Our Blooming Youth: Episodes 9-10
by alathe
Disaster has struck the palace. With a decade-old conspiracy beginning to unwind, our prince must do the unthinkable to escape it: trust in his friends. He and our heroine are beginning to reconcile, but complications abound — as do spies…
EPISODES 9-10
Jae-yi isn’t left in peril for long. Not while Ga-ram has anything to say about it. Two expert tosses of a laundry stick later, and her assailant is on the ropes. Soon, Myung-jin arrives on the scene with an improvised projectile weapon and a rallying battle cry of, “You dare attack my friend and student?!” Alas, while the three escape largely unscathed, the masked attacker is whisked away by their black-clad ally.
No matter: Jae-yi plunges through the streets, intent on reaching her prince. Sure, he might have exiled her a little that one time. But the minute red letters rained from the sky, she knew he must be suffering alone. And indeed, back at the palace, standing by the smoldering remains of a horribly symbolic plum tree, Hwan aches for the comfort of Jae-yi’s presence. Jae-yi offers Hwan her usual, unswerving practicality: this was the work of a living being. And like all human duplicity, it can be unraveled. Close inspection of the tree reveals it was coated in sulfur.
Sulfur alone could not have caused the tree to burn so badly. But as Myung-jin later suggests, it might not have been the only thing in the mix. Saltpeter and beeswax would have done the job just fine. Incidentally, Scholar Park absolutely must tell the crown prince he’s being billed for this consultation. As Ga-ram — who actually possesses self-preservation instincts — sputters a denial, Hwan succumbs to the inevitable. Seeing as the crown prince is definitely not in this room right now, he, Scholar Park, will foot the bill of a thank you meal.
Jae-yi falls on the food ravenously, whilst she regales her friends with a tale of woe. The crown prince works his eunuchs to the bone! Her salary is pitiful! She often skips multiple meals. And does Hwan care? Not one bit! Myung-jin and Ga-ram erupt into fury at this injustice. Meanwhile, Scholar Park suggests, with a strained look, that perhaps princes have problems too. Just a thought.
His retaliation is the perfect blend of sweetness and sass. As Jae-yi prepares to investigate all purchasers of saltpeter, beeswax and sulfur, he pushes three nyang across the table. A eunuch’s salary is, after all, quite small — especially since she lost money on the polo bet. Jae-yi blinks up at him sadly, holds out her hands, and reveals… six nyang. She switched bets when she learned he was playing. She is, she explains in tones of deepest remorse, a woman of great insight. Still, she’ll be taking that money.
Jae-yi’s famed insight strikes gold again when she visits the marketplace. Armed with three ledgers listing purchasers of beeswax, saltpeter and sulfur, she hurries back to Hwan — with unpleasant information. Still, she reckons without being followed by a spy for Right State Councilor Jo. On her return, she collides with a man carrying a heavy bundle… who expertly pickpockets the ledgers in question.
Meanwhile, Right State Councilor Jo is truly beginning to stretch his villainous wings. He doesn’t know who was behind the chaos sown by the head shaman, but he also knows an opportunity when he sees one. Deftly, he spreads gossip of the plum tree, until a crowd rallies around the palace, urging the king to take responsibility for the ill omen. It is only now that the king really begins to recognize the Jo family’s strength. Scratch a government minister, and a member of the Jo family bleeds. Therefore, when Councilor Jo deals his next blow, it’s all the king can do to bow to it.
Seeing as the heavens have clearly voiced their displeasure, Councilor Jo insists the king apply for Gamseon: i.e, limiting the meals served to the royal family, as penance. Upon being deprived of his usual delicacies, Grand Prince Muyeon bursts into tears. Princess Hayeon stoically pronounces her new rations delicious. The king throws a full-on royal tantrum, kicking over his table of food. No gourmet meals? It’s like Hwan said: rich people have problems too! But of course, it’s not about the food — it’s the calculated humiliation of it all. The king, Councilor Jo cackles, must remember who keeps him in power.
Disaster strikes when Councilor Jo presents the king with Jae-yi’s stolen findings. Minutes later, guards from the Royal Investigation Bureau come running — to the home of Left State Councilor Han. The reason Jae-yi was so horrified? All evidence points to her would-be father-in-law as the plum tree arsonist. Sung-on returns home to find guards at his door, his mother kneeling in terror, and his father looking… oddly calm, actually. Also present? His supposed best friend, the crown prince — and his new favorite eunuch.
But Hwan is here for one thing only: the truth. At his request, Councilor Han opens the door to his storehouse. It becomes clear that every suspicious purchase has an explanation. The beeswax? All in the name of fancy candle-making. The saltpeter? Purchased to fix the Min family pavilion in Gaeseong. And the sulfur? Fireworks — for a wedding celebration. This revelation cracks Sung-on’s face wide open. Of all the things he’d expected from his austere father, being thrown a wedding party was not one of them.
For that matter, the last thing he’d expected from Hwan was faith in his family’s innocence. And yet, that’s what his entire defense hinged on. Hwan hadn’t known what he’d find in that storehouse — just that, as a wise woman once reminded him, Confucius had a thing or two to say on the topic of trust. Now, the two face one another: Hwan looking softer than he’s ever looked; Sung-on in tears. Hesitant, Hwan asks — can we be friends again? I never stopped being your friend, replies Sung-on. Jae-yi looks on proudly as the two reconcile — as does Councilor Han.
Later, Hwan faces Jae-yi and asks — can we be friends too? Jae-yi is touched. But also, it would be remiss not to mention that Hwan never apologized for the whole exile thing. Not properly! Hwan, momentarily tongue-tied, regards her in silence. I missed you, he thinks. The palace felt empty without you by my side. Then, he informs Jae-yi that he did, in fact, apologize. Quietly. In his head. Much, he adds, as Jae-yi accuses him of cheating, like someone might address their grievances to an innocent chair.
Still, Hwan is prepared to do penance in a language that comes more naturally to him: extravagant gifts of food! There’s a midnight feast waiting in the library. Jae-yi immediately abandons her complaints in favor of reigniting her love affair with yakgwa. Not many people can demand a prince serve them liquor and live. Jae-yi does it multiple times. As the night grows heavier, and our heroine steadily drunker, talk turns to marriage.
Jae-yi is a woman of delightful pragmatism. She did not, in fact, fall in love with Sung-on at first sight. Far from it: she decided to like him, in the interests of a harmonious marriage. None of this mealy-mouthed, follow-your-heart business that Hwan prefers. Still, it was an empty life, hiding behind her brother’s name — and it wouldn’t be any fuller darning Sung-on’s socks. Quite truthfully, she’d rather be a eunuch, with all the freedom it entails. Better yet — head eunuch! Hwan could make that happen! He promises, right?
More troubles arise that night than our heroes realize. As Jae-yi gives a spirited rendition of her head eunuch voice (girl’s clearly been practising — it’s spot on), and Hwan very loudly despairs of her, someone peers into the secret room, appalled. It’s Tae-gang — and he’s overheard the entire conversation. Meanwhile, as Ga-ram tiptoes home, she is spotted by three men, clutching a wanted poster with her face. Slave hunters. Their plan is to bide their time, draw out Jae-yi, and deliver both women to Councilor Jo.
The next day, Hwan, Jae-yi, and Sung-on put their heads together. It’s time they found out who this “Song” person was — and why his supposed ghost wants the Yi family to suffer. Leveraging Sung-on’s contacts, they source an official diary. Behind it is the story of Right State Councilor Jo’s ascent.
Ten years ago, in Byeokcheon, there was a popular uprising. Its leader? SONG (Yoon Seok-hyun), a blacksmith — whose bloodthirsty grin and lethally sharp sickle struck terror into the heart of Byeokcheon’s governor, JO WON-OH (Jo Jae-ryong). Song and his bandits fought in the streets with pitchforks, storming the region’s offices and cutting down anyone who stood in their way. Won-oh was captured, wrapped in a straw mat and abandoned on the outside border — bleeding, but conscious.
If the record is to be believed, Won-oh stumbled back miles to warn the king of Song’s rebellion. Councilor Jo — at this time, Minister for War — urged the king to act fast. At his persuasion, the king issued him with Byeongbu: emergency military command. Whilst the rebels declared their territory an independent country, Jo Won-bo led his men into Byeokcheon. The battle was blood-streaked, brutal, and over within a month. All rebels were annihilated. Won-bo was richly rewarded — and Byeokcheon, razed to the ground.
This is almost definitely not the full story. Recent events suggest there are Song sympathizers living. In fact, judging by the furtive actions of Man-deok and Bok-soon, they might be as close to home as Myung-jin’s favorite inn. Councilor Jo is determined to crush any remaining rebels — whilst avoiding a reinvestigation of the Byeokcheon case. After all, he has a power base to bolster, and a grand-nephew to enthrone. However, as his niece, the current queen (Hong Soo-hyun) suspects, his ambition may well be his death.
And as she ponders her uncle’s hypothetical bloody downfall? She smirks. The queen is an intriguing figure: quiet, unassuming, and uncomfortable in the face of Councilor Jo’s power-hungry monologues. Now, she rushes to Myungan’s bedside, where the grand prince lies sweating after a nightmare. He’s haunted by what he witnessed at the head shaman’s trial, paralyzed with fear of the dastardly rebel Song. The queen shakes her head through tears. Listen to your mother, she urges him. Song wasn’t like that.
Meanwhile, Hwan flicks through the encyclopedia of his eidetic memory. Too many of the key players in this mystery are originally from Byeokcheon. There’s Oh Man-shik, for instance, the man from the Department of Taoism who sabotaged Hwan’s pen at the hunting grounds — now disappeared. There’s the head shaman, now dead. And there’s a eunuch from the Department of Hawks, whom he’s keen to speak to before another disaster befalls the palace.
Things are already worse than Hwan knows. Unnoticed by anyone, a court lady (Kim Chae-won) writes the next in a series of secret notes. There’s a spy in the eastern palace — and she’s been operating under his nose the entire time.
Holy plot-dump, people! Decades-old events that still shadow the present and traumatize its statesmen are utterly my jam, so I love the direction things are going in. I also like that Councilor Jo isn’t quite your dime-a-dozen cackling villain — he’s devious and brutal, but he’s also got a complex history. Plus, he’s just the tip of the iceberg: it seems there’s a much wider — and darker — story at play. I’m especially intrigued by those hints we’re getting of the queen’s motivations. I hope it isn’t all just backstory — I’d love to see her be a complex political player with her own agenda.
Jae-yi continues to be an utter joy. Jeon So-ni’s hilarious facial dexterity makes me giggle every time. Plus, her opinions on marriage were such a breath of fresh air! My personal bugbear is when historical fiction acts like the only sort of freedom any woman wants is the ability to marry for love. Ridiculous! Jae-yi’s stance is a gorgeous antidote to that. She’s well acquainted with her role in society, and she plans to carve out the best possible life for herself. As a noblewoman, that meant making the best out of her inevitable marriage. But now, she’s seeing possibilities — and those have nothing to do with love. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a Joseon heroine aspire to become head eunuch, and frankly, I wish her luck with it. I can’t begin to predict a satisfying ending for her — but I’m not convinced that becoming crown princess would be one. Still, we shall see… after all, we’re only halfway through, and everything might change in time!
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Tags: Jeon So-ni, Jung Woong-in, Lee Tae-sun, Our Blooming Youth, Park Hyung-shik, Pyo Ye-jin, Yoon Jong-seok
![[Cast Away] A conwoman is possessed by an upright politician](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/castaway_header1.png)
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1 sunnysaturdays
March 8, 2023 at 11:28 AM
So much to say .......
These episodes were fun and still had some character development:
1) Hwan asking Sung On to be his friend: I teared up. Finally, he's making progress and I am so proud. Sung on tearing up was just the icing on the cake. The actor that plays Sung on's father is so unbothered, I dont know how much I can trust. Probably because I have seen him in Save Me...If you know you know.
2) Ga ram: She's so sweet. Why cant they just let her live freely? I really don't want her to be branded. I am not in the mood for kidnapping.
3) Myung Jin: This guy's life is so chaotic. His mom is really something. How is he going to get out of this marriage? Does his fiancée really have to be so mean? I was so happy Ga ram tripped her.
4) Jae yi: My girl really said she wants to be head eunuch. That's a great aspiration but that is so going to bite them in about 6 episodes. ESPECIALLY HWAN. By the time, he realizes his feelings for her..................OOOOOH the upcoming angst, it's going to be so good. Seriously, she can't marry him and be stuck in the palace forever eating royal dishes and hoping she doesn't get poisoned. That just isn't the life for her. Her being head eunuch is the only way she will at least remain at his side. Though, she might die of jealousy when he gets married.
5) The mystery: The plot thickens. I am so ready to dive into the whole Byeokcheon rebellion story. I like the fact that even the evil minister doesn't fully know what's going on either. If he orchestrated something 10 years ago, shouldn't he also be on the Song family's hitlist? He should watch his back instead of trying to stab someone else's.
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Unaspirated
March 8, 2023 at 12:12 PM
I'm itching for more rebellion story too! We know what happened in the official record, but it must have been relatively simple to fake such things, especially when the military gets involved and the town is wiped from the earth. I'm excited to watch those scenes play out again in either a totally different way, or with more knowledge that explains the events better.
And yes to Ga-ram tripping Myung-jin's intended! It was beautiful to watch, and girl knows enough to hide afterwards.
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2 Kurama
March 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM
I don't know why but I'm feeling like I'm still waiting for the story to start, except we are in the middle of the story now.
I think the situation it's too easy for Jae-Yi. It's only now it looks like Tae-gang will know about her genre. There is no stress about her being a woman in the Palace.
If the Song are the one behind the whole curse, why did they kill Jae-Yi's family and not Cho one? Clearly Minister Cho is a bad guy...
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3 Unaspirated
March 8, 2023 at 12:07 PM
I was waiting for the queen to step up and stand up to her uncle, even a little, but that is not exactly what I meant. Still, excited for her to be a bit more interesting from here on out. On a different palace note, I really loved all the different royal reactions to their dishes decreasing - anger from the king, despair from the grand prince, dignified resignation from the princess, and quiet determination from Hwan.
We’ve uncovered the true barrier between our leads: restrictive Joseon society. The conversation between them in the secret room was all kinds of great, but I especially loved Hwan saying “I want to tell the Sergeant about who you are - before it is too late.” and “Would it not be safer for you to go to the Sergeant?” I think that Jae-i is right that they would need to have more evidence to clear her name first, but you can just see Hwan struggling with how he feels about her in these lines. Before it is too late for whom, Hwan? Safer for whom? He looked so grave and sad, and is as desperate to get distance from her as he is to keep her close. What a thing to complicate a newly renewed friendship.
But yay for trust! I’m so happy our boys have figured it out. I loved the moment when Hwan realized that he would have trusted his friend implicitly if it wasn’t for the ghost letter. Don’t let it determine your destiny! I’m still not really convinced the royal guard who’s been passing messages is Tae-gang, his spying on Hwan and Jae-i notwithstanding. I am interested to know exactly how much he overheard though, and what his plans are. Monday can’t come soon enough!
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sunnysaturdays
March 8, 2023 at 12:21 PM
I had that exact same thought while watching the scene in the hidden room. Hwan wants to send her away before he starts to want who he cannot have. My chest hurt in that scene. I do wonder though, if she actually goes to Sung on, how would he react?
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Unaspirated
March 8, 2023 at 12:36 PM
My guess is quiet, tortured, resignation. I get the feeling it's sort of his default these days (before Jae-i showed up anyway).
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Kurama
March 8, 2023 at 12:39 PM
I think it was connected to the fact he can't choose who he loves.
If she wants to go to Sung-On, I don't think he will be against. But he won't force her to marry Sung-On.
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Blue (@mayhemf)
March 8, 2023 at 12:55 PM
He does feel close to her and wants to keep her close. He likes her wisdom, her trust, friendship and above all she allows him to be himself even if it is for a short period of time. I don't think he recognizes it as a romantic feeling yet. Unless it's reciprocated he won't be doing anything about it. I also doubt he will ever confess to her.
It might be Jae-Yi!
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Koalatown
March 8, 2023 at 1:08 PM
Agree. He seems like quite the prude and sheltered prince. I am not convinced he is aware that when he misses her it’s more than just her friendship and the first person who lets him be himself without fear it will result in his dethronement/death. I think from the beginning he found her honesty and willingness to say anything to him refreshing. He may not always agree but is willing to hear her out and at least be amused by some of her more outlandish ideas like kissing before marriage 😱.
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Unaspirated
March 8, 2023 at 2:50 PM
I sort of thought he had an inkling about his feelings at this point. Maybe he's not willing completely to admit it to himself yet, but I think that's more like denial, not ignorance. He certainly knows enough to know that having her around is what he wants most, but is also potentially compromising and difficult for him on multiple levels. But y'all could be right. He is certainly used to quashing his emotions rather than acknowledging them.
Blue (@mayhemf)
March 8, 2023 at 5:03 PM
@jls943 He also lives by the rules. He is tuned to do what is right or what is expected of him.
Gikata
March 8, 2023 at 3:46 PM
I'm betting my nonexistent money on 3 things:
1) he already knows;
2) he won't confess unless she or circumstances literally force him to do so with a poisoned knife to his throat;
3) he certainly won't make the first real move. Second and third are also in question. She may have to chase him all the way to Yuan's border and back to land one kiss!
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Unaspirated
March 9, 2023 at 4:53 AM
This is sort of where I am too. Very proper, very repressed, very unwilling to do anything direct about his feelings.
Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 5:35 AM
@jls943, that's why first impressions can't be trusted. Remember how he kabedoned, grabbed and trolled the poor girl by ordering her to strip when they met? Where did that macho guy go?
His PDA dodging skills are something else. If it was a modern romcom, he'd surely be a chaebol with some phobia))) Not sure if I envy FL in having to deal with such challenge. Curse mystery seems like an easier nut to crack at this point. Passionate romance, they said...
4 Blue (@mayhemf)
March 8, 2023 at 12:16 PM
They unleashed the sageuk on me :)
I am also not too thrilled of everything pointing to the right minister. Like, even the slave hunters.
I hope Tae gang is not a spy but rather a shocked body guard who finds out the secret.
I don’t know why the other minister was so chill about such a tall accusation. He didn’t even bother explaining. Crown prince had to clear his name.
The leads are great together. Much preferred these conversations. Would have liked this much earlier on. Friends to romance would have been lovely. I don’t see a happy ending for them romantically. She is too free spirited to be stuck in palace.
Jae-yi For head eunuch!!
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Unaspirated
March 8, 2023 at 12:25 PM
Yeah, but wouldn't becoming head eunuch be more restrictive? If I were her, I'd want to stay as a eunuch with a medium amount of responsibility. Not the maknae that everyone gets to order around, and not the head who has to be responsible for everything, but just someone in the middle who can leave to conduct investigations when needed and not draw too much attention. Think it through, Jae-i!
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Blue (@mayhemf)
March 8, 2023 at 12:30 PM
I don’t know what a head eunuch actually does. He doesn’t seem to be under a lot of stress :)
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Gikata
March 8, 2023 at 3:47 PM
You mean King's head eunuch? We've seen very little of him to judge... But royal daddy has a temper even worse than his son's, so his personal servants life can't be all rosy.
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Unaspirated
March 9, 2023 at 4:55 AM
I just assumed that as soon as something went wrong, the head eunuch would have to "take responsibility" as they say, and things would become a lot more stressful pretty quickly.
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ar_arguably romantic
March 9, 2023 at 4:45 PM
I was thinking that too. And there can be jealousy and backstabbing among the Eunuch ranks too. There is no way she wouldn't stand out. Not because she's a woman masquerading as a man, but her intelligence is just many notches above everyone else. She'd be pulled into every unsolved case.
She was drunk so I'd give her some leeway. I'd rather she, Garam, and Myung-jin form a detective agency and make lots of money off the royal palace who will inevitably need their sleuthing skills.
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Elin~auditor
March 8, 2023 at 12:29 PM
The looooong stretches of scheming ministers sniping or yelling at each other and the king were wasted on me - I’d skip them if I could be sure that FFing wouldn’t cost me any understanding of what’s going on. The mystery-solving using scientific knowledge of the time is right up my alley, though, and Scholar Park continues to be my second-favorite character after Jae-yi. Her tipsy tirade about how much better it would be to be Head Eunuch than nobleman's wife was just great, as was Hwan's listening expression of both amusement and empathy. Like you, I don't know how the show is going to realistically reconcile her to being Crown Princess when she knows that will be life in a cage.
I fear that next up is going to be Tae-gang reporting to the Right State Councilor that Jae-yi is already pretending to be Head Eunuch and calling Hwan “Your Majesty,” and they must be plotting to overthrow the king, right? And we’re one step away from a rumor that the Crown Prince likes boys - isn’t that an issue?
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Blue (@mayhemf)
March 8, 2023 at 12:35 PM
Yeah. All the political scheming is lost on me. I did FF a few scenes (like the two ministers talking to each other) and didn’t seem to lose much.
Also scholar Park is too brave to walk around by himself without any security. Someone already recognized him.
I really could use less of the right minister scenes. His acting screams ‘look I am the villain’ all the time. His smirks annoy me. Lol. We get it. We know it. Dude, Can you be a bit subtle about it 🙃
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Koalatown
March 8, 2023 at 1:03 PM
I suspect the right minister thinks he is control and has more power than he does. I am pretty sure he is unaware that the niece he is supporting pretty much wants him dead. I suspect as pay back for killing her lover the Song leader who is also likely the real father of the little prince who was conveniently born 2 months premature but looks as healthy as a horse.
That queen is really a long game player and bidding her time. She had me and likely her uncle convinced by her earlier portrayal of a frightened puppet of her uncle’s scheming.
Right minister may think he can use the rebels to get his own blood on the throne but never cross a woman scorned. Also I am not sure he is behind this resurgence of the rebellion versus just thinking he can use it to his advantage.
Amazing no one questioned the governor’s story that not only did he survived a stab wound and being left out in the elements at least overnight but was able to walk miles injured to the capital. Seems like all the baddies are from this same province likely including the prince’s guard.
Wouldn’t it be interesting if the truth was the rebels had good cause to uprise and maybe it is time to replace the king. Then the CP and FL can leave palace life and go galavanting across the country solving crimes and living the peaceful life.
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Gikata
March 8, 2023 at 3:52 PM
If the kid prince is mama's baby papa's maybe indeed, I'm afraid we'll be left with very little legitimate royal heirs to choose the next king from... Unless current one has some more sons coming up from his backup concubines.
Blue (@mayhemf)
March 8, 2023 at 5:06 PM
The governor's story was unbelievable. How did anyone buy this story! And he doesn't look like someone who would survive a day without his comforts.
I do hope the mutiny story/cause is interesting and that the right minister is unaware of certain things. So far it looks like he too believes he got rid of Song & Co.
hacja
March 8, 2023 at 1:51 PM
I totally agree, the right minister is very tiresome, both as a character, and, sorry to say, as an actor. He overdoes the evil chuckle. "MHM, Mhm,mhm, mhm." However, because I'm somewhat on the left side of the U.S. political spectrum, and also, because I'm very left handed, I did appreciate it was the right minister who was evil and not the left minister!
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Blue (@mayhemf)
March 8, 2023 at 5:06 PM
LOL. And the left minister does nothing! this hits too close to home.
HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 7:40 AM
I loved the actor in Prison Playbook, but I know he typically plays the villain due to his resting smirk face... that said, I feel like the show is playing up his obvious villainy precisely to divert our attention away from the true masterminds. He's cartoonishly bad, such that I don't worry about his secret schemes cuz they're all practically in the open-- even his lies about the rebel village seems soon to be revealed. I much more enjoy the subtle gray-ness of the Left Minister and the Queen. Left Minister seems like the starchy principled Confucian scholar without the warmth of Jaeyi's dad-- so will his morals and convictions lead him to justify his means if he believes it for the greater good? What about the Queen, who seems so weak and kind, and is only now revealing some steel and maybe even scheming of her own?
KAddicted
March 8, 2023 at 2:30 PM
Same, only I did FF because I have ceased to care what this is about. I did enjoy the late night chat in the secret room, but I am tired of characters walking around asking themselves questions with a stupid expression on their faces and then answering themselves, acting like 6 year olds. The late night drunken discussion, fun as it was, was only fun because no-one was over-acting like a silly child. If only the rest of this would stop insulting the intelligence.
As far as I'm concerned, wondering if the CP likes boys is well overdue, and just where do the other eunuchs imagine Go is/was sleeping at night anyway?
Every week I say i want to like this but i only like some of it, some of the time. I'll keep watching with half an eye but I've disengaged.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 12:52 AM
I assume other eunuchs thinks that Go has a home in the capital and spends nights there. "He" is still of a low rank anyway so it's not like he is needed in the palace 24/7, even if a certain CP thinks otherwise)))
About classic "CP likes boys" rumor trope... I wonder if Hwan being extra secretive about his crush and emotions overall means that not enough people connected the dots so far. The only one who I think 100% got it all by now is Eastern Palace head eunuch. We don't know how much Tae Gang eavesdropped in Ep10 (or before that), but he also suspects something.
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ar_arguably romantic
March 9, 2023 at 4:42 PM
I feel like the other minister was so chill because he had faith it would be cleared up. The sort of faith that Sung-On didn't have earlier.
Though realistically, I'd be like "Ummm..dude...people get framed and killed all the time!"
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 7:43 AM
It read to me more like he was acting "dignified", thinking himself one of those heroes who won't stoop to defend himself, and will just stoically endure being framed and stupidly think that somehow he will be exonerated (without lifting a finger?) and those who doubted him will be ashamed.
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 11:10 AM
Re: Taegang, I'm just thinking there's no way he's innocent with that sketchy expression on his face. Plus, one of the still shots TVN released from last week showed pretty definitively that he (or a twin?!) was one of the rooftop ninjas... Looks like next week will reveal the network of spies at the palace that were from that rebel village. Taegang might've been one of those orphans or something?
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5 LaurenSophie
March 8, 2023 at 1:34 PM
I realized while watching these two episodes that I would need to adjust my genre expectations if I'm going to continue to enjoy this drama. It's not a historical romance with a side of mystery and court intrigue; it's a historical mystery and court intrigue with a side of romance. Based on the promo materials and the early episodes, I anticipated that the main arc of the show was about CP and Jae-yi falling in love after a short stint of her working as his eunuch to clear her name, and the rest of the story would be about the many obstacles they'd face as a burgeoning couple. As a result, many scenes felt like filler or a delay until we get to the *real* story. But here we are at the midpoint, and it's clear now that a) we're already in the midst of the *real* story and b) it's not the epic romance I imagined it would be.
That's ok, though. I am somewhat disappointed, as I think they're in danger of wasting great chemistry and a rich premise, but a slow burn romance is still a romance. As I said, I just needed to adjust my viewing lens a bit.
The show does many things well, and the first thing is its depiction of its female lead. I absolutely love Jae-yi and am rooting for her to clear her name and live whatever life she wants. I agree with alathe that it's so refreshing to hear a female character in a sageuk acknowledge--out loud! several times!--that it sucks to be a Joseon woman who has any desire other than marrying well. She's relishing in her role right now, and it is wonderful to see her drink and laugh and run and fight and problem solve better than any man. And the scenes between her and Hwan where she speaks her truth in such a confident and even joyous way are so fun to watch. I can easily see why Hwan is so smitten, even if the show is approaching their romance very cautiously at this point.
I also love the way Hwan is slowly and believably growing as a human being, and into his role. The scenes of him apologizing to Jae-yi and then asking Sung-on to be his friend again were moving and showed that he's a genuinely good person, if a bit fusty in his view of the world.
I get immediately bored with any scenes featuring yelling and scheming ministers, and the King himself is kindof a snooze, but I am curious about the Queen. She seems to be ready to embrace her uncle's evil plans, so it'll be interesting to see what she does.
Finally, I love Garam and her teacher/master together, but I do wish he'd find out her true identity. I think the show and their relationship would be more interesting if he figured things out.
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Elin~auditor
March 8, 2023 at 2:07 PM
I will not be even a little bit surprised if it turns out that Myung-jin already knows she and Jae-yi are women, and not terribly surprised if he even guesses their true identities and is dissembling to protect them - despite his self-talk about "wondering if they slept well somewhere." He might be aware that Ga-ram could overhear him when he wonders aloud where they are. Otherwise, that makes him the only character, major or minor, who's not hiding something. Pretending not to know would free him and the women from having to behave in conventional ways, just as Scholar Park pretending not to be the Crown Prince liberates him and the rest of the gang.
Or he's just a very silly man.
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LaurenSophie
March 8, 2023 at 2:13 PM
I thought that initially, but in many scenes, Myung-jin does appear to genuinely believe Garam and Jae-yi are men--effeminate men, but men nonetheless. So I'm leaning towards him being just a very silly man. Would love to be wrong, though.
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Blue (@mayhemf)
March 8, 2023 at 5:10 PM
Same. I thought so too initially. But now its quite clear that he is clueless. Hope he figures out soon and actually helps Ga-Ram from the slave hunters.
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 7:53 AM
Ditto to everything about Myung Jin. I'm losing hope that he secretly knows about Garam. I was hoping he would not prove to be *such* a silly man, but alas... I only hope now he'll find out soon. That said, please don't find out about Scholar Park til the very end. I'm loving the chemistry of our little Scooby Doo investigative gang, and that would be ruined when they stop taking the piss out of the CP while he's right there.
hacja
March 8, 2023 at 2:12 PM
As usual, I completely agree with you. The last episode left me a bit dismayed, both because the mystery/investigative aspect was downplayed in favor of the Song rebellion-evil Right-minister-ambitious-Queen-whose-son-is not-the-kings-son-but-the-rebel leader, but also, because tons of hints were dropped that the Jae-Yi and Hwan are not going to be an enlightened ruling couple where the queen and king share ruling responsibilities and who also rule that marriages can occur between former servants and 3rd sons of aristocrats.
I really hope that I am wrong. I would love it if this in fact turned out to be what I thought it was going to be--a fun feminist/mystery/romance placed in the Joseon era. I'll be really mad if this instead just turns out to be a power struggle sageuk that can feel free to fantasize about a Joseon feminist, a Joseon detective, and a Joseon queen bearing an illegitimate son to a rebel leader, but to imagine an equal marriage in a royal couple is a historical bridge too far.
But, even in kdramas set in contemporary society, imagining a happy, companionate marriage in which all child care and household duties are shared is often too much of a fantasy to be indulged!
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LaurenSophie
March 8, 2023 at 2:25 PM
It's definitely a lost opportunity if they don't go the route of tackling how proto-feminist characters could find happiness and fulfillment--within and outside of marriage--within such a rigid patriarchal system. But like many kdramas that make this type of implied or overt critique of systemic oppression but then can't quite imagine a reality beyond it, it's probably more likely, as you said, that all we'll see is some fantasizing about what could have been but no real depiction of an equal royal marriage.
My guess--and the source of my disappointment--is that the most likely denouement is that Hwan and Jae-yi don't end up fully together until the end, and by then Hwan may not even decide to take the throne, or if he does, we'll get a nice, tidy epilogue that shows them in a real marriage, but none of the messy struggle to get there.
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 8:04 AM
I agree with you that marketing this drama as predominantly a romance does seem now to be a bit bait-and-switchy, maybe to lure PHS's core fanbase? But I find I'm not too bothered by the romance being a bit sidelined, maybe because I recently enjoyed the side-of-romance effect in Happiness to a great extent. A little goes a long way with the PHS glance, and like you said, the chemistry is enjoyable to watch. I'm loving the character developments of both leads, and seeing how their personalities match... I'm gonna try to enjoy this slow burn and not think too far ahead to the ending. If I convince myself right now there's no possible romantic happy ending it'll just hamper my enjoyment of their current scenes and chemistry. This drama has surprised me with a couple developments this week, and I've decided to go along with the ride, see where Hwan and Jaeyi will end up. I'm so fond of them both, I hope the writer has given them satisfactory endings...
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Koalatown
March 10, 2023 at 10:13 AM
Agree. I don’t try to think too far ahead since there are endless possibilities of how to resolve this love triangle or have a happy ending.
I think the drunk confession of what life the FL would prefer to live where her talents are put to good use are not lost on the CP. I want to believe the writer will not shoot herself in the foot and not find a creative way to make this a reality even if it might be unrealistic for their time. (Sorry too many double negatives there.)
I do think both the writer and director have deployed a lot of misdirection like obvious right minister scheming but it turns out he doesn’t even know the Song rebels are still around and plotting a comeback/revenge. The queen seeming to be weak but actually possibly the mastermind with I assume that white hair priest with the fish in the temple in the mountains that people visit. No matter what the cause these Song rebels are fighting for it must be important to be willing to commit suicide for it (both shaman and adopted brother/fake lover). Regain the freedom for their homeland?
too_much_tv
March 8, 2023 at 5:56 PM
Yes! I think the Grand Prince is Song’s son.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 2:47 AM
Wouldn't loving, equal and enlightened royal couple make viewers sympathize with them too much? I thought we're not supposed too fully ROOT for monarchy or ever forget how much it actually sucked for everyone involved while watching sageuks)))
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hacja
March 9, 2023 at 7:07 AM
I have always felt the whole point of sageuks, and the reason people like them, is that they long for the good old days of order and hierarchy, especially when its dressed up in beautiful costumes. I don't think there are too many big fans of sageuks who really like democracy. They like concubines and eunuchs.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 7:33 AM
Well, it's not like a modern SK lacks strict hierarchy either... I kinda agree with your point, there's surely some "good old days" nostalgia going on. But notice how little of sageuks depicting palace intrigue (which is like 99% of them) actually end up with OTP not only happy together but also on the throne. Some time ago it was pretty much an unspoken rule - to secure their HE leads had to abandon all their ambitions/revenge plans/noble causes etc - or give up the love to do "the right thing". Or someone had to die trying to chose the third option to no avail. Second leads were also chronically dropping like flies, same for leads supporters. Only lately sageuks became this lax with their endings so survival plus happy marriages rates went through the roof))) Maybe I'm just too jaded at this point to expect much other than my faves NOT dead and NOT separated... Or it's Hwan's pessimistic fatalism rubbing off on me. Quite possible - I am from paranoid and overthinking bunch myself, after all.
hacja
March 9, 2023 at 7:49 AM
@gikata I hope you realize (and I think you do) that I was teasing. I don't really think sageuk fans want a return to the Joseon monarchy and its court. But as to your more serious point, the difficulty of achieving marital happiness, you are right--I think that is true not only of sageuks, but also was true of the patriarchal real life it depicts. (And I also think you are right about the way this one will turn out.) That's the real reason I'm not a big fan--as someone who enjoys the escapist fantasy of romantic true love between equals, I find even comic sageuks slightly depressing!
Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 9:30 AM
@hacja
Marital happiness is far from an easy achievement even in modern times despite so many ancient restrictions already lifted. Proves that humanity will never stop complicating things for itself)))
Hmm. Historical fiction is pretty depressing overall, no matter the genre, and real life kinda proved to be often worse than any drama lately. Overall I'm fine with whatever ancient era, despite admitting their grimness objectively. Heavy stuff about 20s century onwards tho? Couldn't stand that since forever. Sorry, I'd rather watch sword fights and evil beards court politics that bore everyone else here to death than something that actually hits close to home.
HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 10:42 AM
I watch it for the pretty scenery/sets and costumes, and when appropriate, horses and swordplay.
too_much_tv
March 8, 2023 at 5:53 PM
The queen doesn’t like her uncle. She said so out loud under her breath in episode 10. She thinks he plans to assassinate her son to get on the throne himself. Also, she seems to be in league with Song.
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ar_arguably romantic
March 9, 2023 at 4:53 PM
I'm glad she was aware that he would have made her son his puppet and even hurt him. She was sort of hesitant for the entire series so far and I wanted to be like "you do know how these power struggles work, don't you?"
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ar_arguably romantic
March 9, 2023 at 4:52 PM
I agree that this is a historical mystery and court intrigue with a side of romance. It's what makes this drama so enjoyable and also off-kilter. I think the romantic-ness feels a teensy bit forced at times. The scenes with the OTP just hanging out and teasing each other and sharing their thoughts had a lot more chemistry and sparkle than what the director is trying to portray sometimes with some of the scenes that obviously signal romance.
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 8:12 AM
Their conversations are sooo good. And our leads DO have sparkling chemistry, but I feel like early on, the director dragged those scenes out too much and was heavy handed with the soundtrack. Like, the dressing scene was inherently funny and ripe for a few heart-thumping moments, but the long close-ups of their faces that were 10 seconds too long, overlayed with the romantic soundtrack made it too heavy-handed. The funny little scene with the chairs and Jaeyi cursing the CP had the best little reactions from PHS, and even the cliche catch-her-by-the-waist moment made sense as written, but the directly lingered WAYYY too long with the multiple angles and made it borderline cheese. I mean, these two actors have natural chemistry. It'd be better if the PD would just let the scenes play naturally.
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LaurenSophie
March 10, 2023 at 3:47 PM
Yes, totally agree. Sometimes a light touch is better, especially when the actors have natural chemistry. But this PD seems unsure about the romantic scenes and overdoes it.
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ar_arguably romantic
March 10, 2023 at 5:07 PM
PD tries to film it like the other youth sageuk romances, but the story here is definitely more a mystery with romance as the secondary genre. Since the promos seem to advertise it as more of a romance, I'm guessing the PD felt like he had to squeeze every bit of possible romance out of it.
Like those fan MV creators who take small moments of interaction between a couple they're shipping and slo-mo them over a romantic song to make it romantic.
6 Scottie
March 8, 2023 at 3:17 PM
The number of enjoyable scenes such as Jae-yi's aspiration in life to become head eunuch are just too few to keep watching. There are still 12 episodes to come! Since the recaps are so much better and more fun than the actual drama and have also no sound track, I will follow the story here from now on.
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 8:13 AM
Only 10 more.
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7 WishfulToki
March 8, 2023 at 3:32 PM
Thanks for the recap @alathe!
To be honest, I found it difficult to follow the storytelling these two episodes. I've never had a problem with flashbacks, but for some reason they are not working for me in this drama.
For example, regarding the Byeokcheon rebellion, I thought I was for sure watching a "real flashback" of what had happened 10 years ago... until it came to the part where the wounded Jo minister survived 40 hours wrapped in a straw mat and then walked 40 miles to the nearest governor's post (🤣🤣). He said he had to scars to prove it, but that sounded really really ridiculous. So, how much of that flashback was real and how much wasn't?
Or are we supposed to know only as much as our characters as they are reading the records? That's fine, but I feel like the drama cheats when it sometimes only lets me know as much as our characters, but at other times purposefully keeps me in the dark regarding their plans. I would have loved to see Hwan's thinking process leading up to "trust Sung-on" and opening that shed, but I was only told about it in Ep 10, so that Ep. 9 would end on a cliffhanger.
Anyway, rant aside, I still find it an enjoyable drama. Maybe it's just a question of editing it better.
P.S.: Myung-jin should become... a secret royal inspector. He could be the lead in his own drama and I would be the first to fangirl over him.
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Koalatown
March 8, 2023 at 5:07 PM
I think using the lady in waiting to tell the Song story means that the flashback reflects what is commonly believed but not necessarily what really happened. At the end of the storytelling there a brief flash to the queen who seemed to have a hard look on her face. Likely hiding her anger at the framing of the rebellion leader for all the supposed evil.
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Unaspirated
March 9, 2023 at 10:09 AM
I didn't have a problem with the way they told the story of the rebellion, but I see your point. I think it can be confusing, and I'm not at all confident exactly how they are going to play that later. My thought for now is that what we were watching was basically a dramatization of the official record from 10 years ago. So some things might be embellished or straight up false, and pieces will be contradicted as we get more information. As you say, we'll know more when our characters know more. But I think that's kind of fun, it's nice to discover new information as our investigators do! It can definitely be used inconsistently, but I didn't mind it so much in this instance. There are lots of other dramas that bend over backwards much farther to squeeze out a cliffhanger, so that one didn't seem very egregious to me. I'm sure you're right that it could be edited better though. It's gotten less choppy in later episodes, but early on we were cutting back and forth between scenes for no reason, and I just had to shrug and go with it.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 11:47 AM
Less than 3 months passed between filming wrapping up and drama going on air so maybe there was simply not enough time to edit everything, esp initial episodes, properly. But PD is in my "hmm" list for now, I'm not exactly impressed with his work - aside of action scenes, those are cool.
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 8:16 AM
Same here. I don't mind the flashback editing, but I mentioned above that PD tends to overdo the lingering romantic moments when the actors have plenty of natural chemistry to convey the emotions without his heavy hand.
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Gikata
March 10, 2023 at 8:42 AM
It got better this week - there was very little of obnoxious OST (I cheered when it was traded for quiet instrumentals and funny sounds effects) or prolonged blurry filtered slow-mo. And zero CGI flowers!
HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 10:45 AM
@gikata agree with you 100% that it got better this week-- which is why my critique included my observation that the actors and moments are best served when the PD does less and let the actors do their natural thing. It was SO good this week, I hope PD has found his stride and sticks to this more straightforward style for our Hwan/Jaeyi moments.
kiara
March 9, 2023 at 6:49 PM
Is it worth starting at episode 9/10 for Hong Soo-hyun? I miss her in sageuks.
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WishfulToki
March 9, 2023 at 7:12 PM
Hmm not sure. There's not enough Hong Soo-hyun. Yet.
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kiara
March 9, 2023 at 7:21 PM
Hummn, maybe next week.
I hoped she'd be the villain, so she'll have more screen time.
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Gikata
March 10, 2023 at 8:43 AM
I'm positive that's exactly where drama is going.
bong-soo
March 13, 2023 at 7:04 PM
It looks like the Queen’s part of the story is about to pick up. A suggestion @kiara. Late in episode 10 at around 54.30 there begins an extended scene with the Queen where we start to get an idea of where she might be heading in the story. Stay to the end because the final scene with her young son is also important.
Just a suggestion.
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bong-soo
March 13, 2023 at 6:52 PM
@wishfultoki, let me join in your P.S.. Myung-jin is my favorite character in the drama. Lee Tae-sun has been wonderful and a scene stealer.
I am in a minority but I found the late night dinner/drinking scene with Hwan and Jae-yi interminable. I guess I have reached my quota for kdrama drinking scenes (not just in sageuks). I loved the scene between Myung-jin and mom and dad. Mom was ready to nail him one. It seems Ga-ram has a crush on Myung-jin. Let’s see what happens when the slave catchers show up.
The most emotional scene in both episodes was the Hwan and Sung-on reunion. It was beautifully acted. How will Sung-on react (assuming he is still alive) after the big reveal.
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8 Gikata
March 8, 2023 at 3:35 PM
Recap came too fast tonight, me and my notes weren't ready))) Usual essay warning.
Everyone complaining about pacing of romance (me included) can breath in relief for now because this week was all about BROMANCE instead. I did expect Hwan to revert to trusting Sung On at some point, but I did not expect such an epic reconciliation. Like few manly tears and promises in a trembling voice more (at least there was no swirling OST to “establish the mood”! I got scared for a moment) and it all would've start to look like a completely different genre... Ahem. Anyway, all is well again for now between our MLs, Han clan is also more united than ever (it was nice to see Councilor as a father and not just ruthless politician for once) and CP's support circle seems to shape up into something finally. But Sung On, don't you dare to backstab Hwan after THAT, love rivalry or not! Dante wasn't playing around when he reserved the worst and deepest pits of Hell for traitors, and I share his mindset fully in this regard. Not sure what's Tae Gang's deal tho... He seems to be related to rebels, but is he? And just how much he heard from their late night drunken convo? I'm pissed that he ruined the fallen gats ensemble. It meant SO MUCH for Hwan even if looked unimportant and silly (personally I think it was kind of hot – no, really! Who asked you to act this scene so suggestively, sir?) and now it's all messed up... Visual metaphor of other people sticking their noses in OTP's business soon?
Speaking of it, double entendres were all over this week's episodes. Everyone and their royal moms was busy lying, keeping their cards close to vest and speaking lines with a hidden meanings. Champion's crown, unsurprisingly, goes to Hwan, our resident taciturn “lives the whole life in his head” introvert. Number of times when he not just spoke very important things silently to himself, but also played with words and their goals was too much for my non-mathematic brain. Chill, dude! First of all, I think he KNOWS now what exactly he feels for Jaeyi – his yearning inner monologue to her and that “You can't just PLAN who to like!” angry (but very cute) outburst were rather clear signs in my book. And there's also his firm insistence of coming clean to Sung On – even entrusting Jaeyi to him from now – “before it's too late”... Some interesting wording here, Your Highness. Oh, and he also asked her to be his friend – only to be casually rejected for his terrible manners lol. Let's hope your next confession goes better, dude...
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Gikata
March 8, 2023 at 3:35 PM
The kick is that while he knows about his crush, he seems to resign himself to overcome it asap. Either by friendzoning Jaeyi, marrying her off to Sung On, getting a wife of his own or just reassuring himself endlessly that Jaeyi is off limits. Words spoken are magical indeed, but I don't think telling yourself again and again to STOP liking someone is the best method of doing so for real. You said it himself, boy – likes and dislikes of a human heart don't work that way. Or you wouldn't be THIS happy to hear that she wants to stay with you even at the expense of losing all her chances with Sung On. Though only as an eunuch – ok, you weren't exactly thrilled with this little detail))) Let's also not forget another huge metaphor – secret lair itself – that opened its doors for Jaeyi again, this time with not just free meals but also a personal server included. Only open arms were missing for the full “welcome back, pls stay forever” picture. But we know that open arms is not exactly CP's forte, as Myungjin can sadly attest. Hwan can begrudgingly open his heart, but skinship is another matter. The SHOCK Jaeyi's dating guide gave him lmao. Forget kissing and – gasp! - testing couple chemistry in bed BEFORE marriage, boy was on the verge of heart attack from that smelling each other suggestion alone. Even holding hands was met with some judging frown. Poor Jaeyi, she's gonna go through hell of a struggle to domesticate this feral untouchy maine coon. Does he BITE tho? One drunken night more and I suspect we'll find out...
I was pleased – not as Hwan ofc, but still – to hear that our FL is not as romantically naive as she pretended to be. Good for her to being able to look at her limited options positively, but not wanting to marry at all is more in line with the personality writer gave her. And yes, wasting life on kitchen and husband's socks never looked that appealing to me neither... I do think she's being TOO positive with that head eunuch dream too. She can be caught any second now and Hwan has yet to ascend the throne to protect her from there. Which can takes decades for that matter. King is royally useless and I LOATHE how small and powerless he makes everyone around him feel, starting from his heir. That tearful anger Hwan displayed for a moment when arguing with Jo, wow. What a scene. Next time, hopefully, it's gonna be Jo's turn to plead – and leave crying from disappointment. Pro-king party in the court is also all bark and no bite so far – can't they really do anything other than diss battling Jo clique every other day? How about some actual moves and schemes and dirt digging? There is A LOT to dig apparently – that ultra heroic tale of suppressing a rebellion had me rolling. Jo has some ego to depict himself this badass))) Was there even a violent rebellion to begin with?
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Gikata
March 8, 2023 at 3:37 PM
And what's the Queen's role in this grand scheme? Were people questioning kid prince's paternity right after all and that's how Song family claims the throne? Fine, I was suspecting her to be the one behind ghost curse matter all along, but I thought she's just yet another ambitious sageuk mother, not whatever the hell was that! I mean, who ELSE could it be if not her? The whole thing screamed harem tricks from the beginning – murder by a fruit, sneak attacks with poison, slandering rumors, curse, messing with one's mind, shamans, toxic incense, more food murders, fake love letter and even faker scandalous love affair, staged suicide, spies EVERYWHERE and so on. We've seen how her uncle works – he's cunning, but not to this extent, and he's more of a reactive schemer instead of patiently building up a giant web trap for years. Men, esp drunk on their power Joseon men rarely possess this level of patience – and rage. Because only VERY angry person would resort to such methods to ruin not only people who wronged them but also everyone who stands in the way, guilty or not. Remember I noted early on how personal and revenge-colored the curse seems? Well damn...
Poor Myungjin, bless his warm, caring even for the people who don't deserve it heart. Everyone is so unlucky with their marital business in this drama (sans his parents it seems). Garam was the voice – or, rather, leg – of justice when she tripped that little bitch of a bride. Is the plot heading into separating the gang direction? Myungjin is forced to leave capital, Garam is this close to be caught along with her mistress... Couldn't Sung On search for girls less publicly? *tsks* He still has a lot to learn about investigative work. And politics. And snakes.
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KAddicted
March 8, 2023 at 7:43 PM
😄
I bet he smells nice though!
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 12:41 AM
How can he not? I also bet that Jaeyi is gonna comment on that at some point to his full mortification)))
ar_arguably romantic
March 9, 2023 at 4:56 PM
As a crown prince, he probably bath in a rose petal bath.
Which makes me think...where is Jaeyi getting her baths?
Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 5:50 PM
@asianromance, he was directly shown doing just that in Ep 1 or 2, can't recall now. Maybe I should use my sudden memory lapse as an excuse to rewatch that oh so important plot-wise scene a few times more... Thanks for idea!
I've already commented somewhere here that secret lair Jaeyi stays in probably has its own bathroom. Doubt we'll ever see it in the show tho.
ar_arguably romantic
March 9, 2023 at 5:55 PM
@Gikata Every rich person in a historical drama always go for the rose petal bath. That explains how pretty their skin is on tv. I feel like Hwan should get a lavender bath. It's more calming and he's been stressed out!
Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 6:20 PM
@asianromance, considering his insane level of stress I'd suggest something more effective in addition to flower baths, like lots of physical activity, including certain type universally famous for its stress-relieving magic... But he'll likely reject my pragmatic medical advice. So lavender all the way ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Unaspirated
March 9, 2023 at 10:36 AM
Hahaha, I loved this bit. I really want to go back and watch this scene again because I completely agree about all the little moments when Hwan was overjoyed and then annoyed and then disappointed again and again, all in the course of a single sentence from Jae-i. (This is my first PHS drama and I am not disappointed!) After talking about the metaphor of the secret room last week, I was smiling so hard when he let her back in this week - opening his heart for real! - but I dread what the crown princess selection will do to our beloved leads. And is it just me, or does anyone else have a nasty suspicion that Myung-jin's would-be fiance is going to get herself in the running. She said she was ambitious after all...
I also agree strongly about the king. I hope we get some really beautiful poetic justice for that whole scene, as well as sweet vindication that having friends and trusting people makes you stronger, not always more vulnerable.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 11:32 AM
Oh, you've got such a journey ahead if you decide to delve into Hyungsik's filmography more. Some of his projects may be disappointing, but he himself is very rarely is.
If what I read about c-novel's plot regarding ML's fiancee is true, I kind of hope that this lady indeed goes for it, so we can get rid of her once and for all *evil grin* Do we really need an alpha bitch bully in our story? She brings nothing to the table at this point - other than rising my and Garam's blood thirst.
Well, if King really only has ONE son left, I think this realization alone would be a good enough poetic justice for him. He was so busy distrusting people and teaching Hwan all the wrong ruling methods that somehow missed the moment when he was "blessed" with his enemy's child and married to prime suspect in his firstborn's murder. Ouch.
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Unaspirated
March 9, 2023 at 11:44 AM
I've already gone back and avidly read that PHS Beanie Rec from a few weeks ago, so now I just need to find the time!
Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 11:50 AM
@jls943, hope you'll have a good time and share some impressions with us)))
HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 10:48 AM
@jls943 Have the best time! Can't wait to hear about your journey. I agree with @gikata that even when the show isn't good, PHS is. In fact, I strongly suggest you FF the non-PHS parts of both High Society and Hwarang--you'll save time and not miss much lol.
Gikata
March 10, 2023 at 10:57 AM
@happyokaytales, Hwarang at least can be watched purely for eye candy, but High Society's only valid excuse for existing is its second lead couple.
HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 2:33 PM
@gikata High Society is a delightful quick rewatch/guilty pleasure for me because I FF at least 50% of it-- the entire drama seemed to be bad makjang nonsense-- literally plotlines and characters made no sense, but somehow Changsoo and Jiyi carved out their little second lead capsule story that you can enjoy without watching ANY of the rest of it. It's great.
Hwarang--sigh. If only there was more bromance, less uninteresting love triangle and political intrigue. If you FF every scene with the FL and the political nonsense, you won't quite follow what's happening, but you can enjoy it as very pretty nonsense, with some fun and some decent acting moments from the guys, that's about it. I think Hwarang may be partly why I'm not disappointed with OBY as some fans seem to be. This show, with all my little quibbles, is a masterpiece compared with Hwarang.
Gikata
March 10, 2023 at 3:58 PM
@happyokaytales, yes, as far as sageuk writing goes, anything is a masterpiece compared to Hwarang. But it's still unironically loved by many somehow. The power of pretty))) Maybe THAT'S what this loudly critical crowd wanted from OBY - more not just hot guys, but INSANELY hot guys? The bar is way too high to be fair then, such flower gardens don't happen often)))
Also there's no public showers, abs reveals and aggressive kissing (yet?) here. Must be a huge downer for some people too)))
LaurenSophie
March 8, 2023 at 4:25 PM
I thought the throwing off of gats moment was hot as well. And very telling that Tae Gang honed in on the CP's gat resting sloppily on the ground. He definitely knows the CP is tossing all kinds of things (and conventions) aside in his affection for Eunuch Go. It's not clear, however, if Tae Gang heard enough to deduce that Go = Jae-yi. I actually hope so, as I think it's time for someone other than Hwan and Garam to know the truth on that front.
I also agree with the point you made below about Hwan being fully aware that his feelings for Jae-yi go beyond friendship. He's definitely untutored in the romantic arts, and a bit of a prude, but he knows enough to recognize that he's both physically and emotionally attracted to her. In those moments when he talked about his upcoming marriage I could see that he's trying to be very pragmatic about it all, but if the story does go in the direction of showing us the process of choosing a princess, I think he's going to struggle terribly. At heart, Hwan is extremely loyal and I imagine looking at another woman--even if he's forced to do so by royal protocol that he respects--is going to feel like a betrayal of Jae-yi to him.
I think she has a crush on him, too, btw, but is almost completely oblivious to it.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 1:26 AM
Tae Gang looked very pissed upon seeing those gats... Maybe he is just having a fit of servant jealously? I wouldn't be THAT surprised if show subverts our expectations once again and proves him to be just as dense as we initially thought.
Hwan essentially killed and buried the "he's still unaware" argument this week by first asking Jaeyi to be his FRIEND of all things, then lamenting how lonely he was without her in his head and finally telling her she DOESN'T NEED to know what he was thinking about, all within like 5 minutes. If he indeed believes himself to be interested in friendship only, why not just admit it?
I'd love to see Jaeyi jealous for contrast, but it's not worth it in the long run. Crown Princess selection better to stay only on paper. And yes, Jaeyi's catching feelings too - that shy thingy she did with her feet after his "I've never forgot that you're a woman", awww. Maybe he's not that hopeless in the flirting department after all if he can give her toe tingles with his one-liners)))
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ar_arguably romantic
March 9, 2023 at 4:59 PM
I feel like it'll be extra funny if Jaeyi wasn't jealous at all, which then rankles Hwan even more. Jaeyi is very crushworthy. Maybe the Crown Princess candidate will fall in love with her.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 6:04 PM
She was shown concerned when Hwan's marriage was first mentioned to her and literally commented how she is a very jealous type this week. Not to say that she won't tease the hell out of him if given the opportunity... Or that Hwan won't try to do the same to probe her feelings. I do think that we have enough of love corners here, it's already pretty messy as it is.
HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 10:22 AM
First off, agreed with everyone's reasons for loving that late night drunken (at least on Jaeyi's part) conversation between Hwan and Jaeyi. In fact, Viki posted that clip on YouTube and I found myself rewatching it. And, the scene prior, outside the library with Hwan's internal monologue was also gold. I agree with you that it showed me subtly that Jaeyi has quite the crush too, she just hasn't realized it. Cute little toe curls aside, she obviously *loves* spending time with him. They scored a win that night against Right Minister and Hwan regained a trusted friend, largely due to her, and she didn't want the happy night to just end with her retiring to the empty library. Hwan kept trying to have her go in so he could nobly, valiantly leave her, and she kept making excuses to extend their time, offering to escort him back, and when she realized there was a meal waiting, she wanted to enjoy it with him. Yeah, once this girl realizes her feelings, she's gonna be the proactive one, 100%
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Gikata
March 10, 2023 at 10:34 AM
And she was SO giggly when he accepted the invitation, jumping and dancing around and squealing))) Hwan looked alarmingly sober both times they drank together tho. Dude can't relax a bit even with alcohol's help lmao.
9 too_much_tv
March 8, 2023 at 6:10 PM
First, thanks for the quick recap! These episodes were written for me. I found Jae-yi getting to witness and assist in the touching reconciliation of the prince and his best friend deeply satisfying. There were even manly tears. Just think how many dramas, and other works of fiction, need that scene. Also, when Jae-yi told the prince she’d like to be a eunuch forever, I had just said out loud, “but why can’t she just be a eunuch?” My little androgynous gender fluid friend! But you know because it’s a drama we’re probably not getting that kind of happy ending. Still I was at least briefly happy for the protagonists.
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Elin~auditor
March 8, 2023 at 6:47 PM
That "stay a eunuch" scene in ep. 10 was the best moment of the week. There's no way this show is groundbreaking enough to just let her be a eunuch, though, satisfying (and physiologically unsustainable) as that would be. We got the foreshadowing of how Hwan will avoid having to keep this promise: “If you say you won’t get married, and will keep wearing the eunuch uniform, I will make you the head eunuch.” So, she needs to say she will get married (to him, of course). The broken promise will be her choice, not his.
I'd love to see Ga-ram have some path to freedom and safety that doesn't depend on marriage, too.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 1:42 AM
Wait, so at this point we're waiting for Jaeyi to not only confess first and actively make moves on Hwan, but also to propose first?! Now that's gonna be truly groundbreaking for a kdrama, let alone sageuk)))
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too_much_tv
March 9, 2023 at 9:27 AM
He would never ask her to remain a eunuch by his side though. That is, in fact, why he doesn't want her back in his palace. She's cute and attractive and he's aware that he likes her that way, even if she isn't. I'm just afraid that the writers are going to get them together by killing off his friend. That would really suck, but I don't see him betraying the friend by shacking up with his betrothed.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 10:07 AM
Sung On survival chances bother me too, esp since he and Hwan reconciled big time. But we're not in 2010s anymore and nowadays SMLs don't necessarily have to die in order to step away from OTP ship course. This show is already rather anachronistic in its characterization, why not go ever further and untangle the love triangle mess by letting the betrothed to talk it out and go separate ways with no hard feelings left? Wishful thinking, I know, but it's not exactly impossible. Would be also nice if Hwan doesn't angst himself into literal madness before that happens.
Unaspirated
March 9, 2023 at 10:45 AM
I'm hoping (re: Seong-on's survival) that this is why the drama made a point last week about the letter he's been carrying around. I don't have an exact quote, but Seong-on mentioned that he would protect her as if she was still his betrothed until he went to the temple and burned the letter. So I'm hoping that he will eventually become aware of the relationship between the leads and step aside on his own.
KAddicted
March 9, 2023 at 12:19 PM
She has been pretty bold and forthcoming so far, and any suggestion he might disagree gets stamped on by her (and he allows it) so while he massively outranks her, she is wearing the trousers and he is going along with it. I wouldn't put it past her to announce to him that they are getting married (if that's what she decides should happen) and he'll look shocked, then disapproving, then amused, and she knows it.
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Elin~auditor
March 9, 2023 at 12:42 PM
I'm neutral on the question of who pops the question 😁 - just saying that whenever and however she says she will get married (whether in response to his proposal or her taking the initiative), that's what frees him from keeping the promise to make her head eunuch.
Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 12:46 PM
True. For a future king Hwan is certainly a little... fine, not a little... submissive, should I say? When it comes to Jaeyi at least. Maybe it's true what they say about guys with a lot of power and their secret kinks^^
Anyway there's still a long way to go before any kind of marriage talk can occur logically, so for the time being I'm eagerly anticipating Jaeyi getting even bolder and announcing to Hwan that they are starting their 1 year dating trial period. With all the points from her long list of couple chemistry tests included.
too_much_tv
March 9, 2023 at 1:54 PM
Marrying him has all the same downsides as marrying his friend, plus quite a few more related to him being Crown Prince. I hope she won't betray her character by asking for or going along with that. Also, I do not think he promised to make her head eunuch. I might have to rewatch the scene to be sure now though....
Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 4:02 PM
@toomuchtv, how do you imagine drama's endgame then? FL actually staying a fake eunuch for the rest of her life? Despite written in the script romance with CP? Not to be the party ruiner, but that's quite unrealistic for a whole bunch of reasons.
She can't be with him as a lover without marriage for long, and Hwan being Hwan most likely won't be down for something so improper either. How about the usual result of secret love affairs - illegitimate kids? Or the fact that he absolutely MUST marry someone eventually, and rather sooner than later. Sharing a husband with concubines enraged her even in theory - how about sharing a lover with his LEGAL WIFE instead? I agree that writer kinda got herself in a corner by making Jaeyi THIS emancipated and anti-marriage but there is no way for such OTP to be happy together permanently without formal union.
Plus I sort of disagree with your second point - yes, becoming Crown Princess is a hassle, but Hwan as a husband suits her much more than Sung On - if only by the fact that he seems fine with her real personality and marital standards of no other gals, no cooking/socks sewing + free drinks for the wife))) And he promised her that head eunuch job for sure.
10 loveblossom🌸
March 8, 2023 at 7:43 PM
I dislike the scenes with the ~evil~ minister and the smarmy one. Maybe more scenes of the Queen and her thoughts/goals. I'm just impatient for other scenes that are non-politics.
The vulnerable friendship scene between Hwan and Sung On was so touching. Part of me hopes they are all good now, but part of me wonders if Sung On will continue to be tested and conflicted. Or framed. Or will the writer torture me by making their friendship nice and strong before Sung On sacrifices his life for Hwan. Can we not have his close friends and allies die in the end?
With the hint from the Queen, it's looking like the bandits were probably innocent. She looked like she deeply cared for the leader.
Jae Yi's view about marriage was refreshing. It's nice to see this different perspective. It also conveniently leaves space for her to fall in love with Hwan without extra angst between the bros. Well, there will still be angst, but maybe not too much? XD I'm not looking forward to it either way when Sung On learns she is alive but they officially break up...
Besides some other spies, I think there are two court lady spies - one working for Councilor Jo and one working for the rebels.
Feels like the story is really going to start now that the big background mystery was revealed.
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 10:27 AM
I wrote above I think the bandits were probably Robin Hood type heroes and the governor was probably an evil tyrant. There seems a network of spies from the survivors of that village seeking revenge/justice... but why isn't the worst of their schemes against the Jo family, but the royal Yi/Lee's? Will have to wait and see I guess.
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11 blessingwind
March 9, 2023 at 1:18 AM
I love watching scenes between Hwan and Jae Yi. The conversations they have together, brings out the wisdom and understanding of one another and I can watch them talk like that for hours. Jae Yi is easily one of my most favourite Joseon heroine and I love how unbending she is towards the strict rules during that period against women. She is not only finding the truth of her family murder mystery, she is also striving to live as a free woman in her own terms and that is one inspiring aspect of hers.
To my surprise , I just found out this drama is 20 episodes long and here I was thinking the whole time the drama is 16 episodes and til the 10th episode, there is no indication of real romance scenes from the leads. Usually a 16-episode drama's , the leads confesses during the 10th or 11th episode, so I was wondering why this much slowness in a drama in the romance department. Anyways, even though I do love a slow burn, I do wish to see a romantic scene between the leads sooner , but it feels like Jae Yi will initiate as Hwan seems to be very hesitant on this area since she is technically the fiance of Sung On.
Hwan is either hiding his much affection to Jae Yi or he is still unaware of her impact in his life and in his heart, but he is going to keep a distance anyways unless the clear indication from Jae Yi. I love Park hyungshik's doe eyes when his eyes soften while talking to her. That is affection and love in literal sense there.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 1:32 AM
Either all the swoony romance we were promised in promo materials is packed in the latter, or we've been lied to big time.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 1:33 AM
*latter half*
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12 Nefret
March 9, 2023 at 5:45 AM
Every week I look forward to the new episodes, only to realise again and again that the series contains so many scenes that make me want to fast-forward. Especially most of the scenes with Myung-jin.
Which is a shame because I love the drama as soon as Jae-yi and Hwan enter the stage.
I'm sure Hwan already suspects he's developing feelings for Jae-yi. His line that he has always seen Jae-yi as a woman speaks volumes to me.
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HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 10:30 AM
I didn't mind the non-Hwan/Jaeyi scenes as much this week, cuz there were plot revelations and beats that moved the story along in an interesting way (esp with the Queen), but I do find myself seeking out the clips of Hwan/Jaeyi to rewatch because they are SO good, like, levels above the other scenes in quality.
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13 Koalatown
March 9, 2023 at 8:04 AM
I don’t frequently watch sageuk so can someone tell me how they store stuff in those big sleeves? Are there hidden pockets? Is that something they really did in history?
Every time someone pulls something out I wonder how did it stay up there and how much room is there.
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 9:00 AM
I think there are some hidden pockets, but probably not so big. Like a wallet/small money bag size maybe? And it was most likely the real thing - the giant sleeves certainly were. Plus, theoretically, you can store even bigger items in those sleeves thanks to amount of fabric, but it's probably not as safe and comfortable.
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KAddicted
March 9, 2023 at 12:24 PM
Wouldn't they have to walk around with their arms in the air the whole time? Unless they have sideways pockets.
🎵 Everybody say Yeah!
Put your hands in the air!
😄
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Gikata
March 9, 2023 at 12:27 PM
Depends on how the whole sleeve and pocket in it are structured...
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KAddicted
March 9, 2023 at 12:30 PM
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KAddicted
March 9, 2023 at 12:31 PM
Handsprings and cartwheels not advised.
HappyOkayTales
March 10, 2023 at 10:34 AM
@kaddicted, and yet we frequently see these characters perform martial arts! Zippers were not invented yet, but maybe some clever flap designs to prevent things from falling out? And...now I've thought too much about this lol. But I've wondered about this since childhood-- they do this sleeve pocket thing in Chinese period dramas I watched growing up, including Wuxia... and it's always baffled me!
bbstl 🧹
March 9, 2023 at 9:02 AM
😁 me too, is it just gravity that keeps things way down in the sleeves? I would think you’d be jangling pretty loudly with stuff in your sleeves, and couldn’t sneak up on anyone. Pockets are such a good invention!
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Unaspirated
March 9, 2023 at 10:51 AM
I think as long as it's a small item, it's probably fine. At my high school graduation I was talking to my favorite teacher, and he pulled a pair of sunglasses out of his big sleeve (of his academic regalia), so people still do it today when given the opportunity!
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UrsulaX
March 9, 2023 at 6:43 PM
I think we should write our own sageuk where the main plot is a series of misunderstandings caused by miscellaneous notes and other objects falling from the sleeves of important people.
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KAddicted
March 10, 2023 at 2:21 PM
What a good idea. Capacious sleeves, the forerunner of ladies handbags.
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14 Linarrick
March 13, 2023 at 3:45 PM
Urggh I seriously hate the relationship between Jae-yi and Ga-ram so much. Whenever they meet, Jae-yi never asks Ga-ram how she doing or what she is learning that’s not directly connected to the mystery plot. Her lack of concern is so striking since Ga-ram always asks how Jae-yi’s doing and gets concerned and indignant on her behalf whenever Jae-yi rants about her miserable life working as a poor lowly servant to the crown prince, a hardship that Ga-ram could never fathom apparently.
This just reeks of privilege, it doesn’t cross Jae-yi’s mind that Ga-ram was doing the same back-breaking work ever since she was young and at the same time helping Jae-yi with her ‘saviour’ quests. Jae-yi literally has the audacity to rant about her life as a miserable lowly servant to her own goddamn servant/slave!
Fuck Jae-yi and her entitlement. I want Ga-ram to slap her good and tell what’s what. And screw it, I want Ga-ram to be part of the bandits now. Yeah I know they’ve killed innocent people, but no matter how I look it at, everyone who is aligned with the bandits seem to be from the lower class, which I’m here for. Bring on the revolution!
Jae-yi is self-serving, and doesn’t want to change the status quo. Ga-ram on the other-hand is a perfect foil to Jae-yi. A woman who has nothing to her name but continues to help people wherever she can. I didn’t miss the scene where she offered to help Bok-soon.
Show let’s stop with breaking the glass ceiling for only rich privileged women like Jae-yi yeah?
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