My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 16 (Final)
by girlfriday
Dear Show,
How do I love Thee? Let me count the ways.
1. Your hero is Woongtastic.
2. Your heroine is the cutest thing since cats started having babies.
3. You do crazy things, but then you recover with The Cute.
4. You hurt, but you hurt so good.
5. You speed along like a bullet train, and make me wish time passed more slowly.
6. I find myself flipping through pictures of our time together, remembering you fondly.
7. You break my heart, and then put it back together again.
8. I can’t quit you, even if I tried.
9. You love me…just as I am.
FINAL EPISODE RECAP
After revealing her only remaining tail in the moonlight, Dae-woong asks her with angry tears, “Then…you’re still dying?” The thought that this is only occurring to him now makes me want to smack him with a large encyclopedia. She responds that she couldn’t give up the desire to become human.
Emo Hair is busy staring holes into the sandglass of mystical ki, which he has put upright again. He watches as Mi-ho’s life slowly pours out, leaving very little left. He begs for her to hold on a little longer. Is that the best you can do? Don’t you have any mystical powers other than your glowy knife and milky skin? Now’s the time to break them out, Highlander Boy. We’re in the finale.
Dae-woong can’t believe she’s still dying. After everything he had to do to let her go, she’s STILL dying. Yeah. Hence the moniker Noble Idiot. Don’t you watch dramas? Mi-ho says that it’s not just because of love—she couldn’t give up the desire to become human, and she feared that by his side, she’d have done anything to stay alive, even take the rest of his life if she became desperate.
At that, he gets up and puts her hand on his chest, saying, “Then take it. Take it all.” Ack! Crushing. My. Soul.
She looks down, stricken, pulling away from him. That’s treating her exactly like what she doesn’t ever want to be—a monster. Dae-woong doesn’t care—he’ll do anything to save her life. He says that she’s a scary gumiho, and he’s a human under her spell, so she should play the role and just take his life. He grabs her by the wrist (gah) and yells at her to take it.
Mi-ho can’t even look him in the eye as she steps away. She says he really is an immature human, and that she’ll come back then, and really take his life. She leaves him with a half-hearted death threat.
She returns to Dong-joo and confesses to removing her fox bead. He reels at the realization that since the moment she came to him, she had already given up. She can’t become human, or even half like him, so this is the extent of what she can do, to protect Dae-woong. She asks him to return the bead to Dae-woong, and lie to him so that he’ll take it back. Great. Just what we need. Two Noble Idiots running about.
Dong-joo meets Dae-woong on a rooftop and feeds him the lie—if he takes the bead back, and fills it with the rest of his ki, Dong-joo will kill him at the end of the hundred days and return the bead to Mi-ho, saving her. He starts to say that he understands if he hestitates…
…and Dae-woong downs the bead in one shot. Without so much as an ounce of fear or hesitation, he tells Dong-joo to come to kill him alone, and to make sure that he returns the bead to Mi-ho safely. As if I didn’t already love you enough, you’re going all gallant-knight-in-shining-armor on me now. How’s a recapper to stay focused with all of the swooning?
As Dae-woong leaves, Mi-ho appears around the corner, having witnessed it all. Thank heavens for that. Dong-joo is floored from Dae-woong’s unflinching conviction to give up his life for Mi-ho. I love that wimpy Dae-woong became the kind of person to shake up Dong-joo’s belief that humanity is selfish and weak.
Mi-ho comes up to him, smiling as she gives him a big fat I-told-you-so, about her fantasy-love being the real deal. Aw. But then she continues to be a Noble Idiot, insisting that they go far away, and never appear in front of Dae-woong again.
Show, are you TRYING to kill me?
Dae-woong prepares to give up his life for Mi-ho, as Mi-ho prepares to leave. He cries, as he regrets not being able to be there for her, but is satisfied with being able to protect her with his life. Dong-joo watches him from afar, amazed at his bravery in this act of love.
Dong-joo shows up at the airport to meet Mi-ho, and he asks her one last time if this is what she really wants. He tells her that he thought love was doing what the other person wanted, but then regretted it for a thousand years. He swore to never make that mistake again, but this time, he’s retracing his steps. So he did the only thing he could do to protect her, because even if he gave his own life, it wouldn’t save her. Well, that answers that question.
He told Dae-woong the truth. APPLAUSE for Dog Teacher!
Mi-ho’s eyes fill with tears, as she hears him acknowledge that their love is true. “Why did you do that? You’re cruel. I hate you. But…thank you.” Aw. He tells her that he’s not the one to stay by her side till the end. That person…is right there…
Dae-woong runs into the airport right on cue. Dong-joo tells her to go to him, and leaves them to fate. Well, you didn’t actually turn out to be very useful, mystically, but points for killing the Noble Idiots, anyway.
Mi-ho goes to Dae-woong, who says with tears and trembly lips:
Dae-woong: You’re really…a terrible evil gumiho. You put a human under your spell and took his ki, and now you’re ripping his heart to shreds, you scary gumiho!
Mi-ho: I’m sorry. But even if being with me is scary and painful, can I stay by your side?
He pulls her in for a hug, as Mi-ho finally lets herself cry in his arms. Gawd, these two kill me. I’m such a sucker for the angry blurting of hurtful things to mask true feelings.
At the temple, the monk explains the painting to a group of ladies, as he recounts the promise the Samshin Grandmother made to the gumiho: if she found a husband to give his life for her, she would allow her to live in this world. One of the ladies turns around, musing to herself that a promise is a promise…
Ten points for Team Samshin Grandma! You are free to take your victory lap now.
She appears to Dong-joo first, as she asks him what he thinks is right: “I’m sorry,” (Gil-dal’s last words) or “Thank you,” (Mi-ho’s last words to him). He smiles as he realizes who she is, and says that “Thank you” is the right answer. She smiles as she tells him that he’s fine then. Sad that it took him a thousand years for Mi-ho’s thank-you to heal the wound from Gil-dal’s “I’m sorry,” but it’s a nice bookend for his character.
Dae-woong and Mi-ho walk hand-in-hand, but their happiness takes a dip as they walk past an elderly couple, knowing that they’ll never make it that far. They tell each other, “Right now, being with you—is the greatest happiness.”
They return to their loft and eat together. Dae-woong tries to get her to eat kimchi, which she doesn’t like, but he insists that she’s got to, if she’s Korean. Yeah, that’s what my parents used to tell me when I was a kid and didn’t like kimchi. It’s cultural identity peer pressure! She asks for a kiss on the cheek if she eats it, and he offers her one on the lips, so she plans to eat up all the kimchi on the table. Yay, Cute, you’re back! We’ve missed you!
Mi-ho shows him the tea set that she bought for Aunt Min-sook’s wedding gift, and he praises her for knowing his aunt’s taste. She wonders if it’s not right for Director Ban, but Dae-woong tells her that it’s better for the man to match his tastes to his wife’s. Okay, can I marry you now?
They wonder if they should’ve bought a set for themselves, but then realize the heartbreaking fact that they’ll never be married and picking out china. Mi-ho makes an excuse about them being too breakable, and decides that they should buy ones that don’t break so easily. Dae-woong agrees: “Let’s get ones that never ever break.”
It’s Min-sook’s wedding day, and while the bride worries about her nervous farting habit, Director Ban shows up in his usual trenchcoat-and-sunglasses garb. Really, Chow Yun-fat Lite to your own wedding, huh? But thankfully Dae-woong intervenes and helps him out of his nervousness, calling him Uncle.
The wedding commences, where of course the point is not so much the bride and groom, as it is the best man and maid of honor, making moon eyes at each other. Samshin Grandma makes an appearance in the crowd, eyeing the pair with an air of disapproval and worry.
As Grandpa gives Min-sook away, she trips and Director Ban catches her, asking if the baby is okay. Whoops. Egg’s out of the bag. Grandpa rejoices, and everyone cheers.
After the wedding, Mi-ho walks around and stops when she sees a bride and groom dressed in traditional hanboks, and remembers her own lonely wait as a bride five hundred years ago. Dae-woong asks if she regrets not meeting her match then, but she of course doesn’t regret a thing, since she had to be trapped in that painting to meet Dae-woong now.
Knowing how much she’s always wanted to be a bride, he takes her by the hand and gets her some red dots for her cheeks, and they take a picture to commemorate it. Adorable.
Later, Mi-ho puts the picture in her album, as she declares to the universe, “In five hundred years, I’ve finally found my groom. Because he loves me so so so so so much, he can give me everything. I’ve found him.”
The fateful hundredth day arrives, and Dae-woong tells himself that he won’t count the time, or cry, and that he’ll spend this last day with her in happiness. He swallows back his tears and puts on a brave face. There’s…something…in my…eye.
He comes out and asks if there’s anywhere she wants to go. She asks if he isn’t tired, since they haven’t slept for days. (From wanting to spend every waking moment together? That’s so cute!) She takes out the lotion that Dae-woong bought her, and puts some on his face, and the look in his eyes…Oh my god, now I’m really crying. Gah! People crying buckets of tears does not move me as much as someone trying their damnedest NOT to cry…it crushes my heart into pulp.
They wonder what they should do, thinking that maybe they should replay their first date and go see a movie…except the only passes Dae-woong has are all for future days. They decide to go see the chicken shop ajumma, but then she’s away in the country, so she won’t be back till tomorrow. Ack, their struggle to find something to do on their last day without acknowledging the pain is so heartbreaking.
Dae-woong wonders why everyone, even Aunt Min-sook and Grandpa, are away until tomorrow. Mi-ho then finally says the words out loud: “Tomorrow…I won’t be here.”
They decide to go to the fountain that Mi-ho likes, except when they show up, it’s off for repairs, until…yup, you guessed it…TOMORROW. Mi-ho says it’s okay, but it’s enough to put Dae-woong over the edge. He starts shaking as he says it has to be today, and walks off, angry.
With his back turned so that Mi-ho can’t see, he cries. She watches him, knowing what a brave face he’s putting on for her benefit. He pushes his tears back, and then turns around, smiling as he reaches out his hand to her. I swear, I’m not crying. I’m NOT!
They go home and light some fireworks, and Mi-ho lights up in glee. They spend the rest of their night in the gym, because that’s the place where Dae-woong saw her true nature, for the first time.
Mi-ho: Were you really that scared, back then?
Dae-woong: Yes. But as scared as I was then, I’m a hundred times more…right now.
He clutches her hand. She covers his eyes as he starts to cry. Tears streaming down her face, she tells him to think of it all as a dream, from the moment she appeared. That way, when he opens his eyes, it won’t hurt. They cry, with her covering his eyes to keep him from having to watch her disappear.
Dae-woong: Don’t go.
Mi-ho: Forget all the scary stuff. And remember me as a really really really really good dream.
With that, she gives him a kiss, and her tail comes out in the moonlight. It fades away, as the last grains of sand trickle down in the hourglass, and just like that, Mi-ho disappears.
Dae-woong uncovers his eyes to see that she’s gone, and his sad tears turn to angry ones, as he says to himself, “A dream? When I open my eyes, it won’t hurt?! It hurts this much…how can you be a dream?”
He slumps to the ground, sobbing. If there’s any more sadness to be had, I’m going to have to borrow someone else’s tears, because I’m fresh out of my own.
Back at the temple, Samshin Grandma has returned to the painting.
Dae-woong wakes up the next morning in the gym, having cried himself to sleep in that position. He realizes that she’s gone and left him there all alone, and he refuses to let it go that way. He runs, as he says in voiceover:
Dae-woong: Mi-ho-ya, you must be crying, but it doesn’t rain anymore when you cry. No matter how sad you are, I have no way of knowing…because you’re not here anymore. Mi-ho is gone. Mi-ho is gone. Mi-ho…is gone.
He cries her name out one last time, and then…stands in the path of an oncoming truck. WHAT? WTF Dae-woong?! Aaaaaaaargh!
He lies there in the street, still conscious, as he cries a tear. It starts to rain, and he clutches his heart, happy that she’s still here, somewhere in the universe. Can you please be happy AFTER you attend to your gaping head wound?! Show, you’ve been itching to pull some crazy stunt like this, haven’t you? Are you testing me?
I suppose since he has the friggin’ fox bead, he’s not going to die or anything. But still. Reckless, party of one?
Dong-joo and Samshin Grandma sit in the park, and Dong-joo asks what she’ll do with Mi-ho. She says that she can’t return a gumiho who’s lost her nine tails and given her ki to a human, but says that if they wait, perhaps the heavens will intervene.
Some months later, Dae-woong’s movie comes out and it’s a big hit, making him and Hye-in stars. Aunt Min-sook has her baby, Byung-soo and Sun-nyeo are dating. Dae-woong lands on the cover of magazines, and Hye-in shoots a CF with…Hong-ki? Hong-ki! We’ve missed you! What’re you doing here, puppy? He’s here as Jeremy, of course, although it’s unfortunate that he’s here alone to represent A.N.Jell. Well, you were my favorite anyway, so I’m pleased as punch.
Sun-nyeo knows that Hye-in has a crush on him, so she tells her to get off her high horse and do something about it…otherwise she’ll end up like she did with Dae-woong. That’s enough to scare her, so she swallows her pride and practices Mi-ho’s tactic: “I really, really, really, really like you.” Complete with finger guns. Ha.
Byung-soo has come up in the world too, making his own movies. He shows Dae-woong the script he wrote, using his idea—a love story between a human and a ghost. Dae-woong tells him it’s supposed to be a gumiho, but Byung-soo balks that a gumiho requires too much CG, for nine tails. He went with ghost instead. HA. I love the meta.
Dong-joo appears on the set, and Dae-woong is pleased to see him. He’s still posturing, of course, because he’s Dae-woong, but they’re friendly as they catch up. Dong-joo is a professor now, having decided to live amongst people. He asks if Dae-woong is still waiting. He clutches his heart, saying of course he’s waiting…because she’s not gone yet.
Dong-joo tells him that today there will be an eclipse. “The sun and the moon—they can’t exist in the same space. But they break that rule, and come together, in the eclipse.” Nice imagery.
He tells Dae-woong that it’ll come today, the day when the heavens go crazy. Sure enough, as the eclipse begins, Dae-woong’s phone starts ringing. Only he realizes it’s not his phone, but Mi-ho’s. He answers it, and it’s Mi-ho, using the eclipse to speak to him.
He runs around looking for her, asking her where she is, but she just answers that she’s watching him, and that she’s close to him. The eclipse passes, and their connection is lost. Dae-woong and I both curse the heavens for their cheap trick, and he sheds a tear, asking angrily if that was it.
He cries in disbelief. And then, from a distance, he hears her voice. “Woong-ah!” He looks up, and Mi-ho stands there, calling his name. Hooray~!
He walks over to her, not knowing if he’s hallucinating, and pokes her face, just to be sure. She cries a tear at his touch. He asks if she’s a ghost, and she’s about to answer, but he hugs her, saying it doesn’t matter.
Dae-woong: It doesn’t matter if you’re a ghost, or a gumiho, or a person. It doesn’t matter. It’s enough that you’re in front of me. If you’re back, that’s enough.
Gah, it rivals: “Whether you’re a man or an alien.” Really. Such a perfect thing to say to her.
That night, they return to the loft and sit together in the moonlight. She asks if he isn’t curious whether she’s returned as a human or a gumiho. He says it doesn’t matter, but he is curious. Mi-ho: “The moon is out and everything. Should we do a round of hoi-hoi and find out?” YES PLEASE.
Dae-woong’s pleased to see that she’s tail-less, which makes Mi-ho upset that he’s not actually fine if she’s still a gumiho. She confesses to having one tail left, as she wraps it around his waist, with her best come-hither look in her eyes.
Now THAT’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout.
They get snuggly, as Dae-woong says in voiceover, “As always, my girlfriend, she’s still…a fox.” Haha. Cute!
GIRLFRIDAY’S COMMENTS
What a great resolution. It would have left me unsatisfied, if she just became human, and didn’t retain any of her gumiho-ness. I love that Dae-woong’s ultimate confession of love is that it doesn’t matter what supernatural creature she is—he just loves her, for being her. It’s the best kind of declaration in my book, because he adores her exactly as she is, no more, no less.
I honestly wasn’t expecting this much angst in the finale, because I thought the mystical whozit would get resolved earlier, but I don’t mind it at all, because the angst actually played out so beautifully, and moved my ice-encased heart to tears. I thought that knowing they’d get a happy ending would have lessened my reaction to their last day, but it turned out not to matter—what moved me was the fact that they didn’t know it wouldn’t be their last day. So their brave front in the face of such crushing loss was epic, and romantic.
What I love about a story like this (and why my heart belongs to Buffy) is that the mystical mumbo jumbo is just a device—it’s a metaphor on a large scale that allows the high-concept life-or-death choices to drive the story, while forcing characters to face basic questions about mortality, self, sacrifice, and love. Their epic love story can have the dramatic tension found in all dramas, but the supernatural element provides a framework to justify the angst—it’s story-driven, and calls out Fate as the main operator in the universe, whereas other dramas use the same elements without giving the same level of narrative justification.
It’s my own bias, for sure, since this kind of story isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But for me? This show owns me, heart and soul. I may have found a new favorite. Of. All. Time.
JAVABEANS’ COMMENTS
I agree with everything Girlfriday just said, but still, I must offer a slightly different take on the ending and the drama as a whole. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed so much about this drama. But I think my reaction to the wrap-up is a bit less enthused.
A few criticisms:
As you well know, I’m a big fan of the Hong sisters. I’ve seen all their dramas, I’ve enjoyed all their pairings, and laughed at their jokes. They have a way of telling fun, funny stories in an accessible way that doesn’t talk down to you or try to be what it was never meant to be. Their style can dip into slapstick or hammy humor, but it never gets pretentious. Major kudos for that.
That said, there is a difference between a trademark and a crutch. The Hongs do both, and while I love the former, the latter can suck the zest out of a show.
Hong sisters trademarks: Pop culture parodies. A middle-aged couple finding love. Tongue-in-cheek references to famous dramas and/or movies. Cute catchphrases (“Bassha,” ‘I lub you,” “hoi-hoi,” “kkoraji hagoneun,” “You will be blessed”) and quirky-cute terms for things (“cow” rather than beef, “bubble-fizz water” instead of soda).
Crutches, on the other hand, are what you get when writers fall back on certain plot devices, conflicts, or resolutions, which feels more like a lack of creativity than an intentional callback. That’s why in my book, Delightful Girl Chun-hyang will always be my favorite Hong sisters drama, because everything was fresh, fun, and new back then. My Girl was super-peppy and entertaining, but it doesn’t rank as high in my book because there were certain recycled elements from DGCH that lacked the fresh factor. They broke with those patterns, thankfully, for Fantasy Couple — which is why I have a lot of respect for that drama even if it’s my least favorite of theirs. Hong Gil Dong took them further from their stable of favorite cliches and setups, but then You’re Beautiful brought a portion of them right back. (As in, extended separations, overhyped melodrama forcing the couple apart, dastardly meddlers, toxic parents, hapless second leads who never get the girl.)
What worked marvelously the first time doesn’t hold up as well the fourth time around, which is what I felt with the past few episodes. Like with Dae-woong following Mi-ho around (which we saw in DGCH and My Girl) and one character telling a huge lie to spare the other pain, which ends up keeping them apart (also from both DCGH and My Girl). I adore these writers, but for their next drama they’re really going to have to explore some untrod territory.
THAT SAID, I actually think Gumiho works despite those recycled elements because its fantasy angle is SO interesting and clever. By giving the conflict a true life-or-death gravitas, these elements are given a bit of a twist, so ultimately I accept them. I just can’t feel excited about them.
Regarding the ending: I’m generally satisfied, or at least as satisfied as I can be with a huge deus ex machina swooping in to save the day. As far as deus ex machinas go, it was done pretty well — I’m glad that they didn’t have Samshin Grandma merely wave a mystical wand and bring Mi-ho back, as I feared about halfway through this episode. If she did that, all the angst and conflict of the previous several episodes would have been moot, and that would have made me bitter. No, we are told that even in this fantasy world, there are supernatural laws, and Mi-ho cannot come back since she has given literally everything of herself. So only in this freak occurrence when “heaven goes crazy,” when the sun meets the moon, does she have a chance of crossing the cosmic divide and rejoining Dae-woong. But he has to earn it by waiting for her steadfastly, and it appears that a few years have passed since she disappeared.
I appreciate that the angsting had a narrative purpose (other than to keep them apart), because both had to prove that they would give up their lives for each other in a real, tangible way rather than just saying that they would in hypothetical scenarios (as Mi-ho tried to get Dae-woong to do). The lore says that only when the gumiho meets a man who is willing to give up everything can she step into the human world. They had to go through that trial by fire so that in the end, there is not a shadow of a doubt that they earned their happily ever after.
RELATED POSTS
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 15
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 14
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 13
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 12
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 11
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 10
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 9
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 8
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 7
- Who will cameo next on Gumiho Girlfriend?
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 6
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 5
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 4
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 3
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 2
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho: Episode 1
- Pop Culture: Gumiho
Tags: featured, Lee Seung-gi, My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, Shin Mina
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1 Jasmine
September 30, 2010 at 8:54 PM
OMG, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! <333
This drama is awesome :DD
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2 Lovekimchi
September 30, 2010 at 8:54 PM
I was waiting for your review all day. I'm going to miss this show so so so so so much
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pattt
October 1, 2010 at 8:29 AM
Ahuahu, me too!
I don't know what I'll do with my Wednesdays and Thursdays now that MGIAG is over ='(
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Alex Wyller
October 1, 2010 at 9:38 AM
Well,, life goes on.. girl >_<
This drama is great. I really enjoyed it so much, great recap by you two, dynamic-duo! I'm a picky person, but this drama is one of my fav (just a short list!).
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ron
October 2, 2010 at 6:55 PM
agreed.
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3 missminami
September 30, 2010 at 8:55 PM
Love it!!!!
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4 skye
September 30, 2010 at 8:55 PM
OMG it's finally here!!! thank you.. now off to read! WHOO-HOO. but sad that this is the end thought :(
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5 ck1Oz
September 30, 2010 at 8:56 PM
Thank you I was waiting and waiting for your recap :-)
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6 threedott
September 30, 2010 at 8:56 PM
Thanks for the recap.
Since when a heroine with a tail looks so pretty !!!
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7 abc
September 30, 2010 at 9:00 PM
SO EXCITED!!!!
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8 dbfangirl
September 30, 2010 at 9:01 PM
aigooo!!! thanks... off to read now
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9 half the night sky
September 30, 2010 at 9:02 PM
thats about it. adios miho ya
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10 leslie
September 30, 2010 at 9:02 PM
good thing she's alive... I lOve this thing...
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11 Ace
September 30, 2010 at 9:03 PM
Yay! Thanks a lot!
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Ace
September 30, 2010 at 9:26 PM
For a long while after Miho disappeared, I really, really, really, really lost hope that she could come back...But whether she did come back or not, it would have been great. One of the greatest rides in my kdrama experience. My bucket of tears? Not wasted on Dae-woong and his yeojachinguneun gumiho!
Kamsahamnida!
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12 uhmagoo
September 30, 2010 at 9:03 PM
I don't cry for Korean dramas. I really don't. I cry for every other thing but Korean dramas- I just find all the elements in a Korean drama so typical. It's the same thing over and over.
Oh yes- I especially don't cry for romantic comedies. But watching this drama broke my heart. The scene where Mi-ho covers Dae-woong's eyes and she begins to speak there, and when Dae-woong pleads for her to not go but she disappears and her hand is no longer in his grasp: I quite literally was crying. When he fell to the ground sobbing, I kinda paralleled him and did the same thing. There was something so incredibly endearing, melancholy, lost, sweet, broken, and beautiful about that scene. Wishes that would never be granted, things that would never happen, questions never to be answered.. I just loved the way it was done.
The way the last day was introduced was amazing. I was already starting to tear up. There was something magical in this episode that wasn't in the drama before. Personally, I didn't care ENOUGH for the drama to watch the episodes. I watched them sometimes, sometimes read the recaps. But I decided to watch this last episode and I'm glad I did. This drama does count as a romantic comedy, but it did what no other drama could: make me cry.
(Especially Dong Joo. I never really hated him, I always felt terribly bad for him and pitied him: I felt terrible for him as he walked away as Mi-ho ran to Dae-woong. A part of his wound from Gil-dal may have been fixed.. but still. Poor guy.)
Ehh, I'm not a fan of the ending. It was all too neatly packaged away together. I think I was one of the few hoping for an unhappier ending. I think when the car hits him and he's lying there thinking that she's still there might've been an okay way to end the drama. Okay, so maybe not exactly THERE, but with some elaboration and otherwise, it would've been all right. For a drama like this, not a fan of happy endings. I wish the Hong Sisters would've done something different and given us a more realistic kinda melancholy, sad ending- but one that still gives us hope.
I truly commend the Hong Sisters on this last episode- especially from the commentary of Mi-ho when she closes Dae-woong's eyes before he disappears.
This drama definitely could've used some things here and there: the episodes weren't as nearly fun to watch as the recaps made them out to be. But it was enjoyable nontheless.
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From Guam
September 30, 2010 at 9:48 PM
[Oh yes- I especially don’t cry for romantic comedies. But watching this drama broke my heart. The scene where Mi-ho covers Dae-woong’s eyes and she begins to speak there, and when Dae-woong pleads for her to not go but she disappears and her hand is no longer in his grasp: I quite literally was crying. When he fell to the ground sobbing, I kinda paralleled him and did the same thing. There was something so incredibly endearing, melancholy, lost, sweet, broken, and beautiful about that scene. Wishes that would never be granted, things that would never happen, questions never to be answered.. I just loved the way it was done.]
I agree with that paragraph of yours uhmagoo. It was heart breaking for me. Reading the recaps made me cry all over again. Truly touching. I COULD FEEL IT!
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October 1, 2010 at 6:13 AM
[Ehh, I’m not a fan of the ending. It was all too neatly packaged away together. I think I was one of the few hoping for an unhappier ending.]
I totally agree. Honestly, when they'd announced that they were rewriting the ending, I was hoping that it would be a sad ending with hopeful elements. Bittersweet or something along that vein. Perhaps just ending it with the phone call or having a special sign between them (like "whenever it rains, I'll think of you" or something equally cheesy). I'd come to read the recap EXPECTING a death... without a mystical revival. That said, I still bawled my eyes out, and still enjoyed the show.
And while I also agree with the person who said Lee SeungKi's acting wasn't the best, I'd say he definitely improved over the course of the drama. At least enough that I got off my Foxhunter/Gumiho bandwagon and cheered for the DaeWoong/Gumiho team instead XD
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Canadia
October 1, 2010 at 6:14 AM
[Ehh, I’m not a fan of the ending. It was all too neatly packaged away together. I think I was one of the few hoping for an unhappier ending.]
I totally agree. Honestly, when they'd announced that they were rewriting the ending, I was hoping that it would be a sad ending with hopeful elements. Bittersweet or something along that vein. Perhaps just ending it with the phone call or having a special sign between them (like "whenever it rains, I'll think of you" or something equally cheesy). I'd come to read the recap EXPECTING a death... without a mystical revival. That said, I still bawled my eyes out, and still enjoyed the show.
And while I also agree with the person who said Lee SeungKi's acting wasn't the best, I'd say he definitely improved over the course of the drama. At least enough that I got off my Foxhunter/Gumiho bandwagon and cheered for the DaeWoong/Gumiho team instead XD
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uhmagoo
October 1, 2010 at 7:25 PM
I know! I was really hoping for that. Bittersweet, hopeful. The phone call would've been a nice ending, maybe with her and him (especially Dae-woong) finally coming to a sort of settled way of mind... and just.. I loved the death that she had in the middle of it. I was bawling my eyes out.. but then again, I am a total fan of bittersweet, melancholy endings. Not one for happy ones. It's just, for a drama like this, a more sad ending would've been appropriate.
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13 LJK
September 30, 2010 at 9:04 PM
Could somebody PLEASE help me?
a. The music when Mi-Ho watches the traditional wedding attire...and then Mi-Ho and Dae-Woong take pictures....and then she puts the photo into the album -->WHAT IS THIS PIECE?
b. Then right after, DW looks upon the whiteboard to see that it is their final day together...and then he talks about how he won't cry, not count the minutes, and be with her... -->WHAT IS THIS GUITAR/PIANO piece called?
They might be one in the same...or just separate songs. I don't know. All I know is, on those lonely nights when I'm studying late while everyone sleeps, that song(s) would do me wonders.
Sincerely,
A med student in Virginia
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LJK
October 1, 2010 at 7:49 PM
Nobody?~ Please somebody~ Be my hero~
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LBT
October 5, 2010 at 10:25 AM
i'm trying to find out that tune too.. :( it's so nice but i just don't know what's the name of it T_T
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Thi Dinh
September 10, 2015 at 3:08 AM
Yah, I am too crazy to find that tune, OMG!!!!!!!!!!!
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14 so random
September 30, 2010 at 9:04 PM
what is skullhong doing here?!?
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15 syan
September 30, 2010 at 9:04 PM
yehhhhhh
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16 h1llaro
September 30, 2010 at 9:05 PM
*passes tissue box
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rant
October 1, 2010 at 12:05 AM
*takes the tissue box, pulls some soft paper and passes it on
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jean
October 1, 2010 at 3:26 AM
Crying *looks inside tissue box, no more tissues:(
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nara:)
October 1, 2010 at 3:33 AM
goes into bathroom to take out a toilet paper roll. rips off some and passes it on
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Ojou_Belle
October 1, 2010 at 3:50 AM
Oh, gosh sure, toilet paper rolls will do...*sniffs*
I love this show so very, very much! It's just so...idk...
I really felt the hurt, the pain, the angst and the
happiness!
*unrolls a huge batch and passes the toilet paper roll*
alert
October 1, 2010 at 4:20 AM
thanks.
*blow nose*
*wipe tears*
opens up new tissue box. anyone needs new buckets? I have some spare.
CrazyUnnie
October 1, 2010 at 9:09 AM
Takes new tissues
*Sniff sniff
Thank you, I needed this soo much. This couple....is...just so.... beautiful....Waaaaaahhhhh!...
fifa69
October 1, 2010 at 11:18 AM
will you pass the tissue down?
serenity
October 1, 2010 at 9:29 PM
yeah please pass it down....TT
holey moley
October 3, 2010 at 9:04 AM
*bummed*
i didn't see the tissue boxes that's why my shirt is soaking wet now
oh i need one *sniffs* another batch is coming
*takes tissues and passes it down*
thanks.....
Sammi
December 29, 2010 at 5:35 PM
Realizes that tissues and toilet paper and buckets won't do.
GOD this is so sad!!!! Dae-Woong and Min-Ho, you are so CUTE! and ANGSTY! and CUUUTTTTEEE!! (reduced to sobbing while saying hoi-hoi at broken intervals...)
17 lei
September 30, 2010 at 9:09 PM
hmmmmm i thought grandma would put mi-ho back in the painting and dae woong would go back to redraw the tails :)
great recap, thanks so much jb and gf!
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bubbic
September 30, 2010 at 9:23 PM
For a while I thought so too!
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18 teacup
September 30, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Thank you!
I will miss this show. Sigh.
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19 moomooye
September 30, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Even though I shed some tears, I'm grateful the ending was a happy one. That said, it still was unsatisfying. It seems most of Hong sister dramas have strong beginnings and weak endings. The grandma storyline just seems so random. Oh well. Overall, it was still a great drama. Thanks for the recap!
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20 miniejungle
September 30, 2010 at 9:09 PM
weeee... recap is out!!! thank you so muchie! another journey completed :) i enjoy the ride... thanks!
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21 mmmaggie
September 30, 2010 at 9:10 PM
I absolutely agree with you, javabeans. I was wondering why the Samshin Grandma was in the DramaWiki, and then in this episode, I thought she'd end up being the Fairy Samshin Grandma making it just a littttttle too easy. I'm glad that didn't happen, but if perhaps she was woven into the story a bit more, it wouldn't have felt so sudden.
Girlfriday -- love ya. If you show up to New York Comic Con with red dots on your cheeks, we would start an altar of fried chicken and bubbly water in your honor.
Ladies, again, FANTASTIC work on this series. Thanks for all the time and energy. One final hoi-hoi to you both!
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22 questions987
September 30, 2010 at 9:10 PM
Thanks for the tears note - I'll remember to hide in my closet as I watch it so my family doesn't mock me
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ck1Oz
September 30, 2010 at 9:21 PM
LOL you here...I thought you were subbing it today?
Thanks GF and the JB inserts...the screencaps were enough be make me a bit 'emotional' is the word...now off to watch the actual episode...thanks again.
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23 purin141046
September 30, 2010 at 9:10 PM
They should at least show a scene where they got married too! And I wanna see their baby "bead." Btw- 'Egg' was just priceless!!
My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.. FTW xD
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ANdie
October 1, 2010 at 8:31 PM
Hi.
FTW? what does that mean? (whispers)
What? I'm a loser?
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princess_jime
October 2, 2010 at 3:53 PM
LOL. It means "For The Win" ♥
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ANdie
October 3, 2010 at 5:35 PM
Salamat po. huhuhu
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24 Orion
September 30, 2010 at 9:10 PM
Now, although Lee Seung Ki is a horrible actor and almost ruins all his scenes in this one with overacting, the rest of the cast, the way the episode was shot, the music and all else, including our lovely Min Ah, were awesome.
I was crying throughout the whole episode and I just loved it. I was really scared about the ending, but it was perfect. I'm so glad they dropped the tragedy part, if there ever was one and this wasn't an elaborate stunt to raise the shows popularity, which I suspect it was.
See, you CAN have angst and tears and sadness and love AND a happy ending. This is a tearjerker episode. It moves the viewers, it give us all the right emotions, makes us involved emotionally and toys with our feelings. But it rewards us at the end for the love we show it. So, that makes for a great series. I can't wait to watch it again.
For a moment near the end, with the whole eclipse thing, I was afraid she'd only be able to come out then and then disappear again. But apparently she's back for good. That's the impression I got. But she had to wait for the eclipse to be able to come back, which is very good. Makes things more structured and believable.
So now he has a girlfriend... With a tale... It's like every otaku's dream, isn't it? Aww. They can finally mate their eyes out. :P
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hoi hoi love
September 30, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Lee Seung Gi is a WONDERFUL actor!
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Molly
September 30, 2010 at 9:36 PM
How is Lee Seung Gi a horrible actor? He was responsible for 80% of my tears in the whole series...
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huh？
September 30, 2010 at 9:36 PM
I've never posted here before. But can't help when you Lee Seung Ki is horrible actor with overacting. Then I think you are overacting with all the crying. I rest my case.
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From Guam
September 30, 2010 at 9:55 PM
What? I had to read that first sentence of yours over and over again JUST TO MAKE SURE I read it wrong. But I read it right...
I cannot believe you think he's a horrible actor. He's amazing. The reason why this drama is so amazing is because of him (and of course, every one else (much love to Shin Min Ah)). I can't imagine any other actor to play Woong-ah but Lee Seung Gi!
He's close to perfect. His emotions of heart break at the fact he's losing the girl he's in love with and giving his life wouldn't even do a thing.... was perfect!
Ahhh... I guess there's always an oddball here.
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Orion
September 30, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Matter of taste. We each have our preferences. I, however, did not get personal with you just because you like him.
I might be an oddball, but at least I have some decency and respect for others and their opinions. Things which you clearly lack.
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che3kie
September 30, 2010 at 10:22 PM
How ironic, if you believe SeungGi acting was so horrible then how did it moved you to tears and made you cry throughout the episode considering most of the sad scenes were acted out by SG?
Moving along, much thanks to Girlfriday and Javabeans for all your hard work.. it made my experience watching this wonderful drama 100x's more enjoyable.
Congrats to the Hong sisters and our HoiHoi couple for ending the series on top.
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Orion
September 30, 2010 at 10:29 PM
Music, directing, situations. They can all move you. He doesn't move me in Shining Inheritance and neither did his performance here. Look, I like the guy. He's cute, has a nice voice, he seems like a very good kid. I just think he's not a good actor.
Do you really feel so offended that I don't like an actor you do? Are people only supposed to voice their opinions if they are positive and fit in the group?
I didn't call the man names or say he's a bad person. I don't like his acting and I think he needs to improve. A lot. I don't see why I have to be called oddball or treated like a mad woman by people who clearly don't respect my opinions as much as they do theirs, just because I don't like someone they adore.
rumba lumba
September 30, 2010 at 10:46 PM
relax, she's probably a fangirl of Playful Kiss. lmao.
Michelle
September 30, 2010 at 10:03 PM
I cant believe there is someone said that Lee Seung Gi's acting was horrible in the final ep. His acting was FABULOUS! Just by looking at the way he tried to hold his tears already made me cry a bucket. Right there, I could read his feeling through his eyes. How could you say his acting was horrible?????
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hoihoi~
September 30, 2010 at 10:30 PM
What?!! Lee Seung Gi is great actor and b/c of this drama ppl recognize his acting talent more!!!
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fiey
September 30, 2010 at 10:53 PM
everyone has their own opinions. so i'm posting mine too.
it doesnt sound right when you said you cried through out the episode when Seunggi, the horrible actor who you said was in almost all the sad scenes.
i agree music, direction, situation can help moving one to tears. but if the actor's acting is so horrible, shouldnt it disturb your watching n make you cringe enough to make you not able to feel for the scenes. yet, you can feel for the couple, feel happy for their happy ending.
i somehow feel like you just dont want to recognize seunggi's acting. i'm not trying to say he did great in all his scenes. he does lack in some of the scenes while some others he did so amazingly.
well, its fine with me if you dont like him as an actor.
i'm just voicing out my opinion.
anyway, thank you soooo much girlfriday & javabeans for awesome quick recaps of MGIG!!
now i can confidently say, this drama is definitely my favourite drama of all time. and hoi couple should win the Best Couple Award at the year end award.
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isayhey
September 30, 2010 at 10:56 PM
Yeah, I'm going to have to disagree with you on that. Just my opinion though.
Don't you maybe think that his acting and how he portrayed his character contributed to the fact that you cried throughout the episode? And to how much you enjoyed the drama?
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isayhey
September 30, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Whoa. None of those replies were there when I first clicked on the recap o_O.
Anyways.
I'm not saying that you have to like him or his acting but that if you think back to the scenes that made you cry, his portrayal probably contributed. Maybe not a whole lot (for you) but at least a little. There's a limit to how much music and directing and other technical things could influence your emotions, imo.
He's a better singer than an actor, for sure, and of course there's room for improvement, but I don't think he's a "horrible actor."
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Rosy
September 30, 2010 at 11:04 PM
If Lee Seung Gi is a horrible actor in this drama, who you think should took his role?
Isn't that he the one make you cry? Isn't that he make you laugh? When the majority found his acting is fine, I wonder how did you came to that conclusion?
I know you own your own opinion, but please be more human when you comment about him because you may raise anger from others.
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Osi
September 30, 2010 at 11:47 PM
I know Seung Gi is not the best k-actor. I know he needs improvements. I know he have flaws. Even, an oscar-received actor have flaws and need improvements here and there. But I think the word horrible is just not appropriate. He's not a horrible actor, I think. If he's horrible, then how do you call an actor who clearly can't act, even our nonexpert eyes can see he/she can't act? An actor who act like a corpse? An actor who we can't feel his character?
Again, it's just my opinion.
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Karen
September 30, 2010 at 11:54 PM
you have got to be kidding or are you trying to put him down to bring up your idol's drama?
if Seung Gi is a horrible actor, i can list down a few others WHO ARE THE REAL HORRIBLE ACTORS!
If his acting is horrible or lousy, you would have seen articles saying how bad he was.. but nope, till now, you didn't see a single article about his 'lousy' acting. you might say that since he is Korea nation brother, the reporters will not write anything bad about him. But let me tell you, every star will have their share of antis. Reporters do not spare anyone even if that person is a hallyu star, not to mention Seung Gi who is not a hallyu star in their eyes yet, but a rising one only.
You must be jealous that he is getting even more popular now with this drama, aren't you? Why does Hong Sisters insist on Seung Gi taking this drama? Did you see how he does the comical scenes? did you see how he cried his heart out? did you see how he controlled his tears? did you see his eyes red? Did you see how jealous he was? I can see so many expression of him doing in this drama, who & what are you talking about horrible acting!
Even if you think we are bias, are you doubting Girlfriday & JB recaps?
You are definitely an antis.... I don't think you belong here...and should be here at all..
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antianti
October 1, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Your post really made me LMAO
Just because somebody is capable of making some expressions he is a good actor?! Your only standard to compare him too must be the robot from PK...
I am not an anti but I agree 100% seung gi is not an actor. he is a nice boy from next door who does well in variety and decent with his music but is acting just needs loads of improvement. If he continues to work hard he might become better but he was bad here and worse in Shining Inheritance (In my opinion, don't stone me*laughs*)
And who are you to decide who belongs to here?!? LOL
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karen
October 2, 2010 at 9:32 AM
i didn't say that by making those expression he is a good actor..... i was replying that message which says he is a horrible actor when nothing specified was mentioned about that 'horrible acting'..
if he can't even make those expression, then i will say he is a horrible actor..
why don't you watch PK and tell us what you think of the male lead? how was his acting?
why don't you tell us who do you think might be a better choice for this chadaewoong role?
You should go read up all the reviews he and Min Ah have been receiving after the drama ended.. (I know, you are going to say why should you do that.. ^_^..)
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Finerprint
September 30, 2010 at 11:59 PM
I kind of agree.
Hes doesn't pass the 'good' category. He needs to improve.
Just my opinion.
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suncine
October 1, 2010 at 12:09 AM
Had a read on your post and while I agree everyone is entitled to his /her opinion. But With an opening statement as calling someone a horrible actor might be too strong a statement especially just coming off a high from last nite finale yourself .It to be me is double standard.Your real intention is highly questionable in this instance.. It is a very insensitive one as well abeit even if it is a personal opinion .Everyone in the casts and production including the scriptwriter have put in hours if not months of hardwork behind this production and by a stroke of a pen , it is so easy to stir up other's emotions .It is just not fair to others.You may give reference to his character and the part you are not happy with but not him as the person or actor.
Personally I thought LSG has improved heaps and his character as DW comes out on screen as who he should be.I can relate to DW through him.His emotion though I must admit is a bit over reactive in the first few episodes but by the end of 16 episode I have come to love DW for who he is. Lee Seung GI has managed to project the DW character very clearly to me.
MGIG though not perfect in terms of plot and storyline is still quite enjoyable to me on the whole. I am looking forward to LSG next promising project in the near future.
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Dannielle
October 1, 2010 at 10:46 PM
This sum up my thoughts on this.I agreed with your post.Negative comments made on a character with follow up reasons within the drama context is different from saying bad things about a person or his profession with no substantial evidence.One is honest personal opinion because the former is voicing only within the drama content while the other is malicious intention because its original intent is hurt.
We have to differentiate between these two motives.
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meowmeow
October 1, 2010 at 12:57 AM
'Horrible actor and almost ruins all his scenes in this one with overacting' .... must be someone who dislike him to used word like HORRIBLE !!! seunggi is an awesome actor who make me and my husband ( one who don't watch kdrama) cry and laugh while watching his scene. congrats to the Hong sisters , our HoiHoi couple and casts for this awesome and beautiful drama.Thank to GF and JB for the recap!!!
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nara:)
October 1, 2010 at 3:38 AM
people chill out! Live and let live!
maybe Dae Wong and Mi Ho's babies will be better actors and actresses than both of them combined :)
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Orion
October 1, 2010 at 4:22 AM
To anyone who asks why I cried throughout: Well, if, in between the scenes, I was actually thinking he is not good, doesn't that mean he ruined it for me personally? I was crying and every once in a while, when his lines came up, I thought in my head "Damn, if only he could do such a nice scene well". Doesn't the fact that the actor causes you to break out of the immersion you were in and realize you're watching a series because of his performance, make him just not work for me?
To those who say I was being harsh with "horrible". Maybe you're right. But then again, am I a movie critic? Or did I talk about the man? No. I talked about the actor and it's my honest opinion on his acting skills, as much as I like the guy himself.
I hear he is a good guy and he has a nice voice. I personally wish he'll become big, if he's so hardworking and deserves it. But I won't judge an acting performance by how much I like the guy otherwise. For me, he is a bad actor. I can't sugar-coat this in any way you guys will approve.
To all others who should write a mystery novel with awesome guesses like "You are just jealous he's doing good", well thank you. I had no idea I spend my life, which I happen to have, worrying about whether a guy I'm not even a fan of would become big.
Anyway, I said my piece. No need to continue this, since anyone who agrees agrees and anyone who doesn't doesn't.
Thanks to our lovely Dramabeans ladies for the recaps and beautiful reviews. It's a shame it's over, but I guess we'll just have to watch it again and again and again till we kyaa ourselves out. ^^
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Eleven11
October 1, 2010 at 5:30 AM
Hey man, I respect that, I do think he overacts a bit sometimes. I guess I just didn't buy his earnestness. He was great when he was doing humour or light scenes, but I found him a little iffy in some of the emotional beats, like he was parodying 'sirius emotionz' or something.
That said, when DW and Miho were planning their last day, his expressions were fantastic; I cried real tears! I don't think he's a *horrible* actor, like say.. EmoHair. Some of his scenes were so wooden I thought I was watching Pinocchio (not that the character was that compelling to begin with).
So yeah, Seung Gi was lovely, but not perfect. So what if Orion called him 'horrible'? Hataz Gonna Hate, right? No need to get personally offended, guys.
also: It was a lovely drama, thanks for the quality recaps, ladies!
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CrazyUnnie
October 1, 2010 at 9:18 AM
Lol. emo hair acted out his character very well. If he gets bigger roles in dramas, we'll get to see based on that, if he has talent ^^
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munchkim
October 2, 2010 at 5:03 AM
Hmm... I don't think Emo hair is a horrible actor. He has the most expressive eyes... better than Seungi's if I may say so myself (please don't throw pitchforks at me. *hides*).
No Min Woo just needs a better character to work on (and more, more screen time! LOL!)
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Kiwi
October 7, 2010 at 8:18 PM
Hmmm... I would've liked more context for Dong Joo's one-sided love story with Gil-Dal.
I don't think his acting is the best but hey, don't we all love eye candy? ^^
missjb
October 1, 2010 at 6:24 AM
hi orion.... Don't feel sorry for that. I feel what u feel. Actually when I watch a drama, it's not the acting who moves me. It's the situation, the flow of story, and the way show deliver a nice scene.. Besides, music and directing can move me too. For example, i know han ye sul is a horrible actor in will it snow for christmas. But i don't know.... I cried like mad for her bcouse what her char did it sooo touchingggg for me
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missjb
October 1, 2010 at 6:44 AM
oh sorry a bit out of topic....
Thx javabeans and girlfriday for doing a great job recap this series....
I love this series.... Shin mi ah is so cute! Love her character in MGIG. I watch this series bcause i just can't get enough for her cuteness the entire series. Hahahaha
especially when mi ho with dae woong, it's so cute! And i love when miho with dong joo, too. Bcause the way dong joo tease her, hahahaha..
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Hmmm
October 1, 2010 at 1:12 PM
He and Shin Minah are the CF King and Queen. He may not be the best in the acting world but he's definitely not horrible.
We're not haters. We're just finding it hard to agree with you. That's all. And of course, no one has said YET or that I know of in this thread that you're just jealous. Personal tastes right?
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Orion
October 1, 2010 at 6:01 PM
Check Karen's post a few posts back. Oddball and jealous anti who shouldn't be here are my two favorites of what's been said.
I'm not saying you're all like that. But there are such people here too. Obsessed fangirls who attack anyone who doesn't think their beloved idol is made of gold.
I will respect the opinions of others, as long as they refrain from personal insults.
And you're right. He's not the worst actor in the world. He has no training and he seems to be trying, but that does not make him good. He's "horrible" because he has been given leading roles and simply cannot, with his skills now, hold a whole series as a star. There are many "bad idol actors" like him, but that doesn't change the fact that he's not good. In my eyes, always. Like I said, it's a personal taste thing as well.
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October 1, 2010 at 6:21 PM
"I will respect the opinions of others, as long as they refrain from personal insults."
How ironic this is coming from you. I think it is you who stirred everyone up here by calling a fine actor as "horrible" in my opinion.
Orion
October 1, 2010 at 6:42 PM
And if you knew what "personal insult" means before you blamed me for doing it, I would agree with you. Personal insult refers to insult of character. It's not a personal insult to judge/criticize someone about their work. I did not offend the man or his character, just said he is doing a bad job at acting. It's not his fault. One doesn't become an actor in a day.
He is acting in series. He is giving a performance to the viewers. As a viewer, I damn well have the right to judge what he shows me in his work capacity. Just as a client can complain to a chef for the food not being good enough for them. Same principle. The man provides a service and as a client, I can complain about it. Not about him or his personal life or personality, but about the service he gives me.
Also, forgive me for stirring things up. I did not know it's immoral to comment on an actor's work just because some people feel they have the right to insult others because of it.
Neither did I know that one can only voice their opinion if it's absolutely positive and happy. I was not informed I am supposed to only love someone's work or then go hide under a rock if I don't.
Should I have phrased it more like "In my humble and honest opinion, he is not a very good actor and could improve" just so you won't get angry? I'm sorry. I wrote that for people who do not crucify others when they disagree with them. I will not sugar-coat anything for the likes of people like some here and the rest, I trust to be understanding and respectful of my views on his work.
drsnowmon
October 11, 2010 at 11:34 AM
@Orion
Just like how you can judge and actor "Lee Seung Ki is a horrible actor and almost ruins all his scenes in this one with overacting" Same way goes for people like Karen can judge your opinion as well thus why there is such thing as debate(you should expect it when you're giving such criticism in a website like this) ^^
Regardless, what Orion did was give constructive criticism, because she/he insulted the "action" not Lee Seung Gi as a person. Although I disagree with you but I still respect your criticism of LSG's acting, it was always questionable as well in Korean media as well so I guess you aren't the only one(I can read and write in Korean 100%)
ollie
July 30, 2012 at 1:13 AM
and you thing you're not insulting the actor?
October 1, 2010 at 11:17 AM
Just out of curiosity, do you watch Strong Heart?
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Orion
October 1, 2010 at 5:57 PM
Me? No. I don't watch variety shows. I can only judge his skills by what I've seen.
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October 2, 2010 at 6:13 AM
So you know LSG is a main MC in Strong Heart and I notice from your other reply that you watched Shining Inheritance where LSG was a male lead in it.
Interesting...
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Orion
October 1, 2010 at 7:02 PM
Anyway, I'm leaving the comments of Dramabeans for now. Out of pure respect for javabeans and girlfriday who do such good work for us.
It's truly a shame that such a good site gathers so many people who show no respect to the opinions of others. Worse than that, they show no respect for the ladies who made this site for us.
This bickering only harms the otherwise good nature of it so I'll personally stop now. Thanks again for your work, girls. ^^
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swit
October 1, 2010 at 7:58 PM
the word "HORRIBLE" is too harsh, then how do you describe that male lead in Playful Kiss eh?
anyway, I agree that Lee Seung Gi is not a good actor, but he is not that horrible.
He is still 23 and has a great opportunity to be a great actor in the future.
p.s. just curious, If you think that seunggi isn't good as cha dae woong, so who's the best actor who could portray the character?
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houstontwin
October 2, 2010 at 6:00 AM
Orion, I agree that we need to show each other respect in our comments. Part of the pleasure of the recaps is sharing our perspectives. I think that everyone should be required to study "Debate" when they are in school in order to understand how to put forward a strong but civil argument.
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tiks
April 22, 2012 at 8:26 AM
yeah GO far far AWAY!!!!!
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Ammy
October 1, 2010 at 7:19 PM
He has his flaws, but in my opinion, he was really enjoyable to watch. His quirkiness and a little bit of cheesiness made it fun to watch. He was so cute at times, and was able to show the feelings we were supposed to feel at the right times. He acts pretty well for being "just" a singer. I think they made an awesome decision hiring Lee Seung Gi for this part.
You're definitely the odd one out if you think Lee Seung Gi is a "horrible" actor.
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houstontwin
October 2, 2010 at 5:51 AM
I think that LSK was completely appropriate for this role (just as he hit the right tone for Shining Inheritance). I am not sure what his range is as an actor and I can't predict how he would perform in other genre's but he was perfect for My Girlfriend...
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25 jyfiore
September 30, 2010 at 9:12 PM
THANK YOU LOADS <33
This drama is so awesome, thanks for recapping! :D
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26 gominam
September 30, 2010 at 9:15 PM
that's a wonderful drama out there!!! thanks for all the recaps...
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27 reihime
September 30, 2010 at 9:16 PM
it's over.. i feel like there's a void in my life already :(
great job recapping jb & gf! hoi-hoi couple forever~! <3
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28 lanie
September 30, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Hiii thankss so much!! i cant believe its over T__________T..
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29 lovenyc52
September 30, 2010 at 9:18 PM
omgggggg i could not wait to watch the ep first before reading the recap. thanks so much JB and GF for the insanely awesome recaps you provided us throughout the series. This has turned into my favorite drama of all time. I have not come across a cuter lead couple than shin min ah and lee seung gi.
now all i have to do is watch the last 2 eps... and then rewatch the entire thing x 47 :)
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30 hunterbear
September 30, 2010 at 9:19 PM
I LOVED IT!!!! And I love you guys for all the recaps!! If JB hadn't started raving about this drama I would have never watched it. The finale pretty much tore out my heart and then super glued it back (thank you very much) and Woong-ah is my new true love. Sorry GF, I tried to let him go, I really did. (Un)fortunately I'm not a noble idiot, so I've decided to keep him for myself. We'll be practicing our hoi-hoi skills.
My only gripes with the finale were little things. I suppose it doesn't matter on a metaphysical level but still...
1. Aunty was already preggers during the wedding. The kid couldn't have been more than 6 months old. Ergo it's been a little over a year since Miho disappeared..not years. So they didn't really wait that long.
2. Also, solar eclipses occur pretty often unless it's in the same place. Then it's once every 350 years or so.
3. In general, you don't look at the sun directly, particularly when there's an eclipse. And all of the crew was staring at the sky. Big NO-NO.
All of these are completely pointless from the story's point of view but they bothered me. But it's alright, the cute made up for it.
Note to self. Glasses and buckets of tears make drama watching very painful. It needs to be one or the other.
*Lines up to buy the DVD.
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Meosles
September 30, 2010 at 9:35 PM
I read the chinese subs so my understanding of the episode may not be perfect. But they never really said how much time has passed since Miho disappeared? I get the impression that it's at least a few years.
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Javabeans
September 30, 2010 at 9:42 PM
There's one line that gives a hint. Hye-in met Jeremy at the director's wedding. When Sun-nyeo brings this up to point out that Hye-in has been dawdling with making her feelings known, she says, "And how many years ago was that?!"
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From Guam
September 30, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Meh, if solar eclipses appear pretty often which I know they don't in South Korea or where I live.. out of curiosity, where do solar eclipses appear pretty often then?
My last solar eclipse was like... omg, I can't remember.. years ago? And yes, I did look up at the sky because it's an amazing thing to witness IMO. And no, the sun did not blind me; its rays weren't bright enough because the moon was lapping over it D: So the people looking up are *thumbs up.*
The only thing I can agree with you on is number one. I justified it with "I guess the baby came out bigger than average ones." lol, still cute nonetheless.
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danna
October 1, 2010 at 12:13 AM
i saw a full solar eclipse this jan when i was in india...it was my first time and it was amazing too
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hunterbear
October 1, 2010 at 6:39 AM
@ From Guam
The earth has had as many as five solar eclipses in a year. But full/total eclipses are pretty rare. Even so, the earth generally see at least one solar eclipse every 18 months.
And it's considered more dangerous because you're looking at the sun for extended periods of time (it's not as bright). It ups your chances of retinal blindness/burns.
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Mac
September 23, 2012 at 7:37 PM
3. I was wondering about that. I realize the dramatic removal of one's sunglasses is a trope, but Little Director is going to blind himself like that!!
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31 miss_procrastination
September 30, 2010 at 9:19 PM
thank you both Girlfriday & Javabeans for bringing these delightful (and at times devastating) recaps. I am so relieved that it ended happily. The hoi-hoi couple will go down in Korean drama history as the cutest combination ever.
But...if there is an alternative universe of the Hong Sisters characters living separate lives from their dramas...please, don't let Jeremy be with the scheming noona. It's wrong on so many levels. He's too happy and too lovable for her.
But I am glad to see Jeremy (& Hongki) back!!!!
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Severine
October 1, 2010 at 12:15 AM
Same here! I squealed when I realized it was Jeremy, but once I got back to my senses and put two and two together, I immediately wanted to write a protest letter to the Hong sisters. It's like putting Mi-Ho's human brotha from anotha motha with the wicked, selfish witch of K-Drama land. Nay I say to that! Nay!
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Kaitlyn
October 1, 2010 at 8:47 AM
Ditto!! I was so happy to see Hong-ki until I realise he was 'put' together with that scheming noona!
I love the series and glad I followed it to the end!
Anyone noticed, it seem that DW was carrying Miho's mobile with the crystal ball, but when he's at the top of the stairs and saw Miho, there was no crystal ball?? hee
Another thing is, I wondered why DIDN'T anyone (Miho or DJ) remember the promise?? Wouldn't them getting married be a better resolution for keeping Miho?
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SyeolLi
October 3, 2010 at 6:50 AM
Think probably Dong Joo didn't know. And Mi Ho probably doesn't remember cause it's been over 500 over years?
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32 jawskie
September 30, 2010 at 9:20 PM
FAVOURITE K-DRAMA EVER.
I'm so sorry I doubted the show at Ep 14.
Ok. Very happy. Even though it isn't manly to cry like this. And umm, at work, whilst at it.
Good good. MGIAG, you've done good.
I'm a happy boy.
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33 rich
September 30, 2010 at 9:20 PM
I loooove it! This is my fave Korean drama ever!!! ^^
Thanks for the recaps girlfriday & javabeans! Although I haven't seen the whole series yet (I'm still stuck at ep. 10 waiting for subs ^^), I haven't missed a thing cause you guys are always there filling us the details! :)
Again, thank you! I will miss the 'hoi-hoi' couple!
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minnetter
September 30, 2010 at 9:49 PM
you should watch it on viikii...they usually post and sub the new k-dramas quite fast
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34 Natty
September 30, 2010 at 9:21 PM
This is so bittersweet! I'm happy with the ending, but sad that it's over! I'll miss you GUMIHO! Thank you for making many days better ones! :)
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35 pssssst
September 30, 2010 at 9:22 PM
maybe you wanna edit the title to "girlfriend"?
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From Guam
September 30, 2010 at 10:05 PM
Nah, it'd be better if it was edited to: "My Girlfriend is a Fox" (:
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36 minnetter
September 30, 2010 at 9:23 PM
is it sad that I stalk you guys? Java and GF please forgive me my stalker ways... So I watched the drama about five hours ago and I have been loading and reloading your page until you uploaded this review... I'm sorry... and I'm sorry to myself... now I'm happy after reading the review but I have no homework done... I must get to it now... probably finish it at around 4am then go nap for maybe an hour and a half and then go to the hospital for my rotation... ahh med school and dramas are so at odds with each other... ::cry::
anyways this drama was domo domo domo domo moshita! and I domo domo domo domo domo domo domo chu ah hae this drama!!! I'm going to miss my weekly dose of gumiho cuteness! not to mention Woong-ah!! seriously I normally don't cry with dramas I feel sad and depressed but tears don't pool in my eyes and fall but when woong-ah was crying his heart out at Miho's disappearance I was bawling my eyes out too, I couldn't take how hard he took it and how sad he was to cry so heartbreakingly... I really hate, wait strike that, love Lee Seung Gi for making me cry like that... ah I'm happy... though it's kind of depressing me to cry and have noone to comfort me since I'm living by myself now.... on the upside I watch as many dramas as I want now... oh well...I wish that this hadn't ended but since it has all I can do is prostrate myself in the awesomeness that are the Hong Sisters.... and they brought back JEREMY!!!!! OMG Hongki!!!
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Lily
October 3, 2010 at 12:14 PM
Totally agree with you. There's just one thing that sort of bothers me about your comment. The romanized Korean. Do you mean nomo nomo? domo isn't really a "word" in Korean. Nomo means a lot. Also when you write chu ah hae, I'm assuming you mean "I like it." Therefore it would be either Cho wah hae or Jo wah hae. Sorry, just one of my quirks ^^
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37 Rosy
September 30, 2010 at 9:23 PM
Thanks for the recap, both of you, JB and GF!!
Even this drama has many recycled elements in it, I still found it refreshingly entertaining. I love both of the leads. I cannot even see 'Lee Seung Gi here', there was only Cha Dae Woong. Love his laughter and tears.
And as for the recaps, truly thankful to JB and GF for speedy recapping. There few weeks have been my best moment ever in KDrama experience. Thanks again.
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38 delaney
September 30, 2010 at 9:24 PM
@h1llaro
please pass it to me too
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39 ar_arguably romantic
September 30, 2010 at 9:24 PM
Thank you so much for the recap, girlfriday and javabeans. I wanted to tuck in early but then I remember that you guys were putting up the recap tonight. I agree with all your observations. And javabeans, my fave hong sisters drama is also DGCH and your mini review of the plot journey of the Hong sisters' dramas is spot on!
an entirely satisfying ending! I agree with you on loving the mirroring of scenes near the end! I also love how everyone gets to live and the second leads end up leading better, happier lives. I nearly cried reading the recap here. When I watch the episode, I'll be sure to have tissues around!
"Dae-woong tells her that it’s better for the man to match his tastes to his wife’s"--> one of the reasons why the Hong sisters dramas are so great. They know just what women want!
"a gumiho requires too much CG, for nine tails"--> I bet this is the reason for why Mi Ho has to lose her tails in this drama. So they don't have to produce 9 tails through the entire series!
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40 Brenda
September 30, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Show you OWN ME TOO. thanks to the two of you foe the recaps. You are the best.
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41 dbfangirl
September 30, 2010 at 9:26 PM
aigooo... thanks alot for the recap, just finished reading it 3 times. yep! promise. I've been waiting for this and Im happy that our characters get all happy ending. No "You have to die" to have a happy ending as I was expecting a sacrifice from Min woo.. Thankfully, no one died... Thanks again!!!
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42 Maui
September 30, 2010 at 9:28 PM
Have to put in a word about that scene when Mi-Ho disappears... don't usually cry for korean dramas regardless of how heart-wrenching the scene is supposed to be... but cried for this one scene. Oh... brilliant in so many ways.
Did think the ending was a little too neat in some ways... not much explanation about what happened. But having it be a happy one sweeps most everything under the rug.
Lee Seung Gi really delivered for this performance... and Shin Min Ah is the most adorable thing right now.
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43 Meosles
September 30, 2010 at 9:29 PM
I think what made me love this show so much is the amazing chemistry between Shin Min Ah and Lee Seung-gi. As characters I like them both individually but when together, this two are magical. They manage to make me believe in and root for the love between Miho and Dae-woong. I am going to miss the hoi-hoi couple so much starting from today.
Love the last episode. I cried so much when watching it. Happy that they get a happy ending. Yay!
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44 trixicopper
September 30, 2010 at 9:29 PM
It's nice to know that I had company while I was crying my eyes out watching this. :)
Thank you both so much for the fabulous recaps every week. The two of you make a great tag team! :)
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45 jean
September 30, 2010 at 9:29 PM
WOW!! THANKS FOR THE RECAPS!!!(:
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46 Brandi
September 30, 2010 at 9:30 PM
loved it! my only pet peeve is that dong joo was underused in this drama, but then it did gave us time to focus on the hoi-hoi couple so i'm not TOO upset by that. hated the angst; loved the happy ending.
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munchkim
September 30, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Can't help but agree. No Min Woo could have done better if his character wasn't so-so.
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lessaofpern
October 1, 2010 at 9:11 AM
He was a true gentleman at the end and let her go. :D
I'm glad he had a happy ending too. Maybe the Hong sisters can do a sequel.(HINT HINT) He needs to find a good human to love. Any volunteers? :P
I hope he gets more roles. I look forward to seeing him grow as an actor. (No Min Woo)
DB and GF thanks for your wonderful recaps :D I can't watch without them. Wish we could make more clones of you, so you could recap all the Korean Dramas:D
I'm going to miss this drama. (Sighs) All good things must come to an end.
I'm in the middle of a VERY bad cold. So I was going nuts while watching this drama. I'm balling my eyes out for most of the last episode. (Wipe the eyes... Wipe the nose... repeat) By the time I was done, I had both a red nose and red eyes. (It was SO worth it) :P
I fell in love with this drama. I'm going to watch it again with my husband. (Now that I have read all the recaps, watched it raw, watched it subbed) :D
I loved the main actors, they were perfect together. I wouldn't have picked anyone else to play the roles. Good call Hong sisters!
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47 ar_arguably romantic
September 30, 2010 at 9:31 PM
forgot to add this: but the Hong Sisters really pwned all the other romantic kdramas out there by saying "this is True Love"- they stayed up for days just so they won't waste a single moment with each other and their love is strong enough to literally get Heaven to bring MiHo back to earth! Can beat the epicness!
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48 anon
September 30, 2010 at 9:32 PM
hoi! hoi! i'm going to miss you show but i will watch you wholly. at first i get so frustrated at the beginning of this episode. i thought 'how noble idiots are they?!'
but when grandma showed up i was like 'yey she has come to save the day (through explanations)'. with her there was hope.
i knew she will return because the heavens have mercy
so cheers to MGIG staff for doing a great job :)
ps. i love the Jeremy scene. he was such a good surprise as i missed him too
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49 iamtemperance
September 30, 2010 at 9:32 PM
Thanks so much for the recaps. I can't believe MGIAG is over, i'm so so so so gonna miss this show :(
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50 woongownsmyheart
September 30, 2010 at 9:32 PM
I watched the ep this morning and then read your post and cried again haha
Thanks so much for the recaps~!
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Dolly
October 1, 2010 at 4:19 AM
LMAO. DITTO BUDDY, DITTO..
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hunterbear
October 1, 2010 at 6:52 AM
lol. I love your name. "woongownsmyheart."
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