High School King of Savvy: Episode 16

73 August 11, 2014January 24, 2016

by purplecow

Hyung-seok finally comes to his senses this episode, though we all wish it hadn’t taken quite such a heartbreaking tragedy to make it happen. Gramps’ death casts a shadow over the show as well as Min-seok’s family, and the challenge is to figure out how to carry on with life without everyone’s favorite cheerful guardian angel. It is no easy task, but Min-seok has all of his friends beside him — the ones he knew about, but also the ones he made without realizing. If true wealth is measured by the worth of your friends, the people who laugh with you, cry with you, and cheer you on, then Min-seok is rich indeed.

EPISODE 16 RECAP

Min-seok and his father carry out their duties at Gramps’ funeral, though Hyung-seok is nowhere to be found. They pay their respects and greet the people who have come to honor the memory of the sweetest grandfather ever.

Soo-young reminds Min-seok to take care of himself and make sure he eats. She offers to give him the hockey puck she received from Gramps, but Min-seok doesn’t want to take the gift that was originally meant for Pretty Unni. “Since I have him in my heart, it’s okay,” he says.

The Retail Team arrives to pay their respects. They fumble a bit, unsure how to act around their former director, but despite the initial awkwardness they’re firmly on his side. Team Leader Kim bursts into tears and pulls Min-seok into a bone-crushing hug, while Assistant Manager Yoon calls Min-seok “Director.” “What are you looking at?” he asks his colleagues. “Once a director, always a director.” Stop making me tear up, Retail Team!

Dad chases after Hyung-seok, whom he saw stop by during the ceremony. On a bench outside, Dad tells Hyung-seok not to feel guilty about Gramps. He waited to see Hyung-seok before he died, and being able to see him must have made him happy. Dad then shares that he heard about Hyung-seok’s plan for revenge and urges him to let it go.

Hyung-seok reaches his apartment after the funeral. Inside his jacket is the chocolate bar that Gramps gave him. He remembers how Gramps urged him to live well, and covers his face as he cries.

Min-seok’s house is now filled with painful memories, as everywhere he looks he sees Gramps playing, or eating, or wishing him a good day. Min-seok takes his frustration out on a punching bag before collapsing on the deck. There he discovers a stash of junk food that Gramps taped underneath. “So this was your treasure chest,” Min-seok gasps as the tears start to flow. “I’m going to eat all of it!” he promises.

The Comfo management, minus President Yoo, desperately try to figure out a way to recover after their losses. They do more bickering than strategizing, but it doesn’t matter because a messenger arrives to tell them that, miraculously, Pavo decided to return their funds. Aw, Hyung-seok — there’s hope for you yet!

The news spreads rapidly, first to the Retail Team and then to Min-seok and his concerned buddies. Min-seok tries to call his brother, only to receive an email saying that Hyung-seok is going back to Germany. The email lets Min-seok know that his hyung has given up on revenge, and that Hyung-seok regrets not staying with the family when he had the chance.

Min-seok races to the airport, but he’s too late to say anything to Hyung-seok. Hyung-seok leaves as abruptly as he arrived, merely waving his boarding pass at his little brother as he disappears. “He’s a rude jerk to the end,” Min-seok reflects, yet he still breaks out in a hesitant half-smile as he waves goodbye.

President Yoo is resting in the hospital when Jin-woo visits him. He’s glad to hear that Hyung-seok changed his mind, but he doesn’t intend to return to Comfo. Dad urges Jin-woo to continue protecting the company, but Jin-woo only worked at Comfo to see his father and hopefully repair his family. President Yoo apologizes, and even promises to go see his ex-wife with Jin-woo once he is discharged. In return, he only has one favor to ask Jin-woo.

Next we see Jin-woo arrive at Min-seok’s house, envelope in hand. He tries to give money to Min-seok, but Min-seok won’t accept it. He tells Jin-woo to use it for a good cause, then apologizes for speaking so rudely to Jin-woo when he was acting as Hyung-seok. “I’ll call you hyung from now on,” he says, humbling himself and holding out his hand. Jin-woo is glad to take his hand, even admitting that he wasn’t all that mature himself.

Jin-woo drives away, but calls Min-seok before he’s out of sight. “Can I borrow your girlfriend one last time?” he asks cheekily. Then he hangs up, reducing Min-seok once more to stuttering frustration: “That- damn- dog-!” Aw… never change, you two!

Jin-woo meets with Soo-young later that evening. He thanks her for everything, asking for one last hug to part on good terms. “I don’t smile often,” he says, “but since I met you, I smiled more and more.” He playfully asks her to keep this meeting secret from the easily jealous Min-seok, then bids her goodbye.

The next morning Min-seok gets a wake-up call from Soo-young, who says it’s time to exercise. They begin the day’s rehabilitation, with Min-seok alternating between shoulder exercises and testing Soo-young’s no-skinship rule. At one point Min-seok twirls with his resistance band, puts an arm around Soo-young, then spins back out and begins pumping out reps as though energized by the brief hug. Cuteness overload.

Min-seok’s rehabilitation continues at hockey practice and at the hospital as well. Soon enough, the doctor tells him that his efforts have paid off — he will be able to compete in the final game!

Min-seok eats breakfast with Dad, unable to contain his excitement over the game. He promises to give Dad the trophy if he wins, but his father only wants him to be careful.

As the teams prepare to start the match, Yoo-ah gives her “Lee Min-seok fighting” poster to Soo-young to hold. Then who should show up but the Retail Team! They’ve come to support their director. Team Leader Kim is dressed for the cold with a fur-lined jacket, but poor Director Han has a short-sleeve dress shirt that just isn’t cutting it.

After a pep talk from Coach with the reminder that there will always be more games but never another today, the game begins, and it’s neck-and-neck all the way through. With seconds left Min-seok breaks out for a final shot, though it requires a violent shift that looks like it takes a toll on his shoulder. He scores to beat the buzzer and win the game, then tears off his helmet and screams in triumph. As the euphoria wears off, however, his hand rises to his shoulder and his face screws up in pain.

That final blow completely tore Min-seok’s rotator cuff, which means that this really is the end of his athletic career. As he tells Soo-young, though, he thinks he can give it up without regrets now, since he fought to the very end. He lightens the mood with some wordplay, shortening a phrase like kids often do, in a way that Soo-young doesn’t understand. She counters with a made-up phrase of her own, a shortened form of: “Noona will feed and take care of you, so don’t worry.”

Min-seok kisses Soo-young’s cheek just as Duk-hwan and Tae-seok arrive. The boys cover their eyes and cower, although when Soo-young starts to leave they urge her to continue with the “chupa chupa.” They join Min-seok on the bench and tease him about all the skinship, to which Min-seok boasts like the high-schooler he is that he and his girlfriend are always kissing.

Min-seok pays a visit to the ice hockey rink, bidding goodbye to the place where he spent so many happy hours. He’s unsure where to go from here, but he’s not backing away from it. “Thank you,” he says out loud, “I’m freakin’ grateful. Goodbye.”

Back at Comfo, Soo-young gives the new girl some valuable tips, such as labeling the paper cups and nagging the rest of the team to use them. She demonstrates the correct toner refilling procedure, managing to douse herself and the conceited new girl in toner. Then she gets called into the new director’s office. The padded chair swivels, revealing… former Team Leader Kim! He’s been promoted, and has a swanky new nameplate and a ridiculous white glove to handle it.

Director Kim oh-so-casually asks after Min-seok, but he can’t contain his excitement when he hears that Min-seok has been studying hard for exams. “That fake?!” he exclaims. He wants to buy Min-seok a meal, but Soo-young informs him coyly that Min-seok will be busy.

Cut to Min-seok’s classroom, where the results of exams have finally come out. Min-seok proudly announces his score of 56, which is… exactly the same as his last exam. He explains to his perplexed friends that last time he got a 56 by choosing only Number 3 for every question, but this time his 56 came from his own hard work. You’re totally right, Min-seok — it’s not a failed exam, it’s a glass that’s 56% full!

Min-seok waits for Soo-young to get off work so they can eat together. Unfortunately, work is keeping Soo-young busy, so Min-seok has to amuse himself for a few hours. He treats the courtyard like his personal playground and traumatizes a few pigeons, but Soo-young still doesn’t show.

When she finally calls later that evening, Min-seok has gone to an internet café. He lies that he’s in the library, then hilariously tries to cover the phone when an employee arrives with his ramyun.

Thoughts of his upcoming date are derailed, however, when Min-seok gets a call from his hyung. Hyung-seok suggests that the rest of the family come live with him in Germany. Min-seok will have more opportunities for school, and Dad will be less lonely. Min-seok is still deep in thought when Soo-young finally meets him by the bus stop.

Their plans for a nice romantic dinner are spoiled when they run into Soo-young’s hometown friend and her boyfriend. Dinner becomes an impromptu reunion absolutely bursting with awkwardness. The boyfriend is a successful businessman, a team leader in fact, while Min-seok is introduced as a “student” and Soo-young’s friend assumes he is in college.

Min-seok’s pride won’t let him accept the other guy’s offer to treat them, so he offers to go halfsies… only to discover that he doesn’t actually have enough cash to cover it. Soo-young has to do a stealthy credit card handover to save Min-seok from being humiliated.

Soo-young and Min-seok walk home after the disastrous double date, and Soo-young tries to cheer up Min-seok by making fun of her friend’s boyfriend. Min-seok joins in on the mockery, but his laughter is just a little too loud, his smile too wide for it to be genuine.

Sure enough, Min-seok goes to his friends to share how he really feels. He tells them the story, adding that he thought he would die from the embarrassment.

They reflect that it’s hard to believe he was once a big-shot director with a company card. They’re not exactly making him feel better with their goofing around, so Min-seok leaves to find a more sympathetic ear.

That ear just happens to belong to Jin-woo, as Min-seok shows up outside his former rival’s apartment with chicken and cola. “Chicken and cola, chi-co. It’s the best,” he says, while Jin-woo snorts that everyone knows you’re supposed to drink beer with chicken.

Jin-woo can tell that Min-seok has something on his mind and tells him to spill it. He listens patiently to Min-seok’s woes, and although he can’t help but keep in a playful insult or two, he tells Min-seok that it’s tough to be that age and he should try his best. Min-seok gags at the cheesy advice, but he looks happier than he did before.

Min-seok grabs for the last drumstick when Jin-woo calls him out on it: “You already had a drumstick, didn’t you?” They have a chicken tug-of-war until Min-seok shamelessly calls Jin-woo “hyung” and the even more polite “hyungnim,” saying he needs to eat more because he’s still growing. His puppy-dog eyes are too much for Jin-woo, who gives up the drumstick to his incorrigible dongsaeng.

Min-seok picks at his food when eating breakfast with Dad. Dad’s birthday is coming up, but he doesn’t seem to think it’s anything special to celebrate. He tells Min-seok not to prepare anything, but I think we can all count on Min-seok to do what he can to cheer Dad up on his birthday.

That day at work, Soo-young receives a worrying call from her mother. She has to sell the bungee jump business because of some debts that have piled up. The total is too much for Soo-young to come up with on her own. She asks about the conditions for a company loan, only to learn that you have to have been an employee for at least five years to qualify.

Soo-young is still worried and distracted when she eats with Min-seok. She texts her mother while he’s talking, though she doesn’t tell him what’s on her mind. He invites her to his father’s birthday party the next day, though he cautions her not to go overboard with the gifts. He gives his “permission” to buy a cake, then stammers that anything else would make him feel burdened. “That steak!” he bursts out, “I’ll definitely pay you back for that steak!”

Dad prepares a lot of food for the birthday feast. He tells Min-seok to clean up a bit, even though most of the guests have been over many times before. He says it’s different because this is the first time Min-seok is bringing a girl over.

Soo-young frantically prepares for the birthday dinner, only to receive a call from her uncle. Her mother barged into his house and started demanding money. Soo-young rushes out of the house immediately, so upset that she leaves her phone at home.

Duk-hwan and Tae-seok arrive with a giant plushie toy for Dad, who greets the rascals with a big smile. Min-seok says they should have found Dad a pretty ajumma to hug instead, and then the boys exclaim over the feast that Dad prepared. All that’s left is for Soo-young to arrive before they can get the party started.

But that is, of course, the problem. The food grows cold while they wait for Soo-young, until Dad urges them to begin. Tae-seok says they should start with the cake… but Soo-young was going to bring the cake. Duk-hwan covers up the awkward moment by pretending that the hotplate is a cake, and the boys sing happy birthday to Dad.

Meanwhile Soo-young escorts her mother to her apartment. Mom keeps talking about how Soo-young’s uncle ought to give them the money she needs, and it’s all Soo-young can do to get her mother to calm down and go to sleep.

Soo-young finally remembers the birthday party and meets Min-seok in the park, where he confronts her, extremely upset. Soo-young seems like she’s about to tell him what happened when she says that her mother came to town, but then she cuts herself off and merely apologizes. That isn’t enough for Min-seok, who wants to know why she couldn’t even spare the time to call him. It isn’t just the fact that she didn’t show up to the party — that’s merely the spark that sets off all his insecurity that has been building up. Min-seok demands to know if she’s looking down on him because he’s a high-schooler. Soo-young stammers that he’s got it wrong, but Min-seok only walks away.

COMMENTS

I admit that after Gramps died I was feeling bitter towards life in general and this show in particular. I understand that something had to happen to show Hyung-seok the error of his ways, but Gramps dying?! Not cool, Savvy. Seriously. But it happened, which means we all have to find some way to live on. And that was exactly what this episode was about — moving on in the wake of a tragedy that shook Min-seok to his core.

Even once Hyung-seok gives up his revenge, things can’t go back to the way they were. Min-seok is no longer a director, and none of his relationships are the way they once were. But many of them became stronger than ever, as we found out when the Retail Team turned up for Gramps’ funeral and Min-seok’s final hockey game.

And life did go on. New tragedies arose, such as Min-seok’s more serious injury after his final game. But even that passed, leaving Min-seok with the less exciting but equally important question of what comes next. He’s been a sports star and a director — at the same time, no less — and now he has to deal with not being either of those things anymore. I was glad that the show wrapped up Hyung-seok’s revenge plan so quickly, because the realistic challenges that Min-seok faces even after Comfo is saved were just as compelling as the rivalry between brothers. The episode was low-key and seemingly less high-stakes than previous ones, but it felt like a breath of fresh air, even though it had its share of heartache.

Speaking of a breath of fresh air, the friendship between Min-seok and Jin-woo is just perfect. Now, some might say that Min-seok has his other friends, so he doesn’t need Jin-woo as much as Jin-woo needs him. But as we all know, Duk-hwan and Tae-seok have the emotional maturity of a pair of beagles. Cute, loyal beagles who have your back, but who certainly aren’t able to give Min-seok advice about the obstacles involved in dating a much older, self-sufficient woman.

Jin-woo didn’t exactly give mind-blowing advice either (“Just do your best” — really Jin-woo, that’s all you’ve got?), but his willingness to listen and sympathize was exactly what Min-seok needed. There’s also the fact that Jin-woo has been through some pretty tough times during his own life, which means he can give Min-seok the perspective that the younger boy lacks. In fact, Jin-woo is actually turning into the perfect hyung at a time when Min-seok couldn’t need one more.

I cannot in good conscience finish this recap without talking about the Drumstick Tug-of-War. First off, it was a cute bromantic moment with some snappy one-liners. When Jin-woo shot down Min-seok’s argument with an incredulous “Who doesn’t like drumsticks?!” I had to pause the show to finish snorting soda out my nose (Nothing beats a recap and cola, by the way — a Re-Co!). But I would have been happier with this show overall if that moment with the drumstick didn’t perfectly encapsulate the way the love triangle played out.

In a way, Soo-young was that drumstick, wasn’t she? Jin-woo originally saw that she was important to Min-seok, so he made a grab for her. And the culmination of his character arc was that he learned to let her go. Now, I love the way Jin-woo ended up — I think he’s gone through a lot of suffering and ended up stronger for it. But I would have liked it a great deal more if Jin-woo had never treated Soo-young like a drumstick at all, even if everyone does like drumsticks. In Shakespeare’s Othello, Emilia says that “Men are all but stomachs, and we are all but food,” but I’d like to think men have come a long way in four centuries. Let’s just hope Jin-woo treats the next girl he meets a lot better than he treated Soo-young.

The final part of the episode was a little disappointing. After all, Min-seok had a point there at the end: Was it really that hard for Soo-young to remember her phone and send Min-seok a text? It seems unrealistic to me that Soo-young would have forgotten her phone since she was talking on it when her uncle called her! That moment struck me as sloppy writing, even though I’m a diehard fan of the writing team for this drama.

Of course, the phone incident was only the straw that broke the camel’s back. Min-seok accuses Soo-young of looking down on him because he’s a high-schooler, and in spite of Min-seok’s immaturity, I think he has a point. Soo-young has made a habit of lying to Min-seok “for his own good.” Sometimes she seemed to be trying to protect him, or keep him from blowing up, but something like the debt that her mother owes is not really a secret you should be keeping from your significant other. There are times when you don’t want to burden others, but there are also times when you should share the problems you’re facing, especially when they affect the people you love.

If Soo-young felt that telling Min-seok would only cause him to worry, then in some way maybe she doesn’t trust him in the way that lovers in an equal relationship ought to trust each other. She may have a point as well, since Min-seok is underage, unemployed, and probably unable to help her family get out of its current difficulty. But when two people in a relationship can’t communicate or share their problems, no matter how much they like each other, maybe they really do need some distance for a while.

But will it be the kind of distance that separates South Korea and Germany, as Hyung-seok’s offer seems to foreshadow? We’ll have to wait until the finale to find out!

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1 Marie

August 11, 2014 at 2:14 PM

The episode definitely felt like a tale of two halves for me: the first half was the finale and the second half was "Oh, we received an extension! Let's add more conflict!" It made this particular viewer annoyed and frustrated (and not frustrated in a good way).

I'm sure this has been noted before by our recapper and other astute fans of this show, but even though Min-suk is the high schooler, Soo-young at times acts more immature than he does. Yes, he chews with his mouth full and acts impulsively, but I think he is quick to learn a lesson unlike Soo-young, who keeps lying to him even after it blew up in her face the first time. This is either poor character development or poor writing in terms of adding unnecessary drama.

Is it me or were Tae-seok and Duk-hwan missing from the funeral? Also, Hyung's time was definitely way too short. I hope he makes his way into the epilogue somehow.

And yes, I definitely loved the drumstick moment!

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Dr. Hwata

August 11, 2014 at 6:34 PM

"Tale of two halves" - that's dead on.

I will give you my take on this episode. It was as if watching Superman or Spiderman in an old-age retirement home. Sorry, but once the drama puts that picture of our hero in the viewers' head, there is no coming back from it. I won't go for it. SIG as a plain vanilla high school kid, with neither brawn nor brain? Not a drama worth putting on screen.

SIG in this episode sounds like a annoying brat. The age gap between the main couple seems even wider, as if his girlfriend has now become an ajumma with several child births behind her.

The magic is not just gone, but completely shattered. The PD/Writer made a fatal miscalculation.

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Alejandra

August 11, 2014 at 11:00 PM

The over analyzing trolls are here. Geez, the finale is out already and this recap just came in today, so fab,let's hope ep 17 will be recapped soon like now, I'd love to see the comments. Haha, the trolls will have a field day! But who cares about you,trolls... Lee min suk and Jung soo young rode off into the sunset, in matching whites so this is a fairy tale. And I love happy endings so yes, and they live happily ever after. in your face!

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Marie

August 11, 2014 at 11:42 PM

Lol

Who says "in your face" anymore, anyway? It's as outdated as opening up a can of whoop ass. Why don't you leave the rational, well-rounded discussions to the adults and you can just go and watch Pororo, okay?

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riarallahssi

August 12, 2014 at 2:27 AM

LOL about the Pororo reference

Although I felt this was a relatively weak episode, there were good points about it too. I actually liked the concept of taking the more realistic aftermath route. I thought it was refreshing for the drama to take note of what actually happens after the climax ensues. Unfortunately, the editing did nothing for the concept. I think it got ruined in the haste to end Episode 15 with gramps dying (because they seem to always want to end with a bang) and so consequently we're getting a full episode 16 with a much much slower pace. It wouldn't have hurt to have given Hyung Seok more time in episode 15, killed off gramps somewhere in Episode 16 + Hyung Seok's drama. They still could end with the couple fight and win Min Suk deciding to go to Germany or something. The confusing scenes in Episode 16 only reinforced my theory about their editing mishaps. Oh well, this what extensions do. Although, if we only had an Episode 16, then everything would have been so incredibly rushed right? Episode 17 had some very minor editing weak spots too but all in all it was a good conclusion for a much-loved drama.

I could still forgive Episode 16 anyway but some more fine tuning would have addressed it. DVD Director's cut, anyone? Do DVD versions get better?

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2 redfox

August 11, 2014 at 2:28 PM

what I dont understand, ever, is how in dramas planes always leave on schedule or even early when flights tend to be delayed all the time in real life. why can´t real planes have the drama discipline? everyone would switch....

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3 E.

August 11, 2014 at 2:28 PM

This felt like a filler episode. The conflict was resolved too quickly and to me was a bit lacking. Hyung just decided to do the right thing after gramps died? I dont know, i wanted more of a explanation.

And the rest of the episode... sigh.. let's add some unneccesary conflict.. At least we had the bromance, i think Jin Woo could really use a cute dongsaeng like Min Seok!

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4 Aigoooo

August 11, 2014 at 2:33 PM

I think this episode is where the extension really hurt the show. Technically speaking, the editing team needs to get hit at the back of the head. During the funeral scene, I think they accidentally spliced in a blooper scene where the retail team was bowing and they were smiling and giggling when they stood up. That should have been a scene where they show Hyung at the funeral (for dad to see him later in the next scene).

This episode for me was definitely the weakest of the bunch but still not too bad.. I just watched the finale raw and I am feeling both sad and happy right now. Sad because the show has ended and happy because it gave me a satisfying ending. I really love everything about this show. Piripiri ko piri and popcorn Unni fighting!!

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Marie

August 11, 2014 at 3:04 PM

Yes, I'm so glad you pointed out that weird blooper thing since I also noticed that when I was watching and I couldn't figure out why they were laughing or trying not to laugh. It was jarring.

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Aigoooo

August 11, 2014 at 3:13 PM

hehe I kept replaying that scene trying to see what they were laughing about and there was nothing. Also, doing something like that at a funeral especially while doing the respectful bow was very weird.

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Aigoooo

August 11, 2014 at 3:53 PM

Also, almost forgot.. That scene at the laundromat where dad was checking out the dryer where gramps tried to get into at the last episode did not make sense and went nowhere.

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Marie

August 11, 2014 at 4:36 PM

Yes, that one too!

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Nessie

August 11, 2014 at 5:23 PM

During that scene I thought the "tunnel" which Grandpa talked about was actually a reality, and Dad was actually going to discover it. What if just like the treasure chest, Grandpa left some more stuff hidden? That would've been pretty cool.

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plumwine

August 11, 2014 at 5:31 PM

I thought it was possibly a foreshadowing or metaphor to Min Seok's final injury. Also it could be a final catalyst to a move to Germany, if that's what's going to happen. I mean why pay a lot of money for something if you may move?

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Moonbean

August 11, 2014 at 6:14 PM

I thought he was going to find something gramps hid in there!

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CaroleMcDonnell

August 11, 2014 at 4:16 PM

nodding. Agree re blooper scene. I'll go overboard to try to see what all a scene means but sometimes...I just have to wince....and say "either they messed up here or I am just not getting this."

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Moonbean

August 11, 2014 at 6:13 PM

Yes I noticed both the laughter and the absence of hyung. In fact I was confused because I thought dad was going after someone else and rewinded back to see where he saw hyung. But still no hyung. That was an unacceptable mistake.

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kikidee

August 11, 2014 at 6:29 PM

They were laughing at the way Team Leader Kim bowed. He lifted both of his feet off the ground and was balancing entirely on his knees, like he was doing a knee push-up. It was a random detail that I think they just included for quirkiness sake.

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5 Kay

August 11, 2014 at 2:58 PM

Maybe I'm the only one, but I wish you wouldn't give away spoilers in the text preview on the main page. This is the second article where I read something I wish I hadn't on the main page :(

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Aigoooo

August 11, 2014 at 3:33 PM

It took me a while to figure out what you were talking about but now I finally see it. LOL Yeah, that's kind of a MAJOR spoiler for someone who is just skimming through the DB main page to check out other recaps.

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6 Lori

August 11, 2014 at 3:07 PM

This whole keeping things from Min Seok, I thought we were past that. Her not telling him what happened with her mom felt really contrived. It's not even about protecting him this time. So it came off so forced just so we could drag it all out. I was literally shaking my head at the screen.

Why didn't they just bring in the "I'm thinking of going to Germany" plot point earlier. Or hell, even another awkward divide about the difference in status and age would have been better than to just sit there and watch Soo Young say NOTHING while he rightly blows up at her. She doesn't trust in him and does treat him like a child, it's off putting.

I've not really been on board about this romance from day one, it feels weird to me and unrealistic even though I feel on the dating scale, their immaturity level matches lol.

Honestly, I think this drama would have been better without it or if it would have just been one sided on Min Seoks part, who hasn't had those painful young loves? We can almost all relate to that and it would have been an interesting coming of age point and still could have had the conflict with Director Yoo. *shrugs*

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7 ultramarineblue

August 11, 2014 at 3:08 PM

Thanks for the recap!

To be honest, I loved this episode. The feelings of gramps' departure were real and inevitable conflicts with Soo-young arose. I'm looking forward to their separation and reunion after Minseok returns from Germany since that's what I think will happen.

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8 telzey

August 11, 2014 at 3:13 PM

This was sort of a filler episode alright. Still it shows Min suk facing the age gap problem. He has not graduated, he has not got a job, and he has not got the money or status of an adult. It is kind of a shock to him after having had the respect due to a director. Sue Young obviously thinks of him as a kid more or less because she does not confide her troubles to him. Playing the hockey game before he was ready was immature. And the whole fried chicken thing reminded me so strongly of the fighting in the backseat of the car. It totally showed the young side of him. It is obviously the big issue for the next episode. That being said, he was very sweet to his father and is supporting him when he needs it. I do hope his brainpower is a little better than 56% on the test seems to indicate.

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9 Dahlia

August 11, 2014 at 3:44 PM

Thank you for the recap!

This drama has lost a lot of its magic for me with these last few episodes.... I can't quite put my finger on why. It's still been an enjoyable little watch overall, though some of the lazy writing moments make me want to roll my eyes because I thought I could expect better from this show. Oh well, it's still been fun :) Thank goodness for family moments and battling over drumsticks.

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Marie

August 11, 2014 at 4:39 PM

Yes, I agree with you. It's definitely better than some of the dramas I've invested my time in, but the last few episodes, as you aptly put it, lost a lot of its magic. That said, I still love the show and I'm already fretting about how to acquire subbed episodes so I can view them offline/non-streaming.

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Aigoooo

August 11, 2014 at 5:03 PM

I think it is due to the following factors:

extension 50%
the last 2 episodes became more serious and melo. 30%
subconsciously feeling one of the 5 stages of loss/grief due to the show nearing it's end. 20%

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10 Aigoooo

August 11, 2014 at 3:48 PM

This show has the best father/son relationship I have seen in Kdramas. Min Seok and his dad had more skinship than most other OTPs in other dramas. lol

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11 mai

August 11, 2014 at 3:53 PM

Tears for gramps' treasures... sniff

I would have wanted to see a little bit more of hyung :-(

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12 CaroleMcDonnell

August 11, 2014 at 4:09 PM

Thanks for the recap. Been waiting days for it. Of course, now I've forgotten so much about it. Aargh, my brain!

I'll say that i thought it was perfect. It had some imperfections, of course...but not so much as to mess up its total perfection. It is a very difficult thing to suddenly have to add something to your story after everything is pretty much set into place....just because some external powers that be wants you to. It hurts and affects the writer. It really is like an assault on one's creativity... and I'm always amazed at how kdrama writers can manage to somehow think on their feet and gather stuff together out of the blue to make the extended story work. I'd be furious at being so intruded upon. So kudos to High School King and to all the kdrama writers for their ability to do stuff that pleases Korean networks and that doesn't wreck the story too much. I've seen dramas respond to fans, networks, scandals, accidents, actors going off on some plane (yes, Triangle) etc...and I'm always amazed at how hard these writers work to somehow pull things together. So am happy that Savvy made the best of that situation. Other dramas (yes, Triangle) don't fare as well.

So...moving on:

I liked the sense of real life creeping back in. The game of playing at being a director and even the game of falling into passionate love..must meet reality. The sense of loss is so palpable as Bio Dad and Min Suk sit at the table alone without Gramps. Oh my gosh...that dinner without gramps seen got me all weepy. I remembered the first Thanksgiving after my mother died. We put her portrait on her seat at one end of the table and I blubbered all evening.

I don't like the word "filler." Emotional recovery, endurance, dealing with the inexpressible fallout after some emotional upheaval isn't filler. I felt every moment of this episode. Art is not about "pleeeeeeeease be exciting because I want to be entertained." It's not about "try not to bore me because I want my happy OTP and I don't like angst." It's about a commiseration with other characters.

I do think the idea of Soo Young and Min Suk both having to do important things at the exact same time (Meeting mom, meeting Dad) is way contrived. I would've liked if they had found a better way to show that she wasn't sharing her heart with him because she is "protecting" him. But a scene like that needed to be done ...so I'll accept it.

I was so dreading the finale but everyone is saying it's a great one...so I can now relax my shoulders and breathe a sigh of relief.

Thanks so much for the recap...and for all the insightful recapping you've done all season.

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D's handphone

August 11, 2014 at 11:23 PM

Thanks Carole. I like what you wrote here, it echoes what i feel for this episode.

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CaroleMcDonnell

August 12, 2014 at 5:24 AM

thank you!!!! AAArgh! Did I write "bio-dad"? Meant "Dad." Sometimes the brain....

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riarallahssi

August 12, 2014 at 2:36 AM

This ---------> [I don’t like the word “filler.” Emotional recovery, endurance, dealing with the inexpressible fallout after some emotional upheaval isn’t filler.]

That sits well for me. In fact I think it was the strongest point of Episode 16. I needed to deal with Gramps dying and watching the characters move one made me feel like I was moving on too. I still wish I saw more of Hyung Seok's agony but it could also be a schedule blunder. Apparently, SIG is crazy-busy and immediately left for Japan the morning after the Drama wrap-up party. So I'll give the PD's some benefit of the doubt. Despite Episode 16 being the weakest of the bunch, it wasn't unforgivably weak. My affections for the drama has not changed. It seemed to have taken a fuller focus towards the couple than the rest of the plot. They changed some gears and well, it's still okay. At the end of the day, I'd still miss it like I need chocolate and I'd still call to get a few days off work any time to watch it on a marathon. :D

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CaroleMcDonnell

August 12, 2014 at 5:22 AM

Am gonna miss this drama as well. It was so organic and real and counter-culture in so many ways that I really couldn't watch the other contemporary dramas because they looked so ridiculously cliched compared to this.

In the beginning when we first saw Hyung Suk, we saw his back as he left little Min Suk and the rest of the family. I figure they did that so we could not see how similar the brothers looked that early in the drama. But it is the image Min Suk and I will always remember. Hyung Suk is the family member who is always leaving. He's wounded and devastated by the parent deaths; he will never stay in one place. He represents for me the lost Korean diaspora..so I was okay with him leaving, and if Seo In Guk has a busy schedule and simply had no time to be both brothers, that image in the drama works really well.

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13 rearwindow

August 11, 2014 at 5:17 PM

I get the criticisms, but I loved this episode. I loved that Jin-woo is more of a hyung to Min-soek than real Hyung ever was--what a healing relationship that will be for both of them! I love the beautiful resolution to Min-soek's hockey aspirations. I love the affirmation of chasing our dreams and the realism that they don't always work out as we'd hoped. I even loved the conflict at the end between Min-soek and Soo-young because it felt so, so real to me and it was the culmination of a lot of issues that the show couldn't really address until Min-soek stopped living his double-life.

While painful, it seemed really in character to have Soo-young withhold her mom's financial woes from Min-soek. It was also in character for her to clam up when he confronted her. Min-soek tends to let everything all out before thinking, while Soo-young tends to cover up her feelings until she's had time to reflect on them herself. It's one of the many ways that they balance each other out, but it was bound to lead to conflict. I hope they are able to talk through this issue as they have others in the past. Also, Min-soek, don't go to Germany! What will your bffs, Jin-woo, and Soo-young do without you??

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thursdaynexxt

August 12, 2014 at 4:49 AM

I agree about Soo-young's tendency to clam up - it's probably also a side effect of taking care of her younger sister for so long as well.

Except that Yoo Ah knows her sister too well, so she ended up taking care of her Unni in many ways.

Speaking of which, Yoo Ah, where are you~~?

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CaroleMcDonnell

August 12, 2014 at 5:29 AM

yes!

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14 Sonny

August 11, 2014 at 5:42 PM

It's been too long since I've watched episode 16 and I just watched episode 17 (WHICH I LOVED SO MUCH + SIG ❤) soooo... I won't comment much. I'm currently on holiday overseas but I couldn't NOT watch the beautiful finale live. Hahaha!

Well. I like episode 16 :) There hasn't been a single episode in this drama that I've disliked. I admit that almost every episode had chinks in its armor but as a whole, the episodes still felt pleasant and plentiful to me.

The only thing I really disliked in this episode was the ending because Soo Young should have told him the truth. She keeps repeating her mistakes about keeping things from him. Oh, my lovely Soo Young! Why?! (I know it may be due to the extension issue so I forgive them haha )

I don't think that Min Suk's in the wrong in this situation, lol. I would have been pissed if I was in his position (and I don't mean his high schooler position but everything else). "Normal" relationships can face problems like theirs too. I've seen it happen.

Anyway, I understand Soo Young's reasons for choosing not to confide in him but even if he couldn't financially help her, he'd provide her with the support she needed to get through it in one piece. Oh Soo Young. You need to stop trying to cacoon our boyfie (who doesn't need it).

Gah. Whatever. The argument was bound to happen after all Min Suk has been through in this episode and the previous one. His shield of positivity was breaking. Truthfully, I don't think relationships without arguments are healthy. In a weird way, I'm glad they quarrel from time to time, haha. Personal opinion. Ignore me.

Moving on! I can't wait to see them jump their hurdles together and strengthen their relationship. My precious babies and otp ❤?

I MISS YOU TWO ALREADY

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15 Momopeach

August 11, 2014 at 5:49 PM

I think, other than Jin Woo, the thing I loved most about this episode was how the Retail Team came to support Min Suk at the funeral and game. i Loved that. Though, I found it weird that I didn't see his friends at the funeral.

Anyway, waiting for subs for the finale. And then the special. I sincerely hope the special isn't like Heirs, just a bunch reused scenes from throughout the show.

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Marge

August 12, 2014 at 1:31 AM

Unfortunately, the extension was full of behind the scenes, recycled scenes, slideshows of stills and what not =_=

broke my heart

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16 Moonbean

August 11, 2014 at 5:56 PM

Thanks for the recap Purplecow.

Unfortunately episode 16 was a low point for this fantastic drama. We waited for hyung for a long time but his visit in the end was quite anticlimactic. I didn’t have much problem with his excuse for sending his brother to Comfo but had major problems with the way he left without even saying goodbye leaving many things unresolved. He was the instigator of the whole scheme but I expected him to be more than just that. I expected him to contribute to the drama as much as the other characters but in the end he ended up being the least developed character of this drama that’s so good because of its characters and was used solely as a plot device.

I’m very disappointed at hyung. Because of his preoccupation with the dead he forgot the living members of his family. I’m not saying that just because of his disappearing act for the last 8 years to plot his father's revenge. He’s supposed to have realized his mistake with halbae’s death but if he really did he should be with his adopted father and his little brother who is going through a rough time. Little bro can’t play hockey anymore, he’s not good at studying, he has no idea what he will do for himself, he’s dating a woman 10 years older than him (does hyung even know that?) so this is a time in his life he needs his hyung the most. Not just the money he sends. But Hyung Seok’s repentance act is to do a runner again. Without even saying a face to face goodbye. Without eating a measly meal with his brother. No wonder poor Min Seok turns to his frenemy and former rival when he needs to talk. Lucky he has Jin Woo. But running away again is not the action of a person who regrets his actions and says he should have stayed with them! Halbae is dead but Min Seok and dad are very much alive and still need him.

I’m also disappointed at how Min Seok’s injury was handled. I don’t know whether it’s because of the extension. Though finishing on a high was good for Min Seok considering he didn’t have a plan B for his life if he can’t play hockey why did he act rashly and risked it all by playing when he wasn’t ready? It would have been unrealistic for him to recover from an injury that was supposed to end his athletic career but once they went down that road it was not creative to replay the whole thing again. It just postponed the inevitable and created fillers during rehab.

There were a lot of discussions earlier on whether Soo Young should get a makeover or it’s a good thing she didn’t. But she did!!! It’s just that she didn’t do it obviously. That’s another thing that annoys me. Yes she didn’t change her hair and still has her glasses but her clothes changed completely with absolutely no explanation. Instead of this mysterious change I would have preferred a formal makeover. Gone are the terrible blouses and skirts of the beginning as well as the tucked in pyjamas. The new Soo Young has fitting clothes that are flattering. Her mini mini skirt really surprised me...

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Moonbean

August 11, 2014 at 5:57 PM

...So what? She had all these in her wardrobe and waited to have a boyfriend to start wearing them? My annoyance isn’t so much with the change but how much they try to make heroines look frumpy in the beginning of a drama. Min Young is also the nonflashy, meek type but had very nice clothes. I don’t think they needed make her so dumpy in the beginning to make a point.

Episode 16 showed how hard it is for the couple to date in real life once he is out of the office and explored the very real problems age difference brings. If he hadn’t got injured he would be a professional player and wouldn’t have to face some of these dilemmas. That was the solution in a somewhat similar storyline of the secondary couple in We Are Dating Now. He was a model. I felt sorry for Min Seok more when his friends started talking about hockey than the embarrassing dinner payment incident though.

Jin Woo-Min Seok scenes were my favourites this episode. It’s also funny to see that Min Seok’s aegyo works even on males. Haha.

The bit I disliked the most about the episode was Soo Young’s not coming to the birthday party. She could have easily called Min Seok on the way to her uncle’s or say why she couldn’t come in the last scene. For a drama which successfully avoided most of the bad drama clichés this kind of stupidity is unacceptable. I also agree that their romantic relationship changed a lot since Soo Young learned his age. She is not treating him as an equal at the moment but a younger brother she needs to protect.

Back to Jin Woo: Purplecow, I think Jin Woo will treat the next girl he likes much better. In fact, he will even treat the next girl who crushes on him that he doesn’t like much better (let’s face it, it will happen again and again with him!). He learned a lot about empathizing with people and seeing them as human beings with emotions from Soo Young and Min Seok so he doesn’t even need to like people to treat them better anymore. Overall this might be one of my favorite character development stories for the second lead.

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Sue

August 11, 2014 at 6:10 PM

I really hope Jin-woo will get to be the main lead in his next drama! He's also one of my favorite character!

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Moonbean

August 11, 2014 at 6:35 PM

I would love to watch a drama with Jin Woo the character as the lead. But they would have to rewind back to his unhealed jerky self and start from zero because they already told the most important part of the story here.

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light

August 12, 2014 at 10:18 AM

I love so many characters. This drama has a great ensemble. Comedy that fits my brain cells.

I am going to miss Minsuk's friends. Dukhwan? The older skinnier guy? He has a great poker face. Daehan too, who has has a natural flair for comedy.

But I am going to say it..the one I am going to miss the MOST, is Jinwoo. Best second lead character so far.. from ultra polite to jerk to sad traumatic to the hyung that settled down his emotions somewhat.

And also because he is gorgeous. And beautiful. Commence browsing of Instagram photos.

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CaroleMcDonnell

August 12, 2014 at 5:54 AM

Min suk is a kid, though. Kids don't think ahead. Kids would make the "optimistic" wrong decision. And we need to see an instance of advice taking/advice prophesies. In one case, the advisors prognosis proved right. In the other -- the many advice against marriage-- the "mature, adult, expert" advice was wrong and the marriage succeeded.

And I loved the gradual makeover of Sooyoung. That's how one learns how to dress in real life. One rarely has some perfect fashionista wealthy friend who totally comes and makes one over. That's why thisdama is so good. It shows reality to folks who are used to drama unrealistic norms. Just as her confidence grew, she slowly shed the granny outfit as she accepted herself.

She had a childhood in a town that looked down on her. Then she lived to sacrifice for her sister. And she was a contract employee. Folks like that usually collapse into themselves and wear frumpy clothes they weren't affirmed for their skills, talents or physical features.

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17 Nessie

August 11, 2014 at 5:59 PM

Similar to many of the comments above, there were a few moments where I felt annoyed by the direction we were going. Especially Soo-young's hiding of her family issues really annoyed me, like really drama, are we gonna have to add some intense melo angst to the ending?

Apart from that everything else, Grandpa's funeral was really sweet and fitting. I'm especially happy with Jin-woo's development. Those few precious scenes of how he handled ending things with Soo-young & Min Suk, just makes me feel like he's finally free from everything.

At first I thought Hyung-suk's 360 degree change was real quick, but the more I thought about it. The more I realized, sometimes things in life are that simple. You don't need to have this big crazy chaotic fest, where there's a cop chase, or murder to end something. Alot of the times, things are just that straightforward.

I'm now prepared for some emotional angst, bring on the extensions!

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Nessie

August 11, 2014 at 6:01 PM

Opps I lost count of episodes, guess it's finale time!

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18 plumwine

August 11, 2014 at 6:03 PM

Thanks for the recap PurpleCow. Your comments pretty much summed up my thoughts and the boys as beagles was spot on!

While I enjoyed this episode and all the cute moments, I missed the lightness of the other episodes. (Last week was just dark across the board for most of my dramas.) However, I do realize that everything brought up was necessary and appreciate that the writer is not glossing over the problem of Min Seok feeling inferior because of money or career prospects. While I don't agree that Soo Young should cover up her problems, I can't say I would have done any differently in her shoes. Who would want to place such a heavy burden on anyone, let alone a high schooler who had just lost his Grandpa and the sport he loves.

The fact that I get to watch an excellent cast act so well with all sorts of sweet and touching moments and some great bromance makes me forget that there was an extension.

My next episode should be uploaded in the next 5 min so I'm off to enjoy the next episode. Enjoy!

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Moonbean

August 11, 2014 at 6:41 PM

This is one thing I dislike when all the dramas I watch start more or less about the same time. All three of my current dramas had angsty melo bit last week and there was nothing happy to turn to. I need some relief! Will be watching the finale tonight to get my happiness fix.

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plumwine

August 11, 2014 at 10:19 PM

Yeah last week was hard. Not all of them were at the same number of episodes so it was kinda weird.

Totally bored out of my mind I watched the new one with the mermaid. I promise you will laugh!

I don't want to spoil the final so I won't say anything here. (Must stop typing!)

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Moonbean

August 11, 2014 at 10:48 PM

I'm glad you mentioned it. It is on my list. Now that I caught up with Savvy, Fated and MND I will moved onto newer ones.

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19 rachel

August 11, 2014 at 6:53 PM

so tbh I was a little disappointed with this episode. the whole pavo thing was wrapped up too fast and left with a neat little bow on it and just no.

it doesn't just work out that way.

everyone (and I mean literally everyone) had a random, rapid 180 degree change in attitude that was kind of jarring. I appreciate that the show was trying to speed things up, focus more on the noona - dongsaeng relationship and minsuk dealing with life after everything, but I would have rather they slow things down and end with an uncertain future but believable character development (especially jinwoo who was largely missing from the previous episode, the retail team and how they deal with the aftermath, the chairman and his huge change of heart, minsuk's father and how he deals with grief).

on a more positive note, I've noticed all the shots that have been added of the character's feet or hands. it's the small things, stepping closer, the minute twitch towards each other, that has given this show a much stronger emotional resonance for me, so I have to say that's it's artfully done and very effective.

thanks so much for the recap! and I can't wait for the last episodes!

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20 mllelingling

August 11, 2014 at 8:26 PM

I don't know why, but with the extension, this ep felt conflicting because of the way it was handled; it felt lke the writers were dragging on the story, yet at the same time, many aspects of the ep felt rushed. The conflict with the revenge was resolved a bit too quickly, imo. I don't know if it's partly because of the editing, but it sort of felt like a series of events were just thrown at the audience in such a short period of time (ie. mourning, revenge wrap up, end of hockey career, age gap)
And the rest of the ep felt so anticlimactic despite its tackling of important issues.

Also, did anyone else find it jarring that Hyungsuk was saying how much happier he would've been if he had spent time with gramps, dad and Minseok instead of plotting revenge....only to see him go back to Germany alone, instead of spending time with family...without saying a proper goodbye?...It kind of felt like he didn't really take the lesson to heart

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21 beanstalker

August 11, 2014 at 9:27 PM

did anyone know what is the special episode is gonna be about?is it behind the scene,compilation of previous episode or what..

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22 OhSoEnthusiastic

August 11, 2014 at 9:59 PM

Right out of the gate this episode has me crying again. Grandpaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

I really have been very underwhelmed by Hyung Seok as a character. We got all this lovely characterization and exposition with Jin Woo, but we were given merely scraps for Hyung.

As much as I wish we had gotten more exposition on his character though, I honestly wish we had never actually Met him (as in, never actually seen his face). He’s a behind the scenes character for a reason. Let him stay there.

It really should have been Dad who told Min Seok the truth about his real father’s death. And then Min Seok should have sauntered into that meeting (With Out telling Hyung what he was going to do) and voted Against the whole thing. It wouldn’t have changed the actual Outcome, but it would have been far more Logical, from a writing perspective. (Or maybe that’s just the inner writer in me talking.)

I was never interested in redemption for Hyung. Because this is not a story about Hyung. It’s a story about the people he left behind. It’s Those people I care about.

Also, I don’t understand Soo Young’s logic in that teaser. Min Seok’s all like ‘I can’t do anything for you. Guess I might as well just go to Germany.’ (Sung to the tune of ‘I might as well go outside and eat worms.’) Soo Young’s all like, ‘Hey, Let’s get Married!’ And I’m all like, ‘What?’ (Not that I’m complaining, mind you.)

But why doesn’t Min Seok just go to Mr. Why is Life so Hard for Me and just ask, ‘Hey. That job you said you could get me when I graduate; is that offer still on the table?’

Problem solved!

Side note: I write up what I want to say about drama episodes on their dramabeans recaps as soon as I watch the episode, and this was written before watching episode 17. I have seen episode 17 (as I assume everyone else here has). And I still have to admit that I don't understand Soo Young's logic. I'm totally Okayo with it, but I also don't understand it.

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light

August 12, 2014 at 10:31 AM

THIS! I agree with you on the Hyung character. I too think that he might as well have not been there. He could have just been in the background somewhere in Germany and let someone drop the guillotine. I am starting to think that he doesn't even have to accept the job at Comfo. But then we would have no Minsuk as Hyung. Ok I am getting dizzy thinking about that.

MAY OR MAY NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS of EP 17:

I too have trouble understanding Sooyoung's logic. Maybe a proposal proves that she can commit to him in spite of his youth and inexperience and unemployment. Only then Minsuk will forget Germany. Or maybe he will go nonetheless because hey, a man has pride. Hasn't he? I must stop typing to avoid further mash of comments on ep 17. (I watched the finale).

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23 Aigoooo

August 11, 2014 at 10:50 PM

hehe I would have kept the money offered by Jin Woo or at least part of it. That would solve the "being broke" problem.

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24 Aigoooo

August 12, 2014 at 12:36 AM

A nod to Park Hee Von for making a cameo as the new office girl. I guess she can tell Mi Young that she found another job. lol (reference to Park Hee Von also playing Mi Young's best friend in Fated to Love You).

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25 Socrates

August 12, 2014 at 1:22 AM

It was not a story of playing a double life for a highschooler after all. It was all about Jung Joo Young, i mean, Jung Soo Young. Oooppps, spoiler alert! Anyway, it was a great run! Overall, it's still an 8/10 for me, so, kampai!

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Rinovi

August 12, 2014 at 7:49 AM

Comment was deleted

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26 enkeys

August 12, 2014 at 1:26 AM

I love this episode. Definitely not a filler, but one where Hyung Suk's and Jin Woo's conflicts were resolved.

I love the scene in the hospital bed, where President Yoo said while tearing up "I'll visit your mother. What's so hard about giving her a visit anyway?" Oh Daddy Yoo /pat pat/ I hope you get to mend your relationship with Mummy Yoo!

However, like some of you, I also feel that Hyung Suk's departure and forgiveness is too soon to be dealt with, when we've all been waiting for him to show up since episode 1. But if you look at it from a different viewpoint, maybe the writers want to show that Gramps is the only one who can melt Hyung Suk's frozen heart, because they've been "close since Hyung Suk's young". I can imagine Gramps taking care of Hyung Suk when he's young and before Min Suk's birth, in Daddy's place. (or maybe I just wanna see more of cold Seo In Guk with that hairstyle and office wear and glasses - hot!) and Min Suk's tearing up while waving at hyung - Seo In Guk you're really a fine actor!

Ah. Where are my manners. Thanks for your recap Purplecow. Also, I think Soo Young left her phone cuz it was not her cellphone she was using before she went out of the house - her uncle called her home phone.

That scene in the funeral - I don't get it too. I watch it several times to see what was Yoon Ju laughing at - was is at Team Leader's torn socks? Someone bowed awkwardly? But I see nothing. If they don't address this in the next 2 episodes I'm gonna accept it as a poor editing, although that's disappointing really.

Also, I love that the writers addressed real life problems that Min Suk will face dating an older woman. He has no trouble waiting for her for couple of hours. But he felt the age gap more than ever in that scene where they dined with Soo Young's friends. Gosh, Seo in Guk is really a good actor. That fake laugh on the way back to Soo Young's house tugged at my heart.

Now he finds himself in an awkward spot where he can't join the adults in their talks and his friends were just too rowdy to have a serious conversations with. And then Duk Hwan and Tae Suk started talking about ice hockey. Ah, poor Min Suk. How frustrated and sad he must've been?

I'm thankful that he can find a friend in Jin Woo. I think he just need a person who can listen to him, and who he can make fun of or who can made fun of his situation so he can lift up his spirit once more and get a few laugh. Aww that fight over drumstick. I'll fight for drumsticks too, my favourite part to eat ehe.

I'm feeling so sad for Daddy now that Gramps's no longer with them. He looks like a zombie. Thank god for those rowdy kids giving him that pillow to hug. It's adorable ^_^ Now find him a woman!

While I too, felt frustrated that Soo Young kept his family problem from Min Suk, I understand why she did it. Min Suk has been telling her that he'll pay her back for the steak for a few days now and if Soo Young...

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enkeys

August 12, 2014 at 1:37 AM

tells him that she has financial problems, although she's not asking money from Min Suk, is bound to make Min Suk feeling more useless as a boyfriend, don't you think so? He'll feel that he can't even pay her for a meal, let alone help her family.

Last few episodes have been filled with angst since Hyung Suk's appeared but the conflicts in this episode feels real. I'm glad the writers address the real life conflicts our otp will face instead of just throwing an otp with a 10 year age gap and expect us to believe that they will live happily ever after.

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27 Marge

August 12, 2014 at 1:26 AM

With Regard to EPISODE 17:

I FEEL EMPTY INSIDE.
THE ENDING WAS RATHER ABRUPT, FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO CLOSURE.

THAT WAS NOT ENOUGH CLOSURE.

WHAT.

WHAAAATTTTTTTTTT
JUSSTTT
HAPPENEEEEEDDDDDDDD.

I CANT
EVEN

UGGGH

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riarallahssi

August 12, 2014 at 2:56 AM

In all fairness to the show, I actually liked the ending. I liked the witty wrap up and review of some of its most memorable scenes. It moves on the same pace as Episode 16. It's as if after Episode 15, the drama decided to take a on a different pace---- a different chapter in all of their lives. I think Soo Young was motivated by the intention to fill in gramps' absence in the Lee home, so my only wish was that I saw Ahbujji in the house after the time skip. All in all. I still shed a few tears and I could still grasp and hold the intended consistency, despite very minor editing mishaps.

It was a good way to end it----although I've noticed that it seems to be a recurring pattern for KDramas to have weaker endings. Perhaps it's because of the fatigue finally taking it's toll after gruesome months of filming and editing. I hear it's really rigorous for them out there in SK when filming a drama.

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OhSoEnthusiastic

August 12, 2014 at 8:53 AM

I think the ending was actually really great, just... really, really, Realllllly rushed. There was definitely closure, but it all happened so fast that it almost didn't feel like it.

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light

August 12, 2014 at 10:36 AM

I too think that it was slightly abrupt. Wished for more scenes. But the narration at the end lifted me up. I won't say more.

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28 thursdaynexxt

August 12, 2014 at 5:11 AM

Okay, I haven't seen the Finale yet, so I can only comment up to here, but I think Ep 16 wasn't too slow-paced - everyone was dealing with the fallout from Hyung's revenge and Gramps' death.

I do agree that it felt choppy, though. I mean, Hyung's got this grand plan for Revenge, but in the end, the President's actions didn't really seem to warrant such a vendetta - it's not like he deliberately drove Min-seok's father to suicide.

The damage caused by Hyung's revenge could have been explored more, too. Min-seok's masquerade was revealed in the Comfo lobby, in the most public manner possible - which was hurtful, humiliating and dangerous for Min-seok. Jin-woo's identity (as the President's son) was also revealed, with the consequence being that he too felt he had to leave Comfo. That doesn't magically get cleared up just because Hyung returns the funds!

And Hyung-seok: would it KILL ya to eat one meal with your family??!!

As much as I was happy to see the Retail Team backing up their Highschooler Director, when they suddenly turned up at the funeral, I felt like pressing "rewind" to see if I'd missed 5 minutes somewhere - there were some steps missing in the middle.

Side note: just love Jin-woo's cheeky face! :D

Ah well, off to watch Ep 17 and see what joys it brings!

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light

August 12, 2014 at 10:54 AM

Yes, a little underwhelmed with the Fraud Reveal Non-brouhaha. But the heart that went into the story of Gramp's Death was done quite well.

I might be the only one who thinks that the death was crucial in the storyline, to inject more realism into the drama. (Too much Game of Thrones). I mean, Gramp's death alone affected so many of us here.

It dealt with many real issues passionately discussed. It contributed to the roller-coaster of a ride of emotions that resulted from watching this drama. It made me think of my own family, of their mortality, of sheer will-power to meet the one they love before they pass away. Just today my own uncle finally let go, after knowing that my father finally decided to go see him after years of conflict. I will not forget this drama easily.

Thank you for the recap!

Dramabeans, I love you. But the repetitive keying in Captcha just to prove that I am not a robot is getting a liiittttle frustrating and time-consuming. But I love you mmuah!

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29 kikidee

August 12, 2014 at 8:06 AM

I do think SOMETHING was going on behind the scenes, because the show was trucking along so nicely, then in the last few episodes things started getting a little...off. Like cameras that were clearly being held by hand when they should have been on a stand. Or the sudden weirdness to the editing, and how rushed things seemed at the end. I suspect money trouble. Was the equipment repossessed or something?

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30 Nicnac74

August 12, 2014 at 9:30 AM

I NEEEED the bloody subs for episode 17. C'mon Kdrama! Do bettah! Aish!

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Marie

August 12, 2014 at 9:39 AM

It's available on Dramacool.

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kikidee

August 12, 2014 at 10:13 AM

??? I watched it last night with subs on Kdrama.com. You may want to check your settings. It's been up with subs for almost a full day.

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31 ushaa

September 15, 2014 at 10:21 AM

'The final part of the episode was a little disappointing. After all, Min-seok had a point there at the end: Was it really that hard for Soo-young to remember her phone and send Min-seok a text? It seems unrealistic to me that Soo-young would have forgotten her phone since she was talking on it when her uncle called her! That moment struck me as sloppy writing, even though I’m a diehard fan of the writing team for this drama.'

i recently watched this episode and found out that Soo-young was talking on her land-line phone and not in her cell!..its just to clear the misunderstanding regarding the story writing and nothing else....^^

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