strong female characters carrying dramas continue!

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Ok not to give too much spoilers, but has anyone seen the trailers for the last week? Like. Ugh. The worst I've been fearing is actually happening and it's all for the sake of "drama", and it's. so. _stupid_.

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yesss I hate it

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Like I thought that this drama could actually be one of those rare dramas that don't hold this element but noooooo.... Ugh. Welp we'll see

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so many things happened this episode but the thing that really got me is when Jae-in realized that her sister was getting abused and her just getting furious and then breaking down. I was just so sad over that. also the fact that Seo-in was trying to keep it from them her family for as long as possible to spare them the pain. she was just thinking of their pain over her own and I'm crying.

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First I need to qualify that I love everything about this show, from the storyline, acting, casting, directing and pacing (oh sorry, I hate the soundtrack).

However, in real life, Jung In would be considered hasty and inconsiderate. She's feeling all sorts of wonderful with Ji Ho as can be expected in a new relationship. But what's to say the feeling won't fade out over time? I'm sure those feelings were also there at the start of her relationship with Gi Seok and look where it led. I thought she would have learned from that and take things slow this time around.

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She has already answered that at the first episode almost first scene when she went to Young-Joo's house. She said that even the beginning they were not passionate :)

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Thank you, @abirdword for the always thoughtful recaps!

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So they are getting married now? Wow, that's fast. And right after a long relationship! I do not like that the show had to use a proposal scene to show how committed Jung-in is to the relationship. It makes her seemed rash and defiant to all those who oppose their relationship. It's like 'I will show you ALL how committed I am! I am going to propose!' loll

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So many lovely moments! I loved all the library scenes! They're so cute! The BTS from the scene were nice to see. Han Ji Min was really laughing everytime he lifted her.

For the proposing moment, I think more than to be a official proposal, she answered the question "Is she ready to be the mum of Eun Woo?". Because if she has to tell about Jiho to her parents, she will have to answer this question. She can't doubt in front of her parents. Jiho was ready to wait, but her entourage won't.

I'm sorry that Jung In feels she disapointed her mum just because she felt in love with a single father. I mean yes it's not the best situtation, but she shouldn't feel ashame for that.

I'm almost happy that Seo In is in the same situation because it's her who can make her parents changing their mind about being a single parent.

The conversation between Shi Hoon and the lawyer was so great to hear. Somebody was telling him how nasty he is.

The scene between Seo In and Jae In broke my heart. When Jae In understood that her sister was abused, was so sad.

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Well the shame aspect you speak of in regards to her dating a single father, you have to understand it is a cultural thing. They do not seem to be as accepting of single parents, or adopting children over there. There is a lot of focus on the family register and blood relations. Sad but true.

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I was really happy to see Jung In's dad stand up for himself against Chairman Kwon, finally. Can't help but feel they have such a toxic relationship. Also, the drama keeps bringing up the Congressman's very eligible daughter. Does Chairman Kwon want her to be with Gi Seok, or what?

My wishlist for next week's final 2 episodes:
- To see Shi Hoon get jailed
- For Principal Lee to quit the school and Foundation
- For Young-jae and Jae-in to turn official
- Gi Seok to solve his daddy issues and stop wanting dad's approval so much

Of course, goes without saying that I'd like the main couple to remain together. Sure hope the drama won't disappoint on this!

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The scene that took it away for me this episode was Jae-in, Seo-in and Shi-woon. Jae-in broke my heart and i cried a little from her heartbreak of finding out abt her sister's abuse. That scene was well done. I have 3 sisters, I put my feet in her shoes and I felt it, felt her sadness 😭😭😭

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Same. It was heartbreaking

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As always, thank you for the recap! I think the best thing about having dramabeans is knowing that I'm not the only one agonizing over this series. So thanks!

This is my crack drama for the first half of 2019 and there are so many things about it that I appreciate. I am too engrossed and invested! However, there are some parts that seem off to me. Firstly, I do not like that the writer and director kept dragging on the storyline with Gi-seok. It was getting old. Secondly, Ji-ho seemed like a ticking time bomb and I don't think Jeong-in can handle him well. I wish they spent more time dealing with Ji-ho's feelings and the difficulties of being a single parent. Seeing the preview for the next and final episodes, ah! I won't be able to take it if my heart gets broken.

In any case, someone pointed out that this show reveals the many contradictions of being human, and it is true! I guess that's my only takeaway from it for now.

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I like the story because the main plot is people. All the "drama" is the reaction of people to the events in their life. If they don't react like we would like, I like the fact the characters are true to themself.

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Aptly said. This is what makes it so engrossing. It is about people just like us, flawed and all, governed by emotions. I may hate the ending of this story eventually but I will always love the storytelling.

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I thought Jung In's proposal was fine. Though seemed reckless, she probably needed some form of assurance that their relationship is headed to the marriage stage, and that would give her the confidence to fight on and seek for approval from her family. It is also important to know if Eun Woo is willing to accept her. There wasn't much storyline that shows the development between the feelings of Eun Woo and Jung In, yes I agree. But it could also mean that they have this close affinity by nature, something like when you see someone for the first time and you just like this person for some reason.

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This is an AMAZING series ... giving me ALL THE FEEEEEELS! ... but what the hell?!?!? Why is being a single father in Korea like Hester Prynne's Scarlet Letter A? I sooo don't get it ... is it because he is perceived as having failed to keep the mother of his child around even though she's the one who flew the coop?

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I thought it was a very thoughtful and moving drama too. I try to remember that dramas are at times emotionally persuasive but they don’t always reflect a changing society. Korean writers reiterate that SK’s social and cultural transformation hasn’t kept pace with its astronomical economic transformation since the end of the Korean war. The legacy of the conservative Joseon era laws and mores has manifested in the idolisation of paternalistic and patriarchal structures which have subjugated women and subjected them to sexist at best and misogynistic at worst policies and practices. Consequently, I bet fathers who have raised children by themselves are far less common in SK than those by women. The lack of conformity in this drama is to have had a child when unmarried and the relative novelty of a young father raising the child with the help of his family.

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Ah ... so it has more to do with creating and embracing an unconventional family, rather than what the SK society typically expects or condones. I really enjoy learning more and more about the SK society and culture, and this leads me to believe that SK society somewhat ostracizes those that engage in unconventional behavior. I'm hopeful this drama truly reflects those in SK willing to go against the grain in their individual, inter-personal decisions, and reflects those close friends and family willing to support their decisions.

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