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Crash Landing on You: Episode 10

What a fantastic episode! Crash Landing on You packs a lot of suspense and redemption into this episode, re-igniting my excitement for the final countdown to the finish. Everything has changed and the stakes have grown higher, and it’s possible that even former allies could turn against each other as their motives clash in this new situation.

 
EPISODE 10 RECAP

After one last, heartbreaking kiss, Jung-hyuk finally succeeds in sending Se-ri back to South Korea. A short time later, she shows up at the Se-ri’s Choice building, stunning all of her employees by being alive, and offering a huge sale on all of her products for the first time in the history of the company.

It happens to be the day when the board of directors will be voting on whether to appoint Sang-ah, Se-ri’s sister-in-law, as the new CEO of Se-ri’s Choice. Making her way to the boardroom, Se-ri runs into Secretary Hong, who bursts into tears to see her alive and well and grabs her in a huge hug, making her crack her Tough Boss expression and smile a little.

Just as the board members are all voting on favor of the change and Sang-ah is simpering in victory, Se-ri walks into the room and gives them the shock of their lives. She takes pity on the board members and sends them scurrying back to work, then tells Sang-ah that she’d always pegged her as impatient and greedy.

At the DMZ, the ducklings are back to their regular patrol schedule. But they’re worried about Jung-hyuk, who hasn’t been eating or sleeping well since Se-ri left. He spends time thinking about his last day with Se-ri, and after dark, he’s approached by a very tentative Man-bok.

They go somewhere private to talk, where Man-bok tells Jung-hyuk that he’s spent his whole life listening to others and never gets to talk about himself. But he says he once met someone who listened to him, and he shows Jung-hyuk the wallet his friend gave him as a birthday gift. Inside is a note wishing Man-bok a happy birthday, and signed by Moo-hyuk.

We flash back to ten years ago, when the swine flu was raging through the area. Man-bok’s son, Woo-pil, was an infant at the time and became very ill, but the hospital was out of medicine. Moo-hyuk had shown up at Man-bok’s house with medicine and a nurse and saved Woo-pil’s life, and although Man-bok hadn’t been able to pay him back for it, Moo-hyuk had taken what money Man-bok could offer as an acceptance of his gratitude.

Very soon after that, Man-bok had been ordered by Chul-kang to wiretap Moo-hyuk and listen in on him. Man-bok had balked, but his mother had been arrested for trying to cross the border, and Chul-kang had promised to get her out of prison. Man-bok had heard Moo-hyuk discussing Chul-kang and his crimes, and how he was planning to take the evidence to the Trial Bureau in Pyongyang. Moo-hyuk had had one chip with the evidence on them — one he was carrying to the Trial Bureau, and the other he’d hidden inside his watch.

It had been Man-bok’s job to alert Chul-kang to Moo-hyuk’s position so he could send his armored trucks to kill him. When he arrived home later, his wife had given him a birthday gift that Moo-hyuk left for him, with a note inside (and his money returned, aww) asking him to have a drink together when Moo-hyuk returned from Pyongyang. When he read the letter, Man-bok had wailed his grief for the only friend he’d ever had.

Now, Man-bok tells Jung-hyuk that he’s always told himself he had no choice, but he never felt any better. He sobs that he misses Moo-hyuk, then he gets on his knees and says he wants to pay for what he did. He asks Jung-hyuk to take care of his family if anything happens to him, and he hands over Moo-hyuk’s watch and a recording of the night Moo-hyuk died.

Jung-hyuk listens to Moo-hyuk talk about how proud he is of his brother’s piano ability, and how much he was looking forward to hearing the song Jung-hyuk wrote for him. Jung-hyuk breaks down as he hears the truck crash, sobbing over and over that he’s sorry.

In the morning, Wol-sook finds a letter from Se-ri in her salt crock, which explains why she had to lie about her real identity and thanks them for being her friends. The village wives are shocked to learn that “Sam-sook” is actually the famous CEO of Se-ri’s Choice, and awww, it’s obvious they miss her a lot.

When Se-ri has been back for two weeks, she goes to her father’s house for a family dinner. Hye-ji gushes over her, and Se-ri clasps Hye-ji’s hands…and reclaims the ring that Hye-ji swiped from her dressing room, ha. Hye-ji immediately tattles on Se-ri’s stepmother for letting them into Se-ri’s apartment.

Hurt, Se-ri confronts her stepmother, who (along with Sang-ah) bought up most of her company’s stocks when the price plummeted after the announcement of Se-ri’s “death.” She warns Stepmom that the company belongs to her, not her stepmother’s children. She says sadly that Stepmom must have been glad Se-ri was supposedly dead, and apologizes for disappointing her.

Stepmom gets out of dinner by claiming to feel sick. Se-ri fakes amnesia and lets her family think she’s been in the hospital since her accident, though she says she remembers quite clearly up to their father choosing her as his successor.

Back at home in her luxurious apartment, Se-ri delights in the conveniences of her cushy South Korean life like stable electricity and hot water, and she rededicates herself to living like the young, wealthy woman she is. But at one point she starts to say something to Jung-hyuk, and when she remembers he’s not there, all the happiness drains out of her.

Meanwhile, Jung-hyuk takes the microchip out of Moo-hyuk’s watch and pulls up the incident report his brother had compiled on Chul-kang. He looks over it (it’s absolutely terrifying), then sends it on to his father.

Seung-joon is about to meet with CEO Jeon when he’s stopped by some scary-looking government men who say there’s been a report about him, and they want to verify his identity. Luckily they run into Dan, who calls him Alberto and says she was going to call him, and her uncle, Colonel Go, who pulls rank and says that if Dan vouches for Seung-joon then he’s legit.

Later, Seung-joon gets upset when Dan says she wasn’t really planning to call him, since he’s done so many favors for her like carrying her home the night she was drinking. He says she even invited him to sleep over, and Dan reacts with dainty horror, insisting that she never did any such thing, ha.

Seung-joon asks if Dan and Jung-hyuk are still getting married since he’s in the DMZ, and she demands to know where he heard about that, since it wasn’t from her. He’s forced to admit that after dropping her off at home that evening, he’d gotten a call from Jung-hyuk.

Seung-joon had told Jung-hyuk honestly that Se-ri’s brothers didn’t particularly want her back because of the professional threat she posed, and had proposed keeping her in North Korea. But Jung-hyuk had argued that she belongs in South Korea and wanted to go home, and he’d asked Seung-joon for his help.

Seung-joon had protested that he actually barely knows Se-ri, who broke their engagement just weeks before the wedding, but he’d found himself helping anyway. We see now why nobody was seen entering or leaving Director Ri’s house the night that Se-ri and Jung-hyuk left — Seung-joon had distracted the security guard by pretending to be lost, allowing Jung-hyuk and Se-ri to slip away on foot.

Seung-joon had driven them back towards the DMZ, pouting the entire way at Se-ri’s gratitude and the knowledge that she pawned the expensive ring he gave her in order to buy Jung-hyuk a gift. Eventually Seung-joon had handed off the fugitives to Kwang-bum, and he tells Dan that he doesn’t know what happened to them after that.

Dan is upset to learn that Jung-hyuk volunteered for duty at the DMZ again just for Se-ri, and Seung-joon says that he helped them, in part, so that she could end her futile yearning for her first love. Dan says it won’t work, but Seung-joon says (very kindly, for him) that when the man you love risks his life for another woman, it’s game over, adding that hanging onto something that even she thinks is pathetic isn’t love, it’s obsession.

Director Ri acts on the information sent to him from Jung-hyuk, and soon Chul-kang is put on trial for his crimes. He’s prosecuted for arranging six murders disguised as accidents, as well as bribery, sale of stolen artifacts, and drug trafficking.

Chul-kang stays sullenly silent until Jung-hyuk testifies that the evidence came from his late brother, who was one of Chul-kang’s victims, then he says that Jung-hyuk is trying to slander him and the accidents were just accidents. Jung-hyuk shows the judge the piece of ceramic composite material he took from the Engineer Brigade that’s used to make the special truck armor, and testifies that the evidence proves Chul-kang’s involvement in smuggling the material into the country.

Chul-kang begins to talk about Se-ri, and how Jung-hyuk helped her return home, but by now he just sounds like a ranting lunatic and the judge doesn’t even listen. He finds Chul-kang guilty of all charges and sentences him to life in prison doing hard labor with no chance of appeal. Chul-kang lunges at Jung-hyuk and gasps that there’s something he missed, and that because of it, Se-ri will die.

Worried, Jung-hyuk goes back through all of Moo-hyuk’s compiled evidence against Chul-kang for something he missed. What he finds is a discrepancy between the amount of smuggled materials, and the amount of confiscated ceramic armor – which means that there must be two manufacturing places, and the armor is still being made.

Meanwhile, another armored truck is dispatched from the secondary manufacturing location to intercept Chul-kang’s transport to prison. The transport truck is forced into a tunnel and the guards killed, and Chul-kang is rescued.

The following day, Jung-hyuk finds an envelope on his desk, which contains a copy of the article announcing Se-ri’s death (that was previously published). It’s a clear threat, and a call from Chul-kang confirms Jung-hyuk’s worst fears — Chul-kang is alive, and he’s going after Se-ri. Jung-hyuk swears on his brother’s life that he’ll catch Chul-kang.

Secretary Hong tells Soo-chan (who looks much better now that Se-ri is back and he’s not scared of having to make such a huge insurance payout) that he’s worried about Se-ri since she returned. She’d told him to take breaks sometimes when before her motto was “You can sleep when you die,” and she’d taken him to the border and burst into tears when he said he didn’t see anyone on the mountain.

While Man-bok is working, he’s summoned to a dark, dingy room. At the same time, the ducklings are stopped at gunpoint during their patrol by several soldiers.

Se-ri leaves work late, and she doesn’t see Chul-kang watching her in the parking garage, wearing a security uniform. At home, she can’t get to sleep and she’s out of sleeping pills, so she gets up to go for a walk. As she wanders the streets, she wonders to herself:

I wonder which one is love… hoping that you’re worrying about me like I am for you and pining for me like I am for you, or is it wishing that you won’t be worried about me, and that you’ll forget about me and all the moments we’ve shared? Is that love? Or is it love that I’m willing to go through everything from the very beginning just so that I can meet you again?

Ahead of Se-ri, the crowd parts, and she blinks to see Jung-hyuk standing there. When he sees her, his expression goes soft in that way it does whenever he looks at her. It begins to snow and Jung-hyuk approaches Se-ri, and he says that he’s been looking for her everywhere, since she only mentioned her neighborhood and not her exact address.

Se-ri just stares, unable to believe that Jung-hyuk is in Seoul, standing in front of her.

EPILOGUE

The ducklings are taken to an abandoned building, where Man-bok is already waiting nervously. A shadowy figure approaches them… yes, it’s Director Ri! He tells them that Jung-hyuk has gone south, and he asks them, not as a superior officer but as a father, to go to South Korea and bring Jung-hyuk home.

They’re transported to the south with the military track team, who’s competing in a Military World Games. They’re told that they have two weeks, at which time the track team is returning home, but if they fail they’re on their own.

They stop at a convenience store for ramyun, amazed at the sheer abundance of choice (Joo-mok chooses jjajangmyun because he’s seen it in dramas and wants to taste it, hee). Ever the pessimist, Chi-soo decides there must be so much ramyun because the south doesn’t have enough rice, only for Man-bok to point out an entire shelf of instant rice. PFFT.

After they eat, they make their way down the busy city streets, trying to look casual while sticking out like sore thumbs. A mysterious someone is suddenly behind them and gives orders to relax — and continue forward. Eventually they end up in a less-populated area, and they stop stock-still when the voice inquires as to how long they’ve been here.

Chi-soo says truthfully that they’re only here to bring someone home. Man-bok asks who they’re speaking to, so the man moves around to stand in front of them… OMG it’s Dong-gu (Kim Soo-hyun’s role as a North Korean spy from the movie Secretly Greatly)! Dong-gu puts down his delivery box and explains that he’s been here a long time, but has yet to receive any orders.

Dong-gu’s boss comes out to yell at him for not making his delivery, and his entire demeanor changes as he takes on his secret identity as a fool. He hunches over and makes a goofy face, muttering that he’s going right now, and when he turns back to the ducklings he looks pretty embarrassed, lol.

He gives them a gift — his delivery job, which comes with decent pay and free food and will help them blend in. He wishes them luck and trots off in that silly gait, turning to give them a jaunty salute before running away clicking his heels.

 
COMMENTS

I have so many feelings right now, I don’t know what to process first! I have complicated Dong-gu feelings that, seven years after seeing Secretly Greatly (which is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen in my life), I’m still trying to process. I have motherly, protective feelings for the ducklings — and Man-bok, who I hereby declare an Official Duckling — who are getting to see South Korea for the first time and are bound to be both awed and homesick. I also have worried feelings for the ducklings because for the first time, their objective will be in opposition to Jung-hyuk’s, who isn’t going to be at all willing to go home until Chul-kang is taken care of. I have proud feelings for Man-bok, who finally overcame his fear and decided to make amends for what happened to the only friend he’s ever had and the role he was forced to play in Moo-hyuk’s death. And I have incredible scared feelings for Jung-hyuk and Se-ri, who are so happy to see each other but who are now facing a more dangerous enemy than ever.

I’m so happy that Man-bok finally joined the good guys, and that Jung-hyuk’s father recognized him as an ally who could help with their mission. My heart just aches for him now that we know his whole story involving Moo-hyuk, that they were friends, and that Man-bok didn’t just overhear Moo-hyuk’s murder but actually helped facilitate it (which I completely forgive him for because there was no way he could have refused). Now he’s in a situation where he can, I hope make some new friends, and find the acceptance that Moo-hyuk initially offered him.

At least now we know what Chul-kang has against Jung-hyuk and his family — Moo-hyuk was the one who investigated his corruption and was planning to put him behind bars. A smart man would have avoided Jung-hyuk after learning who he was, but while I think that Chul-kang is cunning and clever, I wouldn’t call him smart when it comes to making judgment calls. Instead of laying low, he went after someone Jung-hyuk cared about and tried to harm her in an effort to get revenge on Moo-hyuk beyond the grave, and that led to Man-bok feeling it necessary to make up for what he did and Jung-hyuk growing invested in stopping him. Now Chul-kang is a loose cannon running around South Korea trying to kill a high-profile person, and he’s got the one man who can bring him down going after him.

At this point, I’m not sure how I feel about the mission to return Jung-hyuk to North Korea. He and Se-ri just belong together, like two halves of one whole, and I’m not sure they’ll be able to separate a second time after the first time was so difficult. But I also understand why Director Ri sent the ducklings to get Jung-hyuk, because it’s as dangerous for him in South Korea as it was for Se-ri up north. If this show were a bit lighter I’d hope for them all to find a way to stay and integrate into South Korean society, but it’s just heavy enough that instead, I’m scared of what will happen if they can’t get home. Basically, the show has just turned everything we know upside-down, and anything could happen from this point forward.

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Thanks for the recap, @Lollypip!

THE BOSS IS BACK!
It’s nice to see Prickly Princess back in the driver’s seat, although her icyness seems a bit more forced after the thawing in North Korea.

Also, it just occurred to me that while Se-Ri was in danger of discovery and torture in North Korea, one could argue she is more at war at home with the politicking of her family. Like, for instance, she never had problems sleeping in NK, but back at home with all of comforts she could want, she has to reach for sleeping pills. Interesting huh?

I liked the little hints that underneath the tough exterior is the warm-hearted Se-Ri that we have come to know under Ri Jung Hyuk’s loving care, like when Secretary Hong started crying in relief that she has returned. She was surprised, but also allowed herself to be touched by his genuine concern.

Episodes are boring when Se-Ri and Ri Jung Hyuk are not in the scene together
So, I get the purpose of this episode. It’s obviously meant to show the longing they have for each other, and how much they miss one another. But, frankly, it’s just boring when Se-Ri and Jung-Hyuk are not in the same scene together. The only real highlight was Man Bok’s kneeling and confessing what happened to Jung-Hyuk’s older brother.

The Ducklings down South
Okay, the epilogue was pretty epic! I predict so many hijinks and cultural faux pas…I’m LOVING IT ALREADY! I predict Ju Meok will have his work cut out for him being the cultural translator, but also when some of their preconceived notions of South Koreans are shattered with the reality (as opposed to the dramas he’s watched). HAHAHAHA!

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Probably the symptoms were suppressed because she was in an unfamiliar and hostile situation. So when she returned, (2 weeks later since she left NK) that she had troubling adjusting. It was mentioned in EP 3 or 4 or during the epilogue in Switzerland that she had sleeping disorder and etc.

One thing I'll commend is the show humanizes the North Korean people not the government duh, but for that reason this show is an anomaly and a breath of fresh air. The show consults from North Korean defectors which helps, ironically Han Hyo-Joo portrayed a North Korean woman in her U.S show last Fall.

Here's an interview from one of the consultants who said the show is 60% accurate in the NK depictions. I'm assuming since it is a K-drama, there has to be some entertainment. I saw a report that some organization filed against tvN for the NK depictions, rme. I hope they don't change!!

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Oops sorry this is the link from the North Korean consultant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8vuc9ed4rA

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60% accurate is very good already. Noted that a South Korean party has just sued tvN for having this drama to "glorify North Korea", although we actually can see NK's problems from time to time, like those street children, electircity cut, even some hint about concentration camps, etc. in this show (Link: https://www.soompi.com/article/1379011wpp/christian-liberal-party-sues-tvn-for-glorifying-north-korea-in-crash-landing-on-you).

I am looking forward to Joo-mok meeting his idol when he's staying in South Korea, because Choi Ji-woo will have a cameo!

Also, I guess a mistake should be fixed in all these recap: according to the insignia Mr. Go (Dan's uncle) is wearing, he is not a colonel, but a major general. I don't think he can take that 729 license plate if he is just a colonel.

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Actually, I should qualify my second statement. It's not that episode is boring. There was a lot of plot movement, and background information necessary to fill in the gaps. But, if I'm honest, this should have happened about 2 episodes ago.

It's obvious that Man-Bok feels guilty because he was partially responsible for Moo-Hyuk's death, and that Moo-Hyuk is a very decent and kind person. His friendship towards Man-Bok was really nice background information, but didn't contribute significantly to what we know about either.

I will say, I forgot to mention how GREAT the convo between Seung-Joon and Dan are. I love it when Seung-Joon is straight and honest...which only seems to come out when Dan is around. He gave her some tough love truth, but I'm glad that he did. Dan deserves someone who loves her genuinely, and who opens his heart and mind to her (oh wait....I think Seung Joon does this...*wink*).

I actually think the biggest criticism I have about this episode (even though I still loved it) is that we didn't feel a lot of heartache on the separation. Yes, the Ducklings tell us that Jung-Hyuk hasn't been sleeping or eating well. He daydreams that he's talking to her. Se-Ri stops dead frolicking over her luxuries at home when she inadvertently mentions Jung-Hyuk by name. Then, she starts crying when she takes Secretary Hong to try and see the Ducklings on on the mountain. But....besides these little tidbits, most of the episode is filled with plot movement to get Jung-Hyuk to South Korea. I mean, when Jung-Hyuk sheds tears, it's for the death of his brother (understandably), but it isn't for Se-Ri.

I just didn't feel like we took a long breath to feel, really feel the emptiness of their separation. Maybe I'm just being picky. I wanted more heartbreak, longing, and tears. Maybe I'm just being masochistic. Who knows? But, I did love Se-Ri's musings about "which one is love"? It's in sharp contrast to Dan, who Seung-Joon accurately points out that her pathetic behavior has moved from love to obsession.

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I thought their separation arc was done very well. I felt their longing and desire for one another, and the heartbreak. But I did LOL'd when I read comments by others who said that Jung-hyuk and the Duckling Crew were able to make it to South Korea in what seems like no time. Granted it was two weeks since they met, and because K-drama episodes are one day after the other. If it was the episode aired a week later, maybe it would've helped dunno?

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I don't think physical separation is profound if you have a strong mental connection with someone. I have a friend in South Korea that I haven't seen for 40 years, but we both profess a strong mental connection with each other that transcends the huge gulf that exists between us. Didn't you think the scene where Se Ri is looking through the binoculars and asks Chang Sik if he doesn't see movement in the tall grass, a true longing to see Jeong Hyeok emerging on the South Korean side?

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I think the way the separation was handled was very realistic. After all, she has been struggling to get back home for weeks, missing her comforts, fretting about the business she has worked so hard to build, worried about what her family will do. Of course she fully expects to be happy and comfortable - after all, wasn't she happy and comfortable before? Often we don't immediately understand when a fundamental change has happened to us...we go on as we always have, then sooner or later we realize that whatever used to be, no longer is. I loved, loved the scene where suddenly she talks to him--and he is not there, and she realizes that although her world is the same, she has changed. The shock of surprise on her face was perfect.

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I like how she was saying all those stuff about how things are great back home and turns around to say “isn’t that right Lee Jeong Hyuk Shi?...” it reflects the comfortable banter they have shared all this while.

Seri has always been lonely but in North Korea she found warmth and companionship, something she scorned on before yet deep inside longed for. I like how the drama reflects how both of them have always been practical about their relationship while acknowledging the mutual attraction. She never once doubted that she wanted to go home and Jeong Hyuk never once thought otherwise, his one goal was to send her back safely. Yet now she’s home, safe and have all the material comforts but lost all of that that made her world warm and happy. I like the OTP progression in the plot. it’s not just simply pining for a lover, it’s truly a sad moment for her especially when she needed the pills to sleep. It’s moments like this that makes their relationship relatable and organic. It’s not a simple “I’m fated and will only love you” Drama trope, look- even when they come to know their earlier meetings in Switzerland, it never once derailed their plans to leave. Logic always took over and that’s very realistic. Yet while actions took over, the heart is no longer the same - the “somehow It was very nice but I’m ok to lose you that’s how
It can only be ” relationship has progressed to “but somehow, now It seems I know can’t be happy without you” heart break. it’s a much more mature and realistic OTP progression for me- and for that no matter how unrealistic the plot is, you just can’t help but root for them. All their choices have been realistic and damn they need the happy ending.

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Dropping a comment to say how much I love your comments above about our OTP's separation. @skelly @stardust 😍😍😍 I could never put it into such eloquent words but I feel the same way.

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"I like how the drama reflects how both of them have always been practical about their relationship while acknowledging the mutual attraction."

Yes yes yesss to all of this and your remaining post. I love mature relationships like this in K-dramas because they seem so rare. These are two responsible adults who can function in their day to day lives and take care of business without being bound at the hip and all the ridiculous angst that would go with it.

Organic attraction where two people can love each other together and far apart with grace without being ("I can't breathe without you around") over the top is so refreshing to see!

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Regarding Lollypip's comment about Jung-Hyuk's Ducklings now having an opposite agenda to him...that's a really interesting thought! It actually hadn't occurred to me since I naturally assumed Jung-Hyuk went South to prevent Chul-Kang from killing Se-Ri, but he would dutifully return North upon completing his mission. I guess I also assumed that even with an order from Director Ri, the Ducklings would remain faithful to Jung-Hyuk. Maybe that is naïve of me. Let the chess game begin!

Of course, we all know it's going to be harder now for Se-Ri and him to leave one another after reuniting....but THAT'S the reason why I had hoped this episode would be chalk full of longing and yearning. Set it up so that I believe, against all of his impeccable reason and sense of duty, Jung-Hyuk really would be tempted to defect in order to stay with Se-Ri!

Actually, what I'm really interested in is how the dynamics between Jung-Hyuk and Se-Ri will change now that they are in South Korea. She's no longer helpless. She's a force to be reckoned with, and now Jung-Hyuk is the one who must navigate a foreign place with no credentials, no other connections, but where he is also in danger should he be discovered for who he really is. Will he be quite as pleased at their role reversals? Hmmm....if anything, I think this will test out their love in a different way, and I'm curious to know how Show will proceed!

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I was surprised by dad's move to send in the ducklings to bring back his son because I fully expected Jung-Hyuk to return - he is too honorable to do otherwise - and expected his dad to feel the same way. After all, if Jung-Hyuk does not return, his parents will lose everything up to and possibly including their lives. Could he ever be happy in SK with that on his conscience? Of course not. I was also surprised that Jung-Hyuk did not tell his dad his suspicions before he left. Maybe he expected his dad to put two and two together, but it would have been nice to fax those manifests he was studying to his dad before he swanned off.

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I thought dad’s move was to send a squad to support Jeong Hyuk Since he’s alone and bring him home safely before he gets outed or the family gets outed. I like dad trusting that since Jeong Hyuk trusted his squad completely so he trusts them too. If anything goes wrong, their whole family may be killed or sent to labour camps forever I suppose. It’s a lot of trust and I believe Dad is a very decent man

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I like your spin on dad better: support rather than subvert. It makes a lot more sense than dad assuming that his son does not intend to come back.

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I believe Jung Hyuk did not reveal fully his plans in going to SK: protect Se Ri and at the same time capture/neutralize Chul Kang. CK still has a lot of powerful connections in the military in NK who may tip off CK on JH activities; and thus, Dad can only trust a handful of people so as not to jeopardize JH. JH on the other hand went solo since in all conscience, he cannot risk his men if they asked them to tag along to SK. Dad on the other hand's priority was to bring JH back safe, not that he does not trust his son to return to NK.

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Being in SK now means PPL galore (they gotta make up for the lack of PPLs possible in NK hehe)! I sorta miss seeing them so I am looking forward to those. That Haetban PPL in the epilogue is hella cute thanks to the new official duckling Manbok and the gang! I won't complain if our ducklings get to do those PPLs because they are just darn precious!

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This show in my opinion would not work if they were not two talented veteran actors at the helm leading this thing. They bring gravitas, prestige, and charisma. Also I love that they are the same age too (SYJ is a few months older), especially considering that the trend in K-dramas is younger leads which is fine, but sometimes its nice to see the veterans.

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Agree 1000%. I get so tired of geeeenius doctors and lawyers and CEOs played by boys who can barely shave. Please.

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Everyone's a geniuuuuuss or prodigy in SK..that or down on their luck with a sick family in long term care at the hospital.

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LOL I always judge how sick the person really is by how many humidifiers they have going in their room:
0 humidifiers - they will be out in a few hours
1 humidifier - things could be serious
2 humidifiers - at death's door

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oh yeah..i guess humidifiers are hot items in SK.

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This episode was just fantastic! Everything about it made me squeal in delight. Seri coming back, Jung Hyeok coming to the south, the duckling squad being sent to the south as well as Kim Soo Hyun's cameo. It's a good thing i watched secretly greatly years ago to be able to understand the reference. This episode really picked up on all plot points and i'm happy that Seo Dan was also told off for her feelings/obsession with Jung Hyuk before she goes off the deep end enough to ruin herself. My favourite trope is fish out of water so i honestly cannot wait to see the ducklings exploring the south and receive cultural shock. Hopefully Seri will be there as their personal guide and we get more bickering between her and pyo chi su.

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Pyo Chi Su is my breakout duckling. His lines are the best and always makes me chuckle. I love it that he constantly doubted Jeong Hyuk even when he revealed his background to the utter exasperation of handsome duckling park. And when he bickers with Seri, it’s just hilarious. He still wins best poem from me from his last farewell!

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Me too! me too! I just love the humour he brings to the show by being the character that gets on the female leads nerve because he does it in a harmless way. The actor is definitely on my radar because he brings that level of care and humour for his character that he wins for me. I rewatch his poem scene from time to time just to get a good chuckle 🤭

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Choosing the breakout duckling is difficult for me. I love them all! Huhu! If I were to really choose, it would be between Chisu and Jumeok. I just love this kdrama expert who has become the team's cultural translator. He is an example of how kdramaland is filled with important wisdom in life. 😆

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agreed i love Jumeok as well

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I like the suspense in this episode but I hv questions on some things.

1. How did Chul-kang cross the border THAT fast? When he's not posted at the front line. Junghyuk can possibly cross it fast by taking advantage of his position at the front line.

2. The recap doesn't mention suspicious exchange between Dan's uncle and the judge during trial. He sent the judge a note right before the verdict came out and we can see he secretly nodded to the judge. Afterwards, he brushed off Junghyuk's suspicion on Chul-kang's accident (the second time, actually. At the 2nd episode, he brushed Junghyuk off when he told him about suspicious death of Moo-hyuk). He mentioned that Chul-kang is connected to some higher-ups and in episode 5/6, Chul-kang briefly mentioned that only few higher-ups never take money or get involved with him. Perhaps Dan's uncle ins somehow involved (albeit indirectly) with Chul-kang and Director Ri belongs to those few who isn't (that's why Chul-kang is obsessed about ruining the family).

Now I'm curious how the missions of Captain Ri (to catch Chul-kang) and the ducklings (to bring Captain Ri home) will play out.. Can't wait when the entire team reunite at the South! Joo-Mok will probably get his lunch date with Choi Jiwoo lol.

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Omg forget to make honorary mention about Seungjun lol.

Poor guy who's helping the lovebirds escape and has to suffer for being a third wheel slash chauffeur in his own car. I cackled when he scoffs to the couple's obvious PDA, "Can you get off of my car?" then snaps his car wipes HAHAHA.

And his interaction with Dan is always super cute. Dan is always acting cold and high and mighty.. But somehow Seungjun sees past that and Dan has been letting herself to be relaxed in front of him (playing phone game, eating ramyun together, getting drunk lol).

Seungjun also manages to be the voice of reason to Dan and Seri! Previously he told Seri the gravity of Junghyuk's situation (of which Junghyuk himself never told Seri) and now he told Dan frankly that the love she once had for Junghyuk has rot.

Bravo.

Kim Junghyun's line delivery and tone is so in point as well. He doesn't lose to the more veteran actors he's acting with...

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For the first time in this drama, this episode made me like Seung Jung. He was very natural and comical--great acting.

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That scene in his car and his car wipers had me LOLing! Poor guy had to endure the lovey dovey moments of Dooly Couple at the back. Hehe

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When it rained i checked to see if the wipers were still intact :D

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"The recap doesn't mention suspicious exchange between Dan's uncle and the judge during trial. He sent the judge a note right before the verdict came out and we can see he secretly nodded to the judge"
What? This happened? I think lollypip too watched on a site that cut this scene out!

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I have a bad feeling about Uncle. I think he has a dark side and probably connected to that one thing Cho Chul Kang mentioned that Jeonghyuk missed that is why he keeps on asking Jeonghyuk to stop digging around. I hope I'm wrong. I like Uncle.

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I love love this episode as all the events have started to unravel. I do agree that Chul Kang seemed to have gotten to South Korea so quickly and how Jeung Hyeuk seemed to have found her coincidentally right in the middle of the streets. I get that it's a drama but would have rather them not rushed that.

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Loved the episode, specially Dan and SeungJoon, I’m willing to see more of these two together.

And I want to know more about Se-Ri and her mum. I’m positive she’s the only one who cares for her in her family. I wish those women could have a heart to heart talk. I believe Se-Ri will need mum so much later.

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My guess is Mom bought a lot of shares/stocks to save Seri's Choice from being eaten whole by her brother and sister-in-law. Once they get to open up with each other and make peace Mom's action will greatly help Seri keep her company away from the vultures. I hope we get satisfying mom and daughter moments.

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me too! that is why I thought the mom bought all that stock, as well. I hope we are correct.

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It could be a continuity error, but Seri was about to make her first public stock offering (IPO) prior to the accident. It means she probably still controlled her company shares with a minority stake by initial venture capital investors who would have wanted to exit the company with the IPO but in the crash, sold to family members in private and not on a public exchange.

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That’s my guess too. And it breaks my heart a little bit that these two woman don’t confess how important are to each other. As I said many times before, I believe mum is the only one who cares for her. Dad only cares for the company.

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Yup, this is one of the big love confessions I'm waiting for!

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I hope so too. Mom does look conflicted in a lot of scenes so I'm hoping she is on Seri's side.

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I may be wrong but I understood that Jeong Yeon is Se Ri's step-mother. Remember when Se Ri said, "I grew that company all on my own, it doesn't belong to YOUR (Jeong Yeon) kids, it belongs to me."

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Yes. She is Seri's stepmom but since we have not been presented of her real mom, I just simply refer to stepmom as mom. I don't think her real mom will make an appearance.

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Yes, you are right, she’s SeRi stepmom, but even so, SeRi always refers to her as mum and in the first episodes she even said that she calls her name (mum) when she’s hurt or worried. I also think we will not know much about SeRi biological mum (my guess is she died and because of that is why she went to live with her dad and her family when she was a little child).

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It seems to me that Koreans refer to lots of women in their lives as Mom--their birth mom's; their step-mom's; their mother-in-law.

Why does Se Ri keep referring to it as the, day she (Se Ri) died?

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Just my guess.

I believe Seri was born out of wedlock, a daughter of the chaebol father and some kind of a lover (she is the most loved by the father) So Jeong Yeon, her "mom" (also the true wife of Seri's father, the result of a political marriage?) are struggling to love her. The show doesn't indicate that clearly because in terms of chaebol succession, this is not conventional.

All are just guess.

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That epilogue was epic! The loyal support group, stranded in SK with only their knowledge of KDramas to get them through. The comic possibilities are endless! Loved it, loved it! Although this episode felt like a lot happened very fast, I kind of like the fact that we have a new set of circumstances/threats/problems for episodes 11-16 rather than just ploughing through the same situation till the end. Respect to the writer...

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I agree. We may have spent quite some time in NK, but I'm glad we got a lot of development in terms of the love between Jeonghyuk and Seri and her interactions with the village people and everyone else which evidently helped her grow as a person to the point that she fell right in place with them. The writer used different failed attempts at bringing her back to SK, but all those made sense and added weight to the dangers, as we all as the development of feelings between OTP. Now, we're ready for what feels like a Season 2. Bring it, Show!

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I'm looking forward to the importance of a kite in the upcoming episodes--Se Ri saw the kids playing with a kite while she was stopped in traffic, and she thought, "a kite?" Then there was the scene of the NK village and a kite was stuck in a tree. I think she will send the people in the village things with a kite. I said in the beginning I hoped the NKs got sent some choco pies with a kite.

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I love everything and everyone here in this episode as they all step up! However, my favorite person, Kim Soo Hyun as Dong Gu made me scream as crazy the moment I saw him in his green costume! Hahaha! I luuuurve him so dearly!
Ps. It was as epic as his cameo role in Hotel Del Luna 💪

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I screamed too, lol

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What an amazing episode! Full eps without our main leads but 1hour (almost) 30 minutes flies.
The last seri's narration about "what is love" hits home. Because sometimes i wondering the same thing. Even i couldnt imagine how seri lives without junghyuk. When she said "this is how home should be" and then the camera zoom out showing how "empty" and "cold" seri's house is. The irony.
And the relieved expression of junghyuk when he find seri.... gosh how could i wait for another week

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After the tons of goodness this drama has to offer, we now can wait expectantly for Choi Ji Woo to make a cameo as a cherry on top of that delicious cake? Can't wait for Ducking Joo mok to finally have his dream realized.

Also after episode 9 I'm fully convinced that the writer has done a comprehensive research on the qualities that a male lead in military uniform can have, that ladies find irresistably charming, and put together in our Captain. He is handsome, charming, and has eyes only for our FL, yet willing to let her go and put her happiness above all, including his wishes. Well, no wonder Hyun Bin is sitting at the top of actor brand power list. Even though reality might not be as sweet.

Crash deserves to be the drama with the most number of swooning moments of the year! :)

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When Joo-muk picked the date with Choi Ji Woo, I thought he was crazy but I'm glad he can get his date now.

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Smart guy that one. But uri Eundongie did not choose the riches Seri offered to him. Haha

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Lol, he's going to be beating himself over it when he sees Mama Duck's place.

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I absolutely agree about the research on the male lead. This role was made to swoon, I really like how mature Jeong Hyuk is (minus all those maknae pouts he makes which just makes him a little more adorable) I also love how he is a man of few words but of huge actions.

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Thanks @lollypip. I'm so glad that we've finally come back to South Korea and that all our fave protagonists (sans Seung Joon) are about to be together. Se Ri now has a chance to fulfill the promises she made to return/repay the favours that Jung Hyuk lavished on her, as she had promised.

It will be great to see how their dynamics go, now that she's on her own turf and no longer dependent on him, while at the same time, he retains his role as protector.

I liked how JH just stood out in the crowd, once again looking for Se Ri, and that although he no longer held up a scented candle as beacon, still shone brightly in Se Ri's eyes.

Kudos to the writer and PD who keep the pace going forward without filler, and for making the characters mostly understandable, multi-dimensional and even likable. Now I'm so invested not only in our OTP finding a way to stay alive and together, but for our ducklings to all get home to their families safely. And I even want Seung Joon (to return what he took from Se Ri's brother) and Dan to find a way to be together, because they suit each other so well.

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Growingbeautifully--the first image that flashed through my mind was JH holding up the candle in the NK market. What a great scene to tie the two situations together--one in the north, one in the south. Sheer poetry.

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I really liked the candle scene - it was the moment that defined the OTP for me. I remember going “awwwww.... I really like these two together, and I’m really liking this drama”

And the parallel for the ending of episode 10 - it’s just really well done. Like you said, he’s no longer holding a candle- he’s the candle itself!! He had this change of expression as he walked towards herwhich the recap mentioned - it was really subtle but it was a real gentle gaze. Oh my, Hyun Bin has really embraced this role. It is so different from the last drama or secret garden yet it is still him. I’m very very won over.

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He IS the scented candle! Hehe!

Also, I feel you about Hyunbin. I did not like his old dramas so I had a hard time getting into him although I knew he's a brilliant actor. I started to like him in Alhambra but that drama tested my patience and my feelings for him weren't strong enough for me to sit through to the end (which I heard was bad). But now he has won me over completely. 😍

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It still makes me laugh that it was that easy for Jung-hyuk and the ducklings to go South when it took 9 episodes for Se-ri to leave! Doesn't make me less love the show though, it's still awesome!

Finally, Man-bok is now part of the Ducklings crew! And THAT cameo! Can we have more?? Just to kickstart the Ducklings' life on SK.

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I think if the patrol duty of JH and his team at the DMZ did not end on the day of Se Ri's arrival, they could have easily sent her back. Remember, after stepping on the land mine, JH gave SR directions on the way to go to reach SK. Unfortunately, SR did not trust JH's instructions so she went the other way, thus landing deeper into NK territory. Thus, when the opportunity arose for the emergency change in shift at the DMZ, JH requested it, precisely as it is the easiest way to send SR back. In the same way, JH (and the ducklings) was able to easily cross to SK since he was already on patrol at DMZ and he even knows the schedule of the SK guards (remember, he even told SR when to expect the SK patrol to pass by when he led SR to cross to SK.)

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Yes, I do remember that. It just makes me giggle at how long it took her but then again, it gave us lots of cute OTP scenes so I'm not complaining

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Thank you @lollypip for the recap. Been waiting for this recap to say..
I LOVED this episode.

It did feel a bit rushed, I feel like I pressed fast-forward without noticing it. Regardless, I was still happy Man-Bok finally told Jung Hyuk about his brother, and with the watch, they were able to quickly charge Chul-Kang. Seri finally got back to SK and save her company from her sorry-excuse-for-a-family family.
And then we have what feels like a Season 2 because now our main characters, including Man-Bok and the ducklings are all in SK with a different set of challenges! Can't wait to see what adventures will unfold.

* Kim So Hyun's cameo was fun, luckily I've watched Secretly, Greatly and remembered that signature Green Tracksuit of his. Will be waiting for Choi Ji Woo's cameo and I'll take a wild guess that a "superfan Duckling" will be involved. 😉

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A lot has been said about how wonderful this drama is... but the best thing i like about it is the story's unpredictable plot. Like, anything can happen at anytime. Why do i have a feeling that the story might end in Switzerland where it all started. Well, that remains to be seen haha... i'm gonna enjoy this drama till its end. And yes, i might also stan a season 2.

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I do agree about Switzerland. Actually, the only future I see for Se-ri and Jung-hyuk to be together without much problems is at a foreign land out of Korea peninsula. Jung-hyuk could restart his classical music career, and Se-ri could expand her brand overseas.

Let's be honest, Se-ri couldn't remain in NK, it was too dangerous and she would have to live in hiding forever. At the same side of the coin, Jung-hyuk can't remain in SK, we all know how it goes for NK nationalism, he could be called a desertor and his life would be in danger forever.

About the pace, yes it feels somewhat rushed to see that Jung-hyuk and his nemesis are already in SK. But, like Se-ri escapee to SK, I believe that will be explored in the next episodes. They all explain everything, be it during the episodes or on epilogues.

I also believe that Mom cares for Se-ri, but she's unable to express her feelings, due to some guilt, or because she's too proud to admit it, or because of some unknown reason that forced her to behave like a cold Mom. Either way, poor Se-ri, the love of a Mom is everything one could wish for. I hope they reconcile in the near future.

AND Kim Soo-hyun!!!!! I saw Secretly Greatly but it was so many years ago, that I forgot which color was his tracksuit.!!! I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I also loved his stunning cameo on Hotel Del Luna!!! He's killing with these epic cameos!!!! MORE PLEASE!!!

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Switzerland seems the best choice indeed. But can Papa and Mama Ri come too? I'd hate to see them separated. Also, they have already fallen for Seri as their future daughter-in-law so they need to be together. 😭

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The least practical/safe option(NK) is also the best one. Everyone ends up together that way.

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Thank you @Lollypip.

I think once the ducklings learn that Chul-kang is threatening Mama Duck, they'll stay a while and help protect her. I'm excited to see the fish out of water hijinks they'll get into. Chisoo comes up with the best conspiracy theories I swear.

My heart broke a little when Seri turned to talk to Jung-hyuk and he wasn't there. Then it got all better when they met each other again. As sad as it was seeing her go through that, I liked that it showed some growth on her part. All the things she has satisfied her before she descended into NK but after finding her version of family over there, material things just aren't enough anymore.

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Very well said, Rue. I am happy that while Mama Duck is still such a Queen and a Lady Boss, she brought home her humbling experiences from her interactions with the people in NK.

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I do like that she retained her Lady Boss behavior although I did find it funny that the "new and improved" Seri was freaking Secretary Hong out.

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Material things never were enough, right? That's why she wanted to kill herself. She always felt that lack of love, and now she's found not only Jung-hyuk but also people who like her apart from all her wealth and status.

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I also love how she found her "village" with people who for the most part think she's nuts/weird.

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I am absolutely loving this drama. Everything just comes together. The leads and the supporting cast are just A++++ I am amazed at how Park Jieun managed to keep the pace and genres balanced. This feels like a Season 2 moving forward and I am all for it! Ma babies are now in SK! Woohoo!

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Now I'm just hoping writer-nim keeps it up till the end.

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Maybe this was already explained but does anyone remember what happened to Se-Ri's real mother? Why does she act as if the stepmom was her mother when the woman seems to have always been cold to her? If the father wasn't much better why does she even want the company? Birth rights?

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I don't recall any mention of Se Ri's birth mother. It took a while to realize her mother wasn't her biological mom.

Possible clue: When Se Ri taps her birthday into her door lock, she says to Mom, "My passcode is my birthday. The day I almost died." (Ep. 9, 1:12:20) I hope to learn more when (WHEN, not IF) the two women reconcile.

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Thank you, Lixie. That's what I understood all along, Jeong Yeon is Se Ri's step-mother. You saved my sanity because I thought I might be hallucinating.

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Based on experience from previous k-dramas, it seems Se Ri was registered as the daughter of who is supposed to be her stepmom. I remember the scene when Se Ri was a baby and she picked her father's hand instead of the array of things in front of her. So it seems hat SR grew up with this family and officially registered as a member of the same family. But probably since she was treated differently by the family members, she was made aware that the "mom" she grew up with is actually her stepmom. That is why she grew into the habit of calling "mom" each time she is distressed/surprised etc.

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Great recap and comments! It will be very interesting to see how things play out from here. I wonder how the ducklings will be able to go back to NK, after their time in SK? I think for some the pull of loved ones still there would be the main reason, so I am prepared. Our leads are not out of danger but I am so happy they are together. Has anyone noticed the difference in the use of color now that they are back in SK, the filming is much brighter, more color is used, less dreary. The only difficult thing right now is having to wait until the next airing date! In the meantime... Happy New Year!

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The ducklings have a two-week deadline. They're supposed to return with the NK track team.

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Yes, but what I meant was and I did not explain myself very well... after seeing SK and all that it has, will it be difficult to go back to the harshness of NK, or should I say the restrictions of NK?

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Maaaaan! I wasn'texpecting this twist! I am so glad and cant't wait for the next episodes. The fish-out-of-the-water antics of the ducklings in SK are going to be hilarious! I cant wait to see them in Se-Ri's environment. Now, am convinced that we'll have a happy ending for our ML. This show just gets better and better each week!

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It is indeed the work of drama gods casting Hyunbin and Son Yejin opposite each other. I feeeeeel them! It's been quite a long time since I last truly fell in love with a kdrama otp. I almost forgot how it's like to feel those heartaches, butterflies, and all sorts of crazy emotions! The way Jeonghyuk and Seri look each other makes me sink (literally) into my pillows and blanket. They give me all dem damn good feels. Also, Park Jieun has written such great hero and heroine worth rooting for. I love them. 😍😭

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The second half is projected as mirror image of the first but this time SYJ protects HB from the perils of South Korea (remember, he is classified as a spy not a deserter so he is in danger of military capture and imprisonment as the two nations are still at war.)

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Shades of "Confidential Assignment" where Jung Hyuk tracks criminal Chul Kang (to protect Se Ri); but in CLOY, he has no official sanction and on his own, unlike in "Confidential Assignment", he is in SK officially and has support from SK agents. Maybe if he neutralizes CK, he can be forgiven, since he accomplished a meritorious task to benefit both NK and SK?

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Oooohhh this might work! I like this! I never thought of it that way.

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I think one of my greatest highlights this episode is seeing Seri FINALLY get home.

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It's very dangerous for Director Ri and wife if Jung-hyuk defects, it's to the camps or firing squad for them and relatives. Ditto for the Ducklings' families.

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I still believe that big-wig dad will provide an out for Jeong Hyeok and his whole family.

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Yesss this is my worry too but I hope writer can do something about this. I did learn that not all the families of defectors are killed.

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OMGosh! This was my favorite episode so far. I loved everything about it. The "Secretly Greatly," reference, and I got a "Rooftop Prince," vibe from the 4 ducklings and Mr. Jung Man Bok's experiences in the ROK. I may be wrong, but I think the fun will just escalate from here to the finale.

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The Scoobies go south!! YEEEY!

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Thank you for explaining the nuances of cameos and references for this newbie. I see the dramas with subtitles and I think a lot is lost in translation. So You are my go to source for the finer points. You have increased the joy!

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This episode flew by Iike a Breeze
I thought there was some clever editing to do some smart flashbacks (eg how Seung joon helped in the escape) so even though our OTP was supposedly apart the entire episode
I think this drama is working well on the live shoots, it seems that the editing and plot seems to reconcile with viewers likes and dislikes. Perhaps the main story is still what the writer wants to tell but I put my money that the ducklings (including rat who is so definitely a duckling now) high rate of exposure and scenes are really reflective of how popular they became with the audience. Some wise decisions have been made with the story and it seems to be in steady hands. I think we are will get a nice ride to the finale.

I also like how the plot progress- it’s ingenious to make the second half of the drama in South Korea to mirror the first. Jeong Hyuk goes to South Korea to protect Seri (he really needs an excuse right) but it’s him who needs protection by Seri in order not to be outed. Seri being the kick as Chaebol heir, I think, can protect herself well enough.Their positions have switched, imagine the fun that can be milked out of all these! Yet it’s still incredibly romantic and goes in line with their characters and set up.
As long as the drama stays true to the spirit of what they have been doing right, milk all the tropes! I can’t see it going wrong. Dramas have gone wrong before badly but it would be a travesty if this happens here. We should be in good hands, let’s see!

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By the way, they released the full song that appeared in the end of Ep. 8 today, and here is the version with English subtitle: https://youtu.be/Bvff9eFQ2j0

Trot is one of the earliest form of K-Pop, first appeared during Japanese occupation period (1910-45), most of Trot's main theme is about "love and parting" and "longing for sweet home" (according to Wikipedia). This may be a fitting ending for this drama, and if Jung-hyuk and Se-ri must separate in the end, I wish it would be like that.

Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trot_(music)

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I'm so happy that Man Bok decided to finally choose good over evil. He is inherently kind, who only met unfortunate circumstances that forced him to do evil. But him choosing the former is a very big step towards change. And it eventually led to the imprisonment of Chul Kang.

Personally, I'm happy with how the plot was done--not dragging out the court procedures and all. That means we can focus on our love story. Speaking of, our couple's chemistry is driving me insane. It was nice to see Se Ri back in SK because with all the riches and luxury she once enjoyed, her longing for JH and the simplicity of life back in the North became more apparent. It made her realize that it's not the things in life that makes a person happy, but the presence of people you love that makes life worth living.

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Okay now this was the best episode. So many things happened. Se Ri being back and the entire scene where she just walks in surprising everyone was so awesome.
I was so proud of Man Bok for telling Jung Hyuk everything. Him remembering his friend and missing him and his guilt. The whole thing was so heartbreaking, I cried.
I am back to liking Seung Joon and even Dan. I couldn't help but feel a bit angry at them before.
The epilogue was so much fun. Now the Ducklings and Man Bok are in SK and I can't wait to see them trying to adjust being there. Seriously can't wait to see the next episode.

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I can't believe I will see Kim So Hyun here. First Hotel The Luna and now here, both have a great impact to me. Please bring us your drama Kim So Hyun! You became cameo only makes me miss you more!!!

One of the strength of this drama is the actors! Not only the first leads but also the second. Those four on the drama poster are so great in acting. I'm so greedy to watch Kim Jung Hyun (Seung-joon) and Seo Ji Hye (Dan) in another drama, because their chemistry is just as good as the leads, they really a scene stellar.

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The story needed to move a lot of pieces to SK so I in hindsight, I don't mind the "rushed" feel of the episode.

SR's circumstances were more difficult than RJH and Chul-Kang, so it makes sense why it was harder to get across the border. She missed the boat after a sea control order was issued. She missed her flight because Chul-Kang was trying to kill her. She wasn't supposed to be in NK in the first place, and RHJ was trying to get her back with pulling too many strings. As we saw in Ep 9, once Director Ri knew the situation, it was far easier to get things done. Chul-Kang would probably have a similar network of people to facilitate his move to SK, which would explain why it seemed easier for him to cross the DMZ.

If you noticed, during the trial of Chul-Kang RJH's faced looked okay. When he met with SR in Seoul, he had some scratches in his face. Ep 11 will probably reveal some backstory on how RJH got across the border, in the same way Ep 10 showed us the details of SR's escape, and could point out to some scuffle or struggle. I'd be interested to see who he got in touch with to go to SK.

I'm also looking forward to the dynamic between SR and RJH in Seoul. Now that SR is in her own turf and will all her luxuries, will RJH still find her to be the same person? What are the problems they will face? Will his NK upbringing, although privileged, react negatively to SR's wealth?

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Yess! I was thinking the same about how Seri, Jeonghyuk, and Chul Kang crossed the border. It's way trickier and more dangerous for her than for them. I hope we get to see how the two men crossed the borders.

Initially, I felt that those scratches on Jeonghyuk's face were mistakes by the staff due to their crazy shooting schedule that they might have overlooked details and continuity, but what you said about a possible struggle en route to the South just might be it.

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First of all, I am excited how our beloved characters (including our 5 ducklings) are now in SK. Can’t wait to see what challenges they must overcome. I have now a few questions going forward:

1. Didn’t you guys get the vibe that Dan’s uncle might end up being a bad guy? The way he acted at the trial and how he keeps telling JH to forget his suspicions. I don’t know, he might surprise us and end up being a bad guy. I’m hoping to be wrong because I’ve liked his character so far.

2. Why does JH have bruises on his face when reuniting with Se-Ri in SK? He had already healed from his previous bruises.

3. How did Director Ri find out that his son was in SK?

I also believe that Director Ri wants the ducklings to help JH so that he returns safely to NK. I don’t think that he’s afraid the JH will defect.

I found the preview for Ep. 11 since they didn’t provide it at the end of Ep. 10. Here’s the link:

https://youtu.be/hLsknHNe8GM

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1. Uncle is very fishy to me too. He just might be that one thing Jeonghyuk missed.

2. @allthegoodthings stated above that it might be when he crossed the border. I hope we get a flashback.

3. I am wondering too but like you said, Dad's order did not feel like him wanting to make sure that his son does not defect. It felt more of a concern toward his son's safety.

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1. I think the trial scene just showed that judges are not impartial but they just do what the commanders tell them to. The uncle looks more like a fool that never questions orders.

3. I assume JR used some connections to get to SK and his dad probably has lots of moles that report to him.
Defecting would not put only JR in danger but his whole family, Dan etc. Everyone linked to the defector could end up dead or in a detention centre. His dad is looking out for his son and all involved.

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Many of us have been critical of the live-shoot film schedule of K-dramas. CLOY was on hiatus for a week in early January for health and safety conditions. Now, I read this this morning:

MSteam Entertainment has responded to reports about Son Ye Jin’s health.
On January 27, reports emerged that Son Ye Jin had been taken to the emergency room while filming tvN’s “Crash Landing on You” due to being overworked.
In response, a source from her agency explained, “Son Ye Jin visited the emergency room due to built-up fatigue from filming her drama. She has received the necessary treatment and has returned to the drama set. It was not a serious illness, she was feeling fatigued from filming.” They went on to say, “The reason she had to go to the emergency room is because regular hospital services were closed as it is a public holiday today.”
A source from the staff of “Crash Landing on You” also explained, “Son Ye Jin took a brief visit to the hospital during the holidays as she was feeling under the weather. She has now returned to the set of the drama.”

I noticed that episode lengths have increased almost a half an hour. Some speculate the additional footage is adding more story time to secondary characters like the Duckling gang. In any event, the crew seems to be overworked in the current weather conditions.

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I saw this article, too. hope that all the cast and crew can stay healthy.

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I've seen speculation here about possible ending scenario here but I thought it was pretty obvious for me.
Hero saves the heroine again, goes back to NK and daddy(cue another teary parting scene). Daddy being a big shot, pulls strings and sends hero to Switzerland to pursue his musical dreams. There he can meet the heroine, ala full circle? So happy ending.
Sorry if I'm naive, I assume all KD have happy endings like Disney fairy tales right?
Disclaimer: I've never watch a complete KD series before. This series was recommended by Netflix, the North Korean angle was interesting and the fact that the hero doesn't wear makeup, a bonus.
But the main couple's chemistry is off the charts compared to Hollywood stuff. I can understand now why people get really hooked into KD drama.

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"But the main couple's chemistry is off the charts compared to Hollywood stuff. I can understand now why people get really hooked into KD drama." Agree. I think it's partly these particular two actors (so good at the non-verbal bits) and partly good old-fashioned anticipation. Even if they have acknowledged their mutual attraction, they have respected their boundaries repeatedly, each time getting closer and closer. Call me retro if you want, but I find this much more swoon-worthy than an instant relationship.

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You are right. Jane Austen on steroids.

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Honestly that scenario is similar to something I've thought of. JH living in SK just seems like a recipe for disaster considering his military status. Switzerland seems like a much safer place, an Se Ri, while enjoying being CEO I wouldn't think be opposed to that

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With her money, she can jet to Switzerland every weekend :-). I feel the series should have ended at ep10 with the villain in the gulag and the main couple separated permanently. This is the reality for the people of NK and SK. More heartbreaking and poignant ending this way.

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Everything about this episode was great. I haven't watched Secretly Greatly, but I still fully enjoyed seeing Kim Soo Hyun on the drama screen again. I also want the ducklings and Man Bok to stay in SK, but they have families and such. Really everyone Se Ri was friends with needs to be transported to SK permanently.
Maybe I'm a softie, but hearing Man Bok's whole story made me cry. the scene of him sitting on the bridge holding Moo Hyuk's letter, morning the loss of his friend but also feeling guilty for his involvement got me right in the heart. I only consultation is that I'm pretty sure Chul Kang is going to meet a messy end.
Also the ducklings being in SK is amazing, I hope we get a few more good scenes like that before things get serious again.

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The ducklings are finally down south! ahahahah. The epilogue was amazing! Can't wait to see them navigate life in a place that offers you anything you want (if you have the money to pay for it).

The reunion scene between our two lovers was so sweet!

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Thank you @lollypip for a lovely recap! Like the rest of you I’m counting down the days till Feb. 1! (I may have rewatched a few episodes in the meantime....)

So many favorite scenes for me in this episode, like SeRi shocking the heck out of everyone when returning in a true Boss Lady manor; the Ducklings and their SK awkwardness which I’m looking forward to seeing more of; the backstory of how Seungjoon helped JH and SR to escape and his annoyed behavior at the lovebirds! Hahaha

What I’m really enjoying is how we can feel our OTP falling deeper and deeper in love with each other. It’s so organic and believable. I can’t wait to see how SK despite the dangers involved will bring them closer.

Just like some of the previous comments, I have a bad feeling about the Uncle too which makes me sad because I’ve really liked him up until now.

Fighting everyone as we wait for the weekend!

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Hi! hehe I just want to participate in this thread because I have just finished watching Crash Landing up to the most current episode: ep.10. I think it's a cute little show; I love Seri's sense of fashion, I hate the fact that even though Hyun Bin looks worn out because of the role of a soldier in NK, he still looks awesome; I love the ducklings especially the most cynical one and the one who loves everything Kdrama. I can't give any opinion about the plot of the story as I categorize this one in the fantasy genre, so I don't have any trouble reasoning out things that happen in the story. What I like the most here is the love between the leads; it feels so real, but my heart aches every time they have to part.

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I am interested to see what is in store for Seung-joon. It seems that more than one net is closing around him, based on CEO Jeon's reaction. I like how the leader of the men spoke better English that he did. Who do you think sent the ops this time?

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Wow I didn't see that coming😊
To be honest though, I can't say that this is one of my favorite episodes since RJH and YSR are not really together in this episode, not until the end.

I am so happy that Man Bok finally switched team, I was a crying mess the entire time he was confessing to RJH.

I can't wait for the next episodes, so excited to see how RJH and YSR treat each other..I want more romance please!

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Ugh ... they go shopping for designer clothes in episode 11. I hope he doesn't put on lipstick. I've a feeling the series will go downhill in Seoul.

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It’s the reversal of drama tropes - usually the chaebol male lead gives the female lead the makeover , oh well here it’s the other way round. How can you not love it haha have faith, it looks fun from here

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"Dan is upset to learn that Jung-hyuk volunteered for duty at the DMZ again just for Se-ri, and Seung-joon says that he helped them, in part, so that she could end her futile yearning for her first love. Dan says it won’t work, but Seung-joon says (very kindly, for him) that when the man you love risks his life for another woman, it’s game over, adding that hanging onto something that even she thinks is pathetic isn’t love, it’s obsession."

OMO!! Can we have more characters like Seung Joon please, who instead of enabling the delusion of one-sided love, actually crushes it and tells the girl to get a life!
As her mother said, she's got the looks and money; even if she didn't why should Dan pine for a man who obviously doesn't love let alone care for her. I was so happy when Mom hinted Dan should dump JH first, i was worried she'd be the typical rich mom who'd want to proceed at all cost in the name of 'strengthening her empire'.

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Am I the only one who can’t take my eyes off of Gwang Beom in every scene with the Ducklings ugh he’s so adorable

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I know I am late to the game watching drama but I can't share how excited I was for the guy from secretly great to appear. Now I have to rematch that movie.

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