Mom: Hya! It’s 2 o’clock in the morning what are you doing with your laptop still on??
Me: Mom, I’m watching (insert Korean drama series here)! I’ll sleep after this episode!
Now:
Mom: Hya! Now I know why you used to sleep so late watching Korean dramas! I kept watching (insert Korean drama series here – she watches a lot! More than me XD ) and I couldn’t put my phone down! I needed to finish the episode so I know what happens next!
Me: :)))
And now, part of our mother-daughter catch up involves the series that we’re currently watching, and even the latest Korean celebrity news :))
A very late Mothers’ Day to you beanie moms and to your own moms! Happy Eid to everyone who celebrates it! Please stay safe and healthy beanies! *finger hearts*
I’ll reserve my comments on the last episode in the recap (if I remember to comment on it hihihi) but the most remarkable thing for me was Kwak Deong Yeon. He’s so adorkable! I used to ignore him in most episodes really but ever since he was quizzed by Chacenzo, I looked forward to his scenes. And damn, for this last episode, I kept replaying his scenes!! They’re very impactful!! It also helped that a lot of beanies have been pointing out that he’s such a great actor! I might watch Vincenzo again for the comedic scenes (love the tenants forever, and yes including Team Leader Ahn!) and KDY!
Hey lovely beanies, I’ve been reading good stuff about Jang Nara’s Sell Your Haunted House. Where do you guys watch it? I don’t think it’s in Netflix :/
Kat!!!! It’s been a while yes! I’m good! I’ve been busy with real life in the past year (classes, working, and career). Lately I’m trying to take it easy so I came back on DB and just enjoy what I’m watching :))
Hi beanies! I hope you’re all well! Real life has been crazy but I’ve been reading DB posts every so often. Because of the beanies’ recommendations, I’ve been watching Vincenzo and it’s been my happy pill!!
Also, as I was reminded by Vincenzo, LOTR (all 3 films) are in Netflix AU! Woohooo!
Achievement: my mom has (finally!!!) decided to watch Korean drama. Her first was Marriage Contract. She\’s watching Reply1988 now. Tried convincing her to watch Hospital Playlist but after ep 1 she said it hits too close to home.
And recently she told me that she now understands why I used to stay up late watching dramas :)) (she used to get mad at me for staying up til wee hours in the morning just to finish watching :))) )
I think it’s Kang-bae as her son since her wish (and why she undertook the 500 years of punishment) was to her son’s soul. Though I was confused about the comment she made earlier in the episode about how the kiss from the Cinnabar wouldn’t close his spiritual vision and only solving the Sacred Tree’s grudge will…but they never solved the tree’s grudge (and also, what is the tree’s grudge – of having been killed?)…
The sacred tree died because Weol-ju committed suicide by hanging herself from its branches. The tree would have saved 100,000 people if it hadn’t died, so Weol-ju had to make up for that by healing their grudges
The last grudge that was solved was Wolju’s. She’s always blamed herself for not being able to do anything for her son (even got him cursed) but in that moment when she saved Kang-bae from Won-hyung, she resolved her grudge. She protected him and that became the final grudge she solved.
Incredibly thankful for all the beanies who became my friends through this site and to those whom I’ve discussed some shows with, and to the dramas for giving me so much warmth and comfort! This is perhaps the most challenging (I’d like to say depressing, but it’s not so bad) birthday that I’ve had, but Ji an said it best:
thanks dear! and thank you for posting stuff about Hospital Playlist (like Jeon Mido singing the OST, etc)!! I would not have known about it if not for you, @neener!
I\’m watching Hyena now and Kim Hye soo is so perfect as Jam Geum-ja! I feel like she\’s (in a way) reprising her role in Signal, but she\’s sassier now!
I’ve been reading a lot of theories that Manager Gui might be the Prince. But what if he’s actually Weoul-ju’s mom? I thought about it when he said in one scene that Weoul-ju may not be aware that her mom is protecting her in the present day
I do think he’s the Crown Prince.
He told her several times he would protect her, but he failed. So he’s by her side, knowing who she is but keeping his distance until she realises (if she does) who is he. There are many hints about this: not only the way he looks at her (not in a motherly way), but also for instance when we’ve seen him using his sword against the evil spirits. Besides, the two of them share a great chemistry.
I’d rather he’s the Prince better than Kang Bae, because his interactions with WolJoo are more familiar like a mother-son would be.
There are some theories aboul KangBae being the son of WolJoo and the Prince or even her mother. I’m inclined to think it’s her mother, and it would explain his ability.
But even so, there’s still YeoRin and her own ability… where does it come from???
I think he is the prince. His gaze is more yearning than motherly love. He looks at her like he is remembering their relationship as kids. I think Kang-bae might be their son(if she was pregnant when she died).
Hi beanies! Any good shows that you can recommend I watch while filling the huge hole left by Hospital Playlist? Preferrably something light and funny. Some tear-jerkers here and there but totally not melo please.
I\’ve been thinking lately how DB is my safe space for Korean dramas for about 1.5 years now, and how friendly everyone is in this site. Really grateful for this platform as I\’ve grown to have amazing friends here. To be honest, some sites can be more (mentally and emotionally) stressful, so thank you to the amazing team behind DB and to all lovely beanies *finger hearts to everyone* Please stay safe and healthy!!
For now, I shall (should) enjoy the ride that\’s called Hospital Playlist and just enjoy the groups\’ friendship. And I need to focus on my pending papers for graduate school too hahaha.
In the meantime, regardless of what ship will sail (if there is one that will sail at the end of S1), I\’ll enjoy this amazing video that I\’ve been waiting for the whole weekend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBFcRPg49xs
Hey beanies, I\’ve read somewhere on DB that there are some who ship Jungwon and Songhwa (can\’t remember who, i\’m sorry XD). May I know why you ship them? Not planning to start a fight, I\’m just curious. Maybe you saw some things in the episodes that I might have missed.
I’m one of these people. Definitely not keen on a fight. 😀
But let me first correct myself. I’m not on the ship per se, and I’d love for SeongHwa to be on her own, or even with Capt. Ahn, but the way I see it, the show is building up towards JW and SHW as one of the endgame ships. It’ll be slow burn (at least 1 if not 2 more seasons), but it looks like it will get there. Why? (in short – there are long essays and defences being written up in other forums, which I can’t compete with, honestly!):
1. General character sketch compatibility – both have an altruistic streak, are great mentors, empathetic, love the outdoors, share the same faith, bass and drum players (especially since the director mentioned the instrument choices are deliberate!), etc. This equivalency doesn’t exist between SHWa (poor thing, she’s the only female, so is being subjected to this analysis) and any of the other guys in the group, or outside it even.
2. Hints in the various episodes – stylistically, this seems to be the director-writer’s USP, i.e., of dropping hints throughout the show to build up towards the endgame. So, most recently, there was what I have termed the ‘housebuilding scene’, where JW and SHW talk about marriage and kids, holding a woodstove (hearth and home!), carrying a carton that has an image of a house, etc. There have been suggestions through songs (introduce me to a good person/ confession is not flashy – note how they are filmed and who are in the close ups when the songs are performed) and dialogues (reliable person) as well that feed this hypothesis, and general filming clues (the way JW treats SHWa at mealtimes, or how much she regards his views, etc).
3. Elimination of other pairings with these two – Jang and JW look like they will remain a mentor-mentee relationship, and Jang and IJ is a likely endgame on that front (starting with “pick me pick me”, and the bouquet of flowers, “pretend your boyfriend gave it to you”, etc. – he’s far more interested in her than JW is). Similarly Chi-hong is likely to be relegated to a mentor-mentee ship only, although I really feel for the actor (he hasn’t got his partner of choice in either Prison Playbook or One Spring Night, poor guy).
Thanks for your thoughts! Yeah, I’ve been noticing how Jungwon is particularly thoughtful of Songhwa when they eat out together. But I thought he’s just being a gentleman. And as much as I ship Ik jun and Songhwa, and Gyeo-wul and Jungwon, I am always afraid that this PD-writer-nim duo is playing with us again (hi Reply 1988 lol).
There is a whole theory on Ik Jun and Jang Gyeol uh on bitches over dramas and even if I’m totally on the winter garden ship, that one is still quite convincing because the blogger looks in so much depth. However, I’m not sure if that theory is just for fun or theh do really mean it.
Yeah, I’ve also been participating occasionally in the discussion over at BoD. It’s all fun and games, of course! She does an awesome job with breaking things down. I’ve been enjoying it so far.
More than anything else, and besides the characterizations and how real the characters feel, I am really enjoying this show for how it shows off the Director and Writer’s craftsmanship. They clearly enjoy their job, and they’re having a lot of fun with the making of this show. Having watched R88 and R97, I think they have fine-tuned their art considerably.
To be fair, there are sites and posts up on other places, like soompi, where there’s an impassioned defence for both IkSong and Winter Garden. So it’s all a matter of perspective. You see what you want to see, or you interpret it the way you want to. (That’s another thing I like about the writer-director collaboration – it’s truly a masterpiece if they can use the same piece of work to elicit wildly different opinions from the audience, AND keep them interested till the end!)
That’s true!! To be honest, I wasn’t gonna pick up on this drama. But I saw the recap on DB and subscribed on Netflix just to watch this lol. Was really worried about R88 happening all over again but when I saw how precious their friendship is, I stayed. And now I wish Songhwa can be just her independent self with 4 loving friends. hahaha.
Thanks btw for all your input! That was a new perspective!!
You’re welcome! Yes, friendship goals are definitely the ones to root for, even for me. It’s very endearing and so normal. My own friend circles come to mind every time I watch them together.
Let’s see how eps 11 and 12 play out! The show has done its job in keeping everyone engaged and interested, for sure. I haven’t seen this degree of active viewership for anything else (except maybe TK:EM, which seems to be tiring people out already with the PPL, though!)
Yes I read them for fun because I do think there’s an over analysis there. But her analysis is pretty good if you see from a writers lens that it could’ve just gone this way too. But I do think the probability of those theories coming true in the drama is quite less. So yeah that way they can be far fetched and looking into much into the source material.
Oh jbtw I think that way for The King. For Hospital Playlist though the PD Writer team is very smart. And they love to trick the viewers. So I don’t think packmule’s theories are so far fetched regarding that show because they can surprise the viewer anytime.
Theories that I especially found convincing (for HP don’t watch eternal monarch so didnt read those) was IJ and Jang Gyueol being end game (even if I’m a strong winter×garden and IJ×SH shipper) and the only reason I’m even entertaining it after the low key confession scene is because of the history of the writer director duo. If it were any drama, I would have shot them down in one go.
Theory that I think she over analysed is the scene where Song Hwa refers to Jung Won as “Father Ahn” when she’s getting ready to go to her friend’s wedding (the exact thing she said was “ofc I should come, Father Ahn is buying after all). The blogger establishes a long chain of how song hwa knows about Jung Won’s plans because she called him “Father Ahn”. I feel there’s a simple explanation for it. The friends all know that Jung Won is a devout catholic and they know that at the end of every year Jung Won seriously considers joining priesthood which is why she called him “Father Ahn”.
Another analysis that I liked was when she interprets the conversation between Jung Won and Ik Jun about kids (that kids don’t lie and pretend but adults do) as Ik Jun fooling himself that he isn’t attracted to Jang Gyueol and Jang Gyueol pretending to still like Jung Won so that she will have reasons/excuses to interact with Ik Jun. And then she links that convo with the car scene!! It was really solid and well done.
But then I felt like she went overboard when she said that Ik Jun left immediately after Gyueol’s call “like a boyfriend would”. Again I feel like there’s a simple explanation for this behaviour. Because Gyueol is a resident, she definately must have called because of an emergency patient and since he’s a doctor it is required that he drop everything and be there as fast as he can!
Agree with you on the the “Father Ahn” and going to Gyeo-wul like a boyfriend would. At the very least, Ik jun and Gyeo-wul have established a mentor-mentee relationship that’s very comfortable (kinda like Songhwa with her residents but Songhwa’s more professional and establishes boundaries and unlike Ik jun who treats everyone as his close friends).
And that’s the thing about this PD-writer duo… can’t they have another interesting formula besides the one that they’ve used three times already? XD hahahha
thanks everyone for your viewpoints! This has been an interesting discussion and I am learning a lot!
I’m not following TK:EM, so I don’t know what her theories for that show are like. HP is convincing, because, like I said, it’s a matter of wanting to be convinced 😀 I thought this ship was the one that would eventually sail, and she’s feeding that idea! Equally, I felt early on that IJ-Gyeo-ul would sail (starting with “pick me pick me” – so obv.), and this feeds that.
I reiterate what I said earlier – the writer-producer are basically practicing and perfecting their art. They’ve used the formula before (5 friends + guessing game), and now, it’s just a matter of seeing how cleverly they can disguise the same formula in new ways. They’re both having a lot of fun. The best we can do is have fun with them. That’s exactly how I’m looking at this show. I’m especially in awe of how they can use the same piece of work to get the audience swinging between extremes and get passionate about their positions. As an observer of the ‘form’ of dramas (i.e., as a work of fiction meant to entertain, amuse and engage the audience), this is playing out beautifully.
I watched both R88 and R97 fairly passively (I didn’t live watch), and honestly, didn’t even know this guessing game was a thing until after I finished and started reading about the shows. But when I got into it, it seemed like a lot of fun. It’s like a childrens’ puzzle, and keeps you engaged.
I haven’t seen any other drama do that in the same way. Usually, other dramas tend to elicit emotional responses (happy/sad/hate/anger/joy), or empathetic responses (exactly like my life/ I know people like that), and while this show is doing all that as well, it’s got an added flavour, and a change like this from the usual fare is always welcome.
So the director mentioned somewhere that the characters were deliberately matched to their instruments, and the actors had to learn to play whatever instruments their characters were supposed to play.
And I also find it weird that Gyeo-wul never smiles at Jungwon. Her face always looked tense. And I thought that shouldn’t be the face if you like someone…
I dont mind the winter garden couple but i dont get why Ik Jun is so convinced they would make a good pair to the point JW would give up his dream? I mean the guy hasnt really shown much signs that he likes her, and even if he did I’m not sure it’s strong enough to give up a life-long dream.
Agree. The show hasn’t really shown us what would make him give up his childhood dream. I guess that’s why it has seasons. Or something going on behind the scenes which has not been unveiled to us as yet.
This is honestly the one ship theory I don’t understand even after reading the beanies’ thoughts here. What I could see between Jungwon and Songhwa is the best platonic relationship to the extent of his passing on the Daddy Long Leg torch to her.
My sincerest apologies to @waterhyacinth for spamming your wall. I don’t think you expected this long a thread when you solicited views in the original post. :/ Thank you for humouring me.
No, no apologies needed! I really enjoyed discussing these things you! And thank you so much for indulging me with such views! I’m really thankful that someone answered and it broadened my perspectives really 🙂
Thank you for the best wishes! And please be safe and healthy!!
Water Hyacinth
May 16, 2021 at 12:21 AM
Before:
Mom: Hya! It’s 2 o’clock in the morning what are you doing with your laptop still on??
Me: Mom, I’m watching (insert Korean drama series here)! I’ll sleep after this episode!
Now:
Mom: Hya! Now I know why you used to sleep so late watching Korean dramas! I kept watching (insert Korean drama series here – she watches a lot! More than me XD ) and I couldn’t put my phone down! I needed to finish the episode so I know what happens next!
Me: :)))
And now, part of our mother-daughter catch up involves the series that we’re currently watching, and even the latest Korean celebrity news :))
A very late Mothers’ Day to you beanie moms and to your own moms! Happy Eid to everyone who celebrates it! Please stay safe and healthy beanies! *finger hearts*
bbstl
May 16, 2021 at 7:10 AM
I just KNOW if my mom were still with us, she’d be my best kdrama-watching friend! Enjoy it for us, too ❤️
sirena
May 16, 2021 at 7:18 AM
Happy Mothers Day!
Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
May 16, 2021 at 11:14 AM
Ooh, wonderful!! 💕
Water Hyacinth
May 4, 2021 at 8:17 AM
#VincenzoEp20
I’ll reserve my comments on the last episode in the recap (if I remember to comment on it hihihi) but the most remarkable thing for me was Kwak Deong Yeon. He’s so adorkable! I used to ignore him in most episodes really but ever since he was quizzed by Chacenzo, I looked forward to his scenes. And damn, for this last episode, I kept replaying his scenes!! They’re very impactful!! It also helped that a lot of beanies have been pointing out that he’s such a great actor! I might watch Vincenzo again for the comedic scenes (love the tenants forever, and yes including Team Leader Ahn!) and KDY!
Water Hyacinth
May 1, 2021 at 6:04 PM
Hey lovely beanies, I’ve been reading good stuff about Jang Nara’s Sell Your Haunted House. Where do you guys watch it? I don’t think it’s in Netflix :/
beffels
May 1, 2021 at 7:10 PM
It’s on Kocowa if you’re in the US, also Viki for some regions.
Water Hyacinth
May 1, 2021 at 11:04 PM
Thank you! I’ll see if Viki has it!
Kairoskat 💐
May 1, 2021 at 7:52 PM
Hi hya! Long time no see~~~ how are you? 👋🏻
Water Hyacinth
May 1, 2021 at 11:06 PM
Kat!!!! It’s been a while yes! I’m good! I’ve been busy with real life in the past year (classes, working, and career). Lately I’m trying to take it easy so I came back on DB and just enjoy what I’m watching :))
How are you??
Eazal
May 2, 2021 at 12:36 AM
It’s on Viki in my region.
Water Hyacinth
April 19, 2021 at 12:02 AM
Hi beanies! I hope you’re all well! Real life has been crazy but I’ve been reading DB posts every so often. Because of the beanies’ recommendations, I’ve been watching Vincenzo and it’s been my happy pill!!
Also, as I was reminded by Vincenzo, LOTR (all 3 films) are in Netflix AU! Woohooo!
Have a great week, lovely beanies!
sirena
April 19, 2021 at 5:51 AM
Same to you!
Ally
April 19, 2021 at 7:39 PM
Good to see you!
korfan
April 21, 2021 at 12:17 AM
Glad to know you’re enjoying Vincenzo!
Water Hyacinth
August 28, 2020 at 6:57 PM
One of my favourite residents in Hospital Playlist is featured!
Water Hyacinth
August 7, 2020 at 2:34 AM
Achievement: my mom has (finally!!!) decided to watch Korean drama. Her first was Marriage Contract. She\’s watching Reply1988 now. Tried convincing her to watch Hospital Playlist but after ep 1 she said it hits too close to home.
And recently she told me that she now understands why I used to stay up late watching dramas :)) (she used to get mad at me for staying up til wee hours in the morning just to finish watching :))) )
Water Hyacinth
June 25, 2020 at 8:35 PM
Question about Mystic Pop-up Bar Ep 12 (Spoilers in the comments)
Water Hyacinth
June 25, 2020 at 8:37 PM
Comment was deleted
_my.river_
June 25, 2020 at 8:41 PM
I think it’s Kang-bae as her son since her wish (and why she undertook the 500 years of punishment) was to her son’s soul. Though I was confused about the comment she made earlier in the episode about how the kiss from the Cinnabar wouldn’t close his spiritual vision and only solving the Sacred Tree’s grudge will…but they never solved the tree’s grudge (and also, what is the tree’s grudge – of having been killed?)…
Cloggie
June 26, 2020 at 12:04 AM
Her original quest, to solve 100,000 grudges, was to solve the Sacred Tree’s grudge.
When she saved her son by letting go of his hand, she solved her own grudge, hit 100,000, made the tree happy, and closed his spiritual vision.
Water Hyacinth
June 26, 2020 at 12:52 AM
What was the Sacred Tree’s grudge again? Sorry I must’ve missed it
Cloggie
June 26, 2020 at 1:15 AM
The sacred tree died because Weol-ju committed suicide by hanging herself from its branches. The tree would have saved 100,000 people if it hadn’t died, so Weol-ju had to make up for that by healing their grudges
Water Hyacinth
June 26, 2020 at 1:31 AM
Oooh okay! thanks Cloggie!!!
Water Hyacinth
June 25, 2020 at 8:37 PM
I got confused on the last grudge. I understand it’s Kang-bae… but is it he as Weoul-ju’s son or is it the Sacred Tree’s grudge?
earthna
June 26, 2020 at 4:18 PM
The last grudge that was solved was Wolju’s. She’s always blamed herself for not being able to do anything for her son (even got him cursed) but in that moment when she saved Kang-bae from Won-hyung, she resolved her grudge. She protected him and that became the final grudge she solved.
Water Hyacinth
June 24, 2020 at 8:08 AM
Just finished watching ep 11 of Mystic Pop Up Bar. Damn! Didnt realise that they would be the last two grudges! 24 hrs to go before the last ep!
Water Hyacinth
June 15, 2020 at 5:55 AM
Incredibly thankful for all the beanies who became my friends through this site and to those whom I’ve discussed some shows with, and to the dramas for giving me so much warmth and comfort! This is perhaps the most challenging (I’d like to say depressing, but it’s not so bad) birthday that I’ve had, but Ji an said it best:
Water Hyacinth
June 15, 2020 at 5:56 AM
PS. This one’s not my gif, and it’s my first time adding a gif on a DB post hahahuhu. So i don’t know if I did it correctly
mugyuljoie is preciousss
June 15, 2020 at 9:36 AM
It worked!
Kairoskat 💐
June 15, 2020 at 6:16 AM
Happy birthday hya~~~~!!! 🥳
Water Hyacinth
June 15, 2020 at 6:26 AM
Thank you Katak!!! I miss you!!
bbstl
June 15, 2020 at 7:10 AM
Many Happy Returns of the Day! 🎉🎂🥂
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:24 AM
thanks dear!
purplesheesh
June 15, 2020 at 7:15 AM
Happy Birthday!!! 💕
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:24 AM
thanks dear!
Edgar Pordwed
June 15, 2020 at 7:46 AM
Happy Birthday Water Hyacinth! 😀
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:25 AM
thanks dear! people on DB call me Hya 🙂
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
June 15, 2020 at 8:10 AM
Happy Happy Birthdaaaaay~~~!!
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:26 AM
thanks dear! and thank you for posting stuff about Hospital Playlist (like Jeon Mido singing the OST, etc)!! I would not have known about it if not for you, @neener!
neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
June 16, 2020 at 6:50 AM
Sure thing! Glad that the posts were useful~! xD
Cindy Mahri
June 15, 2020 at 8:14 AM
Oh! Happy birthday!!! 😄🎂🎉🎉
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:26 AM
thanks dear!
marina
June 15, 2020 at 9:26 AM
Happy birthday dear! Ji An always makes everything better💖♥️
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:27 AM
Thanks Marina!! Oh yes! I’ve been channeling my inner Ji An (resilient and strong) since last year hahaha.
sirena
June 15, 2020 at 9:32 AM
Have a very happy and blessed birthday!
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:28 AM
thanks dear!!
mugyuljoie is preciousss
June 15, 2020 at 9:38 AM
Happy Birthday!!! 🎂🎉🎉
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:28 AM
thanks dear!
ship-happens
June 15, 2020 at 7:05 PM
Happy Birthday!
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:29 AM
thanks dear!
thatstp
June 15, 2020 at 7:23 PM
Happy birthday!!
Water Hyacinth
June 16, 2020 at 2:30 AM
thanks dear!
korfan
June 16, 2020 at 6:34 AM
Happy Birthday!
Water Hyacinth
June 14, 2020 at 4:35 AM
I\’m watching Hyena now and Kim Hye soo is so perfect as Jam Geum-ja! I feel like she\’s (in a way) reprising her role in Signal, but she\’s sassier now!
Mani-chan
June 14, 2020 at 5:33 AM
She is amazing in Hyena. The drama is one of the most enjoyable ones I have ever watched
Water Hyacinth
June 12, 2020 at 4:42 AM
Spoiler thoughts about Mystic Pop Up Bar Ep 7 in the comments
Water Hyacinth
June 12, 2020 at 4:44 AM
I’ve been reading a lot of theories that Manager Gui might be the Prince. But what if he’s actually Weoul-ju’s mom? I thought about it when he said in one scene that Weoul-ju may not be aware that her mom is protecting her in the present day
Water Hyacinth
June 12, 2020 at 4:44 AM
Would be great though if he is the Prince…
Eazal
June 12, 2020 at 7:31 AM
I do think he’s the Crown Prince.
He told her several times he would protect her, but he failed. So he’s by her side, knowing who she is but keeping his distance until she realises (if she does) who is he. There are many hints about this: not only the way he looks at her (not in a motherly way), but also for instance when we’ve seen him using his sword against the evil spirits. Besides, the two of them share a great chemistry.
I’d rather he’s the Prince better than Kang Bae, because his interactions with WolJoo are more familiar like a mother-son would be.
There are some theories aboul KangBae being the son of WolJoo and the Prince or even her mother. I’m inclined to think it’s her mother, and it would explain his ability.
But even so, there’s still YeoRin and her own ability… where does it come from???
Cloggie
June 12, 2020 at 12:23 PM
I think Kang-Bae is Wol-ju’s mum. After all, she found him after throwing her mum’s hair clip…
rue
June 12, 2020 at 4:21 PM
I think he is the prince. His gaze is more yearning than motherly love. He looks at her like he is remembering their relationship as kids. I think Kang-bae might be their son(if she was pregnant when she died).
Water Hyacinth
June 12, 2020 at 2:05 AM
Hey beanies,
Thank you for recommending Mystic Pop Up Bar!! It\’s my weekly source of crazy laughter!
sirena
June 12, 2020 at 7:24 AM
It is such a fun show 🙂
Water Hyacinth
June 7, 2020 at 2:29 AM
Hi beanies! Any good shows that you can recommend I watch while filling the huge hole left by Hospital Playlist? Preferrably something light and funny. Some tear-jerkers here and there but totally not melo please.
Eazal
June 7, 2020 at 2:46 AM
Are you watching Dinner Mate or Mystic Pop Up Bar? I watch these two shows with a smile.
Water Hyacinth
June 7, 2020 at 2:51 AM
Neither but I’ll check it out! Thank you!
mindy📔liberation club member
June 7, 2020 at 4:12 AM
I second Mystic!
Cindy Mahri
June 7, 2020 at 3:24 AM
Oh My Baby! 😄
purplesheesh
June 7, 2020 at 5:42 AM
+1 on Oh My Baby!
dokutokunaneko
June 7, 2020 at 5:23 AM
The romance of tiger and rose! Super light and funny, silly but not stupid, and amazing OTP.
Ally
June 7, 2020 at 10:42 AM
This !!! And I’m highly engrossed in Find Me, a cdrama Noona romance with 42 episodes
kiara
June 7, 2020 at 9:07 AM
Check out the writer/pd combos’s earlier shows if you haven’t.
Water Hyacinth
June 7, 2020 at 4:38 PM
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!! 😍
MeloMe
June 9, 2020 at 12:32 AM
Comment was deleted
Water Hyacinth
May 28, 2020 at 9:46 PM
Finally it’s out!!
Now time for a rewatch!
peach&mango
May 28, 2020 at 10:12 PM
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
purplesheesh
May 28, 2020 at 10:40 PM
This is so beautiful. I was crying while listening and watching. I’m saving the finale for tonight. 😭😭😭
Water Hyacinth
May 28, 2020 at 10:04 AM
My heart is full, thank you for the amazing 12 weeks, Hospital Playlist!
My Netflix subscription is worth it! (Yes, it\’s the first (only) show that made me watch Netflix hahaha)
Water Hyacinth
May 21, 2020 at 6:06 PM
The real OTP in Hospital Playlist is Junwan and Jae-hak ❤
#hospitalplaylistep11
larelle79
May 21, 2020 at 9:28 PM
Agree. I just love them together. And Joon wan being the emotional one and Jae hak comforting him was so damn cute.
raekaddict
May 22, 2020 at 12:18 AM
i loved the proud mama look jae hak gave him when he improvised his talk with the patient’s family to give good news first…..it was adorable….
Water Hyacinth
May 21, 2020 at 9:26 AM
Dear Hospital Playlist,
I\’m probably a broken record now but I\’ll say it again:
Thank you for so much bringing warmth and comfort in my heart. I knew it\’s always worth it watching you at 1 am in the morning.
Love,
Me
#hospitalplaylistep11
Water Hyacinth
May 20, 2020 at 5:07 AM
I\’ve been thinking lately how DB is my safe space for Korean dramas for about 1.5 years now, and how friendly everyone is in this site. Really grateful for this platform as I\’ve grown to have amazing friends here. To be honest, some sites can be more (mentally and emotionally) stressful, so thank you to the amazing team behind DB and to all lovely beanies *finger hearts to everyone* Please stay safe and healthy!!
bbstl
May 20, 2020 at 7:05 AM
🙋🏼♀️❤️
sirena
May 20, 2020 at 8:30 AM
Dramabeans is a great site and the Beanies are wonderful! Stay safe and healthy! 💕
Karmen ~ 🍜🏢🎭 ~ 📚☔🦋 ~ 🪂🌱💘 ~ ✨🍊💫 ~
May 20, 2020 at 1:19 PM
💙
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 8:04 PM
For now, I shall (should) enjoy the ride that\’s called Hospital Playlist and just enjoy the groups\’ friendship. And I need to focus on my pending papers for graduate school too hahaha.
In the meantime, regardless of what ship will sail (if there is one that will sail at the end of S1), I\’ll enjoy this amazing video that I\’ve been waiting for the whole weekend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBFcRPg49xs
Yoo Yeon-seok is amazing as always <3
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 2:10 AM
Hey beanies, I\’ve read somewhere on DB that there are some who ship Jungwon and Songhwa (can\’t remember who, i\’m sorry XD). May I know why you ship them? Not planning to start a fight, I\’m just curious. Maybe you saw some things in the episodes that I might have missed.
MeloMe
May 17, 2020 at 2:55 AM
Comment was deleted
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 2:59 AM
I’m one of these people. Definitely not keen on a fight. 😀
But let me first correct myself. I’m not on the ship per se, and I’d love for SeongHwa to be on her own, or even with Capt. Ahn, but the way I see it, the show is building up towards JW and SHW as one of the endgame ships. It’ll be slow burn (at least 1 if not 2 more seasons), but it looks like it will get there. Why? (in short – there are long essays and defences being written up in other forums, which I can’t compete with, honestly!):
1. General character sketch compatibility – both have an altruistic streak, are great mentors, empathetic, love the outdoors, share the same faith, bass and drum players (especially since the director mentioned the instrument choices are deliberate!), etc. This equivalency doesn’t exist between SHWa (poor thing, she’s the only female, so is being subjected to this analysis) and any of the other guys in the group, or outside it even.
2. Hints in the various episodes – stylistically, this seems to be the director-writer’s USP, i.e., of dropping hints throughout the show to build up towards the endgame. So, most recently, there was what I have termed the ‘housebuilding scene’, where JW and SHW talk about marriage and kids, holding a woodstove (hearth and home!), carrying a carton that has an image of a house, etc. There have been suggestions through songs (introduce me to a good person/ confession is not flashy – note how they are filmed and who are in the close ups when the songs are performed) and dialogues (reliable person) as well that feed this hypothesis, and general filming clues (the way JW treats SHWa at mealtimes, or how much she regards his views, etc).
3. Elimination of other pairings with these two – Jang and JW look like they will remain a mentor-mentee relationship, and Jang and IJ is a likely endgame on that front (starting with “pick me pick me”, and the bouquet of flowers, “pretend your boyfriend gave it to you”, etc. – he’s far more interested in her than JW is). Similarly Chi-hong is likely to be relegated to a mentor-mentee ship only, although I really feel for the actor (he hasn’t got his partner of choice in either Prison Playbook or One Spring Night, poor guy).
This is my take so far!
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 3:29 AM
Thanks for your thoughts! Yeah, I’ve been noticing how Jungwon is particularly thoughtful of Songhwa when they eat out together. But I thought he’s just being a gentleman. And as much as I ship Ik jun and Songhwa, and Gyeo-wul and Jungwon, I am always afraid that this PD-writer-nim duo is playing with us again (hi Reply 1988 lol).
wapz
May 17, 2020 at 3:42 AM
There is a whole theory on Ik Jun and Jang Gyeol uh on bitches over dramas and even if I’m totally on the winter garden ship, that one is still quite convincing because the blogger looks in so much depth. However, I’m not sure if that theory is just for fun or theh do really mean it.
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 4:29 AM
Yeah, I’ve also been participating occasionally in the discussion over at BoD. It’s all fun and games, of course! She does an awesome job with breaking things down. I’ve been enjoying it so far.
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 4:41 AM
More than anything else, and besides the characterizations and how real the characters feel, I am really enjoying this show for how it shows off the Director and Writer’s craftsmanship. They clearly enjoy their job, and they’re having a lot of fun with the making of this show. Having watched R88 and R97, I think they have fine-tuned their art considerably.
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 5:20 AM
Oooh, thanks for this! I’m gonna search this one!
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 5:45 AM
I just finished reading this one, and damn, it looks very convincing. And damn, it really looks like it’s Jungwon and Songhwa endgame.
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 5:51 AM
There’s a series of posts on the show – they’re all super convincing 😀
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 5:54 AM
To be fair, there are sites and posts up on other places, like soompi, where there’s an impassioned defence for both IkSong and Winter Garden. So it’s all a matter of perspective. You see what you want to see, or you interpret it the way you want to. (That’s another thing I like about the writer-director collaboration – it’s truly a masterpiece if they can use the same piece of work to elicit wildly different opinions from the audience, AND keep them interested till the end!)
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 5:59 AM
thanks so much!! <3
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 6:07 AM
That’s true!! To be honest, I wasn’t gonna pick up on this drama. But I saw the recap on DB and subscribed on Netflix just to watch this lol. Was really worried about R88 happening all over again but when I saw how precious their friendship is, I stayed. And now I wish Songhwa can be just her independent self with 4 loving friends. hahaha.
Thanks btw for all your input! That was a new perspective!!
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 6:08 AM
And now I just realised how the preview from Ep 10 will play out in the future (with Gyeo-wul laughing with Jungwon)…
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 6:15 AM
You’re welcome! Yes, friendship goals are definitely the ones to root for, even for me. It’s very endearing and so normal. My own friend circles come to mind every time I watch them together.
Let’s see how eps 11 and 12 play out! The show has done its job in keeping everyone engaged and interested, for sure. I haven’t seen this degree of active viewership for anything else (except maybe TK:EM, which seems to be tiring people out already with the PPL, though!)
MeloMe
May 17, 2020 at 3:18 PM
Some of her theories are pretty convincing but others feel far fetched, no..?
wapz
May 17, 2020 at 3:50 PM
Yes I read them for fun because I do think there’s an over analysis there. But her analysis is pretty good if you see from a writers lens that it could’ve just gone this way too. But I do think the probability of those theories coming true in the drama is quite less. So yeah that way they can be far fetched and looking into much into the source material.
wapz
May 17, 2020 at 4:01 PM
Oh jbtw I think that way for The King. For Hospital Playlist though the PD Writer team is very smart. And they love to trick the viewers. So I don’t think packmule’s theories are so far fetched regarding that show because they can surprise the viewer anytime.
MeloMe
May 17, 2020 at 5:15 PM
Theories that I especially found convincing (for HP don’t watch eternal monarch so didnt read those) was IJ and Jang Gyueol being end game (even if I’m a strong winter×garden and IJ×SH shipper) and the only reason I’m even entertaining it after the low key confession scene is because of the history of the writer director duo. If it were any drama, I would have shot them down in one go.
Theory that I think she over analysed is the scene where Song Hwa refers to Jung Won as “Father Ahn” when she’s getting ready to go to her friend’s wedding (the exact thing she said was “ofc I should come, Father Ahn is buying after all). The blogger establishes a long chain of how song hwa knows about Jung Won’s plans because she called him “Father Ahn”. I feel there’s a simple explanation for it. The friends all know that Jung Won is a devout catholic and they know that at the end of every year Jung Won seriously considers joining priesthood which is why she called him “Father Ahn”.
MeloMe
May 17, 2020 at 5:48 PM
Another analysis that I liked was when she interprets the conversation between Jung Won and Ik Jun about kids (that kids don’t lie and pretend but adults do) as Ik Jun fooling himself that he isn’t attracted to Jang Gyueol and Jang Gyueol pretending to still like Jung Won so that she will have reasons/excuses to interact with Ik Jun. And then she links that convo with the car scene!! It was really solid and well done.
But then I felt like she went overboard when she said that Ik Jun left immediately after Gyueol’s call “like a boyfriend would”. Again I feel like there’s a simple explanation for this behaviour. Because Gyueol is a resident, she definately must have called because of an emergency patient and since he’s a doctor it is required that he drop everything and be there as fast as he can!
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 6:41 PM
Agree with you on the the “Father Ahn” and going to Gyeo-wul like a boyfriend would. At the very least, Ik jun and Gyeo-wul have established a mentor-mentee relationship that’s very comfortable (kinda like Songhwa with her residents but Songhwa’s more professional and establishes boundaries and unlike Ik jun who treats everyone as his close friends).
And that’s the thing about this PD-writer duo… can’t they have another interesting formula besides the one that they’ve used three times already? XD hahahha
thanks everyone for your viewpoints! This has been an interesting discussion and I am learning a lot!
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 10:42 PM
I’m not following TK:EM, so I don’t know what her theories for that show are like. HP is convincing, because, like I said, it’s a matter of wanting to be convinced 😀 I thought this ship was the one that would eventually sail, and she’s feeding that idea! Equally, I felt early on that IJ-Gyeo-ul would sail (starting with “pick me pick me” – so obv.), and this feeds that.
I reiterate what I said earlier – the writer-producer are basically practicing and perfecting their art. They’ve used the formula before (5 friends + guessing game), and now, it’s just a matter of seeing how cleverly they can disguise the same formula in new ways. They’re both having a lot of fun. The best we can do is have fun with them. That’s exactly how I’m looking at this show. I’m especially in awe of how they can use the same piece of work to get the audience swinging between extremes and get passionate about their positions. As an observer of the ‘form’ of dramas (i.e., as a work of fiction meant to entertain, amuse and engage the audience), this is playing out beautifully.
I watched both R88 and R97 fairly passively (I didn’t live watch), and honestly, didn’t even know this guessing game was a thing until after I finished and started reading about the shows. But when I got into it, it seemed like a lot of fun. It’s like a childrens’ puzzle, and keeps you engaged.
I haven’t seen any other drama do that in the same way. Usually, other dramas tend to elicit emotional responses (happy/sad/hate/anger/joy), or empathetic responses (exactly like my life/ I know people like that), and while this show is doing all that as well, it’s got an added flavour, and a change like this from the usual fare is always welcome.
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 3:34 AM
Oh and what’s with the bass and drums thing?
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 4:34 AM
So the director mentioned somewhere that the characters were deliberately matched to their instruments, and the actors had to learn to play whatever instruments their characters were supposed to play.
Now, in bands, the bass guitar and the drums form the heart of the rhythm section, and are supposed to know each other really well, and play together like “they are one”. This analogy is used in some places: https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/21539-on-bass-drummers-get-personal
To extend the analogy to the characters, hence, QED. (that is, if you want to make a case for the Andrea-SongHwa ship). 😀
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 5:24 AM
Thanks for this!!
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 5:31 AM
And I also find it weird that Gyeo-wul never smiles at Jungwon. Her face always looked tense. And I thought that shouldn’t be the face if you like someone…
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 5:50 AM
Yeah she’s too nervous around him, not at all relaxed. Unlike when she’s with IJ, where she seems to be more herself.
parkchuna is still an Errant 🫘
May 17, 2020 at 6:44 AM
I dont mind the winter garden couple but i dont get why Ik Jun is so convinced they would make a good pair to the point JW would give up his dream? I mean the guy hasnt really shown much signs that he likes her, and even if he did I’m not sure it’s strong enough to give up a life-long dream.
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 10:43 PM
Agree. The show hasn’t really shown us what would make him give up his childhood dream. I guess that’s why it has seasons. Or something going on behind the scenes which has not been unveiled to us as yet.
PYC
May 17, 2020 at 7:19 AM
This is honestly the one ship theory I don’t understand even after reading the beanies’ thoughts here. What I could see between Jungwon and Songhwa is the best platonic relationship to the extent of his passing on the Daddy Long Leg torch to her.
While on the HP ships, has anyone seen this analysis “Why did they always meet at the 5th basement floor”?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yt5wV53WpRI
pickleddragon
May 17, 2020 at 10:45 PM
My sincerest apologies to @waterhyacinth for spamming your wall. I don’t think you expected this long a thread when you solicited views in the original post. :/ Thank you for humouring me.
All the best for your grad school essays! 🙂
Water Hyacinth
May 17, 2020 at 11:10 PM
No, no apologies needed! I really enjoyed discussing these things you! And thank you so much for indulging me with such views! I’m really thankful that someone answered and it broadened my perspectives really 🙂
Thank you for the best wishes! And please be safe and healthy!!