I’m Not a Robot: Episodes 17-18
by TeriYaki
Some long held wishes come true, but they aren’t as meaningful as expected because they can’t be shared with that special someone. As Min-kyu contemplates all that the world has to offer, he can’t ignore that it doesn’t quite sparkle without Aji-3, but suddenly her presence causes him nothing but sorrow. As much as Jia wants to tell him the truth about her role as Aji-3’s stand-in, she’s forced to reconsider what’s really best for Min-kyu.
EPISODE 17: “You can send Aji-3 away now”
Outfitted in her wig and crazy glasses, Jia takes refuge in a bathroom stall to mentally prepare for the final round. Two employees walk in and discuss how Min-kyu approved the competition to help Ri-el and the conversation turns to their engagement.
The women debate who’s the better man, Min-kyu or Yoo-chul, and when one of them calls Min-kyu a psycho, Jia storms out of her stall to wash her hands and splashes water on the naysayer. When the women leave, Jia loyally announces, “Kim Min-kyu’s the best in every way.”
Jia runs into Jin-bae in the lobby but he doesn’t recognize her, although her suitcase looks familiar. He guesses that she’s a finalist and kindly directs her to the auditorium.
As the competition gets underway, Jia scans the booths onstage and we see in flashback that Min-kyu read the letter that she poured her heart into. Jia’s voice reads, “When you touch my heart ball, you’ll think of someone you want to share your feelings with.” Min-kyu stared at Jia’s heart-display of books as her letter closed with a wish, “I hope that your one and only will appear in your life.”
Min-kyu calls Jin-bae to inform him that he’s on his way to KM to attend the competition while Baek-gyun races there as well, worried that Min-kyu and Jia might meet.
Ri-el introduces Yoo-chul, who sees Min-kyu in the balcony when he reaches the podium. Chairman Hwang is also in the balcony, but he leaves once Min-kyu sends him a withering glare. Jin-bae joins Min-kyu and when he sees the heart balls onstage, he realizes that the woman in the crazy disguise was his sister.
At the coffee house, Ssan-ip and Hok-tal watch Sun-hye read Jia’s fortune, which predicts that luck won’t be on her side. That turns out to be true, since there’s zero interest in her heart balls.
When Jia hears the negative comments of the crowd, she drops onto a chair, dejected. From the balcony, Jin-bae wills his sister to fight, “You always yell so loudly whenever you fight with me. Why are you sitting down? You have strong legs.”
Baek-gyun enters the auditorium to look for Jia but is stopped by Jin-bae. Out in the lobby, Jin-bae assures Baek-gyun that Min-kyu didn’t recognize her because, “She disguised herself like a crazy woman.” Curious, Jin-bae asks Baek-gyun, “Are you dating my sister again?” He admits that he wants to and came to tell her how he feels.
Jin-bae breaks the news that Jia’s heart lamps aren’t doing well, while back at the coffee house, Sun-hye continues to read Jia’s fortune. She smiles and explains to Ssan-ip and Hok-tal, “…Jia has something stronger than luck…She has something she got from her father. An inheritance that no one can ever take away from her.”
Min-kyu is disappointed that the creator of the heart lamps lacks the passion that he sensed in her letter. Jia suddenly hears her father’s voice and lifts her head. She imagines him in front of her and with a smile, he offers the encouragement that she needs, “I’m sure our Jia will do something that’ll help other people…I believe in you.”
Jia stands up and promotes her heart balls with a renewed zeal. They appeal to some parents who want to stay connected to their children, no matter where they are, and Min-kyu leans forward as Jia’s heart balls gather interest.
Jin-bae and Baek-gyun can’t hide how happy they are to see her booth flooded with people. Baek-gyun admits that, in her own way, Jia is a greater genius than he is and he urges Jin-bae not to look down on her. Baek-gyun never saw that side of her four years ago, and expects that Jin-bae underestimates her as well since Jia often commented on how similar they are.
Yoo-chul visits a booth with Ri-el and notes that one of the dogs shares a name with her childhood pet. She can’t believe that he remembers, but he reminds her that she missed school when it died. We then see young Yoo-chul console young Ri-el as she prepared to bury an urn in the woods. Ri-el is moved, but she’s called away and leaves Yoo-chul alone to visit Jia’s booth.
Yoo-chul offers Jia encouragement just as Min-kyu approaches with a question about the heart ball, “What if that person becomes the one who caused me the most pain? I’ll think of that pain whenever I look at this.” He glances at Yoo-chul as he continues, ‘What do I do then? Should I just throw it away? Or, should I break it into pieces?”
Jia recalls when Min-kyu identified his archenemies and recognizes Yoo-chul. She surprises Min-kyu when she answers, “Hey, why would you stay friends with a jerk who gives you a hard time? You can always make new friends.” Jia credits her father with those words, spoken when she was hurt by someone, and adds, “He said we need to learn how to say goodbye to old friends and meet new ones and flow through life like a river.”
Yoo-chul walks away as Min-kyu laughs that he’d like to meet Jia’s father. When she volunteers that her father died when she was in high school and her mother when she was two, Min-kyu tells her, “You remind me a lot of someone I know.”
Watch here
You remind me of someone….
Min-kyu worries that the heart ball won’t have the desired effect on him, but Jia promises that it will definitely make him think of that special person. Buoyed by her confidence, he has Jia stand at a distance with one of the heart balls and touches the one next to him. When the ball lights up in her hands, Min-kyu sees Aji-3 in Jia’s place and walks away without a word.
Over coffee, Baek-gyun confesses to Jin-bae how dismissive he was of Jia when they dated and that he realized after they broke up that he didn’t really know her. Baek-gyun believes that’s why he modeled Aji-3 after her, because he wanted to understand Jia. Baek-gyun hopes for another chance with her and asks for Jin-bae’s help, but he leaves that up to Jia.
Jin-bae warns Baek-gyun that he must protect the team from any misunderstanding with Min-kyu. Chairman Hwang and Yoo-chul want to sell the Santa Maria team to Bold Group and Min-kyu is the only one standing in their way.
Min-kyu pulls into a gas station and opens his trunk where credit cards and cash are at the ready. When the attendant returns his card, he brushes against Min-kyu’s fingers but he’s too distracted to notice and drives away.
After the finalists bid farewell to each other, Jia tells herself, “It’s really over now. With him, too.” One of the dogs gets loose, which causes panic for another finalist with an allergy to dogs.
The man’s reaction reminds Jia of Min-kyu the day that she delivered his action figure. She recalls his confession that he was allergic to human contact and realizes that he suffered his life-threatening reaction after Ri-el touched his hand.
Jia then remembers their outing on the promenade and wonders how that was possible. She thinks of Dr. Oh’s explanation that a similar patient improved when he found someone that he could trust and suddenly Min-kyu’s words, “I can’t live without you,” and “You’re my most precious treasure,” take on new meaning.
Min-kyu pulls over when he realizes that he touched the attendant’s hand and checks himself for a rash, but he finds nothing, and his monitor shows that he’s normal, even though he’s alone.
Dr. Oh runs into the lobby of the hospital, stunned to see Min-kyu touch an elderly patient who bumped into him. Min-kyu hugs his speechless doctor and tells him, “Thank you for your hard work for the last fifteen years.”
Min-kyu sits outside as Dr. Oh tries to make sense of his sudden cure. He asks if something made him happy and Min-kyu thinks of Aji-3 with the heart ball and admits, “I did call out to someone with my heart.” Of course, Dr. Oh assumes that Min-kyu means Ri-el and gushes that thanks to Aji-3, he can marry his first love.
Dr. Oh tells Min-kyu that he can send Aji-3 away now, but he wants to keep her. Dr. Oh gently explains that Min-kyu became attached to Aji-3 because she was his first friend in fifteen years, but that he’ll experience more happiness from an attachment to a human. When Min-kyu protests that Aji-3 made him happy, Dr. Oh calls it an illusion.
Dr. Oh describes love that can be reciprocated and the beauty of growing old with the person you love. Now that Min-kyu has improved so much, Dr. Oh wants him to experience the touch of someone that he loves. Dr. Oh points out that since Aji-3 opened a door for him, it’s time for Min-kyu to re-enter the world and meet the people in it.
Jia arrives at the hospital just as Min-kyu exits an elevator and walks right past her. While Jia waits to see a doctor, she gets a call from Baek-gyun, who asks to meet because he has something to tell her.
Min-kyu sits in his car and thinks about Dr. Oh’s invitation to rejoin the world, but he doesn’t look at all happy. He calls Baek-gyun and implores, “Help me.”
Jia meets with Dr. Oh to ask for more information on human contact allergy and reminds him that he mentioned the condition could improve if the patient formed a trusting relationship. He shows her an interview with the patient from the U.S. and explains that when his nurse became his girlfriend, his condition improved.
As Jia watches the interview, she remembers when Min-kyu almost died and whispers, “He must have been really scared for a long time.” She recalls his explanation that he spent fifteen years on the house of cards and understands, “He must have been so lonely.” She thinks back to when Min-kyu rested his head on her shoulder and her eyes fill with tears as she realizes, “He must have missed people so much.”
Jia wonders if the cure has to be human, could it be a human-looking doll or — a robot? Dr. Oh surprises Jia when he asks if she knows Baek-gyun.
Baek-gyun joins Min-kyu in a hotel bar and they laugh when they’re able to shake hands. Their mood is celebratory as both men both drink to Min-kyu’s recovery.
The team is happy to see Jia when she returns to the barn, until Dr. Oh walks in and sees Aji-3. Alarmed, Pi demands to know his identity, but Dr. Oh ignores her as he looks back and forth between Aji-3 and Jia.
Pi turns to Jia, who wants to know, “Did you know about it, too? Did you all know?” Angry, Dr. Oh bellows, “I told you to send a robot, not a human being…You could have killed someone!”
Baek-gyun doesn’t hear the call from Pi as he urges Min-kyu to tell him what’s on his mind. Min-kyu recalls how he was instructed to share his feelings while he trained Aji-3 and Baek-gyun completes his sentence, “So you fully recovered,” but Min-kyu corrects him, “I fell in love.” A tormented Min-kyu makes it clear to Baek-gyun, “I love Aji-3.”
EPISODE 18: “Seeing you is too hard for me”
Min-kyu explains to a surprised Baek-gyun, “I love Aji 3. I don’t want to acknowledge it, but I have no choice.” Min-kyu asks Baek-gyun if he anticipated that result and is assured that it never occurred to him.
Min-kyu confesses, “I don’t know when it started, but I only waited for the time Aji-3 would come. In the evenings, I’d keep praying for the morning to come quickly. I was really happy that I had someone who listened to me. And knowing that I had someone who watched over me and remembered me made my heart pound.”
Baek-gyun finds it understandable that Min-kyu would become obsessed with the first friend he made in fifteen years, the one responsible for his cure. Min-kyu confides that Aji-3 makes him feel alive and Baek-gyun reminds him that they’re talking about a robot. Min-kyu knows that, but shares, “I feel like Aji-3 loves me, too.”
Baek-gyun reminds Min-kyu that’s not possible because Aji-3’s responses are programmed, the result of his input. Min-kyu admits that’s why he’s going crazy, “My head tells me that everything I feel right now is fake, an illusion. But my heart says all of this is true, that it’s happening.” Min-kyu can’t hold back his tears as he begs Baek-gyun for a solution.
Baek-gyun carries a drunk Min-kyu to his bedroom and asks Butler Sung to look after him. When he returns to the barn, an angry Jia confronts him, “Did you send me in there knowing he’s allergic to humans?” Pi tells him that Dr. Oh paid them a visit and Baek-gyun tries to explain, but Jia argues that his need for an investor explains everything.
The team comes to Baek-gyun’s defense, but he takes full responsibility for what’s happened. Jia yells that Baek-gyun didn’t have the right to make that decision for her.
Even though she’s grateful that Min-kyu is cured, Jia is terrified at the realization that he could have died if he had discovered the truth. Her voice rises as she points out, “I can’t even tell him to trust me! Do you know what that means to me? Why did you do that to me?”
Pi explains to Jia that Baek-gyun turned down another investment offer so that he could help Min-kyu. Pi adds that they really expected to repair Aji-3 quickly and a tearful Jia replies they should have told her that from the beginning.
The bumblers watch for Aji-3 and when Jia stops her scooter just outside of Min-kyu’s gate, the men find her familiar. In unison, they identify her as Aji-3, just in a different wig, and follow her. The bumblers are confused when they see Jia take her suitcase inside Jin-bae’s house and Curly wonders, “Did the robot run away from home?”
Jia’s sister-in-law and niece greet her with smiles, but when they see her face, they hug her just as she begins to sob.
Curly snaps photos when Jin-bae gets home and sees Jia’s scooter. The men check their notebook and when they match Jin-bae to his personnel file, their wheels start to turn. Slowly, very slowly.
When Jin-bae walks in, his wife quietly announces, “Jia’s home.” Jin-bae visits Jia’s room and urges her to get lots of rest. Before he leaves, she admits, “I should have listened to you back then. I should have improved my resume and tried to get a job. If I’d done that, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”
Jin-bae admits that at her age, it’s not such a terrible mess, and adds that not many people are willing to take risks to follow their dream, he certainly didn’t. Jia cries that she only managed to twist up her life, but Jin-bae encourages her to cheer up.
A much calmer Dr. Oh meets with Baek-gyun, unsure who to thank for Min-kyu’s cure, Jia or Aji-3. Baek-gyun reasons that since Min-kyu believes that Jia is a robot, Aji-3 is the true object of his affection and deserves the credit. Dr. Oh suggests a way to help Min-kyu get over his conflicted feelings, but he’s not sure that Baek-gyun has the courage to tell him the truth.
Baek-gyun goes to Aji-3 and asks her to define her relationship with Min-kyu. She explains that they can tell each other anything and that she can be his closest friend, but not the woman that he loves. When Baek-gyun remembers that Min-kyu confessed, “I think Aji-3 loves me, too,” he studies the videos of Jia’s interactions with Min-kyu and realizes why he believes that.
Jia answers Baek-gyun’s call and he apologizes that he looked for her but she reminds him that she was the one tempted by money. He’s sorry that he didn’t tell her the truth and we see in flashback that Baek-gyun explained that using an identical looking human was part of the test. Jia admits that she suspected something wasn’t right, but let it slide.
Baek-gyun explains that when he had the chance to leave, part of the reason that he stayed was because he was excited that his robot could heal someone, but overlooked the possibility that Min-kyu could get hurt in some other way. Jia argues, “That’s why, I think we should be honest before it’s too late,” and they agree to tell Min-kyu the truth the next day.
Min-kyu wakes up in his bed and summons Aji-3, who walks unnoticed to the mansion. She finds Min-kyu in his room where he sadly admits, “Aji-3. Seeing you is too hard for me…Each time I see you, I realize what it is that I can’t do.”
Min-kyu confides that now that he can do anything, there’s so much that he wants to do with her, but he can’t watch her grow old or cook for her. While she stays the same, Min-kyu has changed, and his feelings are more that he can deal with.
Aji-3 reminds Min-kyu, “You said we should be together forever,” but he can only apologize. Aji-3 notes, “You look very pained and sad,” and Min-kyu raises his tear-streaked face in agreement, “Your master is a mess.” She reminds him of what he taught her long ago, “You’re my master, no matter what you look like,” and Min-kyu starts to sob.
The bumblers snap more photos when Baek-gyun picks up Jia in the morning. They get a call from Director Yoon and before they can update him, he fires them when he learns that they don’t have Aji-3 and hangs up.
Dr. Oh gets a call from the doctor of the U.S. patient with the tragic news that he suffered a fatal allergic shock when his girlfriend ran off with all of his assets. Dr. Oh wastes no time and calls Jia to tell her what happened and to warn her not to tell Min-kyu the truth.
Baek-gyun pulls over as Dr. Oh tells Jia, “We have no idea what can happen. So you have to keep quiet. You must not run into Kim Min-kyu ever again!”
Baek-gyun goes alone to meet with Min-kyu at his house and suggests, “I’ll tell you what you have to do today.” When he proposes to reset Aji-3, Min-kyu looks out the window and tries not to cry.
At the barn, Pi helps a heartbroken Jia to dress as Aji-3 one last time. The next time we see her, she stands in front of Min-kyu in his house as snow falls outside.
Min-kyu asks Aji-3 to listen, because he’s about to compliment her, “For the last month you were my friend, my treasure, my treatment and you were my door to the outside world. Every minute with you was a miracle for me. Thank you. And I’m sorry.” Jia tells Min-kyu, “I’m not the one who cured you. Deep down in your heart, you had a longing for someone special. That’s what cured you.”
Then it’s Jia’s turn to give Min-kyu a compliment, “You made me realize that I’m someone valuable. You were my friend, you treated me like treasure, and you made me feel special. I’ll never forget everything you did for me. And I’ll never forget how much you treasured me. Thank you. And I’m sorry”
In spite of his tears, Min-kyu manages to calmly order Aji-3 into Operation Mode. When he announces that he’s about to reset her, she reminds him that all of their memories will be permanently deleted. Min-kyu agrees to proceed and she explains how to carry out the reset.
Min-kyu announces that he has one more thing to input and places his mother’s necklace around Jia’s neck, then hugs her and confesses, “I love you.” Unseen, Jia’s eyes fill with tears as she confesses, “Every single moment I spent with you made me happy,” while Min-kyu hugs her tightly and sobs.
Watch here
Every moment made me happy
COMMENTS
How can episodes filled with so much personal triumph, that should be cause for celebration, be so heart crushingly sad? There’s so much to cheer for as Jia makes it to the final round of the KM competition with her heart lamps, Baek-gyun and Jin-bae recognize how special she is and Min-kyu is cured to the point that he can go anywhere that he wants and touch people without fear of dying. Every single accomplishment is a victory of epic proportions, but there’s an underlying sorrow that anchors the entire hour. It’s a delicate balance, but the writing and directing, not to mention the performances, blend the happy with the sad in such a memorable way.
Min-kyu’s head and heart have been at odds with each other for some time now, but he has his moment of truth once his cure is complete. Min-kyu no longer needs Aji-3 to be within sight to prevent an allergic reaction, but that development only reveals how deep his feelings for her have become. Everything that Min-kyu longed for during his confinement is finally within his reach but he can’t share any of it with a robot, even though he wants to. His confession to the real Aji-3, that he’s changed while she hasn’t, pretty much sums up his dilemma, he can’t expect anything more than her programmed responses and it’s not enough anymore.
While Min-kyu confronts his feelings for Aji-3, Jia walks her own path of realization. Witnessing that finalist panic at the sight of a loose dog starts a chain of events that helps Jia to fully appreciate Min-kyu’s condition and how he’s lived, and suffered, for the past fifteen years. That awareness highlights how dangerous Aji-3’s test phase was for Min-kyu and Jia is genuinely fearful for his life. By the time that she learns that the patient in the U.S. suffered a fatal allergic reaction when he was betrayed, Jia is prepared to let Min-kyu go, even though it’s the last thing that she wants to do.
The entire hour sets up that final farewell between Min-ku and Jia (as Aji-3). For me, the final scene represents both an ending and a beginning as they open their hearts to each other before they say goodbye. Prepared to proceed with Aji-3’s reset, Min-kyu has the freedom to share his true feelings, knowing that there will be no record of his words. But he gives his Aji-3, who has always been Jia, his mother’s necklace as proof that she is the only one that he will ever love, even if she is a robot.
As Min-kyu and Jia face each other for one last time with so much emotion, while snow falls outside, their meeting feels like a wedding. Their words of gratitude, encouragement and apology are balanced with each other’s as they share their heartfelt emotions. The gift of the necklace, more meaningful to Min-kyu than a ring, seals what amounts to their vows. But rather than commemorate two lives joined together, Jia lets Min-kyu go to safeguard his life and Min-kyu lets Aji-3 go when he “deletes” all of their shared memories. It was a heart-wrenching farewell filled with many tears, but that reset offers a glimmer of hope, that Min-kyu will meet Jia when he re-enters the world and that he’ll reconnect with the one heart that he longs for. Rather than focus on Min-kyu’s breakup with Aji-3, I’m going to anticipate his love story with Jia, because some things are just meant to be. The next time that I shed tears for this couple, I want them to be tears of joy.
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1 lulu1
January 6, 2018 at 8:10 AM
Tilda ruined everything!!!!!! Ughhhhh that cow! I hope she suffers from pins and needles for the rest of her life! RIP Johnny 😢
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Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
January 6, 2018 at 9:30 AM
Well, if the doctors know she stole his assets, the police probably know too. We can hope.
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leahbeah90
January 6, 2018 at 12:29 PM
Comment was deleted
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isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
January 6, 2018 at 4:58 PM
I'm right here with you, Tilda is going to catch these hands...! 😡😠
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zyx
January 6, 2018 at 6:39 PM
Tilda wins the worst villain of all time. Considering her 2-minute cameo, she’s done quite a huge damage. Truck of doom has a competition. 🤣
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2 liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
January 6, 2018 at 8:11 AM
Screw you, Tilda.
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mary
January 6, 2018 at 8:42 AM
LMAO I don't know who Tilda is but everyone's been fun-hating on her from fanwalls to What We're Watching comments. (I'm squinting through recaps because I haven't watched this yet.)
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liar song #PuppyNotPuppyLeeJaeWookIsBack
January 6, 2018 at 9:14 AM
You'll probably laugh once you get to these episodes and realize how Tilda's almost-2-minute cameo can ruin everything, cause angst, and separate our leads from each other. 😂
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Saner
January 6, 2018 at 9:42 AM
I feel like the producers also used her tepid acting skills for further affect:
"I thought she wasn't committed to the role, but really it was Johnny she wasn't committed to!" *hisses through teeth*
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Jessi Bear
January 6, 2018 at 8:38 PM
Here's a tragic twist! Johnny found out about her plans and staged his own death so that she'll get caught. He was in the middle of everything when Dr. Oh went to meet him. That's why that scene was so cringey. They were literally Mr. and Mrs. Smith-ing each other! Ahahahaha
alert
January 6, 2018 at 1:23 PM
Don’t worry @mary, Tilda’s not worth being mentioned in the recap too. 😂
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isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
January 6, 2018 at 5:00 PM
She may noy he recap worthy byt shes more than worthy of a fist to the face.
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zyx
January 6, 2018 at 6:42 PM
I really wish Sharon could bring her double frying pans to IANAR and slap Tilda to hell with it.
3 yukie
January 6, 2018 at 8:20 AM
Cant stop crying .....
Their separation is so painful...
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4 jenvn
January 6, 2018 at 8:22 AM
LOL those hate on Tilda, but I read somewhere this is a smart way to end MK & JA-pretending-to-be-AJ3 and marks the beginning of MK&real JA. I'm so excited for the next eps. I just hope the angst won't drag though it hurts sooo good.
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5 Astrid
January 6, 2018 at 8:26 AM
This is why scamming and theft are evil. They ruin revelations!!! 😣
Still can't stop replaying or re-reading Ep. 18's closing scene. You want to let someone know what "holding on for dear life" means? Show this clip of Yoo Seung Ho and say, "you're welcome." 😉❤❤❤
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6 KdramaAhjumma
January 6, 2018 at 8:29 AM
Feelingssss!!!! Too much feelingssss!!!!!! This episode took my heart and crushed it to pieces. And yet, despite my heartache and copious amount of tears that I shed while watching, I had to agree with the direction the writer has taken. It made sense that "A-Ji 3" had to be reset - It reminds me of the dreaded amnesia trope with a twist, but somehow felt organic to the show instead of it being contrived. However that didn't lessen the crushing pain I felt at the end of the episode.
And kudos to the writer for making the person who came to her rescue at the presentation her father, and not Min Kyu because it would not be that difficult to make him the hero (even though that may not be in line with his character but hey when did that ever stop a writer from doing it). Her father was the first person/man who believed in her so it was appropriate that he gave her strength when she needed it the most.
And my girl crush on Ji-Ah is growing. She is strong-willed but vulnerable, she is kind yet firm. When I saw how broken she was when she realized that she had duped Min Kyu's even though unknowingly, I knew she was a heroine worth rooting for and cried over. Did I mention how much tears I shed? Oh, I did? Even reading TeriYaki's recap and comments (which was great btw) made me teary-eyed 😢😢😢
It would be remiss of me if I did not mention how much Min Kyu's tortured realization affected me too. He was so courageous (and too far gone) in admitting his love for a "Robot" that he didn't care how ridiculous it sounded to the other parties. And exposing his weakness/vulnerability like that? It showed how much he has grown in the last few episodes.
So kudos to the writer and the actors for making me feel things I didn't think I would feel for this supposedly fluffy show....writer-nim, you better give me happy puppies 🐶 and double rainbows 🌈 soon, you hear me?
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7 tummy
January 6, 2018 at 8:36 AM
A lot of movement in these two episodes. It was sensitively and mostly logically played out - characters taking into account and being responsible for their poor decisions and trying to make amends.
The funny thing is that I thought Jia knew about the allergy so this big revelation moment seemed a bit odd. Didn't all the pieces fit earlier? At least the way the writer did it, Jia was not aware that her deception put MK in danger - something I commented on last week as being a bit despicable on her part (under the assumption she knew about it).
I am really glad they didn't go the route of "accidental discovery of fauxbot" - the way they did it allows for much more personal growth and dramatic tenstion in the re-development of the connection.
INAR while starting from a bit of a fantastical setup, is showing surprising depth and human characterization. I have slight regrets that it probably won't be exploring the possibilities of human-AI relationship. But so far, this is turning out to be an excellent drama.
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 8:45 AM
I think that while she's had all the pieces of the puzzle for some time they only came together now. Ji-ah has been wondering for a while about what the consequences of her telling him the truth would be (since she started having feelings for him, just after the MK-as-needle-pin save). He told her that he was allergic to humans but that did not quite compute, precisely because she is one. I actually think it's quite responsible of her that the first moment it occurred to her that it could be a problem she went to the doctor with her questions. She always puts his wellbeing first and that's why she is so great a character.
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tummy
January 6, 2018 at 8:49 AM
Yes, I think so, now. It just seemed a bit late...ha ha
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 8:57 AM
To be honest, since the fact that the deception was a huge health risk for MK occurred to me from the get go, I felt exactly as you did at some point. I first thought that she'd figured it out when MK told her about the allergy. But then with the kiss and all it was quite obvious that those implications had not occurred to her - she was so wrapped up in their budding relationship that her only thought was that the truth would break the last boundaries between them for a complete connection. I like it better her not knowing than her knowingly putting him in danger.
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Saner
January 6, 2018 at 9:45 AM
Also, all of us who knew about the allergy were really surprised when it didn't act up when he touched her neck to press the button. So no wonder she didn't believe his 'allergy' to humans.
I'm allergic to humans!
Yeah, and yet you still breathe in my presence, so...?
8 CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 8:36 AM
I will say this again because I can't help it: this was one of the most perfect hours of television I've ever witnessed. I am in awe. The recap covers it beautifully. There's so much growth all round: Jia doing well and finally being recognized by the people in her life for the awesome creative person she is; the fact that MK was cheering her on throughout even without knowing that person is the love of his life (and even more so how he appreciates each facet of her even if not knowing its one person behind all); MK's cure and hugging dr. Oh. So many happy feels. Also I feel the way they said goodbye was beautiful because it builds solid foundations for a later happy ever after. Now we only have to survive the crushing pain that comes in the mean time.
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 9:02 AM
also forgot to say that the MK-BG bromance is shaping up rather nicely - the scene at the bar with the two of them was cute.
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 10:16 AM
I thought they were cute too! Specially since I think out of all Santa Maria team, Min-kyu is oddly closest to Baek-gyun and really treats him like a Hyung.
I love bromances in general. Though in this drama, I just want to see the leads together lol. It's that kind of show.
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 10:29 AM
Fair. The universe is wrong when Jia and MK are not together. But thinking about the unfairness of MK's 15y of solitude I just want him to be loved by everybody - as much as they are able.
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 1:17 PM
Oh definitely! I’m just a little less happier when they’re not on my screen together lol.
I like Min-kyu’s relationship with everyone honestly. With Ri-el as friends and someone who always tells him the truth. With Yoo-chul as someone he wants to forgive in his heart if only the guy would do right. With Jia’s oppa who he totally respects and admires but who he can’t exactly tell that to directly. And even with his butler who’s been with him through it all and the only person he trusted in the past 15 years. I love all of them, but truth me told, I feel a bit antsy when I don’t see Jia and Min-kyu together for a scene longer than 3 Min. I actually check the time gone by 😂
ohmydramagods 🙏🏻
January 6, 2018 at 10:21 AM
"...the way they said goodbye was beautiful because it builds solid foundations for a later happy ever after" - I agree. You couldn't have said it better 👏🏻👏🏻
I expect that there will be another period of angst when Min-gyu learns that everyone was lying to him but I could just imagine the happiness he would radiate once he gets over the lie and realizes that his love of his life is real person he could grow old with! ❤️❤️
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 10:46 AM
He is so miserable letting her go (spoiler) that frankly I think he would be mostly relieved to hear the truth. Repeating a previous comment of mine: MK is a lot stronger than everyone gives him credit for. He does not need all that bubble wrap that people insist to put around him. He can handle the truth. Though by now I want him to figure it out on his own (blame the velveteen rabbit).
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ohmydramagods 🙏🏻
January 6, 2018 at 11:59 AM
If the writer choose not to dwell on the lie, then good for me and my puffy eyes! And same as you, I also want him to somehow connect the dots on his own (I know puppy has been major dumb beyond logic, but I just want him to redeem himself lol). I prefer not to have an I-overheard-the-truth-from-the-opposite-side-of-the-wall scenario or Sta. Maria team accidentally spilling the beans.
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CHARLIE
January 7, 2018 at 4:31 AM
Also I really love their last date. They give this vibe of 'this is it. this person. where i need to be until the end of time. and we both know it. no words necessary'. <3
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CHARLIE
January 9, 2018 at 4:50 AM
actually MK said it better: it's 'as long as this person is next to me I can live'. Now matter what else is going on if she is here it's alright (and right back at him). The growing old together part is really easy to imagine in their case.
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9 goldenaddiction
January 6, 2018 at 8:43 AM
Wow! The analogy that the last scene is like a wedding is so perfect @teriyaki ! Thank you for this wonderful recap :D
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10 liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 8:47 AM
I think the biggest stab in the heart comes from the fact that this breakup was consensual. If they're both noble idiots, they're not idiots, they're tragic.
Despite by how terrible this episode was for everyone, it was also heartwarming. Baek-gyun really tried to make up for all of his mistakes and... I'm not so sure that he failed. I think he's not there yet with the redemption arc, but he was a source of comfort and kindness this episode despite how much pain he'd caused. He's a pretty great character. Watching him watch his ex slowly falling for another was heartbreaking.
I'm surprised that Jia is only now realizing her role in KMK's therapy, I thought Min-kyu made it clear ages ago (bubbles scene). I thought the source of her conflict was already fully realized. I'm devastated by her crying scenes. And his crying scenes. Saddest love confession ever. Oh, man. I'm out of tissues.
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liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 8:57 AM
anyway RIP Johnny you and your sweet face deserved better than Tilda the Human White Truck of Doom
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 10:13 AM
"Tilda the Human White Truck of Doom"
I'm dying 😂 😂 the Tilda hate is new to me honestly but it's been cracking me up all day.
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LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 1:42 PM
I drifted over to a comments board after the episode aired and it was filled with Tilda hate and I thought it was weirdly random. Like, Tilda's the worst but was that really the most the most important conflict in this episode? I would have thought the ongoing scientific fraud was more important but that's just me.
Still, Jia associating her own actions with Tilda's is utterly tragic. We know their cons are different but the fact that Min Kyu might see them as being the same is a really awful realisation for Jia. I really felt for her in this episode.
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liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 1:51 PM
as a toxic person I love basking in negativity and hatred, especially when it's hilarious, so this is right up my alley, BUT tbh Tilda kind of saved Min-kyu's life in a way - we don't know what would have happened if Jia had revealed the truth to him at this point in the story. but it was Johnny who died for Santa Maria's sins, so he's still a hero and Tilda is still a jerk.
growingbeautifully
January 6, 2018 at 4:29 PM
@LeeT
Yes, it did not occur to me that Ji A might liken her con to what Tilda did. Totally different motivation but a con nevertheless. Then heartbreak for Ji A is twice as bad as for Min Kyu. 😐
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 4:39 PM
@growingbeautifully
Jia's heartbreak is way worse than Min Kyu's. For a start, she knows the truth about their relationship and that their love is mutual. He believes he's giving up a fantasy, she knows she's giving up something real. He gets to reclaim his life and his company, she gets to go back to a life that's completely the same; full of minimum-wage jobs and living in her brother's house.
On top of that, she has to deal with the possibility that her lies nearly killed the man she loved and that's he's genuinely better off (for now) without her.
growingbeautifully
January 6, 2018 at 4:47 PM
@LeeT
Thanks. I hadn't thought of all the ramifications from Ji A's perspective. Absolutely a situation to cry buckets over. It was the hardest, right thing that she did.
liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 4:50 PM
@LeeT thanks now I'm even sadder and I didn't even think it was possible.
I was just thinking how Min-kyu can't help but like every version of Jia: Aji3, President Jo, crazy ladybug inventor... and now probably the sad train(wreck) girl who looks like his rabbit. I mean his robot.
It must be infuriating to know that a guy you love just... enjoys you, no matter how weird you are. That you have THAT level of chemistry but you can't do anything about it. It's like Midas' touch.
LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 4:58 PM
Thanks @vivanesca
I'm glad I could add to your emotional torment.
liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 5:02 PM
@LeeT you're secretly Tilda, aren't you? Tormenting others for fun. Rude! *dehydrated sobbing*
Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 6:29 PM
@liquidsoap - if I could upvote you a few more times, I would. Love that comment lol. Specially the train(wreck) girl because that’s beyond apt 😂
“It must be infuriating to know that a guy you love just... enjoys you, no matter how weird you are.”
Lol ‘enjoys you’ - I burst out laughing at that. So very true though. Their chemistry is just that powerful that she can come in any shape or form and he’d still like her, and given time, fall in love with her every single time. To have someone like that in your life and push him away... that must suck on so many levels.
liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 6:50 PM
@mandy Thank you!
It's the most fitting word I know.
Prez Jo - he can't get enough of her. He doesn't precisely like her, it's like she knows how to tease him enough to keep him wanting more. pigtail-pulling elementary school crush.
Ladybug - intrigues him. Managed to touch his heart with her words alone. Fountain of wisdom. Mom friend.
Aji3 - his treasure. She put him out of his comfort zone and combined the kind side with the snarky side. First love?
I'm more than ready to see what actual Jia will bring to their relationship. Ugh!
Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 7:27 PM
@vivanesca
I think he'll eventually recongnize all those traits in the real Jia and that's what makes their love story so grounded and real.
Jia is sweet and savage like Aji-3, inspiring and heartwarming like crazy-hair-inventor, strong-willed and confident like President Jo. And more than anything, Min-kyu's heart somehow recognizes her in any which form she appears. If that's not true love, then true love doesn't exist.
Lol trust me. I'm embarrassed with the lines I'm writing too 😂
liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 8:16 PM
@mandy lol I don't believe you're so easily embarrassed, you're a kdrama fan :D
If the show doesn't milk my pain so more by serving us dazed and confused, touch-starved Min-kyu and desperately distant, slightly insane Jia for much longer than a train ride I'm going to destroy both Koreas with my own bare hands.
Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 8:49 PM
@vivanesca
That's at least 2 episode worth of angst. And there's a meteor shower to shower us more angst. All the longing and desperation, it better be worth all the sleepless nights I'm having and will keep having this week while thinking of what will happen next.
And while I'm a k-drama superfan, I don't usually comment on recaps. Unless I'm really into a drama which i clearly am. So the embarrassment of some of the lines I'm writing is very real right now 😂
DoubleFault
January 6, 2018 at 9:35 PM
@vivanesca @mandy
It makes their goodbye all the more sadder, most especially for Jia. You finally find this guy who thinks everything that you do is cute and adorable, respects and appreciates your life's work, loves every version of you, and puts up with the inconveniences that you bring into his life, and you can't help but let him go ... argh! Show, next week's episode should only be full of puppies, rainbows, unicorns and everything nice after what you had us go through!
rue
January 9, 2018 at 10:34 AM
😂😂😂😂
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11 growingbeautifully
January 6, 2018 at 8:53 AM
Thanks @TeriYaki
I never expected a rom-com to elicit so many tears. That was one of the sweetest, most evocative kdrama goodbyes I've ever seen. Props to the writer, and to Yoo Seung Ho and Chae Soo Bin for causing dehydration across the kdrama watching world!
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Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
January 6, 2018 at 9:20 AM
"dehydration" :)
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Saner
January 6, 2018 at 9:46 AM
An an severe lack of tissues within a 2km radius of anyone watching *sniffs*
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12 ZZZZ
January 6, 2018 at 9:07 AM
Reading this recap made me remember the scenes and feel the emotions it gave me when I watched it first via livestream and when I watched it with subs. The comment is on point!
While the whole episode I really think it calls for a celebration coz finally Jiah made it to the finals, MK is fine now, Aji3 is working properly and Prof and Jinbae finally saw what Jiah is and understands her, then boom a sudden turn of events just happened!
Before I comment on that part again, I just have to point out Baek-gyun and his stupid remarks here that made me raise my eyebrows. He really thinks that his creation, Aji3 does the magic to MK. Like duh who's with MK again the whole time? and dear you just commit a fraud remember. At the very end I feel like he's still not apologetic for it if Jiah did not discovered the whole thing he wont. I feel betrayed for MK on that part when they are drink tbh. That guy is lying to your face.
Okay so my fav part on this was the ending!!!
I remember MK saying before that he will give the necklace to the woman he'd want to spend his life with, and he gave it to Aji3 😭😭 and while he's letting her go. AWWWW
These lines really made me tear up even while reading. Its so deym heartfelt.
Minkyu: “For the last month you were my friend, my treasure, my treatment and you were my door to the outside world. Every minute with you was a miracle for me. Thank you. And I’m sorry.”
Jiah: “You made me realize that I’m someone valuable. You were my friend, you treated me like treasure, and you made me feel special. I’ll never forget everything you did for me. And I’ll never forget how much you treasured me. Thank you. And I’m sorry”
Yoo Seungho and special mention Chae Soobin (she really did compete to YSH dramatic acting Im proud!) are soo good in here! 👏👏 I really felt that emotion they are giving as actors and its not that easy. Jiah holding her tears while talking to Minkyu and finally tearing up in the end was sooo emotional. 😭😭
I know they are going for a velveteen rabbit story reference when they show it up on the past ep, and I'm not gonna complain (its one of my childhood stories I grew up with btw). Jiah and Minkyu meeting each other, I'm so ready!
Sorry for this long comment. I cant help but be very invested in this drama. :)
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DoubleFault
January 6, 2018 at 9:20 AM
Re. Baekgyun, each week I just go back and forth from actually starting to like him to then wanting to stab him in the neck. Let us hope that he will no longer get in the way of the romance in the upcoming episodes.
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LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 1:48 PM
He's finally learned that to love doesn't necessarily mean you have to possess, which is awesome character development. He won't be a sticking point to the romance. If anything, I think he'll help because he loves both his ex and his dongsaeng and will want them both to be happy and healthy.
He and Jia's brother have had such awesome development as characters and it's in a very subtle way as well.
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javinne
January 6, 2018 at 12:44 PM
I don't totally like or dislike Baek-gyun, but there is something I have to at least try to understand in his behalf. Not true that his creation, Aji3, did the magic to MK... But it is true it was his idea... I mean, he didn't have the idea to use a robot tho cure him, for he also didn't know at the beginning about his type of allergy, but once he knew, and keep in sending Jia, he participated somehow in this recovery, and true again, Jia being human cured MK, but with him believing she is a robot, and the robot is Baek-gyun's creation. I could understand why he would give himself such credit. And as much as I dislike his jealousy acting many times, I also saw him wanting to help Min kyu. He is also conflicted because he likes MK... so, poor guy, seeing with his own eyes how the girl he still loves is falling for a guy he likes, and he being the one that originated this connection...!??? 😐... I mean, it is also not easy for him.
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LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 1:45 PM
Baek-gyun has had such amazing character growth and I love how much he loves both Jia and his dongsaeng. But that doesn't mean he's going to stop being the kind of self-absorbed narcissist who builds an android that looks like their ex and has her greet him with "I Love You, Master".
That sort of thing isn't flipped like a switch even when he realises that maybe he wasn't always the smartest person in the room.
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13 DoubleFault
January 6, 2018 at 9:15 AM
Touching the heart lamp made Minkyu realize how deeply he has fallen in love with (fauxbot) Aji3. It was when he finally threw logic and all rationality out of the window and gave in to his feelings. That scene with MK touching the heart lamp and then looking at Jia in disguise, to imagine a smiling Aji3 looking back at him, was just so beautiful.
While YSH and CSB cried out their hearts in this episode and broke our hearts along with theirs, the moments that really stood out for me the most, aside from what I mentioned above, are the following:
a) Minkyu looking out the window after BG told him that the best thing moving forward was to reset Aji3. I felt MK's heart shattering into pieces without him saying anything. (YSH is seriously fantastic.)
b) Jia, as Aji3, complimenting Minkyu for making her feel that she's someone valuable and special. You know that she was delivering it as Jia, not as Aji3, especially after experiencing constant belittlement from her brother and ex-boyfriend in the past. That really got me straight in the heart. I don't really cry much when watching dramas but my tear ducts just gave up on me while watching this. And I continue to ugly cry every time I re-watch that scene. (I even cried at your recap, @teriyaki. ) I know I've said this before but CSB continues to be a gem in this drama. She can't do anything wrong.
c) MK just sobbing during the reset scene after giving Jia as Aji3 his mom's necklace and telling her that he loves her, with Jia then telling him that she enjoyed every minute that she spent with him. The sadness, the intense longing, and the seeming impossibility of a happy-ever-after given the conditions that they found themselves in, are so palpable. YSH and CSB just breathe life into their characters so well. They have officially entered my personal hall of fame of OTPs. Their chemistry just sells me everything.
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tsutsuloo
January 6, 2018 at 4:10 PM
Those were choice scenes. Right before I cry, my nose gets all tingly. Reading @teriyaki's recap brought the tingles back in full force.
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14 Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
January 6, 2018 at 9:21 AM
Seems easier to see a doctor without an appointment in Kdrama-land than it is here. And probably cheaper.
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moochie
January 6, 2018 at 10:17 AM
Believable if he was a generalist and it's a walk in clinic. But since this is dramaland, I'll just conveniently forget about that.
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mary
January 6, 2018 at 10:53 AM
I'm always surprised when someone says this. I was a sickly kid but most of my consultations are actually walk-ins... it's not uncommon to be informed on the day itself that he's not coming after all. And even if you have an appointment, having it pushed back 2-4 hours is a bit normal.
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alert
January 6, 2018 at 1:47 PM
From where I came from, we are so used to see doctors from having stomachache to headache. Consultants have their own clinics at the hospitals and like Ji A, while we do have to wait (for a very long time) if we walk-in, but usually at the end, we got to see them on the same day.
But I realised that it's not equal everywhere. Once my dad went to a different country and had some knee problem, he requested to see a doctor because he's not well, he has to book appointment beforehand and the consultation fees caused him like triple than what he used to get.
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15 Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
January 6, 2018 at 9:23 AM
"But too bad you didn't actually cure me and it took a robot to do your job."
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 10:03 AM
Actually I have been really angry with dr. Oh for a very long time - precisely because it was clear that MK's disease was psychosomatic and what he really needed was not more antihistamines or whatever he the fistfull of pills he was taking was, but a good psychiatrist. The thought of allowing a kid to go through years and years of isolation gets my blood up each time. But that is too much real life interfering with a fantasy story.
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tummy
January 6, 2018 at 10:45 AM
Unfortunately, that is a bit true of allergies, though. Most doctors prescribe the anti-histamines to mitigate symptoms and the epi-pen in case of severe anaphylactic reactions. Then they tell you to avoid the allergens...
There is not a complete understanding of what causes specific allergies yet (although this particular one is pretty much made up) although it is understood to be an overactive immune system response. Much like many auto-immune diseases, they are seldom "curable" and treatment usually revolves around management. (I suffer from RA)
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 11:11 AM
I absolutely agree - the treatment for most allergies is staying away from the allergen. BUT MK's is not a regular allergy. Thinking of the orphaned kid he used to be, dr'Oh's treating it as one still feels almost like cruelty - or at least a failure to meet his responsibilities as a doctor.
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 11:12 AM
Also, sorry to hear about the RA. Virtual hug.
javinne
January 6, 2018 at 12:14 PM
Well, I don't know in Korea, (let alone in Dramaland where doctors are only good if the whole drama is a medical one and hello only few doctors there are really GOOD), but in Germany doctors stay with you less than 10 minutes, listen less than one and would just give you whatever medicine or only believe in what lab test says, and that's it. Whether you remain sick for 15 years or more, that is not their problem.
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 12:20 PM
You're probably right, my expectations from what the hippocratic oath should entail is strongly biased because of growing up around doctors that do give a damn. I do remember the German healthcare system as coldly efficient...
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javinne
January 6, 2018 at 12:53 PM
If you are satisfied with orthodox medicine, maybe here in ok, and even though many people complain😒. I am more inclined to natural and functional medicine, and I believe a good doctor should spend more time with you and get to know your life style in order to understand your health problem in a more "organic"/"accurate" way (I don't know how to call it, English is not my mother language), but anyway, here that is not the case. Things that have such a huge impact on your health, like how you sleep, how you eat, how is your life style, stress, etc... they never ask that. They only look at what laboratory says, and that's it. So... no, I never expect too much from doctors. Most of them only want to get their dime, and the health system is a business like any other.
16 Giegie
January 6, 2018 at 9:25 AM
Not that I don’t hate Tilda for what she did to Johnny but I am also grateful to her, because if not for her, then that beautifully acted final scene wouldn’t have happened. That said, I wish the evil woman to rot in the lowest level of hell.
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Saner
January 6, 2018 at 9:48 AM
A level of emotional conflict all watchers of this show can understand too well!
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byeol
January 6, 2018 at 1:48 PM
See no matter how heart shattering those last scenes are, we can't help but love it because it's so wonderfully done. Ahhhh.. the magic of this show.
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17 Lord Cobol (Kdramas, like water, flow downhill)
January 6, 2018 at 9:27 AM
"Or maybe I'll forget in a couple minutes when you reset me."
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 10:13 AM
well... even if he did not know it, it was Jia speaking there so yes, she will remember it forever even in Aji3 does not.
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blnmom
January 6, 2018 at 2:32 PM
Ha, you're terrible, but I'll admit that's exactly what I was thinking.
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18 Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 9:53 AM
And I thought last week was a tearjerker... but this happened and you know it's a fantastic rom-com if it can make you cry embarrassing tears even just thinking about it.
I never thought I'd ever feel my heart DROP hearing someone say "I'm in love". But when Min-kyu told Baek-gyun, I really felt his pain. It takes so much to be able to admit you're in love with a metal, to yourself and definitely out loud. It really shows how much he's drowning in it. I think the most terrible part of Min-kyu's situation is that finally, after all these years, he can live a normal life, meeting regular people, experiencing normal moments ~ and yet... the most dominant emotion he's feeling is heartbreak. I mean, everyone goes through painful breakups. But that he thinks he's in love with a robot that can never love him back, that he has to erase their memories together, that he even has the power to do that... it's actually gut wrenching on so many levels.
My water works started as when he confessed but turned to outright sobbing when he was trying not to cry in front of Baek-gyun. YSH is seriously something... how can someone act like they're not trying to cry, and yet in reality actually try to cry? I don't think that sentence made sense but... yea he's amazing!
The last scene was beautiful. Those words of thank you to each other, how can she be a robot when she loves him this much? I know Min-kyu has some subconscious knowledge that she's real. I said this in last week's recap too. He knows she loves him too even if that makes no logical sense to him. His heart knows, and so does his subconscious mind. Anyway, I actually felt so much for Jia in this scene because Min-kyu had the freedom to just cry and let it all out. She had to hold it in, not let her tears flow or her emotions to be too obvious. She had it harder this time, my poor girl. Min-kyu's "I love you" was so desperate I don't think Jia would've managed to keep her composure if he wasn't hugging her. Even I burst into tears. I don't cry that easily these days but that was such fantastic acting and script and direction. Just brilliant overall.
Lastly - I freakin looooove where this drama is headed. There were tons of predictions - kidnapping, amnesia, leap, etc - but this is so awesome. I love the idea of a pretend amnesia. So Min-kyu can meets Jia as Jia, fall in love with her all over again. In the process he'd realize she was always the person he loved and that those memories aren't just his, but also hers. I think that makes so much narrative sense too because instead of Min-kyu needing to forgive Jia after such a huge lie, he'll understand that her sacrifice is proof of how much she really loves him.
I'm loving this drama to the moon and back. YSH and CSB have the most palpable chemistry since I dunno... KSH-JJH maybe. That's how much I need to go back to compare their rapport. Even in real life, I've never seen YSH happier in BTS. He's always...
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 9:56 AM
He's always laughing and playing and it just makes me really happy too. I'm dreading the end of this. Really.
Honestly need to stop writing so much. The character limit is there for a reason Mandy!!
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javinne
January 6, 2018 at 12:09 PM
KSH-JJH??
Translation?
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tummy
January 6, 2018 at 12:41 PM
Kim Soo Hyun - Jun Ji Hyun
My Love from another Star.
guessing
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 1:23 PM
Tummy’s correct.
I mean obviously there was a ton of great dramas and chemistry after YFAS. That drama was 4 years ago, but still, this level of chemistry, I personally haven’t seen since. Or maybe I can’t remember now....
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javinne
January 6, 2018 at 1:46 PM
😞 well, I absolutely loved my love from another star. So I have to agree with you, but on the other hand I am easy to please, and for instance I loved Louis and Bok shil together, and Ji ho and Seehe together, and Kang Soo and Dan ah as well, and if I keep remembering I will mention lots of characters that made me laughed and cry and fall for them, so no, I won't bore you, but yes, in conclusion:
Kim Soo Hyun - Jun Ji Hyun are wonderful together, and I feel like watching YFAS again 😅
Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 7:07 PM
@javinne - oh I agree. I have a lot of favourite couples too and it’s probably a non ending list lol. Just that YSH and CSB’s chemistry is my personal favourite in a very long time. So convincing any which way I see it. It’s strong acting of course but some couples have a spark, like they create lightning and electricity together. Not every couple can do that, and YSH-CSB can. A million times and one.
Saner
January 6, 2018 at 12:20 PM
But at the same time, because she knows about him in real life x2 (PResident Jo AND as Aji3, will she allow him to come close to her, or will she flee for his own sake, knowing that him finding out the truth about their shared past together may be fatal to him?
I feel like these are the emotions certain dramas try [and oft fail] to convey with their backstories but this one has left me an actual mess.
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 1:29 PM
I think she'll initially deny knowing him at all. Then he'll probably follow her around and find out her name somehow. Of course she'll then have to admit she's President Jo who he spoke to so many times. I'm assuming she'll tell him her plans of moving to Australia for a year and he will try to hire her to do something for him. Then I dunno, maybe he'll make her act as Aji-3 and they'll see the meteor shower together?
Lol that was pure speculation but it sounds like some weird fan fiction. My guesses are lame anyway, the writer of this drama might make the logic a bit silly but honestly, the main plot is so very grounded that I absolutely trust the writing. I love the reset, and I love that this love story is starting once more. It's beautiful and I believe it'll be even more so in the second half!
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javinne
January 6, 2018 at 1:49 PM
LOL your guesses are not lame, they are actually very creative. Let's hope as well for something new and not a mixture of other dramas pastiche 😂😂😂
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DoubleFault
January 6, 2018 at 6:25 PM
I love the cat-and-mouse game of MK following around Jia with him connecting the dots along the way. With his reaction to the "fake" postcards sent by Riel, I think he will be able to handle the truth and not be a Johnny 2.0. After everything, I think Aji3 coming to life as Jia (a la Velveteen Rabbit) would be considered another "miracle".
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 8:28 PM
Yea I think if he finds out that Jia was indeed real yet never felt real emotions for him but instead betrayed him - then maybe he'd actually react the way Johny did.
But she loves him just as much as he loves her. She sacrificed her happiness for him and even decided to travel just to maybe stay away from his sight. She gave up her/their chance at a happily ever after just so he can be safe. When he realizes this, he'll know that while she indeed lied to him, that lie cost her more than he could ever imagine. And that itself might be enough for him to forgive her.
CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 8:02 PM
I agree. Since she believes that the truth could hurt him, Ji-ah will try her hardest to deny the connection. BUT Ji-ah cannot help being Ji-ah nor can she help help loving him (I see you - the eyes go where the heart follows) so no matter what she does he will eventually figure it out.
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javinne
January 6, 2018 at 11:51 PM
Ohhh "I see you", makes me remember the movie Avatar.
Well, there are many ways he can find out without her telling him. Other people may tell him, or maybe he could listen other people talking, by chance. For instance, the santa Maria team... 😅. But these are recycled tropes. Although I wish the show could give us something new, I will be happy enough with good acting, just like we have had until now. 😊
V
January 6, 2018 at 12:38 PM
I love what you said here so much! I also love where this drama is heading. I heard a previous storyline was to have the bumbling detectives try to kidnap aj3 and Ja gets injured somehow, but they decided not to go that way. I love this way so much better!
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 1:32 PM
Me too! We had a long discussion in the last recap about amnesia and how that's not a good idea vs it is. And the writer totally turned on everyone and did probably the most acceptable and logical 'amnesia' others can accept. (I'm a huge amnesia fan so for me it's always good 😂)
As for kidnapping Aji-3, I don't exactly think it was the initial story line. Just speculation from fans. That would've been so predictable. Glad it didn't go there. Phew.
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Cloggie
January 6, 2018 at 1:41 PM
We did talk about the factory reset last week as well. Before this episode I hadn't realised it was possible to feel smug for having been right and at the same time cry your eyes out.
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 1:44 PM
Did we? I don't remember anyone mentioning rest last week but honestly, I've been reading too many comments it probably all meshed together in my head.
I don't know reality vs illusion either, Min-kyu! We are the same! How about ditching Jia for me? Yes? YES.
😂 I wish.
19 TheLove4Dramas
January 6, 2018 at 9:59 AM
KMK, don't cry! :( This episode was so sad! Now they are just trying to find silliest excuses to continue to fool KMK. Great going writer! Will he ever know it was Jia playing Aji3 or will the show end at him being oblivious to that truth and living happily ever after with Jia?
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Saner
January 6, 2018 at 12:22 PM
I actually understood the excuse here now though - yes, telling him may unburden them but it may also kill him.
Not gonna lie, Tilda may be a silly excuse for a human though.
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TheLove4Dramas
January 6, 2018 at 12:54 PM
I don't think so..he's stronger than he looks. But since they think so there's a possibility that he will never know Jia was Aji3.
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growingbeautifully
January 6, 2018 at 9:21 PM
@TheLove4Dramas
The meteor necklace will give her away! Unless she can come up with a creative piece of fiction as to why she is possession (once again) of the necklace he gave away to the robot.
I suppose she may have to admit the link between her and Baek Gyun and still try to hide the fact that she had been swapped for the robot.
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20 bottledjeaney
January 6, 2018 at 10:03 AM
Would you call me crazy if i tell you i've been refreshing dramabeans since friday waiting for the recaps? IM GOING NUTS OVER THIS DRAMA (which tells A LOT since i had a slump almost the whole of 2017) 😂
Anyways, I love your analogy with the end scene and a wedding! what Jia and MinKyu said totally could pass off as wedding vows...well, minus the im sorry part. I love that the reset made sense. That the writer didn't just make Jia do some kind of noble idiocy. What she's done may be noble but not idiotic. It makes sense. Min Kyu has to move on over his feelings for Aji-3 as they are not healthy.
To be honest, i was confused at first when Jia became mad because Sta. Maria team wasn't honest with her cuz i thought she knew the truth all along and that she already knew that MinKyu's allergy to human was real. I guess it was just a matter of a missing scene in the previous episodes that was shown here?😅
Yoo Seung Ho and Chae SooBin are soooooo good during these episodes! I could feel the pain whenever they cry. Heartbreaking to watch but feels so damn good! (Masochistic much? 😂)
I still don't like BaekGyun. For the past episodes, he's acted like a jealous boyfriend to Jia when there isnt a "them" anymore- EVEN RISKING THEIR FRAUD TO BE DISCOVERED. He also has shown no remorse whatsoever over the said fraud. Plus, how could he not see that it is not Aji-3 that healed MinKyu but Jia?! *frustrated hair pulling*
P.S. DAMN YOU TILDA.
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bottledjeaney
January 6, 2018 at 10:23 AM
Oh! I nearly forgot!
MinKyu's statement over his head telling him everything is an illusion but his heart telling him everything is true just hits me so hard. I'm a shipper and one of my ships went back to the starting line and damn I FREAKING CAN SO RELATE TO HOW HARD IT IS WHEN YOUR MIND IS TELLING YOU TO STOP HOPING BUT YOUR HEART STARTS ASKING YOU WHY ALL THE MEMORIES AND ALL YOU'VE SEEN SEEMED SO REAL.
Ok *breathes in breathes out* calm down @/self.
😅😂
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javinne
January 6, 2018 at 12:05 PM
Lol your comments. You know, I also felt for Min kyu's duality what his head says, what his heart says... it was so beautiful! It makes the holes in the plot somehow less goofy, because this duality is perfectly human, and we can have it in our real context, we can identify with it.
I watched the episodes half raw, 63% subtitled, saying to myself, I will watch it again with fully subbed, but I can't... their pain and feelings feel so real, I don't want to cry again like this 😖
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 10:23 AM
Jia was mad at the team because (being smarter and better informed) they knew the risks in a way that she did not. Moreover they had kept this information from her. Had things gone wrong it could have caused her to harm or kill MK; this is even more damaging with Jia knowing that she was not trying all that hard to appear robotic (maybe because secretly she wanted to be found out). Originally BG had passed off the human-pretending-to-be-robot as part of a Turing test (a classic way of testing AI capabilities where the AI is successful it it can fool a human into thinking that (s)he is talking to another human); this would have been a hardcore embodied version of it, but it ended up completely backwards with the human fooling MK into thinking she was a robot.
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 10:25 AM
The geek in me is showing just now but for BG's benefit: the Turing test did fail, MK can tell Jia and Aji3 apart (even if his interpretation of the distinction is flawed).
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tummy
January 6, 2018 at 12:05 PM
Geeks of the world... UNITE!
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LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 2:05 PM
Not to be too pedantic but the whole 'reverse Turing test' thing was sophistry anyway. This was a man who was panicking over funding. Just about everything he said to Jia at the time was utterly self-serving.
The idea that you can run a Turing test by sending a human and seeing if a person believes it's an android is laughable, especially when you have *already established that this is an android*. Any human behaviours are going to be ascribed to super-advanced android programming, which is exactly what happened. I mean, the egg incident is the classic example. Any android that could display that kind of fuzzy logic would be an extraordinary feat.
It's not like the Professor said, "I'm going to send you an android" and then sent a human. He had already primed MK by proving there was an android. Now if he'd said he was sending a person and sent an android instead, that would have been a genuine Turing test.
So we can just put anything BG said to Jia at the beginning as the same kind of sophistry he's been using through this whole endeavour.
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Cloggie
January 6, 2018 at 2:16 PM
As a fellow pedantic-geek, I think that doing the proper Turing test would have been quite interesting (but probably not medically sound). Because the proper test would have been to send Aji3 to MK without telling him she was a robot and see if that gave him an allergic reaction. If he'd had a reaction, that would have been proof that MK's condition was psychosomatic and also that Aji3 passed the Turing test (because he thought she was human).
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 2:16 PM
100% correct. I did not mean to say that BG actually believed what he was saying to Ji-ah. Still an android version of the Turing test is soo cool; as an unintentional experiment the outcome is still interesting and that is that the AI lost.
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LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 2:52 PM
@cloggie @charlieblue17
I can envision a much-darker version of this show where he thinks he's getting e.g. a housekeeper and they send an android and he falls in love with her not knowing she's actually a robot and then he finds out and then he dies.
And everyone's happy because their technology passed the Turing Test and they make squillions and only the android mourns his death forever, camping out by his grave until she rests and turns into a monument to his love.
Too dark?
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LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 2:53 PM
RUSTS. An edit button would be good.
Cloggie
January 6, 2018 at 3:08 PM
I like the dark reversal of a rom-com idea. I can imagine this as a version of the Truman Show, where all the employees of the android's manufacturers are watching his actions all the time and tell the android what the best way is to make him fall in love with her. And I love your ending. That would make a great visual scene. Both 'rests' and 'rusts' works oddly enough.
The only question I have is why he would die. Does he maybe commit suicide when he realises that he has been conned in this way?
Saner
January 6, 2018 at 12:25 PM
Are you me? Because I've been doing the exact same thing - refreshing, and waiting and emoting all over the house waiting for this recap as a form of catharsis AND NOW I FEEL LIKE I CAN BREATHE!
P.S. Apologies to everyone who got hit with my feelings in the 'Open Thread' earlier today. 😂😂😂
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liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 4:54 PM
I feel the same way, my life now consists of 2 phases "waiting for Wed-Thur", "waiting for recaps so I can scream with other people without trashing everyones fanwall"!
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21 💜Dramas💜
January 6, 2018 at 10:08 AM
I really hate the separation angst in most dramas but this drama actually managed to make this work... Partly because 'leaving you so you won't die of an allergic reaction' makes way more sense than 'leaving you so that our drama can have 2 filler eps worth angst'..
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22 moochie
January 6, 2018 at 10:13 AM
As much as I hate Tilda, perhaps this was the better way to end things between Aji-3 and Min-Kyu. It's a very painful process though, something I wished Min Kyu shouldn't have to go through after everything. (Tilda is still such a *bleep* *bleep* though)
SERIOUS PROPS TO YOO SEUNG HO FOR MAKING ME FEEL LIKE MY HEART WAS JIA'S HEART LAMPS WHEN OPPA FIRST DISCOVERED THEM. BROKEN AND IN PIECES.
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23 leahbeah90
January 6, 2018 at 11:09 AM
Comment was deleted
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V
January 6, 2018 at 12:35 PM
OMG yes! Plus he is already inclined to love his little robots in the house (like with the birthday he threw for one of them in the first episode). Poor Min-gyu. I really hope we get some super lovey times next week :-)
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Lulu
January 6, 2018 at 12:56 PM
"I WANT THE HAPPIEST OF HAPPIEST ENDINGS! There better be at least 4 episodes of nothing but MUSHY GUSHY! I want flowers and rainbows. Hugs and kisses. Lovey dovey gazes! Matching outfits! Lots of Saranghaes! I want as much as can possibly be squeezed in to an episode. They so deserve it!
YES! 1,000% agreed!!
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isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
January 6, 2018 at 6:08 PM
Co-sign. CO.SIGN. matching outfits, hand holding and skipping into the sunset (that turns into rain so they can kiss sweetly under the umbrella that Jia created. And when she confesses she created the umbrella sweet kisses turn I to something else. Rawr.)
For this drama i want a time jump epilogue so that we can have the promise that these two grow old together.
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24 bong-soo
January 6, 2018 at 11:32 AM
First of all great recaps TeriYaki and Saya. Thanks @lulu1 for starting the conversation with Tilda who had what maybe 45 seconds of screen time. There is a line that goes something like "if I wasn't laughing I would be crying". Better to start off with a smile (rather a guffaw) so thanks.
INAR has turned into a wonderful series. This episode showed how good the writing and acting is. Our two leads Yoo Seung-ho and Chae Soo-bin have been terrific. The final scene was heartbreaking.
(As an aside, really the only reason I started watching INAR was because of YSH. The only other series I had seen him in was Ruler (2017). After that historical drama I was interested in seeing him in a contemporary role. I know now that he has been in television for years starting as a child actor. Like a lot of people I am impressed how he handled his military commitment and for someone who has been around the entertainment industry so long he seems to be a regular guy if any of this makes sense. Sorry for the diversion)
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25 notpoetenough
January 6, 2018 at 11:48 AM
THESE TWO AND THEIR HEARTBREAK :'( so painful but in the best possible way. Lovely scripting and acting all round ;;;
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26 javinne
January 6, 2018 at 11:53 AM
Well, there is not much I could say, that somebody else hasn't said yet... I also cried at the end, but...
And I agree it was needed, having also the hope they can start over somehow. They have to, don't they? Otherwise we wouldn't have a drama here and we are half way through... Lol...
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27 Kafiyah Bello
January 6, 2018 at 12:18 PM
All 4 episodes I kept repeating to myself this is so sad. Chae Soo Bin and Yoo Seung Ho are killing it. Tilda is the absolute Worst. That being said I can't wait until next week.
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LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 2:13 PM
Can I take this moment to say how amazing Chae Soo Bin is? This is the first thing I've seen her in and she's incredible. She's basically playing three parts and each of them are the same while being completely distinct from each other. She killed me in the final scene because she couldn't express the emotion she was obviously feeling. Amazing.
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DoubleFault
January 6, 2018 at 9:58 PM
When the cast was announced, I remember reading one comment saying that CSB is not "charismatic" enough to pull off this role. That she would also not hold up opposite YSH. I'm glad that she continues to prove her doubters wrong with her strong portrayal of her three characters every week. She not only does emote well but has great comedic skills too. I first saw her in Sassy Go Go where she was the villainess, the overachieving mean girl with a difficult relationship with her demanding tiger mom, and I remember just being impressed. (I also liked Ji Soo in that one.) I also loved her with Jang Dong Yoon in the KBS short drama, If We Were A Season, and thought she is well on her way to becoming a bankable female lead. (I hope she does act again in a full drama with Jang Dong Yoon. That guy acts and cries so very well.)
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28 V
January 6, 2018 at 12:33 PM
Loved this episode SO MUCH! It was so touching and heartfelt. This drama is really a slow burn for me. I wasn't super into it at the beginning, but now I just love it to pieces.
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29 LT is Irresistibly Indifferent and reminded of the slow march of death
January 6, 2018 at 1:37 PM
Last week I was writing essays about this show. This week I'm just, "OMG, THE FEELS!"
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CHARLIE
January 6, 2018 at 1:56 PM
totally know the feeling. after watching ep20 (raw because I am impatient but not live because I can't get mbc streaming to work properly) I sat down and made 2 of the most depressing movies ever in the same day. I was feeling so full of feelings that I wanted to share but also too drained to talk about it. Took me another day before I could put down coherent thoughts. Also these are the first 2 episodes that I did not rewatch ad nauseam. It simply hurts too much and even a masochist has her limits.
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30 lindl
January 6, 2018 at 2:01 PM
I've been following recaps but only started watching at episode 17. So I have some questions that I hope other commenters can answer.
(1) Has Min-kyu never seen Jia? Didn't they meet in the first episode? Did he just forget what she looked like and fail to make the connection when he first saw Aji-3?
(2) Could someone explain the story arc of Jia's letter to Min-kyu about the heart balls? This is related to my first question; so Min-kyu knows Ji-a as the girl who buys his toys for him; is that also how he knows the person who has written him the letter? Or does he think the inventor of the heart balls is a third person?
I know I could just read recaps of older episodes, but sometimes details do get glossed over, so I really think it's better to ask someone about multi-episode developments :) Thanks!
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alert
January 6, 2018 at 2:16 PM
to answer your questions:
1. They've met in the first episode but Ji A was wearing full helmet so he couldn't recognise her, plus they've been dealing via phone. But she remembered him when she first met him as Aji-3. Min-Kyu talked to Ji A on the phone few times after that as well
2. Min Kyu thinks the inventor is a third person. Jia, Aji 3, and the inventor are three different individuals to him. He referred to her as President Jo to buy toys and Aji 3 to the robot. Jia used her real name for the inventor competition (Jo JIa) but he probably don't even remember it anyway.
(please gloss over the fact that despite being a "genius", he couldn't connect the dots with her voice LOL)
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lindl
January 6, 2018 at 2:21 PM
Hahaha! Thanks very much, alert!
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31 lindl
January 6, 2018 at 2:20 PM
Meanwhile, my thoughts about these two episodes:
(1) Yoo Seung-ho is a very good actor. And very attractive. I hadn't seen it before, but I was sold after episode 17. He has a gentle energy that I find extremely appealing.
(2) I've always thought that Chae Soo-bin is a good actress, and pretty, too, but I'll say it again here.
(3) I don't buy the cause of Johnny's death. What was the allergen?
Betrayal? I mean, if it was allergic shock, then it should have been in response to something he was actually allergic to.
(4) I stopped watching when the doctor stopped Jia and Baek-gyun from telling Min-kyu the truth, and skipped forward to episode 20. I just can't stand plot developments that force separations or secrets.
(5) Jin-bae's rooting for his sister, up in the gallery, melted my heart.
(6) I cannot root for Baek-gyun. For any reason.
(7) I thought the scene where Jia sprayed water on two random girls in the bathroom was lazy writing. Really? I don't think there's any excuse for behaving badly towards strangers, even if they say things you don't agree with.
(7) I was surprised that Jia was shown not to know about the allergy. I thought her knowledge of it had been settled long ago. But I liked that the writer showed her feeling bad about it and treating it as the moral and ethical issue that it is. I also appreciated her anguish over the bind she was in as a result of it.
(8) I was very impressed by Min-kyu's honesty about the strange situation he had found himself in. His willingness to see his own feelings for what they were, and his open pleading for help, were very touching to me.
I can't wait for the two leads to get together. After all this suffering they're going through, the eventual reunion had better be epic. I know Korean dramas don't usually do this, but after the truth is out and the consequent angst is over and done with, I hope we get to see them in happy scenes, showing their love for each other, etc.
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brian
January 6, 2018 at 2:43 PM
I think Johnny died because he lost his trust in the one person who had cured him. If she is not true to him, then his entire belief system is destroyed. If like Min Kyu, he had been alone for 15 years, I can't imagine the crushing agony that would be leveled upon his psyche. I suspect that unknowingly, he willed himself to death. We all know that this allergy is quite psychosomatic, and without any belief in a cure, he probably died of heartbreak.
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lindl
January 6, 2018 at 2:50 PM
Your reasoning, I can get behind. It's calling it "allergic shock" that makes it iffy for me. But maybe that's just shorthand for "extreme physiological reaction to emotional distress," or whatever the writer had in mind :)
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alert
January 6, 2018 at 3:10 PM
I really like your numbered points!
Honestly this is my first Yoo Seung Ho drama (and 2nd for Chae Soo Bin), but I honestly love them both as actor/actress. They are really, really good with emotions, that despite the ridiculousness of the drama, I found them so good and so convincing that I willingly pretend to believe whatever the drama shoved at me. (Especially when they cried, since it's not everyday you get such beautiful heartbreaking cries)
I've checked myself out of all the contrived-plot devices and holes (like him not finding out she's a robot despite being a geeenius, her not understanding the allergy despite being told many times, the cause of Johnny's death, the Tilda-blaming for forced seperation etc) and I do find the writing to be clichéd and lazy at times.
But despite the unbelievable stretch, there's a sort of fairytale feel to the drama (see Pinnochio, Beauty and the Beast etc), which is very addictive and fun to watch. Mostly because of the leads, and the fact that I feel like I want to hug Min Kyu in every episode, and even more so in the latest ones.
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mindy
January 6, 2018 at 3:14 PM
Wow, I agree with every single part of your post. You did an excellent job at explaining why I like this show so much despite its (pretty obvious) flaws. It has so much going for it that I don't even pay attention to the holes while watching. I guess that's all shows to an extent, though. No shows are perfect but when so much of it just works for us we willingly put aside the flaws.
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tsutsuloo
January 6, 2018 at 4:34 PM
That's it exactly, @alert. It's a tender fairytale grounded in a relatable world—a world with flawless skin, AI, and orphaned minors raising themselves. I love it!
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KdramaAhjumma
January 6, 2018 at 7:29 PM
"Orphaned minors raising themselves" 😂😂
When you put it so bluntly like that, it is rather fantastical and unbelievable but hey, the things we are willing to suspend our disbelief (or chuck the crazy premise aside) because the show managed to appeal more to our hearts than to our brain.
I love it too ❤️❤️❤️
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 7:53 PM
“the show managed to appeal more to our hearts than to our brain“
The truth has never been more true lol. Sometimes there are dramas that’s so logical, so understandable without any loopholes and yet they lack heart. The there are dramas like this where it’s okay to be silly and whimsical and fantastical because when it starts to dish out feels, everyone’s a messy mess.
32 brian
January 6, 2018 at 2:39 PM
I cried like a baby during this episode and the next as well. So sad, such great acting. I felt so bad for everyone, such a tragedy. And yes, Tilda, a character with a 2 minute cameo, is now probably the most evil person ever!
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33 BdxPelik
January 6, 2018 at 3:30 PM
This is where the tide finally turns. No longer will we see Jia as Aji3. We're closing a book and opening a new one.
I understand Min Gyu's dilemma so much now. He's completely aware that Aji3 is a robot and that having feelings for her is ridiculous, but he stands by it. "I KNOW she's a robot, but I can't deny how I feel!" We are all (Santa Maria team, Doctor Oh, the audience) that he's in love with a human, but he doesn't know that.
But oh... what a plot twist for Johnny and Tilda. Yikes. I'm not exactly sure how to feel about that.
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34 littlelamb
January 6, 2018 at 4:51 PM
it's strange how suffocating my sobs cam become due to watching something fictional and realizing how much of an emotional tug it can do to a person. the ending really did that for me, really hard. but to be quite frank, it seemed like the safest, if not best option i'm terms of heartache which wl probably come down the line but we'll cross that bridge later once we get there.
more so the fact of letting go, as well as the act itself. morally letting go of Aji3 for Min-Kyu seems like the way to go, and it's for the best in terms of Jia letting go due to what that poophead tilda did. (btw, her name does not deserve to be capitalized, blehh). kudos to both CSB and YSH for their performance, y'all both got me crying buckets, ugh. my sobs were almost as bad as Min-Kyu's, plus snorts and all.
curious to see how this will continue to play out, and as always eays; thanks dear for the lovely recap. 💕
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Mandy
January 6, 2018 at 7:20 PM
“her name does not deserve to be capitalized“
Pwahahhahaa. That is so petty it made me LOL. Tilda is probably trending somewhere, so much hype and interest for a 1-Min cameo. She’s really living the life! 😂
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DoubleFault
January 6, 2018 at 10:06 PM
I think more beanies are now interested in picking up INAR because of the tilda hate. At least tilda is good for something. If ratings hit the double digit mark in the coming weeks, we have tilda to thank. 😅
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35 modernworks
January 6, 2018 at 4:55 PM
Wow. I never imagined I would enjoy this show as much as i do now, but here I am. It just keeps getting better. It's one of those rare gems that gradually evolves and continues to touch your heart and hit all those emotional sore spots, even during episodes that most shows would begin to stumble in terms of plot.
The plot, while at times can be frustrating, is still buoyed by the delicate writing and direction, and the extremely believable and well done performances by all the actors, more specifically Yoo Seung Ho and Chae Soo Bin. But I truly feel all the love, and the hurt and pain that these two are conveying. I really do hope it follows a "She Was Pretty" format and that the two characters will soon know the truth and get to e together by episode 12.
Both Jia and Min Kyu are terribly miserable, and I understand Min Kyu's doctor not wanting to tell him the truth in fear of what the reaction may be, but he should understand that this situation is different from that of Johnny and Tilda's and that Jia would never betray Min Kyu; and that the two of them are better off being together, rather than apart.
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36 isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
January 6, 2018 at 5:24 PM
Beanies, y'all are legit better people than me. As soon of to unfold souls are talking about tilda not being the absolute worst and how it was good for the story. .. I have been over here having called that woman every name I could think of and planning Johnnys funeral. That heiffer better cross the street when she sees me sortsa thoughts and all.
Tilda. Tilda better invest in some running shoes. She can afford them now.
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37 Leo
January 6, 2018 at 7:54 PM
Can someone help me? I’m looking for the brand of jumpers and cardigans he wears. They look so awesome but no one has done a waredrobe analysis of this yet. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. So if anyone knows, that would be great! Also utterly immersed in this drama right now. 😂
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liquidsoap
January 6, 2018 at 8:23 PM
MESSAGE ME AS WELL I WANT EVERY SWEATER
they are like 30% of the magic of this drama istg, everyone looks so nice and cozy and warm, especially Min-kyu.
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moochie
January 6, 2018 at 9:10 PM
I remember seeing one of his sweaters being worn by a member of kpop group Block B during their guesting on Weekly Idol. But I can't seem find a name of the brand anywhere. lol.
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DoubleFault
January 6, 2018 at 10:09 PM
I also want to know the makeup that they are using on CSB as Aji3. She just looks so immaculate. Aside from the pink dress, I also love her other outfits as Aji3.
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bong-soo
January 7, 2018 at 11:19 AM
I agree. Whoever the costume designer is for YSH is doing a great job.
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38 KaniaDJ
January 6, 2018 at 8:14 PM
I was bawling my eyes out at the end of ep 18. amazing acting by both of them. I'm not a robot is the only kdrama I am currently watching, thank you for not disappointing me :)
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39 Ajusshi
January 6, 2018 at 8:31 PM
I have just loved this all the way through! There is such a tangible conectedness, is it (chemistry) between these two and that really means not only that the acting is superb but the write and producer/director are all on the same page. Just when a moment of pathos emerges that heavenly balad starts up and we, I swoon. I started out thinking this so rememberances aspects of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo and I think that still but this seems more satisfying ... so far. I watched The Black Knight to fill in the other days (evenings) of the week. It started out so well but I feel mid-way through it is showing all the shortcomings of the average Korean drama and simply point up how good INR is sans Ljubljana, Slovenia, sans excruciating English.
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40 lailyian
January 6, 2018 at 8:37 PM
I'm not going to be satisfied until the Truck of Doom kills Tilda. That absolute bitch (am I allowed to swear here?).
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isa: I'm not a serial killer I'm just really passionate about things
January 7, 2018 at 5:11 AM
Say it again, man!
And I'd assume so I've said much worse and never been reprimanded.
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41 Ajusshi
January 6, 2018 at 8:55 PM
Apollogies for the typos it is the middle of the night - I should be sleeping but I couldn't hold it in. Sp glad to see how many Beanies are loving this!
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42 Cooler
January 6, 2018 at 10:10 PM
I wish they'd skip what looks to be an inevitable kidnapping. I really don't understand why so many K-drama writers won't just let a romcom be a romcom.
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43 Walking Cabbage
January 6, 2018 at 10:13 PM
I was crying over and over again for the last scene until I come to this page to see everyone hating on Tilda it's seriously cracking me up
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mary
January 7, 2018 at 11:56 AM
It's a coping mechanism. The Tilda therapy.
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44 Negar
January 7, 2018 at 1:25 AM
I think Ye Ri-el and Hwang Yoo-chul make Min-kyu have an allergic shock i mean like what Tilda did on johnny but Ji-ah will save him again!!!!
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45 misspeppermimi
January 7, 2018 at 2:36 AM
Pour out one for my boy Johnny. Poor poor Johny
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46 bbcream
June 6, 2020 at 11:16 PM
Why did they have to reset Aji 3?
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