Boys Before Flowers: Episode 14

271 February 17, 2009January 24, 2016

by javabeans

And the schizophrenia continues, because I really liked Episode 14. I don’t even think I would’ve gotten (that) drunk in our hypothetical Illogical Moments Drinking Game (although, let’s face it, there’s always going to be a reason for SOME drinky-drink in a BBF episode).

I didn’t hate Episode 13 — it’s just that it had so many problems, and BBF’s problems tend to be glaring and un-ignorable — but Episode 14 worked for me on several different levels. I love angst when it’s done well and not just manufactured out of nothing. The angst levels in 14 made sense and produced some great scenes with most (all?) of the characters.

SONG OF THE DAY

G.O.D. – “사랑이 힘들때” (When Love Gets Difficult), with Lim Jeong-hee. Yes, G.O.D. is no longer together, but they’re like my go-to comfort kpop group. My favorite part of the song is the child chorus that goes, “However beautiful, however strong, I guess love still breaks down when things get difficult. Could we be the only ones who still believe that love conquers all?” [ Download ]

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(You know, looking through my songs, it occurs to me that we could probably reconstruct the whole plot of Boys Before Flowers purely in G.O.D. song titles. Hmm. Will have to think on that.)

EPISODE 14 RECAP

At the Venetian casino-hotel, Jan-di sadly recalls how Jun-pyo ignored her. (Anyone else laugh out loud at the gondolier singing “Con te partiro” at the top of his lungs?)

Not to be outdone, another voice starts singing a different song: Ha Jae-kyung belts “Santa Lucia” from her gondola. She’s not a great singer, and I’m not sure if she is being jokey/mocking. If so, it’s kind of awesome. Particularly since she’s switched places with her gondolier — she takes the oar while he sits back like a passenger.

The guys remark that the girl is embarrassing, but Jan-di recognizes her and says she’s really cool. They wonder how she knows her; Jan-di answers that the girl saved her life. Woo-bin protests that saving Jan-di is their thing (in a cute, “Wait, what about us?” way). Guys, guys, don’t worry — Jan-di needs saving so often, there’s plenty to go around.

For those wondering how Jun-pyo can suddenly be made head of Shinhwa Group, he isn’t the only executive. Madam Kang still carries the title of 회장, which is like president or chair. Jun-pyo’s a managing director, which means he carries authority as a senior executive — but he’s not the sole power running Shinhwa. (Not that this plot point is realistic to begin with.)

Jun-pyo and Madam Kang greet their business associates, the heads of JK Group, who have been courted to work with Shinhwa in their global venture. The couple explain that their daughter, Jae-kyung, is off touring Macau alone, then compliment Mama Kang on her handsome son. Mom beams.

F3 take Jan-di to dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, but Ji-hoo, who leads the group, spots Jun-pyo inside. Before the others have a chance to see, he turns and announces that he wants to go somewhere else. He shoots the guys a Meaningful Look, and they catch on quickly, changing their minds casually to keep Jan-di from guessing why.

Ji-hoo pauses to shoot a hard look in Jun-pyo’s direction, and I really think he should just be angry all the time. I didn’t find him interesting as the gentle prince (too bland and supposedly perfect), but he’s much more compelling being angry.

At the dinner table with Jae-kyung’s parents, Jun-pyo receives emailed photos on his phone. His expression grows troubled when he opens the messages surreptitiously to find a series of photos of Jan-di. The sender isn’t shown, but I’m guessing this is Mr. Jung working on Jun-pyo’s instructions.

Mama Kang notices his inattention and breaks in to interrupt his photo-time.

Attuned to Jan-di’s gloom, Ji-hoo asks if she regrets coming and whether she has a plan. She takes the philosophical approach — at least she got to visit a nice place — and says she doesn’t have a plan. “But it would be nice just to be able to see him and ask, ‘How’ve you been? I’ve been okay.'”

She wonders, “Isn’t it strange? It feels like it was ages ago that we were together. If he really does act like he doesn’t know me, I’ll wonder if I just dreamed it on my own.”

Ji-hoo answers firmly, “It’s not a dream. If it were, it wouldn’t have been so painful. After sending you off, I realized that I’d done nothing all this time. When I came to my senses, you were on the plane. So it’s not a dream. Because you’re in front of me now.”

Maybe he feels he’s revealed too much, because he abruptly says goodnight and leaves. Left alone, Jan-di breathes on the glass, then writes the character ㅈ (equivalent to “J”), but stops there.

Mr. Jung tries to convince Jun-pyo to meet F4, but Jun-pyo flatly refuses, reminding him that he has no time for playing around with friends. Therefore, Mr. Jung must go out of his way to coordinate with Yi-jung; citing a business meeting, he delivers Jun-pyo to a basketball court.

Seeing F3 waiting for him, Jun-pyo contains his reaction and says, devoid of any warmth, “Nice to see you.” Ji-hoo: “Do you mean that? Doesn’t seem like it.”

Yi-jung expects Jun-pyo to be happy that Jan-di came too, but Jun-pyo responds, “And why do I have to see her? Girls like her don’t mean anything to me now.” Yi-jung realizes, “So you not calling Jan-di was intentional?”

Jun-pyo says carelessly, “Intentional or not, I didn’t have time to bother worrying about stuff like that.” Being the most perceptive, Ji-hoo has guessed much of this and is not surprised, but Yi-jung and Woo-bin are taken aback at the extent of Jun-pyo’s coldness.

Growing angry, Yi-jung asks, “You call yourself a man?” Jun-pyo reminds him that the guys have all dated around, “So can’t I?” Yi-jung retorts that he may have dated around a lot, “but I never acted like you!” and lunges at Jun-pyo.

Woo-bin holds him back. Yi-jung glares: “What did you tell us back when we tried to stop you? You said a man takes responsibility from the beginning through the end!” Jun-pyo scorns, “And you believed it? No way you guys believed we would make it in the end.”

That’s too much. Yi-jung grabs Jun-pyo’s jacket and bursts out, “Whose fault is it that Jan-di can’t swim anymore?!” There’s a brief flicker of surprise in Jun-pyo’s expression before Yi-jung punches him.

Woo-bin tells Yi-jung to calm down, but Yi-jung snarls that he won’t: “Listen to what that asshole’s saying!” He reminds Jun-pyo: “I warned you. I told you not give encouragement too easily, you coward!”

Jun-pyo gripes, “Did you quit being my friend and all rush to be Jan-di’s black knights? If you came here as friends, then enjoy yourselves before going home. But if you even think about mentioning her name, leave immediately.”

Jun-pyo starts to walk away, but stops at Woo-bin’s question, “Why have you changed?” Without turning back, he responds:

Jun-pyo: “700 thousand. That’s the number of Shinhwa employees and family members I have to take responsibility for — 700 thousand. Try taking on 700 thousand lives, and see if you don’t change.”

Jan-di waits to hear the results of F3’s meeting with Jun-pyo, and can tell from their expressions that it was not good. Yi-jung figures she should know the truth, and Woo-bin explains that he’s changed a lot and probably been under a lot of stress.

Jan-di guesses, “He won’t see me?” They’re surprised she knew, but she assures them not to worry about her: “Whatever he has to say, I came to hear it directly from him. I’ll have to face him.”

They’re relieved at Jan-di’s ready acceptance of the truth, and impressed at her attitude. Feeling much better, Woo-bin suggests an old game — hide and seek in masks. Which… actually looks really fun.

Prince Song is named “It,” so everyone else scatters to hide.

Ji-hoo pulls Jan-di into his corner to escape Woo-bin’s notice. She’s having a good time until she looks up and sees Jun-pyo on the large TV screen, which kills the lively atmosphere. She starts to sob, and Ji-hoo comforts her.

That night, Ji-hoo calls out a reluctant Jun-pyo to ask for a favor — that Jun-pyo meet Jan-di just once.

Jun-pyo: “Why would you ask for that kind of favor?”
Ji-hoo: “Because that’s the only thing I can do for her right now.”

This ties into Ji-hoo’s earlier comment that he realized how he’d done nothing thus far. A flashback shows us the day Jan-di left for Macau, when she’d dropped by to tell Ji-hoo something: “After today, I’m not sure I can say these words. I’m really glad that I got to know you.”

At dawn, Ji-hoo takes Jan-di out for a “walk,” which turns out to be his way of delivering her to Jun-pyo. She approaches the bridge to find him already there, although he keeps his gaze firmly fixed away from her.

Jan-di starts hesitantly, “I was really worried after I heard about your father.” Flatly, he answers, “Thanks. Is that why you came all the way here?… As you see, I’m fine, and as you know, I’m extremely busy. Now that you know, go. Don’t bother worrying about my well-being.” (That last bit literally means: don’t presume you have the right to worry about my health, so don’t bother.)

Hurt, she takes this in. It’s only at this point that he turns to look at her:

Jun-pyo: “Do you have more to say?”
Jan-di: “Do you really mean it?”
Jun-pyo: “What do you want? You can’t be expecting me to say, ‘I’m sorry, forgive me, I’ll go back soon so wait for me,’ could you?”

Jan-di: “Why are you doing this?”
Jun-pyo: “I’ve started to wake up to reality, that’s all.”
Jan-di: “All right, I understand now. Then you really did intend to act like you didn’t see me, and to avoid meeting me. To you, I’m—”
Jun-pyo: “A stain I want to erase.”
Jan-di: “That’s cruel of you, Gu Jun-pyo. Really cruel.”
Jun-pyo: “No. I’ve always been this kind of guy. I just pretended I wasn’t.”

What can Jan-di say to that? She calms herself and tells him, “I’ll go. Take care.”

Jun-pyo returns carelessly, “Worry about yourself,” and leaves.

I LOVE this scene. Jun-pyo is so cold and mean, and although we the audience know there’s more to the story, his act in front of Jan-di is completely convincing — enough that you want to wince along with Jan-di at the force of his words.

Also, I like the line where Jun-pyo says that she couldn’t expect him to ask her forgiveness and beg her to wait — because that’s exactly what he would like to do, and he’s trying really hard to deny that.

It’s still early morning, so nobody’s in the faux courtyard but a gondolier, who takes her for a boat ride and treats her to a free song. Again, it’s “Con te partiro” (the English version of the song is called “Time to say goodbye”). I’m surprised I actually liked the song this time around — in the first scene it seemed silly, but here with Jan-di sitting alone, inside the empty shopping arcade, crying to herself while he sings… it’s sad.

(This is the “Con te partiro” version sung by “popera” singers Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.)
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Although Jun-pyo seemed unmoved when confronting Jan-di, that is far from the truth. He bursts in on his mother, asking furiously, “Are you satisfied now? Now that everything’s the way you want, are you satisfied?”

Mama Kang replies, “I don’t know, merely hearing about the likes of that girl doesn’t make me happy.”

Jun-pyo fires back, “She’s not just ‘that kind of girl‘! She’s the first girl that I — YOUR SON — ever loved.”

Oh my GOD. How does Lee Min-ho make his eyes fill up with tears, ever so gradually, to correspond with his growing frustration? HOW?

Madam Kang asks calmly, perhaps knowing she has an ace in the pocket, whether he will throw everything away to run to the girl — the company, the employees, his future. What about his father?

Knowing that she’s going to guilt him, Jun-pyo tells her to stop, but she continues, reminding him that his father put everything into the company: “Are you going to throw him away too?… What should I do about Jan-di? Should I make it impossible for her to live anywhere in Korea?”

Jun-pyo: “Be quiet. I told you TO STOP!” He warns, “Don’t mess with Jan-di. If you break your promise, I’ll destroy everything.”

Time to check in back at home. Jan-di’s brother, Kang-san, falls ill with mysterious stomach pains, and his parents rush him to … Doctor Former President?

I is confuzzled. If a former president started practicing medicine, wouldn’t people, um, know about it? Or maybe President Grandpa has a twin brother…

To cheer up Jan-di, Ji-hoo takes her around for the day. They sightsee, watch a Cirque du Soleil-style performance, and shop — the last of which Jun-pyo happens to see as he’s passing by a storefront.

While Ji-hoo looks around, Jan-di is drawn to a pretty shoe on display — which she hastily returns when she looks at the price tag.

Jun-pyo tries to ignore this, but ends up returning to the store to claim the shoe. Only, another shopper grabs it at the same moment. Jae-kyung and Jun-pyo grapple with the shoe, both refusing to let go. (They register no recognition; I’m guessing they’ve never met, since her parents had never seen him before, either.)

Jun-pyo wrenches it from her hand, but when Mr. Jung asks if he knows Jan-di’s shoe size, he stops short. He doesn’t know, so he sizes up Jae-kyung and shoves the shoes on her feet to get an approximation.

Jun-pyo is satisfied that they’ll fit and tells her to take them off. But now that she’s in possession, she refuses and tries to run off (without paying?). In a cute sequence, Jun-pyo chases her around the store and grabs Jae-kyung, who loses her balance.

Having won, Jun-pyo walks out with the shoes.

That night, Madam Kang hears that Jan-di intends to go home the next day. Given their break-up and the fact that Jun-pyo is currently working in the conference room, she is satisfied that both sides have come to their senses and returned to their “rightful” positions.

If only she knew that Jun-pyo isn’t actually working; instead, he’s looking at photos on his computer.

Clearly this slideshow presentation is Ji-hoo’s doing, because it closes with Jan-di’s recorded video message. A tear slips from Jun-pyo’s eye as it plays, after which he stands up purposely, as though to rush off to find her.

Just as he starts to leave, something seizes his attention — in place of the slideshow are old memories of him and his father. (The editing makes it seem for a moment that he’s watching video footage, but I’m pretty sure they’re in his head. If only because it’s crazy to think this particular conversation just happened to be recorded fifteen years ago. Not that BBF is known for its logic.) In the memories, a young Jun-pyo is with his loving father (uh, character inconsistency?), who asks, “What will you do when I’m not around?” Young Jun-pyo proudly makes a man-to-man promise, “I’ll take care of Mom, Noona, and Shinhwa Group.”

It’s his guilty conscience flaring, to keep him from throwing away his position for Jan-di. Torn between both very strong impulses, Jun-pyo bellows in frustration and sinks to the ground.

The next day, Ji-hoo and Jan-di check out of the hotel. I wonder if Ji-hoo is expecting Jun-pyo to show, but instead he’s recognized by someone else, an old friend. (The actor is Haiming, Chinese member of kpop group A’ST1; the character is shortened to “Ming.”)

Ming is thrilled to see Ji-hoo, but disappointed that they’re leaving today. Sensing that Jan-di is the key to convincing them to stay one more day, he gains her approval — then pushes her aside to cozy up to Ji-hoo. It’s hilarious at how much he adores Ji-hoo. I’m not sure if he loves him or is IN LOVE with him, but in any cause, it’s pretty amusing.

Ming takes them to his fancy home and prepares a lavish spread — all to impress Ji-hoo, of course. He and Jan-di engage in a silent battle over the food — Jan-di reaches for the delicious dishes, while Ming moves them away, offering them to Ji-hoo instead.

When Ji-hoo in turn passes the food to Jan-di, she eats with petty triumph. Lol.

Feeling threatened by Jan-di’s claim on Ji-hoo’s affections, Ming tells him grumpily, “She’s not pretty,” and highlights all her shortcomings. He asks if they’re dating, so Ji-hoo asks what Ming thinks.

Ming: “It seems that you like her. When you look at her, you smile, like back then.”
Ji-hoo: “Back then?”
Ming: “Like with Seo-hyun.”

Finally giving in to the impulse, Jun-pyo tries to call Jan-di’s hotel room, only to find that she’s already checked out.

He assumes that means they’ve headed back to Korea, but Mr. Jung informs him that they’re still in the country, visiting a friend. That’s news to Jun-pyo, who wonders who the friend is, but when Mr. Jung offers to find out, Jun-pyo tells him not to bother. (Mr. Jung smiles at this proof that Jun-pyo still cares.)

So Jan-di and Ji-hoo go sightseeing some more, and it is gorgeous.

COMMENTS

I don’t know why I have so much to say about 1 hour of television, and I’m trying to keep things concise (ha!), but sorry in advance for rambling on so. I can’t seem to help it.

Anyway. I feel like PD Jeon just discovered how to shoot reflections in this episode, based on the sheer number of them we got, like —

There were a few standout scenes, which altogether include pretty much everyone in the main cast. So yeah, Episode 14 totally stepped up its game. (Just don’t hold your breath for Episode 15, based on our established pattern.)

One example: The F4 basketball scene. I LOVE that Yi-jung is the one who gets mad. It’s notable that Woo-bin tells Yi-jung to calm down because all series long, Yi-jung has been the one to tell people to calm down whenever they got upset. Perhaps Ji-hoo could have filled that role, but I’m glad Yi-jung was the one to throw the punch, for a few reasons:

First, we’ve seen plenty of Angry Ji-hoo (which I consider a good thing), so we already know how much he cares. Second, we already had a direct Ji-hoo versus Jun-pyo conflict in earlier episodes, so Yi-jung’s reaction gives us a different spin, as it involves someone who doesn’t have romantic feelings for Jan-di. I think that highlights just how badly Jun-pyo is treating Jan-di on a basic friend-to-friend level, that Yi-jung (and Woo-bin) also find his behavior appalling, not just Ji-hoo. And third, I’m thinking Yi-jung has been set off-kilter by Ga-eul’s insight (in Episode 13) into his fear of true love, etc., so his anger at Jun-pyo mistreating Jan-di is given an added layer of meaning. (Sorta like, I’m scared to death of finding true love, and you’ve got it in front of you, and you’re just going to trample all over it like this?)

I’m not jumping ship to root for the Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung pair, but I thought they were really cute together, and this is the first outsider love interest that made me nervous — which, yay! I never felt that the Jun-di pair was really endangered until this episode, and while I don’t think Jae-kyung will upset the order too much, I’m very glad that it at least makes me uneasy.

As for the scene with Madam Kang… I don’t even think I have to say much about it. It was GREAT.

And then, of course, the bridge scene. I am a big fan of this interpretation of Jun-pyo’s character, and part of that is because cruelty can be so much harsher when it’s quiet and contained, rather than overt tantrum-ing. Both Jun-pyo and Madam Kang do that beautifully. He can lash out in violence, too, but he’s at his worst when he’s in control, and wielding his cold cruelty with surgical precision.

That’s why this whole personality about-face — which, yes, I know was in the original — actually seems very in character for the way Jun-pyo has been established. (Like he said, he’s not becoming cold — he was always cold.) Also, we’re given the hint that Jun-pyo made a deal with his mother to do her bidding in exchange for leaving Jan-di alone. Therefore, his attitude change doesn’t feel like a weird personality morph that sprang up as an artificial plot contrivance; it actually feels like a natural development. (I know! I used “natural” to describe Boys Before Flowers!)

I really enjoyed Hana Yori Dango — I loved the manga over-the-topness and the cheesy storylines, which worked for that format. But what I appreciate — and what feels different — about Boys Before Flowers is that this second part feels… kinda real, actually. (Not necessarily plot-wise — but emotionally, oh yeah.) I’ve always felt like the J-version depicted kids who were playing grown-ups, but here it feels like they’re ACTUALLY growing up.

271

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1 JJ

February 17, 2009 at 8:26 PM

thank you thank you!!

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2 Annieyo

February 17, 2009 at 8:27 PM

Gawd... the waterworks!!!
Don't tell me you guys didn't cry?!!!

Lee Min Ho is such a good actor..
I really appreciate him in this episode.

Thanks for the recap!

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3 jinkzz

February 17, 2009 at 8:27 PM

thanks for the recap dramabeans

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4 Lucille

February 17, 2009 at 8:29 PM

Thanks!!!

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5 Empress

February 17, 2009 at 8:31 PM

Soooo glad that Jun-pyo was more visible in this episode!

I know that the previous episode was to convey what life was like back in Korea for the rest of F4 and Jan-di but his character absence just reiterated that Lee Min-ho's presence in this series is so important. I'm not just saying that because of his aesthetic appeal but he truly is a wonderful actor (in my opinion). For a fairly newbie actor he commands such a great presence in every scene hes in, even if he's having to spit out ridiculous lines. Case in point, when Jun-pyo met Jan-di at the bridge to basically tell (lie to her) her that he wanted to forget about her, he was able to deliver it with such a cold hearted spirit that my heart broke for Jan-di (there have been times during this series that I felt sorta bad for Jan-di but then easily forgot about it cause she just got herself into the most ridiculous situtaions and always seemed to be in multiple sad damsel in distress situations...but this time I really, really felt so sorry for her especially after she travelled all that way and received such a cold reception from someone she thought really cared for her. But then again the 6 months with no communication should have been an indicator) and then had to urge to smack him upside his bead. But then you lose all those feelings when you see him pleading with his overbearing mother to leave Jan-di alone and when he cried after seeing the video of Jan-di and his father.

Gu Hye-sun has really redeemed herself a bit. Doing more dramatic scenes suits her better. I really get irritated with her acting when Jan-di is acting totally oblivious or plain stupid. She really impressed me when she came face to face with Jun-pyo's mother in episode 12 (i think?). And in these last two episode, her precarious feelings towards Jun-pyo showed another side of her character. Before she was either totally irritated with Jun-pyo or completely wanted to avoid him but here she comes in with hesitation and vulnerability but still has the willpower to go face to face with him and find out what happened the last 6 months. I hope we get to see more of this from her and less of the absentminded Jan-di (and please no more of the "SAVE ME NOW" situations).

As for the rest of F4:

Oh, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy Kim Hyun-joong's Ji-hoo when he doesn't have the stoic look on his face at all times. It's nice to see other expressions on his face, like happiness and joy! The longing gazes are getting irritating. It's like either get over her now or make a move buddy. At first those glances are pleasant but when it's permanently stamped on his face it gets really tiresome. What the hell is up with Ji-hoo's Macau friend?! It was a little creepy watching him be so obviously enraptured by Ji-hoo.

I must say I was glad to see Yi-jung get enraged with Jun-pyo at the gym. Although Kim Bum has such a adorable baby face I liked seeing a more fiery side of his character. Yi-jung is usually so cool and calm and seeing him be so upfront with Jun-pyo was pretty admirable.

And last but not the least, Woo-bin. Why must the writers insist he speak ridiculous english? I mean the "Yo, Yo, Yo's" in the first episode was...well...pretty whack, why must they continue on letting him speak english and sound ridiculous. Also, the other F4 boys have side stories going on but he seems to be lacking one. I really would like to see Kim Joon say something other than "gansta" talk. LOL!

On a side note....I loved that the gondola boat singers sang (although it was quite a terrible rendition) Con te Partiro. Not only do I LOVE, LOVE the song, it's also fitting to Jun-pyo and Jan-di's situation. Although they are seperated and the situation isn't favorable to their relationship deep within themselves their love for each other is still quite strong and still long for each other.

Looking forward to next weeks episodes and recaps!

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6 Liv

February 17, 2009 at 8:31 PM

I think we saw some better acting from Jan-di in this episode; I'm specifically referring to the bridge scene with Jun-pyo where I felt she really managed to convey a multitude of emotions, without needing words.

I've decided my main gripe with BBF is not really about the plot line, quality of acting or even character consistency. Rather, I feel like they are doing a poor job understanding when we need details and when we don't. Huge pieces of the plot will be glossed over (leaving me with so many questions) and then we'll have a slow-mo pan over somebody's face for 2 minutes. I would understand the former given that there are likely time constraints and the full story can't be told. But then I consider how much time is spent zooming into every pore of the character's faces and I wonder if that time would be better spent telling us the story! Honestly, did the scene with Ji-hoo trying to figure out what to do about Jan-di/Jun-pyo really need to be that long? And then the scene when Jun-pyo bursts furiously into his mother's office - why is he so angry (obviously he is angry that he has had to give up Jan-di, except he knew this in earlier scenes - can we see a lead up to him developing this rage?). And honestly, several minutes spent on a flashback montage of Jan-di and Jun-pyo (twice!) and then no explanation of how no one recognizes that the former president is a doctor?? Gah.

Anyway. All that said, I still think this was a better episode overall - I like how they are setting up the Jae-kyung story so far, and I'm glad both Yi-jung and Woo-bin got to establish their roles a bit more, other than just being the sidekicks/tagalongs for the other two.

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7 jackieee

February 17, 2009 at 8:36 PM

Thanks Sarah! You're super quick with those awesome recaps!!!!

This episode was much, much better than Monday... im excited to see how the story progresses..! (And I laughed hysterically at the gondolier when he was singing... hahaha) Madam Kang is also awesomely acted!

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8 maria

February 17, 2009 at 8:37 PM

so... i chose to do my drinking game according to how many sidelong longing glances ji hoo gave jan di, AND how many times jan di would be sad/ cry/ almost die and f3 comes to help her.
and i had my beer, and my shot glass (heehee) and all i'm saying is...

thank god the epi had that bit where jun pyo goes,
"she's the first girl that i, your son, loved since being born"

because lemme tell you, 30 seconds into episode and jan di smiles at ji hoo inside the gondola and he looks shyly at her and smiles to himself (*SWOON*, btw) and i already drank my first shot. ....and i started thinking, i am so near hauling my ass back to the ji hoo/jan di ship. but when we saw jun pyo looking at jan di's pics and video and geting up, looking ready to fight for her, only to be stopped by the (incredibly r-r-r-random play of the) video of his dad and him (*break my heart* :'D ) .....my heart went out to him, seriously. how nuanced was that performance by lee min ho??? *clap*

anyway, the point is: damn drinking game, i took so many shots that by the time jan di starting crying in the gondola, and while she still had her mask on, i was TOTALLY drunk and totally bawling with her too. ^-^

mama kang, you, madam, are grade A- biotch for emotionally blackmailing your son and you have got to be sent to a corner and made to eat your hair. lol

woo bin so cute for going, "what that's supposed to be us (who saves you)", and the hide and seek, with masks on (alllmosst paaaaraadiseee)

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9 Aye

February 17, 2009 at 8:39 PM

"A stain I want to erase" is simply OUCH.

I thought this episode was great in spite of its sad tone. You're right about the angst and the cast doing an excellent job!

On the upside, it’s nice to see Jan-di together with F3. They really seem like friends. And it’s great to see that they’re friends not because she’s Jun-pyo’s girlfriend, but as Jan-di herself. This episode reminded me of why I fell in love with the previous versions of Hanazawa Rui (but not this time because, well, I don't feel anything towards Kim Hyung-joon). He is such a big support to Jan-di at a time like this; more specifically, when Jun-pyo is being an ass. (Jun-pyo is forced to be in that position, but nevertheless, still an ass.)

P.S.: Woo-bin is way cool. I like that he's level-headed and reasonable. Kinda like a big brother you look up to, who keeps everything in order. I definitely think he plays an important role even if he doesn't get a lot of screen time.

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10 wandergirl

February 17, 2009 at 8:40 PM

Thanks for the recap.

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11 sam

February 17, 2009 at 8:42 PM

I totally agree about the scene with Madam Kang! it felt powerful....like you could actually feel the rage coming out of him.

thanks so much....
will be back in a week. hahahaha or even sooner. =D

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12 jassarah

February 17, 2009 at 8:42 PM

Awesome recaps. Glad that if the Monday-Tuesday trend has to continue, today is Tuesday (read: good episode day).

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13 Alvina

February 17, 2009 at 8:43 PM

@2
oh man did tears come out in this episode!
There were many touching moments, I certainly cannot deny.

Also, javabeans... please do compile a list of G.O.D. songs to match the drama. I love G.O.D. and I'm sure it will certainly leave me amused for days ^_^

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14 sa

February 17, 2009 at 8:44 PM

All I can say is that I totally agree about the adult vs. kid thing in terms of the difference between Hana yori dango and BBF. This episode definately felt real to me.

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15 maria

February 17, 2009 at 8:45 PM

@ liv: i AGREE x infinitishnizzle about BBF glossing over too many points that would make the plot waaay less hole-y, and opting for more glamour shots instead. they should really pick their battles. tsk tsk. ]

that said, you are right, Aye: " a stain i want to earse is just. plain. OUCH."

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16 PILK

February 17, 2009 at 8:46 PM

Bridge scene was heart-rending. All characters got a chance to act, even Mr Jung (which is reassuring cos he has a critical role in later parts of the story) and Jan-di's little bro. Jae-kyung actually has great chemistry with Jun-pyo, so will the story actually veer closer to an alternate pairing of Jun-pyo Jae-kyung and Jan-di Ji-hoo? All their names start with 'J'!

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17 KK

February 17, 2009 at 8:46 PM

Thanks a lot...!!!

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18 nanun

February 17, 2009 at 8:47 PM

lee min hoo is truly a wonderful actor, i love him not just bcoz he is handsome and good looking,but bcoz his acting is soo good. lee min hoo, you go guy!!

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19 Lucille

February 17, 2009 at 8:48 PM

hey thanks!!

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20 stargazer377

February 17, 2009 at 8:49 PM

AHHHH! thanks so much javabeans!!!!

i loved this episode! LOVED it. and i also thought the same thing about ji-hoo's grandpa being a doctor. you'd think people would recognize him! including jan-di and ga-eul, but i guess there are always mistaken identities all the time. i'm waiting for that plot line to develop b/c it seems interesting and i want to know how they incorporate that into the story.

i like the direction this drama is taking! and lee min-ho! ack! my heart hurt in this episode a lot.

can't wait for episode 16 to come out! (b/c i know 15 will be a let down... though hopefully not!)

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Sakshi3631

June 3, 2023 at 1:14 AM

He was the president when Ji Hoo was five years old that means it has been a long time. Also how many people expect to run into the ex president in a porridge shop or a rundown clinic? I did not find it unbelievable. And it is clear that Grandfather has been keeping a low profile past these years

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21 kerori

February 17, 2009 at 8:51 PM

thanks so much for the summary! been waiting for it!

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22 cg96

February 17, 2009 at 8:51 PM

I am very impressed with Lee Min Ho's acting in this episode especially the way he spoke with GJD.I hope we won't be disappointed with next week's episodes.

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23 heesoup

February 17, 2009 at 8:52 PM

Loved this episode! Two of my favorite scenes had to be when they're playing hide and seek and Jan di seeing a commericial of jun pyo starts crying and refuses to take off the mask or even face ji hoo. You could see how much effort it was for her to hold herself together and pretend everthing was okay. Second scene was the scene with her and jun pyo. Everything was on the acting the dialogue even the scenery. I actually gasped when he called her a "stain he wanted to erase." Dramabeans love your recaps!

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Sakshi3631

June 3, 2023 at 1:15 AM

Yeah the mask scene was one of the few scenes Jan di showed her strength. Wish there were more like this

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24

February 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM

Omo omo! That look on Junpyo's face while arguing with his mother is just WOW. Ok I think I like LMH even more now. Even though he's being all cold to Jandi and his friends I still can't hate him. Ok, I did once but that was it. And Kim Bum is great too:)

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25 lorie

February 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM

thanks for the recap!

I reaaalllyy loved the scene where jun pyo was looking at the slide show of jan di's pictures...

oh the emotion was so intense that this was the first time that I cried for the whole series..

lee min ho is the best gu jun pyo/domyouji tsukasa/dao ming si ever!!!

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26 stargazer377

February 17, 2009 at 8:53 PM

@ maria <-- you are hilarious! hahaha!

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27 sarah

February 17, 2009 at 8:54 PM

If there is one word to describe this episode it would be "OUCHHHHHH"...
I really felt that F4 characters have emerged very well in this episode....Yi-jung showed very well-acted expressive anger, Woo-bin said more than 5 sentences with some cute english, Ji-hoo's facial expressions were much less puzzling, and JUN-PYO's serious acting was just what the word great is all about ....add to that, jandi showed a sensitive side that I haven't really felt until this episode...All these little things contributed to make this episode, in my opinion the best so far...
there were some stuff that weren't really necessary like Jae-kyung singing nonsense, if the point behind that scene was to introduce F3 to Jae-kyung, i think they could've done that differently...also, the scene where the guy that was trying to wake jun-pyo up was a "give-me-a-break" scene for me...
one more thing, I FINALLY started to feel something between Ji-hoo and jandi when they're together (especially when he grabbed her in the hide and seek game)...before this episode, I always felt that they're not on the same page...
I can't wait to see what Jun-pyo is gonna do to make it up to Jandi....he has A LOT to do for her now....
I have a question: there are a couple of new songs they're playing in the drama now that I really liked...anyone knows their titles?
DRAMABEANS.....THANKS FOR THE RECAPS :)

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28 bird

February 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM

oh! i honestly thought the 'video' of little jun-pyo and his father was a sneaky work of mama kang's.. hahaha. but your interpretation makes a lot of sense, and now i get why it made jun-pyo stop in his tracks when it seemed for a moment that he was going to run after jan-di.

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29 Liv

February 17, 2009 at 8:55 PM

@ maria - Yeah, I was ready to breakdown right alongside Jan-di after the stain comment. And I was stone-cold sober! (Apologies for betraying Our Cause. I promise I'll do better next week!)

Also, I've decided to assume that Jan-di was actually going to write Jae-kyung on the window, because we don't have quite enough plot twists yet. :P

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30 yumi-chan

February 17, 2009 at 8:56 PM

I'll admit yesterday's episode pissed me off to the point where YES I PUNCHED MY TV! But today one scene really hit me and it was because of Jan Di, I said this before about Hye Sun being a good actress and today they really brought it out of her. The boat scene where the guy sing and she cries, that scene hit me so hard. I admire the Jun Pyo character because he sacrificed his happiness for the corny shinhwa group but watching him walk away and simply leaving Jan Di there... that one scene kicked ass.

I still hate the drama.
BUT THAT ONE SCENE KICKED ASS!

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31 Debbie

February 17, 2009 at 8:58 PM

Lee Min Ho and Gu Hye Sun provided some GREAT acting in this episode.

I teared up... MAJORLY... during the Jun Pyo-Jan Di bridge scene. I felt Jun Pyo's coldness towards Jan Di and Jan Di's pain. My tears came down even more heavily (and pathetically) when Jan Di cried on the gondola. And I definitely felt Jun Pyo's pain and anguish during the scene where he watched slides of Jan Di. Seriously great acting!!

I don't see the chemistry between Jae Hyung and Jun Pyo... perhaps it's because I'm SUCH a Jun Pyo and Jan Di fan that I refuse to see any inkling of chemistry between the fiancee and Jun Pyo. I thought the fiancees in the previous 2 verions of Hana Yori Dango were extremely annoying. I had hoped that the Korean version would be too... it doesn't seem like it now.

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32 Jennifer

February 17, 2009 at 9:00 PM

This episode was without a doubt the best one yet. I cried so much and loved every minute of it because the story and the characters were effortlessly connecting with me. I felt their pain, anger, and longing. I even cried while reading this recap :D

LMH took it to the next level and has proven without a doubt just how talented he is. That scene with his mother was a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I really love their scenes together especially when it's an intense moment.

I also really enjoyed the scene with JP and Jae-kyung. I went "oh oh" because I could really see myself liking them as a pair. I'm anxious to see how they handle their relationship and how i'll feel about it.

Gosh, I don't know what else to say! I want to watch it again :)

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33 Airajuliafor

February 17, 2009 at 9:01 PM

First, I think the two leads are better off for drama, not comedy. XP

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels unusually nervous about Jae-kyung. And while I think her apring with Jun-pyo is cute, I just have to.... not like her. (not hate, just not like.) But who knows? Maybe she'll grow to me. xD

I wish they brought Ga-Eul to Macau. It would've been more fun. (and I know you agree, Yi-Jung!)

I wish there was another outsider. A guy, this time. It's mostly been pretty lame for outsiders going for Jan-di. (Especially that freaky revenge kidnapper dude.. wonder what happened to him?) That way, it's give Jun-pyo even more of a push, or Jan-di too. or Ji-Hoo. or anyone... but just PUSH!

I hope they'll exaplin that president-turned-medical doctor/cooking master clearly later on. It just won't dun make sense.

Anyhoo, thanks Java. Can't wait for next week's ep!

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34 JJ

February 17, 2009 at 9:03 PM

I agreed with everything you said

My fave scene has got to be the one with jun pyo & his mom too! I LOVED it b/c Lee Min Ho is so fantastic...he made it so believable & it revealed to us his true feelings & a REASON for his cold actions. Like Ji Hoo said in a previous episode that when a guy likes a woman, he wouldn't do something without a reason.

I also loved the scene between jun pyo and yi jung at the bball court... I actually cried when yi jung was yelling at him and asking "whose fault do you think it is that Jandi can no longer swim?!" and Jun Pyo's flicker of surprise.. dang that got to me.

The scenes with f3 and jandi were great... they are actually friends and care for her...not just their friend's g/f (er... ex g/f?)
Ji hoo & Jandi scenes were cute!! He is so good to her & she is extremely lucky to have him on her side despite the feelings he has for her.
The scene btwn those two in the hotel room was good. I liked the convo, when Ji Hoo is referring to himself about the dream thing.

This episode has got to be one of my fave episodes even tho it was extremely sad... b/c the acting was sooo great here (even tho it was prob the first episode they shot since it was in dec) & we see so much depth in Jun Pyo's character! Like in that conference room scene when he is watching the slideshow & after seeing the vid of jandi, he is about to run to her but is stopped by the vid with his dad... he is caught in a dilemma and it is heart wrenching.
KAH Lee Min Ho!
LEE MIN HO IS AMAZING! I am SOOO glad Jang Geun Suk (who was originally offered this role but wanted the Ji Hoo role) didn't play this role & Lee Min Ho got it! it would not be this successful or the same without Lee Min Ho.

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35 Akiddo

February 17, 2009 at 9:04 PM

Thanks for the recap! As usual - spot on!

The Kdrama-rama is finally here in episode 14. Though this is a rehash of earlier versions, it has a flavour of its own. The emotional scenes between Jandi-Jun Pyo, Jun Pyo alone, Jun Pyo-Mdm Kang, Jandi-Jihoo, F3-Jun Pyo (he is temporary kicked out i supposed) - all very well done.

Kudos to Yi-jung for standing up - guess Ga-eul was right about him in episode 13 - he badly wants to believe in true love, that it exists.

Jun Pyo was so so cruel - how did he do that when he was so vulnerable. In my mind when watching, I was thinking that he must be trying his darnest to hold back ths instinct to hold jandi in his arms - someone he probably missed every single day since the time he left her. LMH brought a whole new dimension to the character. He is awesome.

* Jun-pyo fires back, “She’s not just ‘that kind of girl‘! She’s the first girl that I — YOUR SON — ever loved.” *

This line broke my heart (i am sure plenty of others as well). And JanDi - she was so heartbroken - sad sad sad...

Well..this is weird - i like Mr Jeong's character!! He is so steady and has Jun Pyo's well being at heart without comprising his loyalty to the chairman. Actor with a lot of depth - he could show his concern with just a slight change in facial expression.

Cannot wait for episode 15!

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36 moomincandylalala

February 17, 2009 at 9:04 PM

Thanks for the wonderful recaps!

Let me first say how glad I am that they didn't use the amnesia plot (my biggest fear). Watching JP have to feign his disinterest in JD and how he is struggling between his promise to his dad and his love for JD was much much more interesting and definitely showed another dimension to this character and made his change and growth into an adult more believable. It's also more demanding for the actor to portray this role than in previous versions.

It's nice to see that KHJ has improved since the beginning! I feel so sad for Ji Hoon in this ep- every woman he love has always led him to waiting and sacrificing. He's really going far and beyond for JD.

It was definitely a significant moment when YJ punched JP... JP's actions probably touched a nerve with him because it reminded him of his dad who (from YJ's perspective) has been fooling around with other women and breaking the heart of his mother (I wonder if they will elaborate more on this in the kr version later?)

LMH totally wowed me today! He really brings JP to life. I almost see a young KMM in the making...

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37 BOFfan

February 17, 2009 at 9:04 PM

Thanks for the recaps and commentary Javabeans. Few of my favorites scenes in this episode: When Yi Jung got angry with Jun Pyo in the gym. Finally, someone stands up to Jun Pyo's jerky behavior with Jandi. although Yi Jung is the playboy, this shows that his character is deeper than i thought and it gives me hope for him and GaEul to get together. Also I had to crack up again at Woo Bin's attempts at gangsta English, but he was cute when he reminded Jandi that they were the ones saving her butt (too true). I also loved the scene between Jun Pyo and Jae Kyung fighting over the shoe. I have to admit, she is really cute and they make a cute pair even though we know that Jun Pyo and Jandi are meant for each other. Jun Pyo's confrontation with his mom was also really intense as we see that he does love Jandi but there is some agreement made between mom and son that explains why he is distancing himself from her. I guess he was trying to play the jerk/mean guy so that Jandi could let go of him? Waiting for ep. 15!!!!

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38 anner

February 17, 2009 at 9:05 PM

wouldn't that just show he can never be together with Jan-Di if he continues to do his mother's bidding? and yeah, Lee Min-Ho did his tearing and emotional scenes really well, i don't think he cried in the previous 12 episodes. I LOVE HIM! <3

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39 lostshoop

February 17, 2009 at 9:05 PM

thank you so much ♥
watching ghs and lmh cry in this episode was heartbreaking. i cringed at the "stain" bit, i thought it was so real how ghs' chin was trembling and she was trying so hard not to cry while gjp was being vicious but she just couldn't hold it in on the gondola ride. (the gondolier's such a sweetheart) and lmh, i have no words. he is amazing and pleasantly surprising every time i watch him. Mdm Kang too!
i really hope that jun-pyo won't show the tiniest hint of affection for jae-hyung, jun-di shipper that i am. can't wait for the next episode. (i really wish jae-kyung were easier to hate but right now, she isn't at all and that really worries me :/)
i thought the masked hide and seek was very lovely somehow as well as the cirque du soleil (?) show they watched. it brought in the flavour of macau and a holiday for me, and i appreciated that immensely. woo bin worked the mask very well :D

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40 aoi

February 17, 2009 at 9:05 PM

I'm guessing JH's grandfather purposely fell off the map after he left office. So most ppl probably don't really know what their former president's doing now. Also, even if ppl did recognize him, there's always that "is he or isn't he" question, where you think this guy looks like a famous person and you're not really sure if he is. There are a lot of lookalikes and dopplegangers running around in this world. I'm sure that if ppl asked if he was the former president, he'd probably said no--because he wanted to lay low and also so that he could watch over JH from afar.

@ yumi-chan: lol @ the punching the TV part. rock on!

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41 kamee

February 17, 2009 at 9:07 PM

I think this is the best episode so far. ALL the actors were at their best!

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42 dkeos

February 17, 2009 at 9:07 PM

Dramabeans don't even bother try figuring out the whole ex-president thing. You are better off drinking the alcohol. lol.

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43 BOFfan

February 17, 2009 at 9:07 PM

Oh, and by the way, that Ming guy definitely was gay, the way he was drooling over Ji Hoo. LOL.

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44 andygal86

February 17, 2009 at 9:08 PM

Once again, thanks for your recaps and wit! I just could not hold back the tears! I totally despised Jun Pyo's coldness towards Jan Di, but we all know that Madam Kang was behind it. It was so hard to watch Jun Pyo break down in tears! I only hope that the next episode gets better!

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45 nOr

February 17, 2009 at 9:12 PM

thank you very much for the fabulous recaps. i have to say it's pretty amazing how your recaps always make me laugh out loud. love them!

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46 KATE

February 17, 2009 at 9:13 PM

We are all addicted to your blog and to BBF...i hope Jun-pyo doesn't have a mental breakdown (please don't let it be amnesia)....again thanks for the recap...let us all look forword to next week...Jun-pyo+Jan-di *fighting*BBF FIGHTING*.*

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47 I♥♡Angst

February 17, 2009 at 9:14 PM

I think BBF will stay super painful all the way up to the very end of the show! Because BBF moved two major plotlines from HYD2 to the first 12 episodes, I think in this version there will be nothing but a slow buildup of the love quadrangle. I am rethinking "I♥♡Angst" to "not so into Angst" because today's episode left me depressed for hours. Too, too painful. JD has JH to comfort her--GJP has no one. There needs to be someone there to comfort GJP--he needs at least a friend (not just the manager guy) who feels for him, especially now that the F3 are with Team JD .

My favorite scene: JH embracing (kind of) JD from behind (while both in masks). Very, very touching.

Least favorite: All the freaking montages, JP in corridors, JP with future fiancee.

Sigh--I don't want the drama to end but i also need to know that JP and JD are together, married, with children and grandchildren soon. My heart hurts today for my boy. I can only imagine the pain he has been through for six months, with no one to talk with, too.

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48 penny

February 17, 2009 at 9:19 PM

oh my heart breaks for Jandi.. i know it's just a drama but those words were cold and heart breaking i wanted to run up to her and give her a BIG hug and tell her everything is going to be ok...but i'm glad that the F3 stood up for Jandi like someone mention above not because she's their friend's girlfriend because she's their friend too..we need to see more of that..

hahaha about the president-doctor thing maybe no one liked him as president so no one remembers him?? from previous episodes i thought he didn't have a job i thought he just fish all day, but he's a doctor?? interesting, i want to see more of his storyline and see where he has been all this time, ignoring his grandson like that..if he was a doctor why didn't he help his grandson overcome his autism?

thanks again for another great recap =)

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49 deeta

February 17, 2009 at 9:21 PM

Jihoo's weird friend is easily the funniest bit of this episode. I don't know the purpose of his introduction is, nor do I really care because he's hilarious. He's SO into Jihoo and SO apparent about it that it's just funny instead of creepy.

The Ex president that becomes a pediatrician? Who also wanders around the city by himself without so much as a bodyguard or a driver? And not one of his patients recognize him even though he has his popular family picture behind him. No logic whatsoever.

Ha Jaekyung is so far very entertaining, she's got good chemistry with Junpyo.

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50 moomincandylalala

February 17, 2009 at 9:22 PM

I've been having some questions in mind- so who's side is Mr Jung really on?Madame Kang or JP or even Jan Di? surely he's keeping tabs on everything. What is the outcome he is rooting for?

Is the Doctor/CEO going to be JD's next fairygodfather? Surely he would want her to end up with her grandson given her effect on JH...

hmmm... really excited to see how these characters will play out.