Before I read it, just saying thank you for these fast recaps.

Thank you for the recaps, Sunny!

I agree with your opinion on Soo Ah this episode. Her first selfless act. On the first episode and the first scene with her, we already know that her character is one that doesn't give a damn about others. But I loved that she cared to explain to Yi Seo about how to be Sae-ro-yi's ally and acknowledging that as the very reason why she isn't on his side.

I like her as a character tbh. She's complicated in a non-psychopath way like Yi-seo. I feel like her shortcomings are more relatable for me.

I still don't want Sae-ro-yi to end up with either women. After everything he's been through, after all the revenge stuff, I just want him to find a great feeling of being HOME - which both women don't give off that vibe as of now.

The most satisfying moment of this episode was when Sae Royi ripped off Yi-seo's name tag.

Sadly, Yi-seo still did not learn a lesson and so far haven't had much personal growth since ep 3. She was not sorry at all, and only apologized in the end to Geun Soo and Tony because she didn't want Sae Royi to hate her.

The Geun Soo part was extra painful, I hope her rejection doesn't push him off the deep end and make him side with JangGa.

This ep was really hard for me to get through. I kept hitting pause and walking away.....usually to eat a piece of licorice rope. I had to take my feelings out on something.

I'm probably in the minority and could be way way off base here, but I dont think we are seeing Yi-seo's growth yet. I think the writer has flipped the script I'm used to seeing. I'd expect to see seeds of growth or hidden warmth in a character around now, but I think the writer is showing us how sociopathic she is.
I had a hard time with how the Yi-seo/Hyun-yi issue was resolved. I found it frustrating that I thought the show was showing Yi-seo had grown by calling Hyun-yi "Unnie" and we and Hyun-yi were supposed to find it affirming and heartwarming. But I'm used to shows giving us these type of resolutions and even sometimes find them heartwarming, but I was disappointed. Then came this ep and I thought the show did it again. Yi-SEO makes an Instagram post and volunteers to help Toni let's all high five and pat her head. 🤬
Deep Breath. Walk Away. Eat Some Licorice.
Then I thought about it and I think this scene was framed a bit differently. (This is where I wish I was a better writer to express myself more clearly.) The camera moves to Geun-soo standing outside the group and staring at them. Maybe he is just sad but maybe he is really seeing Yi-seo. That she is just saying what will keep her with Sae-ro-yi and is not impressed. I think the viewer is supposed to be troubled by her actions not cheering them on.

I'm also starting to see Yi-seo as a barometer for the audience with some of these scenarios.

Again, I'm probably way off base. Usually I like to just go for the ride. I'm not the one who guesses the twist or murderer correctly before the end. But right now this version intrigues me. Please do not spoil me if you've read the manga.
I do think Yi Seo will grow and change. I just think she will have to hit rock bottom first.

The racist club scene is a mirror to the transphobic club scene, with Yi-seo reflecting prejudices that I am sure are rampant in Korea as they are globally. It is astute writing to have a main lead exhibit really upsetting biases and prejudices and retain interest in them.

PSRY's sympathy is his strength, and it is as infectious as it is righteous. For a sociopath like Yi-seo, PSRY is learning resource center on humanity and ethics. While she may never achieve that innate sense of wrong that the rest of DanBam has, at least she can use them as a measure to gauge what is right.

The fight between PSRY and Yi-seo is my favorite scene thus far of the series. Not because of the ripped tag or because PSRY is right, but because he had to prove it. Ideals are fine, but they collapse under the weight of reality. When Yi-seo blocked his exit to demand a real alternative, reminding him of the stakes, I got chills. It is common to the point of cliche that in Kdrama, the argument would have ended with his apology, but to see it continue with Yi-seo forcing him to be transparent? It's basically novel.

"I hate you because you killed Ajusshi." So. Satisfying. Soo-ah's rejection of Geun-won was the best. I will never understand anyone who sympathizes with this killer, even putting Geun-won above Soo-ah. This POS feels no remorse. I am waiting for him to get hit by a car like Dad. Geun-won is my most hated character over cartoon villain Chairman Jang. I don't even like the actor.

Yi-seo, strike two. First LGBTQ and second racism. Why tf is she taking this out on Soo-ah and Geun-soo? They don't represent Jangga. "I'm not a little kid." But you act like one. "You've been getting on my nerves since yesterday." Welcome to my world. Danbam would be way less hostile without Yi-seo around.

Geun-soo, this boy is hopeless. For his sanity, Geun-soo needs to cut Yi-seo out of his life, but pitifully, he exhibits the classic signs of a victim of abuse by justifying the physical abuse from his "hyung" and emotional abuse from his "friend."

I have to confess that I am still in love with Yi-Seo. Or perhaps not her so much, but the fact that she is totally different from any other kdrama character that I have seen. She has her faults, but she seems to be growing up.

Soo-Ah on the other hand I still can't place. Did she tell the chairman that Yi-Seo was a critical part of his team after she overheard?

YES SOO-AH <3 Her straight-up rejection and saying "Ahjussi was like a father to me" T_____T So satisfying. I'm waiting for the show to acknowledge that bond all the more because in the past her relationship with Ahjussi was so cute. Now I'm all the more hoping she has some kind of revenge plan of her own. Please, show ): Also her talking to Yi-Seo, knowing that Sae-ro-yi does need her as a manager. Sooooo-Ahhhhh come to the right sideee.

Hmmm, Yi-Seo. I'm a bit sad at her treatment of our Danbam team, but it's not exactly surprising. I feel like she may have only apologized not because she actually felt sorry, but to get back in Sae-ro-yi's good graces and hm, I am not sure how I feel about that. Also, poor Geun-soo. Don't like Yi-Seo anymore.

Injeonghabnida!! I acknowledge it! Yi Seo was almost impossible to stomach during this episode. I am pretty sure she will redeem herself but she will have a long way to go with fans. I still support her but she came off really bad in episode 7 and episode 8.
Please let me clarify, I am Team Yi Seo and even I had difficulty with her the last two episodes, in particular, her interactions with Tony. I wasnt clear if she would have posted her rant on her blog had PSRY not been mad at her. I felt her apologies were more for PSRY benefit than her actually being sorry and reflecting. However, I am not giving up on our girl yet and I do think she will grow over the series.
I also think that Soo Ah realizes that PSRY cares for Yi Seo ( he just has not admitted yet). I love how Soo Ah pulled Yi Seo to the side and explained to her how if she tries to change him, she will lose him. Also, Soo Ah made a great point, if PSRY wasnt such a stickler and so different from other guys, would Yi Seo even be interested in him ( probably not). Yi Seo loves PSRY for the very characteristics shes trying to change, aww women ( and I am a woman.. lol)..
Apart of me does like that Yi Seo is such a controversial female lead.. Honestly, I like complicated leads, that is why Cheese in the Trap is still one of my favorite K dramas to date and he was a passive aggressive sociopath..wait a minute..🤔 Im sensing a trend with me that is somewhat scary.. lol.

Either way, Yi Seo will grow ( that rhymed) Im sure as the series progresses. I actually liked Soo Ah in this episode and felt she was very mature. I LOVED PSRY spray painting that building, I laughed so hard. I love how protective he is of his DanBam family. I also respected that PSRY was ready for the CEO and I loved how he told Yi Seo that its natural that his enemy attacks him but he wasn't expecting her to not be on his side. Yi Seo was def wrong in this episode about everything but I did give her the benefit of the doubt, not because she's a sociopath but because she is an arrogant 20 year old girl thats a little over her head. Also, I want to be very clear, I do not think Yi Seo is a racist or a prejudice against trans people but I do feel like she is one of those people that doesnt care if it doesnt affect them and that is a very realistic portrayal of most of the World. Kudos, to IC for not shying away from subjects like this, because in order to fix a problem, we must address the problem. Seriously Kudos production team 👏👏👏👏👏

PS.. I highly doubt Yi Seo will betray PSRY in episode 9 (because that would be too cliche). I think she is going to outsmart the CEO... hopefully we get to see that 162 IQ at work

I have to admit that this drama is doing very good job at potraying to us some characters that are admirable yet imperfect human being. Yi seo is an apathetic, selfish woman who has impulse to talk only facts without a care about feelings. That way sometimes, her words reach to the level of brutality and offensive and it makes people considering her as a mean person (okay, sometimes she is). In the light of transgenderism and race issues this show tried to touch for example, the way her character dealing with those issues might be putted into racist and bigoted category by some people, but i think she is just being objective about the issues. She talks no insult about their identities, but the way she speak up her opinion about the situation surrounding it hurts anyone who listened. But it’s okay because truth can be offensive. She said nothing wrong in the end. She might be selfish but also an honest person. To people who loves her, she doesn’t make them hold into false hope when they are expecting from her something that she just couldn’t or simply don’t want to do, she will tell them the truth that she can’t fulfill or give them what they want from her. To her rival (soo ah), she can simply ignored the fact that soo ah wasn’t the one who reported her to police, but she didn’t, she chose to tell the truth to sae ro yi. She wants a fair game, and i really respect that side of her.

And there is park sae ro yi, who is merciful but also just. He stood by his people side despite their lack of skill or attitudes but demand that police officer to take responsibility for his unjust action toward his father even when he knows it means that that police officer has to leave her little daughter alone at home. That seems cruel, but actually he only demand responsibility from other people and it as much as he demand responsibility from himself. He is kind but not weak. And maybe it just me, but i also find sae ro yi has some narcissistic side in him. When he said he wants to “live a life where he can make his own decisions and not have to pay for his principles”, my first thought was “okay, that is unrealistic dream, and you just sounds like chairman jang”, because he is human, which means his value can changes and can’t be perfect all the time (unless he is God an hold the ultimate moral value), and when it isn’t, he have to bear the consequences and if he doesnt want to, he has to make people bear what he did. That vandalism is one of example, he damages other people properties just because they have different opinion than him. I dont say their opinion is better, im just saying they have right for it, and you have right to protest it, but not by damaging their assets. All people that i know, who doesn’t want to pay for principles they have are tyrants. We can thanks to his father who raised him good and as long as he stay in right path, he will become jang da hee but on the other side.

Thank you for the screen shot of the loan shark with a heart of coal. @egads

I like how this drama uses tropes but changes them.

Yi Seo, for example, she's the typical FL who does everything to stay with the man she loves, like heroine in shojo who studies a lot to go to the same college or becomes nurse because the ML is a doctor. But in this case, she's not the damsel in distress, she's the one who can help him. She has a goal to help Sae Ri o Yand she wants to use the most efficace way to do it. Her sociopath side doesn't understand that for Sae Ro Yi the way is very important.
I like the fact that Yi Seo is the smart one, the one who should have the most culture but she's the one with the most closed mind. I'm happy they didn't choose Choi Seung-Kwon to be the one with prejudices just because he's a ex-convict.

Soo Ah is still true to herself, I like it. It was interesting to hear why she can't be with Sae Ro Yi. She never lies.

“I don’t want to be swayed by anyone or any injustice.”
I like this one, where I live freedom isn't a common thing and injustice is. I would like for it to change :(

why is everyone so fixated on hating yi seo? she aint racist nor transphobic. she simply does not care. i think you guys misconstrue her indifference as prejudice. again, for the nth time, her character is labeled as a sociopath, because of her upbringing. she does things according to what she think will benefit her, her eyes seeing things objectively, and her actions are very consistent with her character. ys doesnt even recognize that what she did was wrong (that it may be perceived as transphobic or racist) because she doesnt give a fuck about other people (well except PSRY) THE VERY IDEA OF CARING, OR DEFENDING, OTHER PEOPLE IS SO FOREIGN TO HER. wont u be more shocked if she actually defended tony?

lastly, i wanna talk about soo ah, if yall are so pressed about frustrating and hateful charactars -- soo ah, who CLEARLY KNOWS that what shes doing isnt exactly right (betraying PSRY, working for the people who killed her father figure), BUT SHE STILL DOES IT ANYWAY, for me is much much much more deserving of hate. girl knows it, but in her fear of failing in life, she eats her conscience and guilt for dinner. she had some brownie points tho, in this ep for standing up to geun woo, but girl needs to walk the talk. i personally liked that she talked to yi seo about PSRY, like YAZ BITCH i hope she did it bc she knows she cant be there for PSRY, so she just taught yi seo how to deal with him.
VERY VERY LASTLY HAHAHAHA
i also think soo ah kinda realizes that while PSRY is proving he doesnt change easily, her place in his life might be his first character development. esp in that last scene, where she asks, or much better, she convinces herself that yi seo is just a tool for PSRY in helping her. yeah, keep believing that hahaha PSRY's smiling face is a hint that yi seo is slowly snatching his heart away from soo ah.

Thank you very much for the speedy and great recap, Sunny !

* slowly walks away from the keyboard to avoid getting into needless debates over Yi-Seo and Soo-Ah, both of which are fictional characters that no one should be heatedly arguing about *

I am surprised the characters were surprised that PSR would buy the building, it was literally my first thought.

My poor Tony, I loved the club scene. The only thing I was surprised at was it happened in Itaewon, usually it only happens in Gangnam. I'm glad the writer pointed out the very obvious racism. I am curious though what would've happened if he said he was American or if it wouldn't have made a difference, it was the higher melanin content that was the problem.

As for Yi Seo, she continues to be beyond selfish and spoiled, except with PSR. Another beanie mentioned her adoration was unhealthy and I'm inclined to agree. Every apology and decision she makes is because of her obsession( I won't say love) of him. I hope she grows up, becomes a better person, and actually grows to love him like in a healthy way, more at this point for his sake than hers. I think it is important that he doesn't like her romantically because it then she can get to know him, because it is fairly obvious that she doesn't.

I continue to love Soo Ah, I'm sad she isn't end game.

Unexpectedly, this is the episode that made me want to trust the writer and see where she's going with the FLs. Thanks to beanies who sorta hinted at what's coming on eps 7 recap, i wasn't completely shocked by Yi Seo's action when i saw it unfold. It was still very much unlikable but i don't stinking hate her for it. I was also pleasantly surprised by Soo Ah's chat scene with YS.

Sure i still don't like the FLs characters yet, but i guess in dramas we're just so used to getting characters that are straight up good/evil that getting not one but two morally gray FLs are throwing us for a loop.

I still remember being so conflicted over Park Hae Jin's character in Cheese in the Trap; do i love him or hate him or what , it's damn confusing how he can be sweet and manipulative at the same time. I'm experiencing the same thing with YS and SA now. Flip-flop goes my brain+heart.

Soo-ah's comment to President Jang that his previous actions were all to benefit his company, while his current actions are based on his emotions was interesting. Could this be the way that Sae-royi will win in the end? Will President Jang will become so focused on bringing down Sae-royi that he will lose focus on his company and lose it in the end?????

I'm not going to lie, Yi-Seo had me cringing this episode.

She's still my favourite by far, but the cringeworthy bits were definitely her flat racism and straightforward manipulation of Geon-soo.

However, I can't say that I didn't understand her. Factually, I'm pretty sure that the scenes with Tony are based in actual reactions to any Korean that doesn't 'look' Korean. From my personal experience of how it goes down where I'm from- let me say I've been told "But you don't look [...]", or "You're pretty even though you're mixed."

She was blunt, and it was painful, but seriously, can we say that it isn't a realistic reaction?

As for Geon-Soo, I'm pretty sure his conversation with Big Bad Dad didn't help Sae-Ro-Yi. I can't tell if he's that naive, but telling Big Bad Dad that he shouldn't underestimate Sae-Ro-Yi, when he fully was didn't help. SRY wanted BBD to see him as a pesky kid- so when BBD suddenly went nuclear on him- could his son telling him that there was more to SRY have been a factor?

Fact is, having BBD's son there is bad for business and the revenge plan. SRY has his principles, sure. But making his 15 year revenge plan harder just because he likes the kid doesn't make sense.

Also I'm not conflicted about Soo-Ah. She's as amoral as Yi-Seo is sociopathic. And SRY consistently does her a disservice by telling her that she's only gotta be on her side. It's LITERALLY the same crap Yi-Seo's mom told her, and everyone can agree that was terrible advice.

So Soo-Ah keeps her selfish survivalism because SRY tells her it's okay. It's not. And it makes it worse that she hates Geon-Won and his dad for killing SRY's dad and covering it up AND STILL WORKS FOR THEM. Ugh, she's actually terrible.

Her eventual redemption will piss me off, because she's doing nothing to deserve it. And her 'selfless act' doesn't count. She just helped Yi-Seo be there for SRY because she's too scared to be there herself.

Whoo. I had strong feelings about this episode. It was GREAT.

The commenters who are binding over to the point of being professional contortionists regard in their mind justified racism....yeah, ya garbage.

For all the not 'hating' fictional characters the reactions sure are extreme.

Okay I am saying this once and for all and I won't bring it up again. I am not going to change my mind about Yi Seo or Soo Ah. (Saying this for the people who might disagree with me also the arguments are being repetitive). I feel for Soo Ah as the drama goes on. She is not an evil person or anything. Did she do somethings wrong? Yes, and I am saying this knowing that. I am interested in her redemption arc.
While I understand Yi Seo is a sociopath her actions are still wrong. I go from being irritated at her, to feeling bad for her, to be irritated again. Hoping for actual growth (again I know she is a supposed to be a Sociopath and I know it won't be the same).

During the convo w GEun Soo n Yi Seo i was thinking why is SRY talking about this with SA in the room, she could be reporting everything to the boss! But then after he bought the building and the chairman was caught by surprise, I realised that SA never told the old man anything. So maybe, possibly SA is sorta helping. Not by much, but there’s still hope right..

"Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD or APD) is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of disregard for, or violation of, the rights of others."
This is literally the first line on Wikipedia for ASPD which is probably what Yi-seo is diagnosed with so really none of her actions are really surprising or shocking. They may also be unresponsive to therapy treatment but my guess is PSR right now is kind of like a compass for differentiating good and evil for Yi-seo which may even change her for the better.

Just saw episode 9.... YI SEO !!!!!!!!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

i just love the hyung moment!

I actually liked Soo Ah's character since the beginning. Not saying that all of her behaviors were correct from my point of view, but I understand her position and struggles from her point of view throughout the episodes. And I feel that she was always honest with PSRY. I mean, even when he was in jail, she went to him to say that she was willing to accept the finantial support from JanggaCo. And I think that in each episode we can clearly see that, after all, even apparently on JanggaCo.'s side, she is not actually on their's side. It's almost like she is trying to separate work and her best chance from her personal side and feelings. Well, I think that this drama is showing us that good and bad exists in every single person, but our choices are critical and define our path in life. I just think that she could be a little more clear and nice with PSRY sometimes... For Yi-Seo, I also understand her behaviors and thoughts considering the context that was given to us (that she is a sociopath), but I admit that sometimes I get irritated by her huge disresgard for people. I understand it, but still... On the other hand, sometimes she just shines. It's a very interesting character. I don't know how the story will develop, I'm just anticipating some things, but I don't really feel a love triangle here. I don't think that PSRY has romantic feelings for Yi-Seo and I don't think that will happen honestly. And I also have doubts about his feelings for Soo-Ah. It seems like he is somewhat used to like her? Honestly, to me the romantic relationships are the least interesting part in this drama, but I'm curious to see how Yi-Seo will react if she experiences a rejection from PSRY...

Love this drama. Fantastic writing indeed. Just as you think things are slowing down, just the perfect twist is added and story moves forward, keeping you wondering what will happen next. It's not a thriller but one is indeed wanting to know how exactly Sae ro yi will take his revenge; knowing for sure he will ( now that would be surprising twist in story IF he doesn't by 16th episode)

Toni Kim (Chirs Lyon) is doing really good job. Normally I cringe with foreign actors but he's good.

Thank you for the recap! I found myself disliking Yi-seo in the first half of this episode. It's true- she really shows no heart or empathy on the outside. She has good intentions, only realizing that she expressed it the completely opposite way when it's too late. Her words are harsh however, and her intentions aren't completely kind and righteous. I have a feeling she'll grow on me as her character develops.

My heart goes out to Geun-soo. He's my favorite character in the show- he's been through so much yet he is kind and caring. I hope he ends up with someone better and more understanding. His confusion is well expressed for his feelings for Yi-seo. He too is questioning why he likes this girl that shows no gratitude or emotion for others. My jaw dropped when I saw how harsh she was being to Geun-soo this episode. I think this is when he realized that Yi-Seo truly was terribly mean- he just let his feelings step over her personality, but when it was personally against him, he understood the depth of who she was. I hope he finds someone better than Yi-seo, someone who will truly care for him and shows it.

I hope Yi-Seo can learn to be kind throughout the show and we can see huge character development through Sae-roy-i.