In this story, we know the "sacrifices" that Dang Ja might have to endure if she marries Gi Chan, eg. not able to pursue a career after marriage. However, we've not told what sacrifices that Gi Chan is willing to make. All Gi Chan has said is that he loves Dang Ja very much and for him, it's reason enough for them to be together. Dang Ja is much more pragmatic in that she considers what might happen after the marriage. It seems to me that one is loving with the heart and the other is trying to love using with the brain.

Thank you Sarah!!!

Their relationship needs major compromise...Is it too much to ask from them to give up what they both value the most for the relationship? I guess when they find out that they need each other more than their respective valuables; career and family obedience.

This episode was hinted with so much sadness to come. But it is surprisingly not overwhemingly sad that I can't enjoy the funny moments in the same episode. So many funny moments and little moments make this enjoyable for me.

I like the following episode much more. I can relate to the drama and definitely find some of the conversations touching..pulling heart-strings kind of touching and memorable. The background music does its job well in this too.

Luv, ah sorry, I just assumed the family situation made sense and I realize it doesn't.

Gi Chan comes from a traditional, very old-fashioned family. Not "conservative" the way we use the term, but truly steeped in tradition. It's like Su Ha in Hello Miss -- that drama was more jokey and exaggerated, but it's the general idea. Gi Chan is the heir to the traditional estate -- so his wife would be forced to quit working (these traditional families wouldn't allow it) to become mistress of the estate. These old estates require a lot of energy to run, and Jung Sook explains that the ancestral rites (which are quite elaborate) take place twice a month. This role is what Jung Sook has spent her whole life preparing for, and even she expresses concern over being able to handle the burden.

Currently Gi Chan works in Seoul but it's understood that he would eventually take over the home. He hasn't had to worry about it thus far because he's unmarried and his parents are in charge... but at some point, that will fall to Gi Chan.

It's NOT the norm in Korean society for the woman to have to quit working after marriage (well, many do but that's a decision they've made themselves, it's not compulsory) -- even Dol Soon wonders at there still being such old-fashioned families around these days. But that's how his family works, so unless he's willing to give up his family tradition, Dang Ja cannot envision herself as a part of that. Aside from being unwilling to give up her life and work, she feels she's unfitting the position.

Hope that clears things up. :D

thank you so much sarahbeans.. i love BC in a sense that they managed to squeeze in some humor & laughter one way or another- without making it seems out of place. I love Joon Soo!!! he's such a nice catch.. ehehe. * and a GREAT actor.. ehhe.. he was sooo good at being the sweet & caring bf*. It's really nice to see HY feeling better and better.

DJ & GC.. gosh.. it's getting abit sad.. but I'm all for it since with DJ's character thus far.. i don't see her changing her views in a flash.. I'm sure w/ GC's love.. she will slowly learn that she loves him as much- if not more * not sure if that's possible since GC is the most perfect man ever* * meltsssssssss*

Many hugs once again for this wonderful write-up.. ehhe.. you know how much i adore this drama.. and your summaries help SO SO much. sarahbeans fighting!!!!

oops.. that was me.. hehe.. totally spamming your blog.. but I love the other couple too.. ehhe.. they're soooo cute!! DJ is so lucky to have such close friends to confide in and seek comfort from. Her friends are such wonderful people!! * and i wonder if the hubby will get new sets of wigs*.. ahahah!!!

I can't see Dang Ja giving up everything. Perhaps I am the one that does not want her to give up what she has now for Gi Chan.

Look what happened to HY? She gave up everything in her life, lost touch with the world outside of her family life and relies 100% on this family support. Gi Chan might not turn out like HY's idiotic, cheating husband but who can guarantee he will be the same 10 years from marriage? It is such a gamble with high stakes for Dang Ja. Giving up what she knows best for something she has little faith in such as marriage. That will be tough for her and even tougher if one day she has the tinniest hint of regret. It will be too late then. She can't even get out of the traditional family...because I suppose this kind of old-fashioned families don't allow divorces too?

From an independant woman to dependant woman in a household...does Dang Ja really want to move from her "splendid cage" to a old-fashioned, confined, full-of-rules-and-responsibilities kind of "Monkey Village" just like what Gi Chan used as a metaphor? Who says those poor animals are happy? I bet those monkeys are not all joyful jumping from the same branch over and over again for long period of time.

I believe in marriages but just not this kind of give-up-everything kind of marriage. It is too risky. I like Dang Ja because of who she is today, now...I think that's why Gi Chan fell for her in the first place. I really don't want Dang Ja to change that much for love.

For this traditional family--- I wonder what will happen if they have a clue on Dang Ja's pregnancy? The possibility of a son to continue their family roots/names/traditions?

Thank you so much javabeans.

I love the scene when DJ told GC she learned "what it means to really love someone"...that's when we know she loves him.
Her vulnerability speaks volume.

I'm not sure about the "marry his household" part...
GC is living in Seoul...a few hours from his hometown...so if they get married...wouldn't she live in Seoul with him?

I think I need to understand Korean culture a little bit more.
Is it always the case?...when a woman get married...she doesn't work anymore?
Is that the norm?

Thanks again for the wonderful summary. I really enjoy reading it.

Since no one mentioned DJ's hair yet, I'll just say that her new hair style makes her look much softer and prettier. I'm glad that the drama is finally talking about the reality of marriage and who would have to sacrifice what in order to have to peace in the marriage. Thanks again Javabeans, I always check for your summaries!

Aww...Thank you javabeans for the quick reply...hehe...
That cleared up so much and now I can see/understand what DJ got herself into...hehe...

Wow...marrying GC is like giving up everything she knows/has and start from scratch. If given that choice at this moment...I think I would do the exact same thing DJ did. I can totally understand DJ now...her heartache...

I can't wait to see what happen next...
Is GC's love worth giving up everything?

But on another train of thought...DJ is independent and strong because she has to...she has no family. Maybe later...when she gets together with GC...she'll come to realize that she doesn't need to be that strong anymore and his family will love her and she'll be happy living within their loves.

from the next episode, i think she had a miscarriage. -cry-

If you love me a little less, then I'll love you that much more.”

Omo, that was a nice one, geez there are some nice translated lines, I wonder what that sounds like in Korean. Damn, this drama I might have to actually watch it, and not just read summaries.

Been waiting with baited breath for your summary on this new Bad Couple episode! THANK YOU!!! As always - awesome summary and caps! =)

Though I wouldn't want Dang Ja to complete give up her life either, I don't feel that a woman who gives it up to run a traditional household is any weaker than a "working" woman.

Both are strong women who are following their passions.

Running a large, traditional household is hard work and requires a lot of planning and management skills.

The issue is that Jung Sook wants to run the traditional household, while Dang Ja has found her niche in the fashion industry.

And so regarding Han Young's story, I don't really blame her for devoting 100% of herself in her family. It seemed like something she wanted to do and she was very happy with it. She just made a bad decision by marrying her jerk-husband.

***

Anyway, I hope both GC and DJ can compromise enough that they can both be happy together :)

Thanks a lot! I really like this drama! But that sucks, she'll have to manage that estate or something if she marries him in the future. That is just so traditional and she's a fashion designer and stuff. K. thanks a lot again!

Not being Korean the idea of very traditional life style is so fascinating to me. Do some ppl still practice this kind of life style in this day and age? How very nice!!

sigh, a heartfelt eppie. full of emotions. man the writers ont his drama sure have good lines, or they are translated better hehehe i love that part where yoo gun is making faces. soo cute. lol. jung sook's character seemed to be too plain and boring to me. i mean yeah i get what sacrifices and all but eeekk it feels as if she herself is so dry after. well i get dang ja's point, and true enough it will definitely become harder. this part of the plot reminds me a tad of sweet 18, when lee dong gun is the heir also. i wonder where they will go with this too. ^^ thanks sarahhh!! :D

I'm still wondering why Lee Dong Wook thought this script sucked? The fool!

exactly, catinmyfridge! it's LDW lose and RSY's gain....
but as most people say, RSY was the best choice for Gi Chan's role anyways ;)

Okay. I guess I'm the only person who was very irritated with Gi Chan in this episode. Why in the world would he bring Dang Ja to his home without clearing up issues with Jung Sook. It is so inconsiderate of him to place those women in such an uncomfortable position! It was hard for me to even watch it and I skimmed on the competition parts that were supposed to be funny.