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Boys Before Flowers: Episode 4

Episode 4 was much better than Episode 3 — although really, like that was hard. Episode 3 was funnier, but 4 was more grounded in reality, which makes it much more watchable, imo. Is this going to be a pattern, with Tuesdays outshining Mondays? I suppose if we must have it one way or the other, I’d rather the good episode be on Tuesday to leave us with a better impression to last us till the next installment.

SONG OF THE DAY

1sagain – “사랑은 떠났어” (Love has left). There are a lot of really lame spellings/acronyms for kpop artists (Fin.K.L., H.O.T., 8eight, Buga Kingz (booger kings?), Pe2ny, Se7en — yeah, I said Se7en), but “1sagain” — pronounced “once again” — probably takes the cake. (It reminds me of how the Wonders, the band in That Thing You Do, originally spelled their name the “Oneders” to be clever and everyone mispronounced it the “oh-nee-ders.”) But I do like this song. [ Download ]

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EPISODE 4 RECAP

After Ji-hoo yells at Jan-di for interfering, she walks off with tears in her eyes. He looks upset with himself, but the next day, when everyone gathers at the airport to send Seo-hyun off, Ji-hoo is conspicuously absent.

Jan-di is in a mopey mood, thinking of Ji-hoo. She asks Jun-pyo in a dejected voice, “Can I ask you something?” Jun-pyo responds, “If I said no, are you going to not ask?” Referring to her (formerly assertive) attitude, he tells her, “Just act like you did before. This doesn’t suit you.” For what it’s worth, Jun-pyo has said this a couple times before, which I think is telling — he might complain about how she always talks back but that’s obviously why he likes her. He’s got no use for weak, defeated girls.

Jan-di asks if it’s a good idea to “push down your feelings and not show any emotion” when you like somebody a lot. He tells her that’s crap; it’s the same as ignoring them. If the earth caved in the next day, wouldn’t she die of regret?

A little surprised, Jan-di responds, “You know, you may not be an idiot in everything.” He acts as though that’s a compliment, and says he’d rather regret doing something than regret not doing something.

Seo-hyun says her goodbyes to F4 (I suppose it’s F3 right now), and it’s nice to see them acting like longtime friends. She hugs Jan-di and asks her to remember her request (to make Ji-hoo smile again).

As she walks to her gate, she looks around, hoping to see Ji-hoo and disappointed when he doesn’t appear.

Just as the guys sigh that Ji-hoo’s acting pretty cold by not coming, he appears. He’s actually been here for hours.

Jan-di thinks Ji-hoo’s being a coward, and takes him to task: “What are you doing? Is this all you can do? Follow her!”

At that, Ji-hoo produces his ticket and passport: “I’m taking the next flight.” Woo-bin wonders what made him change his mind; Ji-hoo says that Jan-di did.

Before leaving, Ji-hoo turns to Jan-di: “Thank you. It’s because of you that I realized I’d have to be honest. You taught me that sometimes you need the courage to hang on. I’m glad I got to know a girl like you.”

He leans forward and kisses her on the forehead — Jun-pyo watches, bothered — then leaves.

Afterward, Jun-pyo and Jan-di stand outside his car, watching airplanes take off. He breaks the silence by facing her, leaning over her to say something. Unlike the last time he tried (and failed) to kiss her, this time her heart starts pounding.

Jun-pyo: “I’m only going to say this once, so listen up.” She nods nervously, and he continues: “Geum Jan-di, ___ with me.”

And just when he says that bit, a plane flies above and drowns out his words. BWAHAHA. (I think he says, “Go out with me,” but we can’t be sure.)

Jan-di blinks uncomprehendingly, not having heard those crucial words. But Jun-pyo straightens and smiles in satisfaction to himself.

So while it’s no surprise to us, it is to her when Jun-pyo walks up to her in the lunchroom and says, without preamble: “Saturday, 4 pm, in front of Namsan Tower.”

He starts to leave, then turns back: “If you’re even one minute late, you’re dead.”

Jan-di looks after him, a little confused but mostly unimpressed with his high-handedness. She doesn’t notice that Min-ji is looking on with a stricken expression on her face.

Since Jun-pyo doesn’t give Jan-di any chance to respond, she dismisses it from her mind, going shopping with her mother instead on a bargain-sale hunt. And I do mean hunt. They grapple with other thrift-loving ajummas for the massive discounts, and by the time they leave, it’s evening. It’s also snowing.

Feeling guilty pangs for ignoring Jun-pyo, Jan-di asks her mother if anyone would wait in the snow for four hours for a promise that was never made. Her mom says that’s crazy, but Jan-di isn’t reassured. Making a sudden decision, she tells her mother she has to go somewhere and runs off, heading toward Namsan Tower.

Jan-di looks almost disappointed to find the courtyard empty, until she spots Jun-pyo huddled on the side, shivering in the cold.

She holds her umbrella over his head; he asks where the hell she’s been: “Didn’t I tell you not to be late?” He isn’t outright angry — irritated might be a better word. Jan-di returns, “When did I say I would come?” He replies, “You’re here.”

She protests, because she wasn’t intending to come. He persists, “But you did.”

Feeling bad, she offers to buy him a hot drink and helps him up. He staggers to his feet and leans heavily into her. Misinterpreting his intentions, she kicks him to get him off.

Indoors, she buys him coffee from a vending machine and calls it “thirty thousand won coffee” (about twenty bucks). By way of explanation, she tells him to follow along.

On top of the building, they look at the cityscape from the observation deck — this is just like watching from the expensive Sky Lounge.

She marvels at all the stars. Jun-pyo laughs at her, “Those aren’t stars, those are satellites, you stupid girl!” Jan-di retorts, “Aren’t you the idiot? You think there are that many satellites?”

The watchman comes up to the doors to lock up for the night. He only gives the deck a cursory look and is distracted by a phone call, so he misses the two of them.

The lights shut off, alerting Jan-di and Jun-pyo, and they hurry to the doors. The handles have been chained together, and there’s no way to get out.

Jun-pyo doesn’t panic, since they can always call for help. Unfortunately, he left his phone behind, and Jan-di doesn’t own one.

Now worried, he blames her; she says it’s his fault for waiting foolishly for hours. He protests, “This is the first time I’ve ever waited for anyone.”

They wander into an enclosed area, which offers a little shelter but is still freezing cold. Jan-di tries to keep her distance while Jun-pyo starts to cough, and says, “Sorry.” When she asks where his driver is, Jun-pyo answers that he sent him home — he wanted to try things commoner-style.

Shivering, Jun-pyo asks, “Can I be honest?” She eyes him warily as Jun-pyo leans in her direction, then collapses on top of her.

Thinking he’s trying to get fresh, Jan-di shoves him aside, then realizes he’s burning up with fever.

She takes out some of her new purchases — a woman’s scarf and shawl — and wraps him with them. They fall asleep like that until morning, when they are let out.

Fearing her parents’ reaction, Jan-di declines Jun-pyo’s offer of a ride home; she’ll use the bus ride to think of an excuse to tell her mother.

Jun-pyo moves closer to tell her the excuse he’d make: “Since we spent the night together, I’ll take responsibility.” (That phrase, used in that context, is misleading and suggests that something actually DID happen between them. Jan-di kicks him in response.)

Unbeknownst to them, they are seen, and photos are taken.

When she gets home, Jan-di falls on her knees and begs forgiveness, but her family is in fantastic spirits. The guy she saved is the heir to Shinhwa Group! Of all the people to help!

Furthermore, they’ve received a whole slew of gifts in gratitude. Jan-di is bewildered — how did they know? Where did this come from?

Her parents rave about Jun-pyo, who dropped by — taking advantage of her slow bus ride home, no doubt — to ask them not to scold Jan-di because she’d been helping him all night.

News spreads quickly, labeling Jan-di as Jun-pyo’s new girlfriend. Suddenly, everyone is eager to befriend Jan-di (except the mean girls, that is), and the unexplained attention creeps her out.

Jan-di discovers the reason when she comes to the TV screen in the lobby. Displayed onscreen are the pictures of her and Jun-pyo that morning, making them look a lot chummier than they are. When the F4 guys arrive, Yi-jung asks Jun-pyo if the rumors are true.

Jan-di hurriedly insists, “No, it’s not! It’s not what you think at all!”

Jun-pyo ruins that by interrupting, “Yes, it’s true.” Everyone gasps in amazement, and Jun-pyo slings an arm around her shoulders and steers her (unwillingly) down the hall. The students gossip in excitement, with one notable exception: Min-ji, who watches tearily.

Min-ji goes home early that day, so Jan-di drops by with the same consolatory stuffed sheep that Min-ji had previously given her. Withdrawn and depressed, Min-ji asks cautiously if the gossip is true.

Jan-di hesitates, then answers that it’s all a coincidence and an accident. Min-ji says, “But it looked like he liked you.” Jan-di says no way — even the idea is absurd. Jun-pyo was just playing around. At the denial, Min-ji laughs in relief, suddenly much cheerier. She hops out of bed and announces that she’s all better now. She wants to go out and have some fun.

While Jan-di waits for Min-ji to get ready, she looks around and spots a Shinhwa Kindergarten yearbook. Curious, she pulls it from the shelf just as Min-ji walks in. Panicking, she grabs it from Jan-di, yelling at her not to go through other people’s things.

Taken aback to see this side of the normally demure Min-ji, Jan-di apologizes. Min-ji recovers, saying more calmly that she’d written weird comments in the book, so she doesn’t want anyone to read them. She apologizes.

Whereas Woo-bin and Yi-jung took a lot of amusement in Jun-pyo’s clashes with Jan-di, now they ask more seriously if he’s “for real” about her. Yi-jung reminds him that where they’re concerned, their parents have final say in their relationships.

Jun-pyo scoffs, as this is a bit weak coming from two supposed players:

Jun-pyo: “Were you just calling yourselves men in name? Were you acting all cocky without being real men?”
Yi-jung: “What’s a real man to you?”
Jun-pyo: “A man takes responsibility from the beginning to the end.”
Woo-bin: “To the end?”
Jun-pyo: “Yeah. To the end.”

Min-ji takes Jan-di to a club featuring live performers and suggests they dance. Jan-di declines, so she sits out while Min-ji goes out on the floor. When Min-ji looks back, she sees Jan-di wandering around, and is bumped by another woman.

Unexpectedly, Min-ji slaps the girl. Suddenly she’s no longer sweet and shy, but a stone-cold bitch. She sneers, “If you’re ugly, you should at least dance well.”

Worried about Jun-pyo’s latest comments, Yi-jung drops by the restaurant looking for Jan-di. Ga-eul tells him Jan-di’s not working today, so he asks if she’s her friend, and how long they’ve known each other.

At her answer (“Since kindergarten”), he smiles and figures that’s good enough: “So you’re best friends. Then let’s go.”

At his pottery studio, Yi-jung explains that he’s afraid that Jan-di will get hurt, and asks Ga-eul to advise her friend. Initially dazzled by the tall, handsome, rich guy, Ga-eul’s opinion drops once she gets his drift: “What kind of advice? That she can’t climb that tree, so don’t bother trying?”

Yi-jung ups the charisma, smiling at her and saying that cute girls like her are scary when angry. She sees through the charm and tells him that he must have thought he could fool everyone with his pretty face, but he misjudged her. She’ll pretend this conversation never happened.

Ga-eul gets up to leave, but stops and comes back for one last word, temper flaring. After all, Jun-pyo’s the one who likes Jan-di, not the other way around: “Jan-di doesn’t care to climb that tree.”

As she’s exiting, she runs into Woo-bin, who wonders what that’s all about. Yi-jung says it’s nothing, and that she’s exactly the type of girl he dislikes (backwards and unfashionable). And yet, his eyes say otherwise…

Jan-di roams the club, feeling bored and out of place. She encounters one of the performers, who senses her discomfort and suggests they head outside, where he plays her a song on his guitar. (I don’t think she really cares for the stranger, but appreciates the reprieve from the club.)

Seeing that her water bottle is empty, the guy hands her his. She sips the water, her vision goes blurry, and she blacks out.

In the morning, Jan-di awakens in an unfamiliar hotel room with no recollection of the night before. On the mirror, written in lipstick are the words, “Thanks for last night.”

She frets all morning about those words, trying to convince herself that nothing happened, wondering why she can’t remember anything.

Of course, this is also the day that Jun-pyo decides to make a little change in his appearance. He remembers Jan-di’s rant against him, when she said she hated “everything about him” from his curly hair to the fact that F4 always dresses in normal clothes when the rest of them are required to wear uniforms.

So that morning, he takes an extra two hours to get ready, wearing his uniform for once and having his hair straightened.

Jan-di is accosted by students, but whereas her reception the day before was sycophantic, today the Bimbo Threesome are furious at her for insulting Jun-pyo and therefore, by extension, everyone at the school.

Jan-di is totally baffled at their attitude until they drag her to the television. On it, photos are splashed of herself and the strange guy from the night before — in bed, half-clothed.

F4 arrives to see Jan-di surrounded by hostile faces, and Jun-pyo steps forward to defend her. Ginger tells him, “Don’t be fooled! Look at this and come to your senses!” And she points at the TV.

Jun-pyo glances over. Jan-di jumps in front of the screen, trying to block it and insist that it’s all a misunderstanding. He pushes her away and stares grimly at the photos, then turns to her: “What kind of mistake could lead to these pictures?”

Jan-di shakes her head, confused, and says, “I think someone set up a trap for me.” In a hard voice, he asks, “Was this all you were?”

Hurt that he’s so quick to condemn her, Jan-di fires back with tears in her eyes, “I don’t care whether you believe me or not. I don’t even know why I have to explain such an absurd situation to you. But this isn’t the truth.”

Jun-pyo grabs her shirt and clenches his jaw. He says in a low voice, “I’ll just ask one thing. Is the girl in that picture you?” Jan-di can’t say no, and a tear falls.

He shoves her back and glowers, “You said you didn’t care whether I believe you or not. You’re right. Geum Jan-di, from here on, I don’t know who you are.”

After he leaves, the mob descends on Jan-di, but you get the sense she doesn’t really care — the damage has been done with Jun-pyo’s dismissal of her.

Jun-pyo’s fury is so extreme that his friends worry about him, never having seen him so upset about anything before. They decide that they’d better get to the bottom of this before someone winds up seriously hurt, and head over to solve the mystery.

Woo-bin, Yi-jung, Ga-eul, and Jan-di look closely at the photos and ask if Jan-di can remember anything odd about the night before. Jan-di recalls the message scrawled in lipstick, which is odd, since it wasn’t hers. Why would a guy be carrying lipstick around?

Furthermore, the way the pictures are shot requires a third person to have taken them, which means there was somebody else involved. The guys take note of the mystery man’s tattoo, and use a combination of their brains and lots of money to get information.

The music club owner isn’t as helpful as they’d like, so the guys use a form of polite blackmail. If they aren’t pleased with the guy’s cooperation, they might as well run him out of business. Yi-jung: “Two weeks should do it.” Woo-bin: “We’ve got our reputation. We’ll have to make it a week.”

Woo-bin owns the neighboring building, which would make a nice venue to set up a competitor to drive this guy bankrupt.

What follows is some of the most ridiculous tomfoolery I ever did saw. To prove their point, Yi-jung displays some of his saxophone skills (to prove they’d be willing and able to make good on their threat). So now the pottery genius is also Kenny G? Look, I ignored the atrocity that is Ji-hoo’s violin-playing, but here I cannot remain silent. THAT’S NOT EVEN THE RIGHT KIND OF SAXOPHONE.

Woo-bin does his part by dancing… is that the Charleston? To cha-cha music?

Naturally, the two guys are successful. (Oh, the power of elevator jazz and ballroom dance!) They track down the guy in no time.

 

On the other hand, Jun-pyo is still working out his aggression. First it was guns, now it’s a sword.

Min-ji shows up unannounced to hand him a hotel key, which leads him to the room where Jan-di’s photos were taken.

The photos are piled in the center of the bed. Jun-pyo recognizes the familiar setting in the pictures, and his temper erupts. He throws things around the room — pillows, bedcovers, sheets — and after his tantrum, Min-ji steps into the room and tells him, “Please don’t be hurt. It’s ridiculous for you to be like this over a bitch like her.”

Min-ji appeals to Jun-pyo to calm down, saying this is too unfair for him to be so hurt over Jan-di.

Glaring at her with contempt, Jun-pyo grabs her and asks, “Weren’t you her friend? Can a friend talk like that?”

Min-ji whispers, “She stole you from me.”

Jun-pyo shoves her to the ground and heads to the door. Min-ji grabs him from behind and begs him not to go. He breaks free of her grasp and she cries, “Why her, but not me?”

He walks away, remembering Jan-di’s insistence that she was set up and that this is all a misunderstanding.

At school, it’s a free-for-all as Jan-di is knocked from her bike and jeered at. It’s like she’s come full circle, back to how she was tormented as a result of the red card, only this time the harassment is more malicious because she dared make a fool of the Great Jun-pyo.

Jan-di yells back at them, “Is this all you can do? Do more! Go on!” So they do, pelting her with water balloons shooting a fire hydrant at her, till she collapses on the ground.

 
COMMENTS

I think it’s obvious that the characters show some differences from previous versions. Do you think we could maybe get past that now, since we’re four episodes in?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not decrying comparison-making — I think comparisons are fair. But if half of the comments are purely “This is different from the Japanese/Taiwanese version!” I think the discussion starts becoming irrelevant to this drama itself, which is what I’m more interested in. Gu Jun-pyo is based on Doumyouji, but it’s clear his character diverges in some key points. He is a little thick-headed, but he’s not as blatantly stupid as Matsumoto Jun’s portrayal. He’s not as violent or hot-headed, either. This Jun-pyo is cold, hard, and can be cruel, but he’s not a cartoon character.

Kim Joon is doing really well as a Casanova, but Kim Bum, I think, is hampered by his baby face, which makes it odd to see him hitting on women who are clearly much, much older than him. It’s not the acting that is his problem, just the contrast between his appearance and his behavior. That’s why I was happy to see that he has good chemistry with Kim So-eun (Ga-eul), because she’s age-appropriate and was cast (most likely) with him in mind. She’s also a pretty good actor, and their scenes hold up well. Phew!

Also, he does much better in scenes that have no romantic overtones, such as when he coerced the club owner into giving up information. Nice to see a flash of the Kim Bum I’d been excited to see, because he hasn’t really shown much of his actual acting ability so far.

 
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YYOU said it KOK. (I may be wrong) I think people like it because they want to support this Kversion drama so that it won't be a failure (because frankly it doesn't follow the manga at all and the acting is really a Let down especially Korean M. MG followed the manga on everything but the execution and acting were very bad)

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You Said it KOK. I couldn't be more agree. (I maybe wrong) I feel like people support this "Kversion" so that it won't be a failure. concerning Jun Pyo it's all about Look.

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Thanks for the recap and review. I've been a long time reader and great admirer of your writing and commentary. This is my first time joining in for discussions.

I'm curious to know how you interpreted the scene where Jun Pyo took Jan Di's pen in the over night scene. At first I thought he was going to draw on her face with it. The camera did linger on it longer than it should if it held no significance.

As for Ji Hoon's acting, I keep trying to excuse him because of previous attachments I had with him from We Got Married. I figured if he had Asperger Syndrome this behavior could be explained... sort of. I mean I figured he was unemotional because people with Asperger doesn't comprehend emotions but yet he smiles/ smirks randomly. Ugh.

I don't envy Kim Hyun Joon's role at all. It could be hard for a newbie actor to act stoic in a way that doesn't turn off the audience. I would love him to incorporate subtle acting that hints at his depth of character. Sad to say that even as a fan I'm not buying his acting yet.

Am also surprised that Ga-Eul is portrayed differently in a refreshing way. I was expecting her to swoon and willingly do Kim Bum's bidding. She is sassy and spunky and full of potential. The only complaint is that I feel as if she is even sassier and spunkier than our lead heroine. I feel more drawn to her than Jan Di.

Oh! And did the random guy that drugged Jan Di not look like a mix of Jun Pyo and Ji Hoon?

Anyways, thanks for allowing a place where I can revel in Boys Before Flower. I stalk your blog. <3

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i cant feel any chemistry btwn JP's and JD.. the storyline is too fast!!

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The reason why many fans are praising Lee Minho as Jun Pyo is not because of his good-looks, afterall the other members of F4 are as good-looking or even more handsome than him (in the opinion of some people). Jun Pyo is being liked because Lee Minho is being able to show all sides of his character without having to over-react. His acting is natural and believable and he knows how to make the transition between being arrogant, immature to a lonely or to a boy that is starting to fall in love with a girl but doesn't know how to deal with it.

If it was because of good-looks, I'd probably prefer Hyun Joong as Ji Hoo because he is looking amazingly handsome and prince-looking, had the exact look as the character and I was already a fan of his. In fact, he was one of the reasons why I was looking foward to this drama.

But me, like many other people aren't feeling the charisma of Ji Hoo/Rui's character, probably because he's still a bit uncomfortable to act or isn't being able to act naturally as his character. I think he improved on the last episodes, but on the first episodes which was crucial for people to understand why Jandi/Makino falls in love for Rui/Ji Hoo, unfortunelly Hyun Joong wasn't able to show the charismatic side of his character. I think if Hyun Joong acted as himself he would be more like Rui than when he tries to act as Rui.

Besides that Koo Hye Sun and Hyun Joong has zero chemistry so far. So it's hard to see their 'relationship' as believable.

In the previous versions of the story (manga, anime, japanese and taiwanese serie) people prefered Rui over Tsukasa because they liked Rui too much and not because they hated Tsukasa till death. And in the korean drama, Rui/Ji Hoo isn't showing himself in a way that would make people love him as much as he should be loved. So that's why Jun Pyo/Tsukasa is being loved more than Ji Hoo/Rui and it's not because he's more handsome than Ji Hoo or because Tsukasa/Jun Pyo is being too gentle.

I think though, Hyun Joong has improved, and as a fan of his I hope he improve even more, I have faith in him. I know how hard he's working on this drama and how hard he's working to act well. So I have faith that he'll improve and be able to show the charisma of his character as much as the charisma that he as a person has.

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It's it just me our does it seem that the airport scene where the other three are calling Rui cute or something like that seem kinda fake or added on during editing. When i was watching that scene it felt really weird for me that they didn't even show their faces, the camera was on Jan Di the whole time. And the scene after they some how all reappear in their original positions......
I don't know maybe it's just me but I feel like they added that part on just b/c people were complaining about the F4 bond....

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i don't think it's fair to compare matsumoto jun and lee min ho's acting... how one's portrayal is better than the other, or vice versa. doumyouji and jun pyo are WRITTEN differently. i think both actors do/did a good job of portraying their respective interpretations of the same character.

i also like how this one is different from the other versions while maintaining the main flow of the story - because frankly, who wants to watch the same thing three times (or four if you've watched the anime)?

in regards to kim bum, i don't really see how his "baby face" is hindering him in portraying a playboy. personally i feel that the youthful, cute look is totally working in his favor. :)

if goo hye sun can dial it down some more and put a full stop to the shrill yelling that she is prone to (i think she's going for cute, but it's really annoying sometimes) then i would be an even happier viewer. :D

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Was I the only one that ROTFL when they saw SS501 (triple s) on the show.
It was so random.

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is the 'stranger' a SS501 member??
omg..
am not sure..but he luuks a bit familiar~~

..
hang on..or is he from FT?

..and oh yeah!!
ive only just realised..
its the first time theyve worn uniforms!

especially love the lollipop scene~~

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I think maybe people should just start accepting the drama for the direction it's taking or just.. you know, not watch it.

In my opinion, I think it's a pretty satisfactory version of the manga; so were the taiwanese and japanese versions, but I wouldn't want to watch this if I knew they'd be exactly the same.

Regarding the nuances of Tsukasa's character as portrayed by Lee Min Ho, I just want to think of him as a reasonable rendition. If Junpyo was as outright ridiculous and violent as in the manga or the japanese version, I don't even want to think about the korean netizen backlash on the character; it's a korean rendition, to fit korean standards, so I think some of the criticism on the portrayal is pretty uneven (or at least, it's not put in very good perspective)

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thanks so much for the recaps!
lee min ho is doing great, and chemistry is starting to build. i was actually glad that this ep. did not have much of the ji hoo character in it. goo hye sun is also improving, and the characters are always so well-dressed.
lee min ho will be my new fangirl obsession very soon!

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Thanks for the great recap of the episode! I agree with your comments. I thought Kim Bum and Kim So-eun look really good together and people should really stop comparing all the different Hana Yori Dangos with each other. They may have similar story lines, but the way the actors and directors portray everything are entirely different.

At first, I was really skeptical about the drama. But after seeing it here on your blog and actually watching it, all I can say is that I'm hooked! The actors are great (even though Jan-di's hair annoys the heck outta me!) and I think this will be one of the few dramas I actually finish (I hope!).

I'm so glad that this drama shows every Mondays and Tuesdays.We get so much more of Kim-Bum's cuteness!! LOL! I wish shows like Gossip Girl had a schedule like that..

Anyways, I look forward to the next recaps! :)

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Ah... I just LOVE your reviews! Haha, but I loved the first encounter of YJ and GE! =D They're adorable and although YJ says one thing his eyes definitely says another... Gosh, this episode was definitely better than episode 3, AND UGH, can't wait for episode 5!! =)

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Yumi-chan! I also noticed that the performers were SS501 (Triple S) performing 'U R Man'! Way to bring in a cameo~

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i liked this episode
it was better and im begin to feel like how i did when i watched HYD japanese version, hopefully this will continue.

but i really wish this drama wasnt 24 episodes long, long dramas shiro -_-

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thanks for the recap..well i just thought that JH was'nt ready for acting.
but im still watching it.

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Thanks for your recap! I love it.
The only thing that I'm not that satisfied with this episode is the lock up scene. Maybe I've had expected more on that scene since it is one of the best scene in hanadan and it did give a deep impact and turn towards makino and domyouji relationship in hanadan. I know that I shouldn't compare but I can't help it.

Overall, I like korean twist on hyd. But yeah, the direction and the editing is kind of all over the place. At one point JanDi push JunPyo away and the next scene she has no trouble pouring all her worries about JiHoo to JunPyo (the bar scene). and she has no problem being alone with the one that she dislike (the airport scene). That's a bit OOC for her. Maybe it just an excuse to have scenes for just the two of them but its a bit unrealistic to me.

The thing that can take me away to continue watching this series is JanDi. I really hate her over the top acting. I know that is the typical korean heroin style. but seriously, that is the reason I can't finish watching My Girl. Plus I kinda hate JanDi sleeping in class. I know this is a small matter but do the korean has the thing for a stupid, clumsy, loud heroin? I like GHS acting in Nonstop5, Pure19 and even in ChilWoo. and I really like some of her scenes like when she stands up from being bullied from the whole school. I can say that I'm her fan for a long time and I'm a bit exited when they first announce that she got the role.

About JunPyo.. I like to see him as separate entity than Domyouji. Their characters are different. I like him and the changes in his character that is more towards korean style. As in he is more mature. I'm glad that they didn't cast some boyband for this role.

and I can see why Domyouji fans getting defensive. I don't think he is stupid as many people think he is. he is really just simple minded and bad at japanese (always mixed up kanji and hiragana/katakana) that leads to misunderstood on his part. A lot of time we can see him in deep thought (the puzzle scenes). I like the scene where he is chasing Makino. It is just japanese gag is different than korean. Like the way he pushes the girls on the floor and calling them stupid (chiaki sempai always do that to nodame). Its just the japanese comedy style. Sorry if this is getting a bit long. I've just finished re-watching hanadan you see..

The thing is LMH is perfect for JunPyo and MatsuJun is perfect for Domyouji. If they change places then it won't work.

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Dramabeans...i love your posts. you're so funny. i started cracking up when you wrote...

"So now the pottery genius is also Kenny G? Look, I ignored the atrocity that is Ji-hoo’s violin-playing, but here I cannot remain silent. THAT’S NOT EVEN THE RIGHT KIND OF SAXAPHONE. Woo-bin does his part by dancing… is that the Charleston? To cha-cha music?"

i really enjoy all of your recaps! Keep them coming. :)

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i'm loving the drama..
i love lee min ho! Ü

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I rewatch Hana Yori Dango yesterday and was surprise how they manage to stay with the same plot storyline and the same pace. one difference might be JunPyo first kiss was CPR while Domo-"something" first kiss was accidental fall

There are however obvious difference in the character dominant personality.... I enjoy both versions...

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awesome recaps; one comment: the song of the day's intro sounds a lot like one of Gotan Project's songs I forgot which one but I wonder if it's on purpose...

I think the scene where they're stuck in the cold isn't as STRONG (emotionally) as the Japanese version in my opinion and the BGM is not really that appealing but I'll get into the series anyways haha. For a commoner Jan Di seems to have a warmer outfit than Joon Pyo...

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This episode was crazy good. I did not expect Min-Jin to go crazy bipolar bitch on me...well, maybe for some they knew it was coming but this is the first time I've watched this series. I was really expecting Jun Pyo to come and save GanDi at the end...maybe episode five? Anyways, I'm also curious about what Jun Pyo wrote with the pen! I'm loving this series...I'm glad to be excitied about a drama again no matter how ridiclious it might be.

Oh yeah, Kim Bum and GanDi's friend...freaking adorable.

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Anon I agree soo let's say in Oh is good as Jun Pyo but not the best Domyoji because relating to the Manga(which is japanese), Jun Matsumoto remains the best Domyoji he was Domyoji.
and concerning the directory it's so bad that The key points of the relation Korean Makino/Domyoji fall flat.

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Hi just letting you know that i can't seem to be able to listen or dl the music link you've provided. Can you re up or fix the broken link.

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I've been looking forward to this version of HYD and I'm happy to say that I haven't been disappointed. Now there have been some down right wacky moments like every time Woo Bin has his "gangsta" outbursts, Jun Pyo's irrational fear of bugs, and that kiss between Seo Hyun & Ji Hoo (That had to be the worst kiss ever lol). But like you've said, this is definitely one of those dramas where you have to laugh along and analyze less.

As far as the comparisons...they're bound to come up. And I can understand that for many people its going to be hard to see past what they liked about the Japanese and Taiwanese versions, as well as the manga But the Korean version is going to be different and that may actually be a good thing. If it was a carbon copy of MG & HYD, then what would be the point? I, along with other people, want to see the story in a different way. If I wanted to see the HYD then I'd just watch it again and not bother with this one.

“He is a little thick-headed, but he’s not as blatantly stupid as Matsumoto Jun’s portrayal. He’s not as violent or hot-headed, either.”

^And I can say that I'm glad he's not. The stupidity of Domyouji in the Japanese version, was a bit irritating after a while IMO. I understand that it has a lot to do with his character and the story, but his behavior and comments were so out of left field that I couldn't picture Makino ending up with him and wanted her to be with Rui.

Another change that I'm glad to see is the obvious chemistry between Yi Jung Ga Eul. In the Japanese version, I hated how her friend was mesmerized by his charm and reputation...just like every other woman. Hopefully, something will happen between them along the way. I'm totally cheering for them.

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So Anon let's say Min Oh is Good as Jun PYO because only Matsumoto Jun acted entierly as Domyoji. He was Domyoji!
@ Jheannelle I understand you. But you say yourself "I couldn't picture Makino ending to him (Domyoji) but Rui", so isn't it the goal of the Manga. Two different people who love each other in spite of all misfortunes and misunderstandings between us. To be able to perform an simple minded person, violent, person who overracteS in everything he does because of his passion, it's very difficult and Hard. Jun did a very Good Jod.

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I love this drama so much that I can't hardly wait for this week to be over.I knew from the beginning that Koo Hye Sun will be a perfect Jam Bi but Lee Min Ho is a complete revelation.Love him!!! HE and Jam Di are perfect together. I love Koo Hye Sun way back in Heart of 19 and she is doing justice to her role here.Her portrayal of Jam Di should keep all those who were against her( being picked for this role cause of her age) quiet and appreciate the fact that she was the chosen one. I can't see anybody else portraying Jan Di and Jun Pyo except for these two adorable actors (KOO HYE SUN and LEE MIN HO).

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I love domyoji character.from taiwan dao ming se,japanesse domyoji n korean goo jun pyo.he's my fav character.i think LMH did a good job so far.love him.he's so adorable:)but he is too adorable to be the mighty goo jun pyo.theres not enough reason for jandi to hate him so much.he's a prince charming.i hope he would do violent thing like other domyoji character did.domyoji does not easy to get along with other ppl.jun pyo must 'smashing cake to the girl face thing' more often:) n later jandi could change him

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I think go hye sun a little bit over act.but she can be cute sometimes.i still like her even japanesse makino play by mao was away better.whenever she get angry to jun pyo i'd feel sad 4 him.i feel like 'u dont have right 2 hate him that much jandi'.i feel pity on jun pyo nim:-( where is mighty jun pyo who made ppl hate him rather than love him?i hope next episode would be better.jun pyo nim should show the real fight with ji hoo to win jandi's heart! I'm in love with this drama.love LMH n kimbum here!

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"Vieny - Jan 15, 2009 at 10:14 am
I think go hye sun a little bit over act.but she can be cute sometimes.i still like her even japanesse makino play by mao was away better.whenever she get angry to jun pyo i’d feel sad 4 him.i feel like ‘u dont have right 2 hate him that much jandi’.i feel pity on jun pyo nim:-( where is mighty jun pyo who made ppl hate him rather than love him?i hope next episode would be better.jun pyo nim should show the real fight with ji hoo to win jandi’s heart! I’m in love with this drama.love LMH n kimbum here!"
LOL because it's Jun Pyo (all what Domyoji character is not) like your own message says "i think LMH did a good job so far.love him.he’s so adorable:)but he is too adorable to be the mighty goo jun pyo.theres not enough reason for jandi to hate him so much.he’s a prince charming"

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LOL, I loved your recap. I did read it before I watched the episode and I was confused why they would use music to persuade the bar owner. I just watched the episode, and now I know why!

The power of elevator jazz and ballroom dance is that the ajumas will all go over "next door" and that will put the owner out of business! Since they are such little cuties and all! =)

Jun Pyo is stealing my heart, he is so naive in the love department! I can't wait for the next episode and your next recap. Cheers!

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i think comparisons would be really hard to avoid, as I find myself often thinking about it while i watch this series. from ep1, i was telling myself that none can compare to MatsuJun's Tsukasa. but now, I think I like LMH's JunPyo - not so much violent and stupidity. overall, the character's the same but the slight differences are so refreshing. still, MatsuJun's Domyouji's PERM is way better than LMH's JunPyo's PERM. LMH's kakkoi-ness came out when the perm was gone. rawr.

as always, thanks for the wonderful insights.

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@ lily
yes, may be becoz i think i dont want him to be a prince charming too soon:) i'd rather like violent mightyself jun pyo nim...i don't want him 'almost' the same character as rui/ji hoo.
but enjoying this drama...:D

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The scenes with Yi-Jung and Ga-Eul made me absolutely giddy :) The chemistry was undeniable and Kim Bum used his eyes so well. I think that the actress is so pretty and matches well with Kim Bum, and for once looks age appropriate. I'm interested in seeing how their side story will play out (and I'm really looking forward to this version's take on the Sojiro/Yuki/Sara's story). I like how Ga-Eul is strong and can hold her own against Yi-Jung. Different from Yuki, but I prefer this change. It makes their story even more interesting to observe their developing attraction and feelings than in the original tragedy.

As much as I love Matsujun's Doumyouji, LMH's take on the character is very refreshing and I really enjoy what he brings to the character: less idiocy, more depth.

My major disappointment was the "locked-in" scene. I felt that it was a pivotal turning point in their developing relationship, and wanted to see Jan-Di's feelings progress. It was really lacking something for me. I try my best to stop comparing the different versions, and just enjoy each version's take on the manga. But I couldn't help but think of the elevator scene in the Jdrama, which was really touching and made my heart ache. And the scene where she finds him still waiting for her was missing something. Nonetheless, the drama is still enjoyable.

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GREAT GREAT EPISODE!!! CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK! great cast (except for jihoo)!!! i have to say i have gotten used to jandi's over cuteness BUT LOVING LEE MIN-HO for this role!!!

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Woot! Finally finished watching all 4 episodes thanks to the company of my cousin. She was really enjoying it. She didn't watch the Japanese version but only the Taiwanese one. I realized she really enjoyed it without comparing the two versions. The only comment she made was that LMH looked like Jerry of the Taiwanese version.

So it makes me feel like I have actually lost the sole purpose of watching dramas: entertainment. Lol. I also realized that I have been harsh on the guy who plays Rui. On a side note, Rui is a pretty complicated character. I think he does a decent job so far. I don't understand what's wrong with him. Yes, a bit wooden sometimes, but I don't feel like it's awkward (well except for the kiss with HCY).

As for LMH and his portrayal of Domoujii, I think it's quite different. Clueless but not a total idiot. Violent but not to the point of crazyness. Cruel but actually really caring. His expression is pretty good too. :D

Kim Bum... I haven't seen much of him but my cousin said "OMG....so cute!" while I, "That smile! To die for!" LOL

The other guy is actually pretty bad. -_- I think he needs a lot of improvement in his acting. I didn't feel like he was comfortable delivering his lines.

As for JanDi character, the actress is actually getting better. I noticed less exaggeration on her part.

^_^ I guess I'll stop linking the versions and enjoy each for its uniqueness. BTW, I haven't passforward any scene unlike the other two versions.

Ooops...:D

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I just read your summary after I finished watching. LOL

What follows is some of the most ridiculous tomfoolery I ever did saw. To prove their point, Yi-jung displays some of his saxophone skills (to prove they’d be willing and able to make good on their threat). So now the pottery genius is also Kenny G? Look, I ignored the atrocity that is Ji-hoo’s violin-playing, but here I cannot remain silent. THAT’S NOT EVEN THE RIGHT KIND OF SAXOPHONE.

Yes I couldn't believe that scene either. So totally stupid and pointless. LOL But I had fun laughing and squinting at the scene for its embarrassment.

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I never comment on this site, but I want to say:

THANK YOU for mentioning the "Oneders"...all these stupid kpop band names have made me think of that very thing many times. =D Made my night.

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I thought that this will be better then the japanese but i'm actually disappointed...i think the japanese was better and i keep going because of Lee Min Ho...

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I rewatched the 3 and 4 episode LMH is so WEAK!! He is all what domyoji is not I will explain why:
"Mary
January 14, 2009 at 3:06 am
I agree

1. it’s not shwing how terrible the red note is

2.Domyojis character is totally messed up

3. You don’t feel the pain the main girl has to go through
before she really stands up against the f4

4. way to much slap stick and sound effects..feels like I’m watching a taiwanese drama

Although Hana Yori Dango Japans version has also a not very realistic storyline, you forget about it when you watch the drama….
in the korean version you seem to think: why is this called hana yori dango it could have been any other typical teenage drama.

-not very funny
-no good acting

BUT I will give it a try..and watch teh other episodes..just because i love hana yori dango"

@ JWpwnsU Isn't it what BOF's lovers do since this thing released?"

Please somebody reply me :
"Has even Jun forrest gump Pyoo really talked to Korean Rui (The one everyone seem happy to see gone for a moment)like a great friend or even a brother (Because their friendship is so Great F4 consider themself like brothers)?"

@ Melmel do you know too why Jan-di grabs the attention of F4?

For Makino it's like in the Manga (if you read it. Remember it's a shojo). She is the only person Domyoji can feel she is honest with him.

First Domyoji's family is wealthy very wealthy. his parents (especially his cold mother who harshly raised him because Businessworld is very hard) don't care about him. So the only persons around him were his domestics and his sister who cared a lot for him and the only person he respected (She didn't hesitate to beat him whe he did something wrong). But unfortunatly she left the house because she got married to the man their mother decided. So Domyoji was left alone in this HUGE house (Fortunatly he had the other F3. That's why I complain about the non-chemistry between the korean F4).

So secondly not only he did not get a proper education (His parents are not there!!!) but the only people around him were only his domestics (and they are there to serve Domyoji Sama). In his world he is the "KING". So all he knows is give orders. That's why Domyoji is somewhat a Child (not proper education). people give him everything he wants, he gets everything he wants. He did not have the time to grow up because of that. He is a spoiled brad young boy. So that's why Domyoji is a little simple minded (His bakaness) thinking people are as his toys. And you know yourself the violent and "evil" acts of a spoiled brat child one say "NO". The Red notes are a way to play with his friends and show the stupid, childish and violent side of the character. that's why I have some problem with the "Prince charming" and somewhat mature Jun Pyo. It's simply so not Domyoji (someone even noticed in epi 3 he read a financial newspaper)

At last he is doesn't trust anyone especially the Boot lickers (in french = lèche-bottes). That's true he plays with them but he think they look at him and "respect" him because he is wealthy and his name. Domyoji is maybe simple minded but He understand he lives in a world where power and money are masters. So people around him are simply Hypocrite. He really never feel Love, warm. So he is not easy going and treat people badly.

In conclusion Makino grabed the F4 attention because she told him face to face "You maybe the richest man in the world I don't care about your name, your money" and she had the courage to BEAT him. He saw she got some guts, she is not woman like the ones I know (she acts like his sister). Plus she lives in different world of mine. She maybe not an angel, but she is honest to me. Domyoji wants to know her and he falls for her (that's why the Makion/Domyoji scenes are so captivating) . The "contrast" between the old Domyoji and the Domyoji "post Makino" is wonderful. And I think they made a mitake by messing up the character in korean version. He is too weak, too nice, too supporting too "undomyoji").

Sorry I was too long I know but I had to explained why Makino grabed F4 (Domyoji) attention in the Jdrama. And sorry for my bad english (I am french)

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When you read the story of Domyoji in the manga we can say he is an unlimited character (because he is a spoiled brat lonely rich man) who has lived in his own world. He didn't grow up and he doesn't know how encounter other people. That's why he is stupid and has no limit in what he does (violence, love possesivness ect..). Jun Pyo it's not that

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People who keep comparing Japanaese HYD to Boys Before Flowers need to shut it.

Gu Jun Pyo is not Domyoji! Of course the character is different, because this is a different drama! It's based on HYD but it's not just a copy, and who wants a copy anyway? It's a Korean adaptation, so if you don't like it, just go back to your Japanese drama and watch that instead. Why are you here ruining it for the rest of us by complaining over and over (i'm looking at you lily) that this is not like the Japanese drama?

If you are so dissatisfied, just stop watching. Let us watch this in peace.

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No You shut it!!! Do you know that the first one who started to compare The Jdrama and Kversion are the BOF's lovers themself. They didn't stop trying to put down the japanese version by only saying How the guys are not so good looking (I understand them they can't find another good reason) and the korean ones are good looking (because jun pyo looks like jerry yan) and how the storyline was the "truest" to the manga (although it's completly not true) and Blah blah blah.... all I want it proves how korean maker messed the story up by show several evidence concerning the bad acting of the actor, the off characterization of some character (Jun Pyo for example), the bad and silly fliming.
You can keep looking at me but this drama (I was looking foward to it) is a complete disappointment and I am not the only one.
And I am not japanese at all (I am african).

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lily, please don't bash someone else's opinion. i'm not starting a fight or anything but i'd prefer if you can talk about your disagreements with our opinion in a more communicative way.

i understand where you are coming from, in terms of the CHARACTER of the Korean version leads, it is a bit different.. and it bounds to be because they are different actors. and i also agree this Rui doesn't have the charm (or connection with the female lead) of the manga Rui. but for me, in terms of how the story is moving overall and a LOT of the scenes just remind me of the manga so much (which I read about 5 years ago). so it seemed the truest to me, esp compared to how (pleasantly) innovative the Japanese version was. that's all. ^_^

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Ok For you it's the truest to the manga but for it's not. I respect that and I think the the truest to the manga is MG the taiwanese version and HYD Jdrama makers had the good idea to only take the key and turning points of the manga and they cleverly arranged them.

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...can everyone chill and just enjoy the drama?
like seriously, stop comparing it to the japanese/tai version!
just enjoy it......... and if you don't like it,
don't watch it!

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I hope Kim Joon's role is meatier than that of his predecessors. Despite how few his lines have been, I actually like him. I'd hope for the same for Kim Bum but his relationship with So-eun seems a foregone conclusion (and yes, I look forward to that too. Her wintry sass in response to his uh..."friendly warning" won me over completely), the two actors play off eachother well here which only heightens my curiousity to see how their relationship will develope.

And I totally get why Lee Min-ho's fan wave is a risin'. He inhabits his role completely yet manages to do it in a way that clearly makes Jun-pyo -his- character. Whatever the shortcomings of this drama, I think they can be overcome with time (especially in regards to some of the acting, time begets experience or something-vaguely-profound-ish).

After getting such a kick out of watching Jun-pyo's joy following the stolen kiss (I couldn't surpress laughter when he cajoled the butler to loosen up after asking, "Don't you think the employees are a little edgy?" Gee, I wonder why), I'm almost anxious to see how he'll be when his faith in Jan-di as well as his usual good(ish) humor are restored.

On a side-note, I found I really liked Min-ji. Why, Min-ji? Why? Why are you such a closetful (closet full?) of guano crazy? Hehe...guano. Get it? Bat shi--okay anyway, I liked this girl when she was that seemingly demure, sweet friend. I even liked her wounded self when she thought Jan-di had taken..uh.."her man". I could almost sympathize with her, even knowing what inevitably lies down the road (that guano crazy I mentioned earlier). Too bad she isn't here for long, but hey, if I like her this much, I'm optimistic about what lies ahead for the rest of our characters.

P.s. 1sagain.............whose job is it to name these bands? Can I apply?? I promise to offer up steaming piles of nonsensical and memorable (because of the confusion one feels first realizing what it means) names! And uh, that's how Buga Kingz are pronounced? Hehe. Hehehehehe. I thought it was bug-a at first. Maybe they thought this was a slick version of boogey but, y'know, not. It's like the guitarist in the oh-nee-ders said; "It's the oh-nay-ders." Then again, maybe it's not like that.

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@EunwHui you like the drama you want to support it very good.
What is funny it's after 4 poor and flawed epi, BOF's lovers went like "this is so much better than the other version This.......the guys are so hot That ect...". After when you come with some evidences to prove how this version is a mess up (especially the acting), the same persons started saying "No it's 4 epi , wait the end to say it's bad, don't say that they are new, if you don't like it don't watch....". I watch what I want (you know) If the drama is Bad I will say it with arguments, same if it's good. LOL

Peace

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Actually, I think the discussion shows that most people do NOT think of Boys Before Flowers with complete love or complete hate. I'd say most of the reactions are conflicted, which is why I prefer keeping the Japanese/Taiwanese comparisons out of the discussion. There's so much to discuss without falling back on "Jun-pyo isn't as good as Doumjyouji!" or "This is so much better/worse than the manga/anime/jdrama/tdrama!" complaints, you know what I mean?

You're free to hate this drama, lily or anybody else, but let's keep things civil, righty-o? I think someone can love (or hate) the drama without reducing their opinion to fangirling or hating. Not all people who defend the show are blind fangirls, and not all people who attack it are HYD lovers. I see a lot of oversimplified judgments being made.

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@ javabeans, i agree that people shouldn't compare him to domyouji. wouldn't that be boring? i think it's good to see something new. did anyone notice that SS501's song played for almost 10 minutes in this episode? i thought that was hilarious.

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