The Golden Spoon: Episodes 1-2
by solstices
In a world where wealth determines hierarchy, poverty can drive a person to make extreme decisions. When our impoverished protagonist is offered a mystical tool that can turn his life around, he grasps it like it’s his last lifeline — but all things come at a cost.
EPISODES 1-2 WEECAP
The Golden Spoon opens with an introduction to our young golden spoons — our protagonist LEE SEUNG-CHEON (Yook Sung-jae) surveys his classmates, assigning ranks to them based on their net worth. One student stands out as the richest of the rich; that’s the chaebol son of Doshin Group, HWANG TAE-YONG (Lee Jong-won, yay!).
Even education is a luxury to someone like Seung-cheon, whose only chance of getting prized study notes is by swiping them when he delivers food to an academy. Seung-cheon is the epitome of a dirt spoon, and he works a second part-time job at a convenience store.
A customer rudely demands a pack of cigarettes, refusing to show his identification card, until Seung-cheon twists his arm — HAHA, it’s his friend! PARK JIN-SEOK (Shin Joo-hyup) greets his pal with a wide grin on his face, showing off the fancy new sneakers his mom bought for him.
Of course, when a drama starts out with an adorable friendship, you know it’s going to pull the rug out from under you. Mired in the debt caused by Doshin Group’s forced redevelopment plans, Jin-seok’s parents take their own lives, and a devastated Jin-seok follows suit.
Outside the funeral hall, Seung-cheon gets shoved around by bully PARK JANG-GUN (Kim Kang-min), who sneers that Jin-seok’s suicide tarnished their school’s prestigious reputation. He eggs Seung-cheon on to punch him, but Seung-cheon holds back — if he hits Jang-gun, it’ll cost him money. Money that he doesn’t have.
Unlike Seung-cheon, Jang-gun can afford it. He slaps Seung-cheon hard, then tosses a fifty-thousand won bill down at Seung-cheon’s feet to cover the cost. Ugh, that’s so demeaning.
Noticing the confrontation, Tae-yong walks up to the group, and the bullies immediately stop to bootlick him. LOL, Tae-yong gets both Seung-cheon’s and Jin-seok’s surnames wrong, looking adorably confused when one of the cronies corrects him. Hey, at least he managed to defuse the situation?
Left alone, Seung-cheon has no choice but to swallow his pride and pick up the crumpled note — and it’s witnessed by Tae-yong’s father, CEO HWANG HYUN-DO (Choi Won-young).
Not only is CEO Hwang a snob that thinks Tae-yong should only spend time with people on his level, but he also holds little empathy for his son. When Tae-yong doesn’t live up to his expectations, CEO Hwang harshly calls his work trash and warns him to make the most of the chance he’s been given.
It sends Tae-yong into a panic attack, causing him to hyperventilate so badly he can barely reach for his medicine bottle. He downs a pill to calm himself, suggesting this isn’t an uncommon occurrence, and he slumps against the cabinet as his legs give out from under him. Oh, Tae-yong…
The next day, Seung-cheon heads to Tae-yong’s house, having been called there by Jang-gun to pass him the assignment he wrote for him. Seung-cheon passes by a roadside peddler selling antique wares, and a golden spoon catches his attention.
Supposedly, the spoon can make him rich — the old lady tells Seung-cheon that he just has to eat three meals with the golden spoon, at the house of a boy the same age as him, in order to swap parents and switch lives. It’s a tempting offer, given how deep in debt his family is. Despite his skepticism, Seung-cheon ends up buying the spoon.
When Seung-cheon arrives, Jang-gun humiliates him yet again by handing him his payment in full view of everyone. Except Tae-yong has a good heart, and he invites Seung-cheon to stay for a meal, to the disbelief of both his stepmother and Jang-gun. (Ha, Tae-yong cocks an eyebrow at them, as if daring them to disagree.)
Haughty Jang-gun instructs the housekeeper to give Seung-cheon stainless steel cutlery, instead of the gold ones everyone else gets. That’s the cue for Seung-cheon to brandish his own golden spoon, and as he tucks into his meal with gusto, the golden spoon glows for a brief moment.
At the school library, Seung-cheon notices Tae-yong struggling to understand the reports his father assigned to him. Heading over to his table, Seung-cheon easily explains the concepts to Tae-yong, impressing him. Before long, he’s teaching Tae-yong and helping him with his report.
That report earns Tae-yong a rare word of praise from his father, and he can barely hide his relieved smile. Tae-yong invites Seung-cheon out for dinner, putting food on his plate and beaming as Seung-cheon eats heartily. Aww, their budding friendship is so cute — give me more smiley Lee Jong-won, please!
At Seung-cheon’s convenience store job, there’s a new part-timer — it’s NA JOO-HEE (Jung Chae-yeon), a bright-eyed girl with an equally radiant smile. It’s clear she’s developing a budding crush on gruff but good-natured Seung-cheon, and it’s adorable.
Tae-yong pays Seung-cheon a visit outside the convenience store, and he gives him an envelope of money as a token of gratitude for his help, explaining that he didn’t know what gift to get him. Seung-cheon attempts to refuse, but Tae-yong insists, calling him his friend. Yay! Tae-yong declares that he knows how to differentiate what’s real from what’s fake — and Seung-cheon’s a real friend.
Unfortunately, Seung-cheon’s suffering never ends. He narrowly edges out Jang-gun for the last spot in the elite Eagle Class, which has a furious Jang-gun smacking him around and spitting on his uniform vest.
His resolve to escape his current life renewed, Seung-cheon heads to Tae-yong’s house, fibbing that he’s hungry and asking for a meal. Aww, Tae-yong notices the bruises on Seung-cheon’s face and worriedly asks if he got into a fight.
Supper is served, but CEO Hwang arrives home before Seung-cheon can take a bite. Terrified of his father’s wrath, Tae-yong quickly ushers Seung-cheon out, apologetically asking him to go home.
However, Seung-cheon can’t give up. He rushes back into the dining room just as the housekeepers are clearing away the dishes, grabbing his bowl back and slurping down the noodles — only to look up and see Tae-yong’s parents gaping in shock and disapproval. Ashamed, Seung-cheon hastens to leave, almost leaving his spoon and its case behind.
Calling for him to stop, Tae-yong’s stepmom gingerly picks Seung-cheon’s belongings up with the tips of her fingers, as if they’re ridden with germs. She holds the items out to Seung-cheon at arm’s length, declaring that she hopes he never returns to their house. Utterly humiliated, Seung-cheon angrily tosses the golden spoon into a garbage heap on his way home.
Tae-yong gets called to his father’s office, where CEO Hwang reveals that he knows Seung-cheon wrote his reports for him. Having received a tip-off from Jang-gun, CEO Hwang is furious that Tae-yong let himself get caught. He pulls his son into a terrifyingly patronizing hug, saying that Tae-yong needs to be punished for his wrongdoing. Should he send him back to the States?
Just the mere mention of that is enough to send Tae-yong into a near-catatonic state of panic. A flashback reveals glimpses of dead bodies, a gun, and a young Tae-yong in a state of shock. Back in the present, Tae-yong falls to his knees, begging his father that he’ll do anything else instead. Sobs, the fear in Tae-yong’s eyes is heartbreakingly palpable.
Without a shred of compassion for his own son, CEO Hwang orders him to deal with Seung-cheon, then. Ugh, if he’s trying to run for the Worst Father of the Year award, he’s got it in the bag.
Oh no, Tae-yong’s fear of his father drives him to lie that Seung-cheon extorted money from him. As they walk out of the parent-teacher conference, Dad falls to his knees to beg Stepmom to show mercy.
Dad crawls over to Tae-yong, grabbing his leg in desperation and pleading for him to let Seung-cheon off the hook. Their classmates spill into the hallway and record the scene on their phones, and it’s an awful situation all around — Tae-yong’s clearly wracked with guilt, and all Seung-cheon can do is watch in tearful fury as his dad humiliates himself for his sake.
That night, Seung-cheon calls Tae-yong out to a bridge, confronting him about the lie. Tae-yong admits it easily, but he acts like he was just using Seung-cheon all along. Playing the part of the entitled rich boy to a tee, Tae-yong scoffs that he could never be friends with someone as poor as Seung-cheon.
Except Seung-cheon isn’t fazed — he’s recorded their entire conversation, and he’s going to reveal the truth to the school. Terrified of the potential repercussions, Tae-yong lunges for the phone, and it escalates into a tussle that ends with Seung-cheon skidding over the edge of the bridge.
Tae-yong instinctively scrambles to grab hold of Seung-cheon, all pretenses forgotten, but the rain causes Seung-cheon’s hand to slip from Tae-yong’s grasp.
Frantically, Tae-yong rushes down to the river, searching for Seung-cheon and dialing emergency services. The operator’s voice snaps him out of his panic, though, and Tae-yong goes silent — and then he hangs up and leaves Seung-cheon behind. Nooooo, Tae-yong!
As Seung-cheon slowly sinks deeper into the lake, he almost resigns himself to his fate, but then the magical golden spoon appears before him like a mirage. His determination renewed, Seung-cheon fights his way to the surface, then digs the golden spoon out of the rubbish.
He rushes straight to Tae-yong’s house, smelly and dripping wet, and resolutely asks for a meal. Tae-yong’s parents are repulsed, but they grant his request anyway, and Seung-cheon swallows his pride to eat his meal under CEO Hwang’s watchful eye.
Meanwhile, the guilt is eating Tae-yong alive. Unable to bear it any longer, he pleads with his bodyguard-cum-chauffeur JANG MOON-KI (Sohn Woo-hyun) to pull over, and he sprints down the highway back towards the lake.
Then all of a sudden, Tae-yong comes to a halt in the middle of the road, as if a strange wave of dizziness has suddenly washed across him. The golden spoon glows in Seung-cheon’s hand, and Tae-yong stares blankly as he’s illuminated by an incoming car’s headlights.
Back in the house, Seung-cheon tentatively calls CEO Hwang “Dad,” but CEO Hwang responds in bewilderment. Confused that the spoon didn’t work its magic, Seung-cheon apologizes for his misstep, then leaves.
Only, he runs into Joo-hee in the hallway, who greets him with a slap and yells that he, Hwang Tae-yong, is a terrible jerk. She saw them outside the convenience store, and it certainly wasn’t extortion.
Ooh, the magic worked! That was a fun fakeout; turns out CEO Hwang demands that his son address him formally as “Father,” hence his surprised reaction towards Seung-cheon’s informal use of “Dad.”
To everyone’s relief, “Seung-cheon” is in the hospital, having been found passed out on the road. Seung-cheon rushes to the hospital, searching for Tae-yong, until he’s stopped short by someone calling out his real name. He turns, and it’s Tae-yong, who’s supposed to be “Seung-cheon” now. Omg, does Tae-yong remember??
It almost seems like he does, but it soon becomes clear that Tae-yong is just confused and disoriented. Most of it seems to be an unconscious instinct bleeding through, at least for now. Tae-yong’s previous memories have merged with the magically fabricated ones, leaving him unsure of what actually happened.
The next day, Seung-cheon wastes no time putting his newly-acquired power and status to good use. Not only does he retract the extortion case lodged against “Seung-cheon,” but he also puts the bullies in their place when he catches them terrorizing his two friends.
Seung-cheon also splurges on luxury goods for his real family, since it’s the only thing he can do for them. Of course, to them, it comes across as him trying to buy their forgiveness for what he did to “Seung-cheon.” Maintaining her dignity, Mom returns all the items to Seung-cheon and turns down his proffered check too, to his dismay.
Over a fancy dinner, Seung-cheon learns that he, or rather “Tae-yong,” is engaged to Joo-hee. He’s barely given a minute to let that sink in before Joo-hee announces her wish to call off the engagement, since she wants to live as herself, not as someone else’s daughter or fianceé.
Joo-hee leaves for her convenience store job, and Seung-cheon follows. Ha, he ends up teaching her how to do her job properly, resulting in a very perplexed Joo-hee wondering how “Tae-yong” is so familiar with a convenience store of all places.
They leave work together, but Joo-hee trips over her own feet and falls right into Seung-cheon’s arms, HAHA. The pair quickly right themselves, though it’s clear the moment flustered them both.
Oh no, turns out Jang-gun’s father is abusive, and he delivered a brutal beating when he found out about his cheating. Mistaking “Seung-cheon” as the whistleblower, Jang-gun gets his revenge by dragging Tae-yong to his house and viciously beating him up.
Of course, that’s not enough to satisfy Jang-gun, who takes his father’s rifle off the wall and aims it at Tae-yong. Noooo, his gun trauma! Tae-yong falls to the ground in terror, fearfully cowering away from the muzzle, all while the bullies cackle and film his reactions.
Just then, they’re interrupted by the doorbell — it’s Seung-cheon! A flashback reveals that Jang-gun once terrorized Seung-cheon using the exact same rifle tactic, and Seung-cheon’s not about to let it happen to Tae-yong, too.
Seung-cheon doesn’t hold back, loading a bullet into the rifle and turning it around on Jang-gun instead. All his posturing gone, Jang-gun grovels and snivels for Seung-cheon to spare him. However, Seung-cheon is determined to teach the cocky bully a lesson, and he doesn’t realize Tae-yong is quivering in fear just from the sight of the gun alone. Sobs.
It’s only the first week, and I’m already loving The Golden Spoon — it’s so much fun! Admittedly, I was already predisposed to liking the show since Lee Jong-won is a favorite actor of mine, but within just two hours I’m already immersed in the world and invested in the characters.
The show does a great job at balancing its lighthearted humor with its heavier themes, and it often has me bursting into peals of laughter. There are blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hilarious moments interspersed throughout, like the bully clutching his hand in pain after punching Tae-yong, or chauffeur Moon-ki awkwardly averting his eyes when Joo-hee trips into Seung-cheon’s arms.
So far, The Golden Spoon seems to be offering a nuanced take on wealth inequality. One scene that stood out to me was Jin-seok’s funeral, where their creditor was wailing in despair that they ought to have at least paid her back first before dying, because she can’t live without that money.
On the surface, it’s a callous remark, but it goes to show how even creditors themselves often subsist on the money they squeeze out of the poor; it’s a vicious cycle. Poverty is a losing game in which there are no winners.
Joo-hee is a winsome and endearing heroine, and I like that she’s got spunk. It turns out she got expelled from her UK school for starting a fight with a group of racist British girls, and if she hadn’t won me over already, that would have sealed the deal. Plus, Joo-hee stands up for Seung-cheon because she admires him for supporting himself, unlike her and Tae-yong who can coast comfortably on their parents’ dime.
We don’t know much about OH YEO-JIN (Yeonwoo) yet, but there’s one interesting tidbit about her. Yeo-jin was middle school friends with Joo-hee, but she hides the fact that she was sick for a while in middle school. Worse yet, she’s a hypocrite; while she’s friendly to Joo-hee’s face, once Joo-hee’s back is turned, Yeo-jin accuses her of killing their friend. There’s definitely more to this story, and at the moment, I’m inclined to distrust Yeo-jin.
Of course, the main stars of the show are our spoon swap duo. Tae-yong is unexpectedly endearing — I love the running joke of how he can never get people’s surnames right, as well as his extremely picky taste in luxury goods even when he’s become “Seung-cheon.” Some things never change, ha.
It breaks my heart to see the extent of the psychological damage Tae-yong’s father inflicted on him, to the point that he’s developed an anxious habit of picking at his finger until it bleeds. It’s particularly poignant that despite Tae-yong’s privileged upbringing, he calls Mom’s homemade kimchi stew the tastiest food he’s ever eaten — because it’s the first time he’s eaten something prepared with love.
Seung-cheon’s steadfast mettle had me rooting for him from the very start, and it’s clear he has a mature and empathetic heart. His circumstances have forced him to prioritize pragmatic decisions, but that doesn’t make him unkind — in fact, it’s quite the contrary. I’m excited to see how he continues to use his newfound power to help the underprivileged, since he knows exactly what it’s like to be on the bottom rung of society.
I think it’s interesting how Seung-cheon has good intentions, but he doesn’t always choose the best methods; for example, he wants to pamper his family by buying them all the things they can’t afford, but he doesn’t stop to consider how it might feel like a burden from their perspective. Similarly, it’s satisfying to see him fight back against Jang-gun, but it doesn’t solve the root of the problem.
Seung-cheon and Tae-yong’s friendship is lovely, albeit short-lived, and I can’t help but hope that they’ll reconcile soon. What Tae-yong did isn’t excusable, but it clearly stemmed from fear rather than malice. Tae-yong’s deeply traumatized by his father and his time in the States, and the abject terror on his face whenever he expects his father to lash out at him is so heartwrenching.
Now that he’s finally embraced by a loving family, it’s beautiful to see Tae-yong’s pure and unfettered smile — the same smile he lets slip around Seung-cheon. On the contrary, Seung-cheon’s already beginning to feel the pressure of CEO Hwang’s greed and the strained relationship Tae-yong has with his stepmother. I suspect it won’t be long before Seung-cheon begins to have second thoughts about his decision, and I’m interested to delve deeper into the dilemma that will follow. Seung-cheon has three chances to switch back, in a month, a year, or ten years — will he take any of them?
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Tags: first episodes, Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Jong-won, The Golden Spoon, Yeonwoo, Yook Sung-jae
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1 nerdy
September 25, 2022 at 10:56 AM
I would happily watch the whole show solely for the kid from abusive household joining the loving poor family. The real Taeyong looks so happy ... I am nearly sure that to some degree he understands that this is not his family, but he just wants that life so much that he doesn't bother to address those feelings.
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nerdy
September 25, 2022 at 11:28 AM
I hope Seungcheon wouldn't get too much hate from the viewers (like the youngest sister does in Little Women).
He is not striving for brand clothes, in his POV he is fighting for survival. Money problems generally spoil everything. You can't buy a candy without considering how that reflects on the family budget, you can't go on the school trips, your classmates would comment on your clothes, and even the instances your parents give you gifts you can't be happy because the love they give you costs them livelihood and comfort. Even accepting love from parents becomes difficult because it is strained with your guilt that your life costs them money.
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Mita
September 25, 2022 at 11:37 AM
I find it interesting that already, seungcheon seems to have no problem claiming what is "his" when he had that dinner with his new ceo dad. Maybe because money is the reason why he swapped lives in the first place and he knows how much it's important and valuable, but he is ready to talk back and defend his ownership of it. I just hope that he eventually doesn't forget that putting money above everything might turn him into all those rich kids who bullied him and his friend and his family.
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nerdy
September 25, 2022 at 11:45 AM
Seungcheon, due to his age, has a tunnel vision and doesn't understand that others might have different values. How he knew his parents so little as to give them brand clothes and expect them to accept them is something I can't explain otherwise.
Sadly, I don't think he will make a switch for at least another ten years. He has already rejected his family, whatever he sees, he will continue convincing himself that the grass is greener where he is and that it was all worth it.
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Britney
September 25, 2022 at 10:05 PM
I don't quite understand how it works; can he switch 3 times or can he only switch 1 time in those intervals? For instance, if he doesn't switch in a month, his next opportunity is in a year or can he switch after a month then again after a year?
However it works, I think another switch will happen in a month. Either Seungcheon will cause the switch or Tae Jung will get the spoon and try to make the switch. The reason I think Seungcheon would make the switch is because he'll miss his family specifically his mom (I also think his dad will get killed or seriously injured) and he'll want to be her life in some way.
2 Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
September 25, 2022 at 11:01 AM
@solstices Thanks for the weecaps. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as there are a lot of things that can go wrong as he has kept the mindset of someone who grew up with scarcity but now has the power of the privileged. Joohee moving to another country where class and entitlement often comes with the matching combo of racism and sexism must have had a hard time.
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3 emsel
September 25, 2022 at 11:13 AM
I enjoyed this drama the most out of all the premieres that happened this week. The first episode was a bit hard with the bullying scenes, but the plot was executed and delivered well that I got invested in the show.
This is a reunion between Choi Won Young and Yook Sung Jae as dad and son after "Mystic Pop-up Bar". I can't wait to watch Seung Cheon go against Hwang Hyun Do with the body swap shenangians.
The other actors are also equally matching their performances like the cogs of a weel because I can see chemistry between all main four youngters. As @missvictrix would say, I found a new oppa in the character, Staff Moon Ki😂😂
Admittedly, I was already predisposed to liking the show since Lee Jong-won is a favorite actor of mine
@solstices similar to you, I wanted to like this drama because of Yook Sung Jae as he is a favorite actor of mine (since the grave injustice they did to him in "School 2015"), but no worries for us because the plot is so far good.
I am happy to see the growth in YSJ's skills because the evil laugh he gave at the station and the creepy smile he gave before pointing the gun at Jang Gun was chilling.
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missvictrix
September 25, 2022 at 1:13 PM
@emsel One must always be on the lookout! hahaha
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4 Mita
September 25, 2022 at 11:21 AM
Thank you for the quick recap! The 2 episodes were surprisingly such a strong start, I'm invested in the storyline of nearly everyone, even the minor characters and I can't seem to be able to predict what will happen next. One thing I'm curious about is if Oh yeojin is the witness who took the video of the fight and took the call. Cuz that might mean she's in on the secret. Taeyong's dad too, seems like he's following the new "taeyong" closely, it's making me nervous. I like that every character seems layered. From bully janggun, to even junhee's dad. And of course, our two leads. Like you said, I hope seungcheon will use his change for good but he has a ruthlessness, even towards his family like how he ratted out his dad, and towards himself, that's like taeyong's father's self-discipline. Even though that ruthlessness stems from his abject circumstances, I have a feeling he is in danger of letting it take over, even when he is in position of power, and that might make him as abusive as his new ceo father. Taeyong, on the other hand seems a loft softer. But I don't think he is at the base necessarily as "good" or harmless as he appears. Unlike you, I interpret his frequent confusion of surnames less as a humorous point, and more like a manifestation of his disrespect towards those beneath him. Despite his show of friendship, deep down, he seems to have fully adopted the disdain his dad and stepmom have towards the lesser. He was definitely using seungcheon as much as seungcheon was using him, so I don't even interpret their brief closeness as friendship tbh. Also, his instinctual attitude when he came to janggun's house, or his casual callousness when he told junhee he never asks a girl out seems to indicate that he has lived all his life looking down on others, and is at the very core extremely selfish and self-centred because of it. So it will be interesting to see him be put down to everyone's level and maybe learn a bit how it feels. So far, it looks like he is in need of a few more humbling lessons before he is capable of empathy. I wonder if in the future, we will see all this comes from character or circumstances. If the lack of need for consideration to others at the top can turn someone into a self-centered person. If soft taeyong can learn to be less self-centered at the bottom, or if ruthless seungcheon will let his high position erase his conscience and turn him into someone as callous as taeyong. Anw, whether I'm right or wrong, I'm super excited to see where this drama leads us. I'm a sucker for psychological twisted complex characters in dramas XD
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emsel
September 25, 2022 at 11:39 AM
I agree with you about Tae Young. Giving him a painful backstory has surely helped viewers sympathise with him. All characters have interesting dynamics that it is hard to simply brush them aside.
Also, I too feel the shrewd ones like Hwang Hyun Do and Na Ju Hee will figure out the body swap based on the personality traits.
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Kelly-k
September 25, 2022 at 1:21 PM
" I hope seungcheon will use his change for good but he has a ruthlessness, even towards his family like how he ratted out his dad, and towards himself, that's like taeyong's father's self-discipline. Even though that ruthlessness stems from his abject circumstances, I have a feeling he is in danger of letting it take over, even when he is in position of power, and that might make him as abusive as his new ceo father. "
I love this comment so much, that ruthlessness is actually why I love him so much, because I know with it even at his age and lack off experience he can deal with TY's father, and scenes like the gun one shows you perfectly who he is, he is been pushed into a black and white view of life and he is not about showing the mercy he never saw... But is about to learn life is unfair just like that no explanation...
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Kaylee.
September 25, 2022 at 2:54 PM
Right now I kinda like his ruthlessness because it's pointed towards those who showed no mercy to his friend Jinseok and his family. There's almost an element lashing back at all those grievances he had, like how a child ends up crying and throwing a tantrum after being scared and finding security. The question is if this is only temporary short-term revenge for venting out, or if he'll let it dictate him in the long run and he'll go full on psycho...
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Kaylee
September 25, 2022 at 2:46 PM
The way I see it Taeyong's lack of malice isn't so much due to kindness but more... like you said. From being so high up and looking down and being egotistical. So like because he's always so focused on himself, he feels like a victim and even when he always ends up doing harmful stuff it feels like he can't help it and is being pushed by circumstances, because he lacks malicious intentions (except for when he tricked Yeojin with the kiss I guess ?). Seungcheon is also being pushed by circumstances, but because he is much more proactive than Taeyong he feels less "helpless" or a victim in his actions. Unlike when Taeyong unintentionally harm others with his words and disregard, Seungcheon is intentionally malicious in his "revenge." On the other hand, because he's more aware and way more observant of others, he has more moments of genuine intentional kindness and trying to be helpful to others than Taeyong.... At least so far....Money corrupts.
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YCashix
September 25, 2022 at 4:27 PM
"he is much more proactive"
That's it. Everyone in this drama is taking actions to fix their situations. Janggun and his cheating. Joohee and her rebellion. Yeojin and whatever she's scheming. And that's not counting the adults. What we learned with Jinseok is that this world withing the drama is ruthless, everyone is in survival mode. Ironically except for the guy at the very top of the food chain.
Taeyeong seems to be the only passive dude in the mix of all these kids so he seems more helpless and sympathetic. Because things happen to him and he doesn't even begin to know how to handle them and then acts in panic, so his mistakes are easy to sympathize with.
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YCashix
September 25, 2022 at 4:42 PM
One more difference is that through his struggles, Seungcheon had a friend to accompany him. But Taeyeong was all alone and isolated. Now that Seungcheon is also alone with no friend + death of friend trauma, if he'll also become isolated.
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5 Kurama
September 25, 2022 at 11:21 AM
For now, I'm more curious about Tae-Yong becoming a better person and living a simple life than Seung-Cheon getting his revenge on the rich people.
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6 tanim
September 25, 2022 at 11:43 AM
As much as everyone is invested in the storyline and characters, I have to say that the cinematography is also super easy on the eyes. I'm not gonna, it helps balances the heaviness that everything is so soothing and clean. Also, eye candy galore😍😍😍
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7 Nefret
September 25, 2022 at 12:11 PM
These were two gripping first episodes, but they were not always easy to watch.
Especially episode 1 is very dark, all the scenes with the bullying are hard to bear. Episode 2 is a bit lighter with some humorous scenes.
I like that not only Tae-yong clearly has his faults, Seung-cheon doesn't have a flawless character either. His bullying experiences certainly contributed to that, but still, I had to gulp that he was willing to swap his parents so quickly just to have a better life.
Let's see how long the former Seung-cheon can enjoy his new life. I suspect that the coldness of his new family will soon show him what he had in his former parents. Tae-yong, who is enjoying his new family life, has already felt what it is like to have no power because of the lack of family background.
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8 LaurenSophie
September 25, 2022 at 12:38 PM
I watched only the first episode so far, but I wasn't as sympathetic towards Tae-yong as others. This is not to say that I didn't clearly see that he's the victim of abuse and neglect, but that some of his actions--including the fake-out kiss, not continuing to search for the presumed drowned Seung-cheon, and the way he appeared to willfully ignore the physical signs of bullying--made it harder for me to actually like him very much. And I'm not sure I believe yet that the two boys were ever really friends.
I also struggled to get through those bullying scenes, although I know they were necessary to the set-up of the story.
However, overall I liked the tone and the way the show has a simple but rich premise. It'll all come down to how these characters develop and evolve.
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Kaylee
September 25, 2022 at 2:30 PM
Yeah same, I only have a tiny bit more sympathy for Taeyong than I have for Janggun. Both victims of abuse, and so focused on their own struggle they are unable to see others on equal standings, or feel any kind of significant sympathy for them, specially when their interests are impacted. Taeyong of course is more likeable by far than Janggun, but maybe not much less guilty than him.
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9 tabong has two different tears🍉
September 25, 2022 at 1:12 PM
I love the show already, it's totally my style.
The only problem I have is that I love Ju Hee with both guys, so what am I supposed to do when one of my boys gets his heart broken?
Tae Yong with Seung Cheon's family was the highlight of the week.
OMG and the To My Star reunion. I was NOT expecting that.
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sunnysaturdays
September 25, 2022 at 2:58 PM
Same. I thought I was the only one who noticed. I saw each of them and I was like "you're here too?". What a pleasant surprise. I hope our Stars have a scene together. 😊
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tabong has two different tears🍉
September 25, 2022 at 5:06 PM
Yes! a scene together would be the best. ^^
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panshel
September 26, 2022 at 8:29 AM
Son Woo-hyun and Kim Kang-min almost had a scene together in the second episode when Seung-cheon rushed to Jang-gun's house to save Tae-yong. Moon-ki appeared on Jang-gun's doorbell camera but didn't enter his house.
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tabong has two different tears🍉
September 26, 2022 at 9:01 PM
Yes, I know! I was so excited but then I saw he didn't enter the house and was disappointed 🥺 I need to see them in the same room.
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M
September 26, 2022 at 10:14 PM
If you look at the scene near the beginning of ep 1 where all the kids are gathered in front of the school with their drivers, you can see as moonki is attending the car door for taeyong, that janggun is standing right next to moonli waiting to bootlick taeyong. So they were about 1m apart in that scene🤗
10 Kaylee
September 25, 2022 at 2:21 PM
Thank you for the weecap <3
I've read the webtoon so my view is skewed by what I know what happened in the webtoon. It's interesting to see how others interpret the drama as a stand-alone.
All things said, so far, I like the changes made from the webtoon. Like how the ages have changed from elementary to high school. Elementary is too young imo to have complexity, and high school is the perfect age where you're too young and prone to being impulsive and reckless. And that to deep unhappiness and it can lead to so pretty messed up decisions. But at the same time, you're old enough to feel conflicted. And that leads to growth and character development. Another change I like is how the set up Seungcheon better as the anti-hero. He was totally unlikeable in the webtoon, and his background is presented much better for sympathy here. Likewise, Taeyong in the drama is more complex, less naive and purely good than the webtoon.
I'm usually averse to major changes but I have to say the ones I saw so far didn't make me super mad so that's good. lol.
The change in characterizations makes it more interesting when I think about it.
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11 Toodlepip
September 25, 2022 at 2:35 PM
Very intense first week episodes. I found the bullying throughout really hard to watch but it's difficult to look away from this drama. Loved the scenes with TY and his new found family, it's like he's gotten the present of a lifetime. Probably because he knows what money can't buy. SC is going to take a while to learn that, but it'll be interesting while he does. In both worlds as already mentioned, it's about survival.
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YCashix
September 25, 2022 at 4:37 PM
"it's about survival"
The fact that it's about survival is likely what makes the episodes feel so intense. Everyone in the drama are struggling for something, or craving for something. Behind the glam, it's Hunger games.
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12 Britney
September 25, 2022 at 3:06 PM
All I could think was these hateful rich people. Just so much hate. I hate the rich characters (except the Ju hee), the characters hate the poor; it's just a hate fest going on haha. The main bully and the stepmother, ugh. I just...ugh
The way she acts as if Seungcheon's gross and contagious just hurt my heart to watch.
The way the bully goes out of his way to humiliate and demean him just made me so angry and sad.
I don't know if I'm supposed to feel for the bully who turns out to be abused by his father but I don't. When he was running from his dad, all I could think is "of all things, why did he grab a book to shield himself?"
And then the way these same rich people use the poor. Ugh, it's so freaking frustrating and maddening. I hate this about real life, I hate seeing it in the show.
But for all the things that I hate, I'm still quite interested and looking forward to next week's episodes because I want to see how the golden spoon pair lives their switched lives. Tae Yong is interesting because even though his memories are being altered (I think) he still carries himself with that "top of the food chain" air and it's something to see him treated like Seungcheon has been treated. To go from people grovelling for his praise and attention to be treated with disdain and as if he's beneath them.
I think Seungcheon could probably handle Tae Yong's life more so than Tae yong could handle his because he already has started to see that the grass isn't greener. He sees the weirdness and coldness. I do think he's going to gain a new appreciation for his family though; even though they are poor, there was love in that house and it's so underappreciated when you're that kind of situation but now that he doesn't have it, I can see why he would want his cake and to eat it too.
I feel like it's going to be so confusing for me to watch this but I'm still interested.
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Britney
September 25, 2022 at 3:10 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention how I didn't know this show was going to be as dark and heavy as it is. I thought it was just a light(ish) fantasy.
This is what I get for looking at no information about the show haha
And I think Tae Yong's father was also in Mystic Pop Up Bar so it's cool seeing him and Seong Jae reunite. Makes me want even more scenes with them together.
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13 I like the first two episodes!
September 25, 2022 at 4:00 PM
Funny how in the world of the rich, kindness is seen a weakness. Psycho Doshin Dad aside, even Joo-hee's dad was shaking his head complaining how Joo-hee is just like her mom, being "too kind." Makes sense if you think about irl how the more money you have to make, the less care you have for the human element, except for PR stunts ofc.
Anyway, dunno why but my favorite moment in ep 2 was how Seung-cheon was like "Imma go run after her... but I agree with her that it's ridiculous two get two high-schoolers engaged." lol. Got a chuckle out of me. Finally someone pointing out to the rich how messed up their worldview is.
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YCashix
September 25, 2022 at 4:32 PM
My LOL moment wasn't when I watched the drama, but by reading a tweet saying in the ending scene where Seungcheon was running to save Taeyeong in the bully's house, it looked like Sungjae was running desperately to save a significant other or friend or something, but turned out he was running for his life trying to save his enemy. Looool. Definitely food for BL fanfics.
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Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
September 25, 2022 at 8:18 PM
They were engaged way before they were legally able to be based on merges and acquisitions approach it’s business by another name. They just forgot these assets have agency so were able to make their own deals.
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14 Erica
September 25, 2022 at 4:31 PM
So far, I like that the leads are neither caricature good guy nor bad guy. Though some supporting characters are clearly pigeonholed in specific camps.
Let’s see if it can continue with nuanced storytelling. It will be too predictable for rich dad to be 100% evil and poor family to be 100% pure.
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15 Ally
September 25, 2022 at 8:52 PM
Well, this was WAY better than I expected. I was going to tune in just for Yook Sung-Jae, but happily lapping up every scene with uri Ji-woo and Seo-joon (their characters from To my star). I’m glad they’ll be regulars here. They have acting chops to spare, so hope they’ll be put to good use here. And loving the prince and the pauper set up with some fantasy and a good soundtrack behind it. I totally got Goblin OST vibes when the old women mysteriously showed up. I, for one am already getting tragic vibes from the dad—that actor tends to die a lot in shows, if I remember him correctly. I’m going to be crying a river, aren’t I? I can already see the construction site accident. 🙈 I already love his poor family. They may be poor, but they still don’t want handouts. And liking the whole cast. I saw Ju-hee (Jung Chae Yeon) in The King’s Affection as the queen to Park Eun Bin’s king and she was adorable there. She’s giving off a similar vibe here. Again, I didn’t think I’d like this one as well as I do!
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Kurama
September 25, 2022 at 9:19 PM
There are the 2 queens of The King's Affection. The mother in the poor family was the Queen, mother of the twins, who saved her daughter.
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Ally
September 25, 2022 at 9:47 PM
Quite right.
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16 panshel
September 25, 2022 at 9:35 PM
I already love it. I love Tae-yong and how he's kinda dense mixing up surnames and laughing over webcomics. I felt sorry for Tae-yong when Seung-cheon started using him since he genuinely thought of Seung-cheon as his friend, but at the same time, because Tae-yong is so terrified of his father, I wanted them to trade places. When Seung-cheon went to Tae-yong's house to give him the report, what if his father had caught them? I know Tae-yong abandoned Seung-cheon at the lake, but he didn't let go of his hand and even went back to look for him. I squeed when Tae-yong called Mom's kimchi stew the tastiest food he'd ever eaten. He's just a little boy who misses his mom, so much so that I don't want them to switch back. I was freaking out that Jang-gun's father's rifle would trigger Tae-yong's PTSD. That school shooting flashback gave me goosebumps.
Seung-cheon is pitiful from being bullied and his family in debt, but it's hard for me to root for him when he actively tried to steal Tae-yong's life. Thank goodness he's a quick learner like when he ordered in French during dinner with CEO Hwang. We're currently in 2011 with their old phones, so obviously Seung-cheon decided not to return to his parents after one month and one year, which means ten years will be his last chance.
Son Woo-hyun is perfect as Moon-ki. Joo-hee will probably figure it out first, but I hope he starts to suspect his young master. I read a webtoon SPOILER that Moon-ki has a love line with Seung-ah, which I'm so looking forward to because Noona is awesome every time she yells and hits "Seung-cheon."
Joo-hee is a winsome heroine and immediately endeared her when she got kicked out of school for teaching racists a lesson. As Tae-yong subconsciously remembers his life, "Seung-cheon" will definitely like Joo-hee. I couldn't believe Han Chae-ah was playing a mom of teenagers.
Throw up at Seung-cheon eating with the golden spoon from the garbage. Thanks a bunch for weecapping The Golden Spoon, @solstices!
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BedeliaJane
September 25, 2022 at 10:20 PM
@panshel I agree with what you wrote! While I was typing my comments (which was posted below yours), I had not seen yours yet.
I had wanted to remark on Han Chae Ah playing mom too. I think I first saw her playing mom in King's Affection.
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💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
September 26, 2022 at 3:28 AM
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💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
September 26, 2022 at 3:30 AM
Agree with your summary of the boys a lot, a lot, except... that I didn't really enjoy the first two episodes instead... 😫 dunno what's up with that;
This show has lots of elements I should like but I'm not really feeling them right now. I'm also not confident at the drama's ability to ACTUALLY deliver on the complex and intense character development this show requires by this set up and the impending time jump concerns me. (Because... you know... I've been burnt my too many dramas NOT doing what they should do in that regard.)
I want to keep watching for Jong Won because like @solstices he's a favourite face of mine I've squirrelled away! and really enjoyed him here, but I'm not sure I'll have the motivation to click play next week. Oh well. We'll see. 😅
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17 BedeliaJane
September 25, 2022 at 9:52 PM
Thanks for the weecap! I enjoyed watching these 2 episodes.
I hate bullying scenes, so it's satisfying when the bullies got a taste of what they did to others, but most of the time, they still don't repent... urgh. The bullying scenes remind me of those from Uncanny Counter; one of the good classmates in Golden Spoon was also bullied in Uncanny Counter.
I'm glad that Joo Hee seems nice even though she's from a wealthy family too.
Some lame comments (hahaha):
- It looked like the stepmom was playing the piano topless.
- Did Seung Cheon wash his spoon before and after using it (especially after retrieving it from the garbage site)...?
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Britney
September 25, 2022 at 11:41 PM
Thank you for mentioning that because I was shuddering at the thought of him not washing that spoon haha
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Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
September 26, 2022 at 12:25 AM
🤢 exactly my thoughts
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Kelly-k
September 26, 2022 at 4:59 AM
Some golden rules of life... Use your sleeves and if you don't have water spite on it and keep moving...
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18 FiyaShady
September 25, 2022 at 11:33 PM
Reading so many positive comments so far, perhaps it is a Go for me 😉🤔.
Aigoooo,so many works to do at this moment (high season in my dept). Couldn't afford to catch any on-going drama series 😩😭...
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19 Deeja
September 26, 2022 at 7:15 AM
One family is rich with love. Another family is rich with money.
I pity Tae Yong when he first woke up at Seung Chon, he trembled with fear of his father. Luckily he's greeted with both new loving parents. The society & his friends might think he's the most lucky boy to have such a rich & powerful dad, but in reality, only he knows how traumatized it is living his life 😢
I secretly wished they won't switch, but can Tae Yong learn to live independently like Seung Chon? To work at the convenience store, facing the bully, living in debt not knowing how to get out of it...
I felt a tugged at my heart everytime Seung Chon meet his mom... He must've missed her a lot...
Both characters have their pain & trauma, and this translates their action very well...
The rich envy the poor because of the freedom and love they get, but the poor envy the rich because of money and power they get..
Both has their own pain that other people who don't wear their shoes would see that as privilege.
But wait, so who'll Ju Hee end up with...
Can't wait for next Friday!
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20 Dhx
September 26, 2022 at 2:43 PM
Fast paced Story with full of life lessons, good acting or role portrayals, cinematography, added romance + the main casts visuals. They're all pretty. Kudos to Yook Sungjae & all the cast! This is highly recommended!Looking forward for next episodes.
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21 Viki
September 26, 2022 at 3:26 PM
I'm really enjoying this so far and Sungjae is excellent in his role. I thought 2nd ML was gonna be a big jerk but he turns out to be pretty nice? And he seems to be taught/abused to not give a care about the world due to his high-class status so it's not really his fault.
But omg, Sungjae in that evil laugh scene. Wow.
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Viki
September 26, 2022 at 3:27 PM
Oh, and I'm looking forward to the direction this drama will take. Life lessons that will be taught to both Seungchon and Taeyong.
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22 scarlett
September 27, 2022 at 1:35 AM
wow...this drama is great! the storyline is fresh, the cinematography is superb, and the acting of every single actors esp. yook sungjae is exemplary..it's a 10/10 for me so far.. i can't wait to watch the next eps..
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23 Farhanah
September 30, 2022 at 1:20 PM
Such a gripping show! I'm gonna use The Golden Spoon to ease my heartbreak from Good Job ending .
I remembered when I read the webtoon a long time ago, Seung-cheon started becoming a character I didn't root for as much as Tae-yong. Hopefully the drama can still make me root for both characters.
Oh and I'm loving Juhee's chemistry with both Seungcheon and Taeyong, although when Taeyong was like "Nah I would never ask out a girl first" I thought...ahh man she's not gonna like you like this, you missed your chance!
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