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The Golden Spoon: Episodes 13-14

The cat is out of the bag, and our leads scramble to get their stories straight while the people around them reel from the revelations. No good deed goes unpunished, and no spoon swap does, either.

 

EPISODES 13-14 WEECAP

“The

Our spoon boys are forcibly swapped back by the whims of the universe, which naturally sets forth a new wave of chaos. Some good things do come out of it — Tae-yong finally finds the courage to stand up to CEO Hwang, and it’s clear his time as “Seung-cheon” has allowed him to mature into a better person.

At a board meeting filled with elitist snobs, Tae-yong puts them in their place by declaring that the company doesn’t belong to him or the executives, but the common citizens protesting outside. It’s a sharp contrast to Seung-cheon, who sneers to his friends that fickle shareholders don’t own any rights to the company.

“The

Talking about Seung-cheon, he goes home to a birthday spread that’s extravagant by the Lee family’s standards, painstakingly prepared by Mom. Except his birthday wish (which only we are privy to) is to return to being “Tae-yong.” Well, there goes any shred of sympathy I had left for Seung-cheon, right out the window.

Yeo-jin catches on pretty quickly to the fact that “Tae-yong” is now, well, Tae-yong, and she immediately begins formulating plans to get her favorite puppet Seung-cheon back. Meanwhile, Joo-hee has also learned about the swap, having overheard one of Yeo-jin’s very loud phone conversations.

“The

In order to confirm her suspicions, Joo-hee takes Seung-cheon on a drive to the beach and mentions prior travel plans. Seung-cheon plays along, thinking that Tae-yong must have said those things — except Joo-hee made it all up, so he’s just revealed that he’s back in his original place.

Sincerely, Joo-hee tells Seung-cheon that his background and status may be important, but what matters most is his character. She means to reassure Seung-cheon that she still likes him, but he reacts by harshly rebuffing her, ashamed that he abandoned her and his family.

“The

Instead of calling him out for his abrasive behavior, or reproaching him for leaving her alone on the beach till the sun’s nearly setting, she hugs him when he finally returns and confesses that she missed him. In response, Seung-cheon kisses her.

Okay, I get that Joo-hee is kind-hearted and all, but she’s beginning to come off as a bit of a doormat. Plus, it feels somewhat abrupt and unbelievable that she accepted this fantastical premise so easily, since she spent over a decade being unaware of the swap. I don’t know about you, but I’m not really feeling this romance.

“The

In any case, the pair are now blissfully in love, snuggling up to each other and sharing kisses. One of which, of course, has to be witnessed by Yeo-jin, since this show loves its drama. Hurt that Seung-cheon loves a girl that isn’t her, Yeo-jin impulsively takes revenge by treating Dad to a meal — with Seung-cheon’s golden spoon, of course.

The story is outlandish even to a manhwa author’s ears, but the seed of doubt takes root in Dad’s heart, and he eventually caves and eats with the spoon. All of Seung-cheon’s spoon-related memories flash through his mind, and by the end, he’s wracked with guilt towards his real son.

“The “The

At this point, the T in Tae-yong stands for trauma, which resurfaces again this week. A bottle of spilled wine evokes an image of CEO Na’s blood staining the floor, and with that comes a barrage of memories.

Not only does Tae-yong remember that Joon-tae was the true school shooter (phew, he finally knows!), but he also recalls important details from the night of CEO Na’s death. After arguing with CEO Na, Tae-yong had stormed out of the house, then returned to find him dead. He’d collapsed from the traumatic shock, and who should approach to check up on him but CEO Hwang himself.

“The

Talking about CEO Hwang, we finally learn more about our bad papa. He wasn’t always Hwang Hyun-do — turns out he used a golden spoon too, way back in the past. Back then, his name was Kwon Yo-han, Hyun-do’s more capable business partner. He had smarted at how Hyun-do looked down on him and disregarded his advice, except he’s now become the very person he once despised. Literally and figuratively.

Case in point: remember when CEO Hwang coerced Joon-tae to turn himself in? As usual, CEO Hwang was just treating people like his pawns. He’d threatened Joon-tae with evidence of his shooting spree in the States, forcing him to falsely confess to CEO Na’s murder. After which, he’d double-crossed him, leaving him to rot in jail instead of making good on his promise to get him released.

“The

By now, I’m pretty sure the rules of the golden spoon could fill up an entire page and then some, but there’s one more to add. As usual, the spoon grandma didn’t give us the full story — and our spoon boys find out first-hand. The clock ticks twelve midnight, marking the end of their birthday, and all of a sudden they’ve swapped again. Oh, so you’re telling me all that fuss was for a temporary 24-hour switch???

On one hand, I’m relieved that they’re back in their swapped places (because swapped Tae-yong is an absolute gem), but on the other hand, I’m frustrated that the drama keeps undercutting its own stakes. The world-building doesn’t feel consistent because new rules keep getting added in on a whim to suit the plot’s needs, which just feels awfully convenient instead of being compelling.

“The

Anyway, back to the story. Dad’s still reeling from the revelation that “Seung-cheon” is not the son he once knew, but that doesn’t stop him from loving him all the same. Having seen all his memories, Dad’s moved by Tae-yong’s sincere declaration to Seung-cheon that he chooses Mom and Dad over all the money the spoon could offer, and he resolves to cherish Tae-yong like his own son.

Furthermore, Dad may be hurt that Seung-cheon chose to leave his family behind, but he has a big heart, and he can’t stay mad at his son. He asks Seung-cheon out for a humble dinner, wanting to share one last meal together before he lets go of his real son for good. Handing his son a poem that Seung-cheon once wrote as a child, about all the little things in life that people can enjoy for free, Dad reminds “Tae-yong” to always remember the warm heart Seung-cheon had.

“The

Of course, in this show, no good things can last. Seung-cheon gets a call from Joon-tae, and when he steps out to answer it, he gets attacked by a beer bottle to the back of the head. Furious that CEO Hwang betrayed him, Joon-tae’s escaped from prison, and he’s thirsty for revenge. He pulls a switchblade on Seung-cheon, but Dad intervenes and takes the knife for his son.

Bleeding out, Dad weakly calls Seung-cheon’s name, apologizing for not recognizing him all this while. He reassures Seung-cheon that he’ll always love him no matter what his name is, and that he’ll always be his son. And with that, Dad dies in his son’s arms.

“The

Whyyyyyyyy. The good-natured Lee family are one of the best parts of this show, and I’m heartbroken that we’ve just lost one of the kindest characters. Dad will definitely be dearly missed, along with his unconditional love for his family and his resilience in staying true to his values.

Mom had a great moment this episode, when she stood up for her husband after CEO Hwang demeaned him with that artist toolkit. I love that she was simultaneously empathetic towards Stepmom’s pain, but also drew the line and refused to continue delivering side dishes to a family that belittles their hard work and character on the sole basis of their poverty.

“The

I’m dreading the aftermath next week, when the rest of the Lee family find out about Dad’s tragic passing. Dad just wanted the best for both his sons, always going the extra mile to treat them to whatever small luxuries he could afford. It’s telling that he used the pocket money Mom gave him to buy Tae-yong a new suit, only for Tae-yong to notice that Dad’s still wearing the same old tattered clothes.

Seung-cheon also noticed the run-down state of the Lee house, full of reused and rickety furniture, but at this point it feels like too little, too late. Still, I’m glad that our spoon boys are both on the same page at long last, and that they’re finally working together to sort out their identity crises.

“The

It seems like the drama is trying to lead towards Seung-cheon returning to his place, as per Joo-hee’s wishes, but I’m honestly not too keen on that outcome. As more birth secrets come to light, I’m hoping that the found families will win out over blood ties. Tae-yong deserves a family that loves him for who he is, not who they want him to be.

Still, I can’t fault Tae-yong for being curious about his birth mother, and I just hope that the revelation of CEO Hwang’s swap will push Tae-yong into leaving that abusive household and joining the warm Lee family. (Hey, a girl can dream!) I’m expecting Dad’s death to be the catalyst that finally shakes up Seung-cheon’s greedy resolve, and as we enter the finale week, I’m bracing myself for a lot more turmoil.

“The

 
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Only two more episodes, then it's finally over.

That CEO Hwang also used the golden spoon was not a big surprise. With the inflation of spoons, there had to be more people who bought from Granny.

Somehow the writers don't seem to have noticed that Seung-cheon hasn't been the likeable one for a long time. I don't care what becomes of him, but I too suspect that he will end up going back to his old family and reuniting with Ju-hee.
It probably won't matter much to the writers that Tae-yong will once again get screwed in the process and lose his loving family. As consolation, he will possibly get his real father back.

When Seung-cheon was briefly back in his old place, you could see very well from his reaction that his main drives are money and power. At the very beginning, the desire to be able to help his family may have been the reason why he swapped places with Tae-yong, but this is now long forgotten. Instead of being happy to spend time with his family, he is just looking for a way to undo everything. Nor has he even tried to make the best of the new situation. If he had then realised he had no chance of helping his family, I would have had a little more understanding for him.

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I think the writer can't make Seung-Cheon how he's really is, that is a jerk. They made the poor Joo-He being in love with him without questionning anything he did in the past, like stealing the life of someone else, to show us that he's still good but it really doesn't work. Poor Tae-Yong, he always is the one who is very confused because his life changes again and agains without him being able to do anything about it. He just has to accept it.

I was so happy when the father was cold with Seung-Cheon and I think Seung-Cheon should just let them alone, it would have been so better for them to be far from the rich and mean ones who pass their time to humiliate them.

I would like to understand the old granny's motive to offer golden spoon to the worst people in Seoul...

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Thank you, @solstices, for the weecap! This show really works on the theme of greed! Sung-cheon wanting to help his family more but hasn't done much at all; CEO Hwang whose greed made him covet his friend's life; Jeong Nara, who has already gotten Yeo-jin's life but still wants more ... too tired to mention all.

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Oh this show! It's trying so hard and its earnestness is not working.

Juhee, you need counselling, love. The man abandoned you, didn't give you the time of day for 10 years, and you took him straight back. (Seriously, writer, are we supposed to find that endearing?)

Seungcheun, you are a shallow human being and although I'm sure there's a big-bad-plot-behind-all-this, I don't really care for your methods. (Seriously, writer, are we supposed to just forgive him because the ends will justify the means?)

Yeojin, please can you stop behaving like a 5 year old that doesn't like the ice cream at the party... (Seriously, writer, are we supposed to find her compelling?)

Taeyong, please continue being adorable - you are as 2-dimensional a victim as they come, but you beam at your "parents" and light up their whole apartment and you have my heart. (Seriously, writer, why didn't you give him a much juicier story and make him the star of all this?)

Need to see it to the bitter end, but I'm very sure the outcome will have me grinding my teeth...

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The writer has the webtoon as source but it looks like they changed a lot of things.

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The drama has its moments where it is interesting, but unfortunately the writing and execution is seriously lacking. I need to do a google search on other dramas with source materials and check how well they fared because this drama is frustrating to watch.

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Solstices, thanks for the recap.

Tae-Yong appreciates the love and caring , Seung-cheong is hopeless.
Yoo-Jin is so angry, for someone with a new lease on life , (albeit stolen), she doesn’t seem to make the best of it.

I’m in it for the bean , this show could have done without the school shooting, CEO Na’s murder or the abusive uncle.
They could have given some more attention to the spoon peddling halmoni’s story.

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So, I thought this wasn't airing this week and learned about it due to seeing it recapped haha

I literally just finished watching it and forgot what I wanted to say haha
One thing that definitely stood out to me is Seung Cheon's dad. Oh how he broke my heart with these episodes and particularly episode 14. I imagine that was absolutely heart breaking to see Seung Cheon's memories and see how he saw those situations. I genuinely got teary eyed when the dad broke down crying but holding his mouth to try to muffle it. The dad... he did have incompentent father/husband moments (which makes it understandable that Seung Cheon ended up resentful) but he also had such a genuine unconditional love, trust, and support for his family. In some ways, he really is a dream dad especially to someone like Taeyong who grew up in an environment devoid of that. While it made me cry, I liked his last day with both sons. I'm glad he got to see/know Taeyong's feelings about him & their family and I liked that he got to have a last moment with Seung Cheon and call him by his name.

Unlike when the dad was injured and that spurred Seung Cheon to want his life back so he could be with his family, I don't think that will happen this time. I think Seung Cheon will keep living as Taeyong because at this point he's come too far to return to his old life. He doesn't even relate to them anymore. It's been over 10 years at this point.

I always figured that Juhee was just supposed to be into Yook Sung Jae's character, no matter which he was at the moment, and these episodes just proved that because he's never done anything in particular to warrant the attraction or continued interest especially now that she knows about the swap. All they did was essentially pick up where they left off and why? Just cause it's his character. Never mind how he's always disparging "Seung cheon" and that hasn't changed because he hasn't changed or how he just recently screwed over his "friend" which shows how cutthroat he can be. It's like she just saw ​some fantasy version on that very first day and just kept that image all the way til now. Otherwise why would she think he would go back to his old life? Nothing has changed for him in that regard. In his old life, the family still lives in a crappy place, he's unemployed, and they're just keeping afloat. While Taeyong has lived that life for over 10 years, he also chose to keep it while Seung cheon could barely stand it for 24 hours. His priorities and perspective is so different from her and Taeyong's and sometimes I think it makes him pitiful. I get that money is important but to an extent which for some reason, no matter how much time passes, Seung Cheon doesn't seem to get.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind if he kept living as Taeyong because as I've said before, he seems better fit in that role while Taeyong is better at being Seung Cheon. I wonder if his birth parents were like Seung Cheon's parents and...

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...and that's why he fits in with them so much. His birth dad obviously prioritized his pleasure or interests over obsessing about money.

While Seung Cheon and Ye Jin's swaps seemed understandable to me, CEO Hwang's was so unsympathic to me. He just wanted the man's life just to have it, no dire circumstances and after years together. That just feels more treacherous to me vs Seung Cheon who argubly put Taeyong in a better situation (aside from money).

I want to know more about Taeyong's birth parents. Did the birth mom learn about the swap and get together with her real husband but to the rest of the world, she looked like she was having an affair?

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Seungcheon is not that likable or lovable character once he was, but Taeyeong is more mature and lovable now. You all here are praising and giving sympathy to Taeyeong, i do the same but people here forget that Taeyeong character's is different now because of the family he is living with , they are nice and great people. While seungcheon is a jerk now because he was living the rich person life , where he had to fight for living and money was the biggest concern he forgotten all the good things that money can't buy. I do love Taeyeong characters but can't resent Seungcheon either.
Fir me this show was never about romance between juhee and seungcheon at first they were good but later juhee easily forgave him after what he did 😑, i lost interest in them.

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I don't agree. Their characters were forged when they were young. Taeyong always had more heart than Seungcheon. He could have become a monster like the other rich guys but he didn't. They live in different families whey they were almost adult.

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