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Work Later Drink Now 2: Episodes 9-10

Our girls spend some time apart this week as they develop their relationships with others outside of their trio. However, that spurs a major crisis that threatens to break their friendship once and for all.

 
EPISODES 9-10 WEECAP

“Work

So-hee heads back to her hometown to visit her mom, and Buk-goo invents a work meeting so he has an excuse to drive her there. It’s a warm mother-daughter reunion, until So-hee realizes that her mother has gotten rid of her late father’s prized possessions and redecorated his empty room.

Devastated that her mother could move on so cleanly even though it has barely been three years since her father passed away, So-hee blows up at her mother. She storms out in tears, and when her mother follows to give her boxes full of homemade banchan, So-hee accidentally knocks them to the ground while pushing them away.

“Work

Buk-goo can’t stand it anymore, and he manhandles So-hee into the car while he helps Mom clean up. It turns out he’s been visiting Mom for the past two years while So-hee was away in the mountains, and his own experience mourning his late mother made him take it upon himself to help Mom.

Out of sight, out of mind! Buk-goo coaxes steamrolls Mom into throwing away her late husband’s items, encouraging her to revamp her perspective instead of wallowing in grief. So-hee’s touched when she finds out, even going so far as to impulsively kiss him, but I’m decidedly less enthused. Buk-goo’s adamant persuasion felt like he was overstepping his boundaries — people grieve in different ways, and it wasn’t up to him to decide how Mom ought to heal.

“Work “Work

At work, Ji-yeon walks right into the middle of an argument between Instructor Kim and Sun-kook about how to celebrate his birthday. In true Ji-yeon fashion, she solves the dilemma by joking that they celebrate with her instead — and what do you know, Sun-kook takes her up on her suggestion.

It’s adorable how much Ji-yeon has bonded with the siblings, hee! A tipsy Instructor Kim confesses that Ji-yeon is starting to grow on her, then proceeds to diss her brother right to his face, HAHA. Just then, Ji-yeon’s phone rings with a call from Ji-goo, but she doesn’t pick up.

“Work

That’s the start of our major problem this week — Ji-yeon hasn’t been answering any of Ji-goo’s texts and calls, for no apparent rhyme or reason. As the day goes on, Ji-goo grows increasingly worried, especially since Ji-yeon had a medical check-up scheduled.

Fearing that Ji-yeon might be isolating herself because she received bad news, Ji-goo even cancels her dinner date with Origami Guy to go look for Ji-yeon. But when Ji-yeon returns home, halfway through a phone call with So-hee, Ji-goo realizes Ji-yeon isn’t ignoring everyone — she’s just ignoring Ji-goo.

“Work

Ji-yeon isn’t the least bit apologetic, understandably angering Ji-goo. Problem is, both girls are obstinate and prideful, which means they don’t actually talk it out. Instead, Ji-yeon acts like nothing’s wrong and Ji-goo slams doors around the house, leaving So-hee awkwardly caught in the middle.

Needless to say, the conflict just gets worse. Ji-goo makes it up to a disheartened Origami Guy by initiating another dinner date, but Ji-yeon just so happens to pass by the restaurant — and instead of walking on, she intentionally and tactlessly joins the table.

“Work “Work

She’s flanked by the blind date that Instructor Kim introduced to her — SUNG-SOO (cameo by Sohn Ho-joon, yay!), who’s basically the male version of Ji-yeon, LOL. Both Ji-yeon and Sung-soo excitedly chatter away, thoroughly annoying the introverted Ji-goo.

To his credit, Origami Guy tries his best to diffuse the situation. Unfortunately, Ji-yeon’s incessant flirting doesn’t help things, and the last straw occurs when she asks his name. Pressured into replying, he has no choice but to introduce himself as HAN WOO-JOO. (Aww, his name means “universe,” while Ji-goo’s name means “Earth” — so cute! No wonder he wanted the reveal to be a surprise.)

“Work

Hurt that Woo-joo withheld his name from her all this while, yet he answered Ji-yeon so easily, Ji-goo slams her glass down and storms out. Ji-yeon follows, and the fight escalates to a breaking point — Ji-yeon’s moving out, and Ji-goo isn’t stopping her.

With nowhere to go for the night, Ji-yeon ends up crashing at Instructor Kim’s place. Over drinks, Ji-yeon finally spills the reason she’s been interfering with Ji-goo’s newfound romance — she wanted to protect her naive and inexperienced friend from superficial guys that might take advantage of her.

“Work

Through a series of flashbacks, we see Ji-yeon flirting with all of Ji-goo’s male friends in order to test them. Without fail, they’d all fall for Ji-yeon instead. In Ji-yeon’s eyes, this was for Ji-goo’s own good — but she never explained her rationale to her friend, inevitably causing Ji-goo to develop an inferiority complex towards her.

But Woo-joo is sincere towards Ji-goo, isn’t he? That’s exactly the problem — Ji-yeon recognized that too, and an irrational fear took hold of her. Realizing that Ji-goo feels the same towards Woo-joo, Ji-yeon was afraid that she might lose her friend. Except her actions ended up alienating Ji-goo anyway.

“Work

Back at home, Ji-goo’s confrontation with Ji-yeon leaves her sick to her stomach. So-hee stays by her side as she throws up, tucking her into bed afterwards. Forlorn and exhausted, Ji-goo can’t stop the tears that spill over, displaying a rare moment of vulnerability.

Then, she gathers her resolve. Walking out into the rain, Ji-goo heads straight for Woo-joo’s alleyway, waiting resolutely until he shows up with an umbrella over her head. Straightforward as always, Ji-goo declares: “Let’s date.”

“Work

The fracturing of our girls’ friendship this week absolutely broke my heart, and I was sobbing by the end of the episode. Ji-goo’s inferiority complex is deeply relatable — who hasn’t felt small in the presence of a friend who seems superior to you in every way? It must have eaten away at her all these years, and I admire her maturity in being able to look past her insecurities and love Ji-yeon as a precious friend.

Though I don’t approve of Ji-yeon’s methods, I sympathize with her motivations. What these two really need is open communication and an honest conversation, and I’m hoping they clear the air and reconcile next week.

“Work

On a side note, I’m not onboard the Buk-goo and So-hee ship at all. I mean, who wants a guy who brags about his nonexistent sexual exploits with you, in front of your co-worker? Certainly not me. I’m glad So-hee responded with a solid cushion whack to Buk-goo’s thick head; hopefully he gains a bit of maturity next week.

Meanwhile, I’m rooting for Woo-joo and Ji-goo to work out! His gentle patience complements her tsundere gruffness, and I love how he genuinely accepts her for who she is, unconventional traits and all. It’s the exact opposite narrative that her mother has been drilling into her all these years, which makes me hopeful that Woo-joo will be the one to draw Ji-goo out of her protective shell.

“Work

 
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Thank you for the weecap @solstices!

Like you, my heart broke into pieces when the ladies started fighting. I knew Ji-yeon had a reason for ignoring Ji-goo but I can’t go behind it. Without communicating it properly, it resulted to them throwing words that they don’t totally mean. But considering the ladies individual personality, their actions were totally aligned to the characters. And I’m sure they will be able to talk it out on the finale week.

Also, how adorable that Origamni guy’s name is Woo-joo?? the reveal may not be how he wanted it to be but it’s the cutest reason to keep one’s name in dramaland.

As for So-hee and Bok-goo, I’ve never been behind this OTP since S1. I don’t get the attraction. Also, all throughout So-hee’s tantrums to mom, I was pulling my hair. I felt bad for mom but then again as a daughter, I probably saw myself in So-hee that’s why I was angry xD

That was the cutest cameo by Sohn Ho-joon! It gave me a little whiplash because it’s totally different from The First Responders.

Two more episodes left T_T that went by so fast. We better get more scenes of Jigoo-Wojoo!

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When So Hee started screaming, I felt bad for the mom since I could understand why she did what she did but at the same time I was like "why didn't she give some stuff to So Hee? She could've just let some stuff somewhere and give them to her when she came back."
But they didn't know when she was coming back, so I guess it makes sense. But again, PDnim could've took home at least the scarf? (I don't remember the thing So Hee said she made for her dad).
So I wasn't really angry at So Hee until she pushed the food. I was literally saying "don't throw the food" like it was a mantra, and then she did it.
That's when I got angry. 😆
They can't expect So Hee to be all "cool" and "understanding" when her dad died and she couldn't actually grieve probably because she was too busy trying to not lose another important person in her life.

So I was actually more angry at PDnim because he didn't validate her feelings and talked like she didn't actually stuffer because "she doesn't live in that house" and because "she went on vacations with her besties" or something. When he started talking I was like "her DAD died, wth do you expect from her".

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PDnim's approach wasn't to my liking as well. Even So Hee went to the mountain and went no contact, he could've told her what happened as well. But then again, he shouldn't have meddled that much and crossing lines in how mom grieved.

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I agree. I think he was projecting too much, and didn't let her deal with her pain at her own pace.

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I honestly didn't think I was that invested in these characters--I fast-forward through the episodes very freely--but I was in tears by the end of episode 10. As soon as Ji-yeon ignored the first text, I assumed it was because she wanted to disrupt, or at least not help on, Ji-goo's budding romance. But the full reveal of how she decided to interfere and how she has been interfering for quite some time, and the reveal of the effect this has had on Ji-goo, was so heartbreaking.

I believe these friends will talk it out and find a way forward over the last couple of episodes, but for now I'm still replaying the moment So-hee tells Ji-yeon that she will be the reason if the trio splits forever.

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I'm all for female empowerment dramas, but if I though WLDN 1 was a complete waste of time, does 2 redeem it? Or is it pretty much the same with older characters? I'm always one for giving second chances, but the first series was difficult to sit through...

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I'm assuming that most people watching season 2 of the show really enjoyed season 1 so this seems an odd group to ask if it has been "redeemed"...

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What can I say, I like to get perspectives of those in agreement and disagreement of my opinions.

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This week I couldn't breathe. I felt so bad about everything.
I understand all the girls POV, but I was really hoping one of them (especially Ji Goo) could see behind Ji Yeon actions and understand her true intention. Sadly, when I thought Ji Goo was going to look for Ji Yeon she actually went to look for Shi Yoon.

What destroyed me was when Ji Yeon said that if So Hee and the director get married they would be 4, not 2. That made realize that she really thought if Ji Goo gets married she would leave them behind. 😭
No no no what really broke me was when the ahjussi told Ji Yeon to go to other friend house and she said she didn't have more friends.
NO NO NO, what really broke me was when So Hee didn't even let her talk and just said that the one that broke this friendship was Ji Yeon 😭

Ji Yeon's fear is totally understandable, so I would really like if she could apologize and explain everything to the girls.

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It also broke me that So Hee didn't let Ji Yeon explain or even gave her a chance to. Then SH could've get the big picture and have both girls talk it out.

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That would've been ideal.

Let's hope they can solve this soon. This fight really broke my heart.

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Yes, same here.

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Thank you, @solstices, for the weecap! I agree that Ji-yeon should have made her intentions known to Ji-goo. I feel for Ji-goo - she was ignored the whole day before and then suddenly, Ji-yeon crashes her date! And flirted with her guy to boot! Is that really the only way to protect your friend? She hasn't seen the man in action, in fact, she didn't know him at all!

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Toe PD is jjang! 😀

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I was so disappointed by Jiyeon actions and words this week. When she ignored only her calls and text knowing full well how Jigoo was worried about her and my heart totally broke what she said during their fight that it was So hee who sacrificed her time and career not Ji goo because she was unemployed anyways. These words were mean on another level and i fully support Jigoo`s decision to dedicate herself to date more rather than dedicating time and effort to ungrateful friends.
There`d be no redemption for Jiyeon at least for me. Thinking you are gonna lose your friend if she dates or testing guys out for her is totally BS

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Maybe Im biased in this week's conflict because my introvert personality aligns more with Jigoo than with Jiyeon but man, Jiyeon was cruel this week!... I've always rooted for Jiyeon and felt like she always means well even when she's doing crazy stuff but to see Jigoo frantically looking for her, worried about her thinking the worst (Jiyeon already knows Jigoo felt responsible for proposing the alternative treatment and she often blames herself for things) and seeing how she purposely rejected her and didnt apologize for it, was too much... Shes the most talkative being in the show! how could she not tell Jigoo what was on her mind not only now with Universe guy but since their college days? Jigoo is a champ for not exploding sooner. And I think Sohee pulled the plug on JY because she saw JG truly affected by Jy's actions. I hope they talk properly of course but she better explain herself. JG's decision to go find Universe guy looked put of character but made sense since I think she realized it wasnt good to take people for granted.

Im getting weirded out by Pdnim and SH... She acts like a child guilt tripping mom and he acts like a creep talking bs about his 'significant other' when I think theyre on their way to maturity... The way PD handled mom wasnt the most ethical(?) one but I doubt gulping down liquor all day would have solved anything... this kinda worked for mom even when It would have been great to leave some things for SH to keep Since her way of mourning was opposite to Mom's... This just shows not many of us are prepared to face a lost in a rational way and that we all grieve in different ways.

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