High Society: Episode 1
by gummimochi
Welcome to the world of the privileged, where lavish homes and premium food are just the tip of the iceberg. SBS’s High Society introduces us to the chaebol’s daughter who keeps her wealthy background a secret whilst trying to find true happiness, and the man who wants to climb the social ladder and get a taste of that affluent lifestyle. While the first hour doesn’t dig too much into the societal divide, it does take time to establish its character relationships, from the sweet friendships to strained mother-daughter relationships.
They say the grass is always greener on the other side — such apt words for a show about characters who wish to live lives that weren’t their own. It may feel like each day is a battle, but life is a struggle for everyone, no matter what end of the spectrum one falls on.
SONG OF THE DAY
MBLAQ – “거울 (Mirror)” [ Download ]
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EPISODE 1 RECAP
Inside a supermarket, we meet JANG YOON-HA (UEE) working at one of the sampling corners. She’s currently dealing with a snooty ajumma who demands to try the packaged exotic fruit in the corner while criticizing (yet helping herself to) the food in front of her.
She politely refuses, insisting that a department store would never sell subpar food. In fact, she can vouch for the quality because she once had some at home. The ajumma turns up her nose at that—the only way a lowly part-timer like herself could’ve tasted something that expensive is if she stole it.
Having had enough, Yoon-ha speaks up for herself which only ignites the ajumma’s temper, and the woman throws the basket of cherries at her.
As it turns out, Yoon-ha hails from a much wealthier background than she lets on in her part-time job. She’s the youngest daughter of Taejin Pacific Group, and as her family takes a group photo, Yoon-ha narrates, “They say 90 percent of life’s problems can be solved with money. I carry with me the other 10 percent of those problems. Statistically speaking, one could be nine times happier than those who solve 90 percent with money. But numbers aren’t money, and when applied to people, the numbers always lie.”
Her petty bickering relationship with one of her unnis is the least of Yoon-ha’s problems, since her mother reminds her that she’s always been the problem child who’s been living a life beneath her station. Near tears, Yoon-ha thinks to herself, “That’s right. I’m the problematic one… who’s trying to find happiness.”
Still, Yoon-ha keeps her head up at work, refusing to accept “the customer is always right” spiel her boss lectures her with. Her argument about basic human dignity only gets shot down, and from the way she rolls her eyes, I’m guessing this is an argument that often goes nowhere.
Her expository fairy boss’s complaints about how their department is losing money (“Why would you choose the Food Market’s concept as ‘food for the upper class’?!”) provides some insight into the company’s inner workings before we go ahead to meet the execs discussing the same issue in the boardroom.
No one is quite as upset about the reported 15 percent drop in sales than YOO CHANG-SOO (Park Hyung-shik) an executive director of the Yumin Department Store. Not that he’d let it show in front of his superior and older brother, who believes there’s no way to bounce back from a project that was doomed from its inception.
His hyung isn’t shy about shaming his younger brother in front of everyone, adding that insult can be a form of motivation. He does, however, warn that if the Food Market project (selling premium food for the privileged) doesn’t get out of the red in three months’ time, Little Bro’s project will be placed under his supervision.
The man presenting these numbers is none other than CHOI JOON-KI (Sung Joon) whose voiceover tells us: “The road to becoming rich is to be born rich. ‘If you do your best, good things will happen to you,’ ‘As long as you have love, you’ll be happy doing anything,’ those are the words of my parents. I won’t be deceived.”
Joon-ki’s parents live a modest life and share a loving relationship. His father adorably wants to make his wife her favorite food, refusing to let his wheelchair-bound state restrict him from doing chores. They’re adorable.
“The reason why the poor remain poor isn’t because they try to escape poverty, but because they found happiness in being poor,” Joon-ki scrutinizes. “If you’re poor, you can never be happy.”
Chang-soo takes to the rooftop to let out his frustrations, then puts Joon-ki in charge of the Food Market project. Though it’s evident that the two men are friends, Joon-ki knows he can’t disobey an order. Placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, Chang-soo says he considers Joon-ki more of a family member than his blood relative.
His hyung might think inheriting the company might be in the bag, but Chang-soo is determined to come out as the true victor. First step: marrying the daughter of Taejin Group.
Yoon-ha thankfully has a friend of her own, her co-worker LEE JI-YI (Im Ji-yeon) who pouts how her friend never confides in her. But Yoon-ha says she has good reason to keep her life under wraps, but promises to share when it becomes easy to talk about her emotional scars.
Ji-yi has a bright personality, as evidenced when making a cutesy song out of her palindrome name (since Lee can alternatively be spelled as “Yi”). She doesn’t know how her friend could put up with work after such awful days, but Yoon-ha answers in her head that it’s these kinds of days where she’s grateful that she’s a daughter of a chaebol.
It’s at that moment her mother calls to make sure she prepares for her seon (an arranged date with an intention of marriage), warning her not to get rejected again today. When one of her mother’s men hovers around her because he has strict orders to escort Yoon-ha to her date, she whirls around and cutely threatens to blab his secret to Mom.
Chang-soo, meanwhile, scoffs when he receives a text from Yoon-ha to change meeting locations. Heh, well that explains trying to get the driver off of her tail. Intrigued, he has Joon-ki dig up some info or at least a photo of the lady he’s to meet today.
It isn’t long before he gets one… of when Yoon-ha was a little girl. HA. Joon-ki throws in a bonus of a family photo, which is equally unhelpful since the family has three daughters.
Speaking of Taejin Group, eldest daughter and CEO of Taejin Pharmaceuticals JANG YE-WON is none too pleased to see protesters outside the company. She isn’t excited about seeing her brother KYUNG-JOON (Lee Sang-woo) in her office either. After exchanging some bitter pleasantries, Kyung-joon asks if the pharmaceutical company has dealt with its protesters and lawsuits yet.
Unattended legal matters wouldn’t look good for its parent company Taejin Group, where he sits as vice chairman. He’s heard whispers about a paper company, and doesn’t bat an eyelash at his sister’s counterargument.
He is his father’s son, Kyung-joon states, so he isn’t above cutting off any rotten branches even if they are his own siblings. It’s exactly what their father did in the past, so if he finds any crippling dirt on her, he’ll see that she’s cut off.
Ye-won fires back that their father still holds the cards, and they both know that he’ll do away with anyone who challenges his authority. “Don’t think you’re an exception. It’s still Father’s era.”
We check in with Yoon-ha’s mother and other unni So-hyun, the latter of whom likes to flaunt her rich lifestyle in an effort to connect with the plebeians, just long enough to learn that no matter how hard eldest unni Ye-won might work, the rights of inheritance still belong to Kyung-joon.
Speaking of whom, Ye-won runs into her father’s longtime mistress outside the clinic just as her mother is leaving. Lady Kim doesn’t miss an opportunity to point out how hard she’s working keep all of the chairman’s playthings at bay, and frowns over how Butler Hong still addresses the lady of the house as “agasshi (young lady).”
Yoon-ha’s mother, Madam Min arrives home to join her husband Chairman Jang for lunch. When the food isn’t to their liking, Chairman Jang fusses that she should’ve checked everything ahead of time. As cold as she may be to her daughters, Madam Min is constantly put down by her husband at home.
Madam Min bucks up the courage to speak up about her husband meeting Lady Kim and all of his other flings. He can feel free to do whatever he likes, but therein lies the problem: that he has all this freedom she doesn’t. Her husband reminds her that she’s living a posh lifestyle thanks to his wealth, words she scoffs at.
That riles up Chairman Jang, who hollers at her to leave if she doesn’t want to live with him. But that threat has long since worn out its intimidation, and when her husband roars that he is the king of this household, she fires back that that makes her the queen before storming out.
A call from Kyung-joon lifts her spirits though, and we learn that Kyung-joon is divorced and his young daughter lives in the States. Madam Min promises to go see her granddaughter in Kyung-joon’s stead as soon as the preparation meeting for the bazaar is over. But as soon as she hangs up, she clamps down on the tears starting to well up in her eyes.
Chang-soo admits that he’s a bit nervous at the prospect of possibly marrying this girl, even if it is to spite his hyung. At the same time, Yoon-ha changes out of her chic attire into a simple tank and jeans topped off with heavier makeup.
She enters the building through the parking lot at the same time Joon-ki does and end up taking the same elevator. Joon-ki takes a few seconds to take in her casual, edgy wardrobe, but says nothing of it.
Needless to say Chang-soo is taken aback when a gum-smacking young lady in torn jeans plops down across from him claiming to have looked him up already. He sees right through the tough and rude act though, and tells her in banmal that he tried doing some research on her too.
He laughs dryly when she drops to banmal too, wondering what guy she’s seeing in secret that she’d put on this act for. She’ll go running back to her family and claim to have turned down her suitor, won’t she? So Yoon-ha comes right out with it, asking him to tell his folks that he didn’t like her.
Chang-soo doesn’t believe she’s in any position to be asking for favors, especially since she’s two years younger than him. She’s messed with the wrong guy because he’s going to say that he likes her sooo much that he wants to marry her. Yoon-ha switches back to banmal, but Chang-soo is sharp enough to deduce that she went through this dramatic transformation for him because her family doesn’t listen to her.
“You know what I hate most in this world? Becoming a fool.” Chang-soo states. “And, being used.” He would’ve considered it if she’d just been honest with him from the start, but her words of apology are too little too late now. And what a pity too, because he usually grants a favor coming from a lady.
Chang-soo rises from his seat, then scolds Yoon-ha for following suit. He warns her not to appear before him again, and when Yoon-ha counters that he’d say positive things about their meeting, he smiles and says that was just a scare tactic.
Yoon-ha genuinely thanks him, but then Chang-soo takes a glass of water and pours it over her head. He leaves her with the advice that nothing comes free in this world. And because Chang-soo can’t just leave it at that, he tells his mother that Yoon-ha was a crazy girl who’s already seeing someone.
Joon-ki heads upstairs to a hotel room where he’s immediately greeted by a hug. He shrugs her off moments later, so the feelings aren’t mutual. His upper middle class ladyfriend presses the wrong button by insulting his parents, and Joon-ki coldly mutters that her father’s furniture company has no future and she’s no catch, either.
Offended, she asks if he loved her background more than her, but Joon-ki says his feelings for her never developed into love, especially not after he learned her true colors. She asks how someone could manipulate someone else’s feelings like that, and he spits back that she isn’t free from blame either.
At least they admit that this relationship was genuine for both parties at one point in time, and Joon-ki sincerely wishes her well. As he marches out, she yells that he’ll never be able to find someone with her background who will take him and his circumstances.
After wiping her makeup (and tears) Yoon-ha exits down the elevator, completely oblivious that her neighbor is the same one as before. She accidentally bumps into a passersby and drops her things. Joon-ki notices a hairclip left behind and follows to return it to her, but that’s when Chang-soo calls.
Chang-soo remains silent in the car (could that be… guilt you’re feeling?) until he cheerily answers Joon-ki’s phone to speak to his mother. She’s calling to check in on her workaholic son whom she hasn’t seen in two months, and tells him not to worry about things at home.
It turns out Joon-ki’s mother is Lady Kim’s housekeeper, who grows uncomfortable when Lady Kim flaunts her newly bought lacy underwear. Over in his office, Chairman Jang is told that the prosecution has started an inside investigation. About the pharmaceutical company perhaps?
We grab some juicy tidbits at the bazaar, where a group of older women gossip over Yoon-ha’s behavior at the seon and the rumors that the youngest daughter might not be biologically related to the others. The woman who implies that filial Kyung-joon might be friendly with other women too is Chang-soo’s mother, who’s also eager to mention she heard Yoon-ha was already dating someone.
But it doesn’t end there—Chang-soo’s mother says it’s a relief Yoon-ha isn’t anything like her mother, playing her part to the public eye while rebelling in secret. The backhanded compliment isn’t lost on Madam Min, but she keeps up a smile.
Joon-ki and Chang-soo race their bikes by the Han River to let off some steam. The boys are neck and neck until Joon-ki starts pulling ahead, but Chang-soo ultimately wins the race. Afterward, Chang-soo confides in his buddy about what happened earlier. He hates the idea of being used but his mind is filled with doubts.
Joon-ki says doubting oneself is the beginning of a slippery slope, then others will start to doubt you, too. It’s just been one rotten day, Chang-soo complains, being made a fool by his hyung and a girl.
He changes the subject to Joon-ki’s relationship, only to be surprised to hear that it’s over. He repeats the same thing Joon-ki heard earlier, that it isn’t easy meeting a girl of her station. Given how close they are, I’m more inclined to think it’s Chang-soo just being frank with his buddy.
He says just that too, referring to Joon-ki as a loyal servant before nixing that and calling him his friend.
At the department store, Ji-yi recalls the first time she ran into Joon-ki. He’d helped her to interact with a foreign customer once, and his advice had uplifted her. Thus her crush began, and the way she squeals down the hallway just thinking about him is simply adorbs.
Madam Min is preparing her speech when she’s told that she won’t be able to fly to the States per the chairman’s orders. He’s even gone ahead to freeze all of her accounts, which drives her into a corner. To make matters worse, her younger brother calls to ask for financial help for his business, calling her the matriarchal figure in their family.
Putting on her sunglasses, she asks Butler Hong why life has to be so hard. She silently chokes back tears. Oof.
Once at home, Madam Min concedes to her husband and is swiftly sent away. It’s hard to tell whether Chairman Jang has forgiven her or not, but what is apparent is when Yoon-ha does the same, she lashes out at her.
She asks her daughter if the rumors that she has a secret boyfriend is true. Yoon-ha barely gets in a word edgewise to her defense before Madam Min slaps her across the face. But Yoon-ha puts up a strong front, truthfully owning up to the idea that she didn’t want to go to the seon today.
That earns her another hard smack, but Yoon-ha doesn’t flinch. Instead, she tells her mother that she isn’t a child anymore—she’s old enough to understand that using violence to reprimand her is wrong.
But defiance from her children is something Madam Min won’t stand for—why won’t she cry or hang her head or be sad or obey her if she was hit? Because, oh I don’t know, you struck her?
“You may not remember, I cried when the first time you hit me, lowered my head the second time, was sad the fifth time, and obeyed you the tenth time. But while I was changing, you were the same,” Yoon-ha replies. Madam Min reminds her daughter just how useless she is, then blames her for the domino effect of just how awful today was for her.
Hurt, Yoon-ha says it wasn’t her fault that her father wasn’t faithful and that her mother always blames her for everything that’s gone wrong in her life. Shaking now, Yoon-ha says she’s always been the punching bag in this family and calling it a form of discipline is just a flimsy excuse for cowardice.
Madam Min tosses back that Yoon-ha’s behavior is the reason why she falls from her favor because she’s always trying to win the argument. Astounded, Yoon-ha says she’s barely surviving in this household, to which her mother fires back that marriage is the answer then. However, that marriage must meet this family’s standards, not her own.
Madam Min’s rigid stance falters for a split-second at the sight of her daughter’s tears, but she remains firm. Yoon-ha tries to argue that marriage is the one thing her parents have no say over, but her mother snatches up that last bit of freedom, pointing out that she’s been able to live a life of luxury thanks to this family.
Yoon-ha hasn’t forgotten and returns a scathing remark, which Madam Min raises her hand to. Actually flinching this time, Yoon-ha puts an end to the emotionally exhausting conversation.
While Yoon-ha calls up her friend Ji-yi as a pick-me-up, Madam Min takes to playing on the piano. She recalls a past visit to a fortuneteller, who advised to steer clear of a man who hates to have his authority challenged and drive out any other man who defies him. Furthermore, her youngest daughter has a strong personality, so she needs to be reined in.
She realizes that must be why her husband sought a mistress shortly after she gave birth, and this certainly explains her strained relationship with her daughter. Her abrupt halt to her performance is still met with applause from Kyung-joon.
Sitting down for a chat, Madam Min opposes the idea of having So-hyun or Yoon-ha work at the company. With her broken engagement, So-hyun just needs to date, and Yoon-ha doesn’t hold any company shares—a good marriage is in her best interest.
She tells her son to focus his efforts on the company and she’ll take care of the family affairs. Being the ever filial son, Kyung-joon asks his mother why she can’t create aspirations for herself rather than solely on her children. “A life of my own doesn’t exist in this lifetime,” she answers.
Joon-ki returns to the office later that evening to find Ji-yi organizing his desk for him. She trails behind him despite his polite insistence that she leave for the day, only to smile when he finally offers her a ride.
Yoon-ha happens to catch the two as they exit the building. Smiling to see her friend so giddy, she sneaks up behind them to playfully ruin the moment. Joon-ki recognizes her right away, but he doesn’t return her greeting and turns to leave.
Offended by his rudeness, Yoon-ha flags him down and asks, “Do you know me?” And in voiceover, Joon-ki thinks, “They say it’s fate if you coincidentally meet three times. I don’t believe in fate. I only make choices.”
COMMENTS
Aside from being a story about the social divide between the privileged class and the common folk (and yes, Sung Joon), I wasn’t sure what to expect from High Society. It should be no secret by now that I try to keep my exposure to promo materials to a minimum, if only to watch the premiere with fresh eyes.
While the first hour covers a lot of ground to introduce our key characters and their relationships to one another, the overall narrative mostly stays at the surface: a corporate project struggling to stay afloat, a chaebol woman who doesn’t want to end up in a loveless marriage, and two friends who hail from very different social classes. A part of me had hoped we’d dive right into the patrician vs. proletariat issues in the first hour—we’ve been shown the ritzy lifestyle of the wealthy, but mostly the spotlight is currently placed elsewhere. And for the most part, I’m okay with putting overarching conflicts on the back burner long enough to establish the meat and potatoes of this show: the complicated relationships between our characters.
None is quite as tense than Yoon-ha’s relationship with her family, especially her mother. We don’t know how long Yoon-ha has chosen to keep her affluent background under wraps, but what we do know is that she does and is constantly scrutinized for that choice. Noble as her intentions may be (including a desire to find happiness and that people would see beyond her family’s wealth) it’s only a matter of time until her background catches up with her. But for now, allowing Joon-ki—whose family isn’t well-to-do—to think that she’s just an ordinary part-timer creates an interesting reversal to the classic setup in dramaland where rich boy meets poor girl and falls in love.
Out of everyone, however, it’s Madam Min who took me by surprise. What intrigues me the most about her is that her character is more than the usual stone-cold chaebol wife we’ve all seen before in the past. She’s tough on her girls, but we see that it’s part of the permanent tough exterior she wears as well. Seeing her being belittled by her authoritarian husband is nothing new for her character archetype, but we also get to see the cracks in her armor. I loved watching the subtle moments in this hour, like when she put on her sunglasses to hide her tears and when the sight of Yoon-ha’s momentarily broke her toughness. Furthermore, I found it interesting that while her husband let slide her show of defiance, Madam Min is unwilling to be forgiving towards her own daughter, taking out her frustrations on her instead. Her character holds great potential for depth and further development, and I can only hope that the writing will continue to craft her into someone who’s more than a rich ajumma with decades-old grudges.
Moving on to the writing, while I found our characters’ narration insightful about themselves and the dramaverse, I felt that they weren’t very pertinent to the events of the first hour. After Yoon-ha’s initial voiceover about how a majority of problems in life can be solved with money, I expected some sort of tie-in within the episode. I do hope that these first few are there to establish this dramaverse, and that the words eventually ground themselves and don’t stay in the clouds.
As strained as some relationships may be, I like that we have established friendships between our core four characters. It’s certainly interesting that both Yoon-ha and Joon-ki keep their friends at arm’s length — the former to keep her roots at bay and the latter who must always find a balance with a guy who is both his buddy and his boss. That is, if you could call Chang-soo his friend, because it certainly seems like Joon-ki harbors a number of unsaid feelings towards his rich friend. I welcome these friendships because not only do they provide a reprieve from the other tense-filled moments, but because it’s just nice to see that a chaebol’s daughter in this high society can enjoy some laughter in her life before she finds herself swept off her feet by a true romance.
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Tags: featured, first episodes, High Society, Im Ji-yeon, Park Hyung-shik, Sung Joon, UEE
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1 Binniee
June 10, 2015 at 3:09 AM
hmm, i'm not really sure if i want to continue this drama. I like the leads enough and the plot seems decent but i'm the person who can never finish a melo.
It seems interesting though so i guess i'll watch a few more episodes to see if i'll continue it.
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lidyadya
June 10, 2015 at 4:27 AM
Second episode will change your mind.
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charlene
June 10, 2015 at 9:50 AM
Yup, I Agree with that. Very interesting!
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2 Danielle
June 10, 2015 at 3:30 AM
So, I watched the 2nd episode and I say I'm completely on board... just because of the second leads. Ji Yi and Chang Soo... so much love. They have such cute interactions.
I know this drama is cliche and can go wrong in so many ways... but why do I like it?
(Maybe because there's so much pretty on my screen)
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SD
June 10, 2015 at 3:56 AM
Count me in. I must admit that the plot is cliched and overused at best, but there's something about it that draws me in.
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min
June 10, 2015 at 4:28 AM
The leads are all rather weak in acting but the plot might work if written properly.
After watching 2nd episode, I think I am going to like Hyungsik's character a lot. His character has a funny charm.
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Lizzie
June 10, 2015 at 4:59 AM
I absolutely love the second leads! sadly, more than the leads..well atleast I like Park Hyung Sik's character more than Sung Joon's. i find him irritating right now..I hope that changes though.. Uee isn't bad, I find her character interesting..and really hope the chemistry between them gets better..*sigh* why do Changsoo&Jiyi have to be so damn adorable?!
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gummimochi
June 10, 2015 at 6:56 AM
I like the second leads too. ❤ Park Hyung-shik, bedhead hair and all.
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blubluskye
June 10, 2015 at 7:28 AM
Exactly!
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charlene
June 10, 2015 at 9:56 AM
I'd say, I've seen the second leads somewhere before, just can't remember where, but I find them cute in their own way. They adds up flavor to the drama :0
Yesindeed
June 10, 2015 at 3:36 PM
The hair! For some reason it reminds me of something out of hair club for men.
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isnin
June 10, 2015 at 6:51 PM
Park Hung Sik's hair reminds me of Lee Deok Hwa's bad wigs!
⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
June 10, 2015 at 6:16 PM
me too me too. started to like park hyung shik in his previous drama, What happen in my family..
hes so adorable @_@
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Chloe
June 12, 2015 at 7:26 PM
I don't really like the 2nd leads. I mean not as much as the 1st leads. They are cute and all, but it seems to me (so far) that what you see is what you get. As for the 1st leads, they're mysterious and there's so much more to find out.
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KDaddict?JCW
June 10, 2015 at 6:01 AM
This drama doesn't break any new ground or anything, but it gives u the feeling that it is made by ppl who know what they are doing (unlike say Mask Prosecutor, which was amateurish from the start). Ep 1 makes me feel that I can trust them w 16 or 20 hours of my life. Ep 2 solidifies that feeling.
I want to slap Rich Husband/Dad for treating his wife like trash. I want to slap Rich Mom for dumping all her unhappiness on her youngest daughter. I want to slap the fortune teller for saying things in that really harmful way, which can ruin a baby's life. You can go crazy growing up in such a family being treated like a sinner by your own mom.
SK must really hate its chaebol families! Every KD features them, and they are always Evil, unhappy and twisted! That gives some comfort to the commoners, right ;)
Liking all 4 chars and actors. Must confess I wasn't too crazy abt the 2nd actress in ep 1; but ep 2 shows she is perfect for the role.
Looking fwd. This is my only hope for M & Tu now.
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fantasy
June 10, 2015 at 6:56 AM
yaahhh... my only hope for Mon and Tue, almost gave up on School 2015 and may also give up on Producers :( ... will be watching Mask, High Society and Warm and Cozy, I cant take love triangles anymore at this moment :(
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Tiffany
June 10, 2015 at 9:15 AM
I sort of gave up Producer.. the plot is too boring.. I find High Society interesting and I like how the actor/actresses portrayal even though lack of in depth but at least I genuinely feel that they are portraying something of their age.
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KDaddict?JCW
June 10, 2015 at 6:23 PM
To paraphrase Tiffany:
"I sort of gave up on Warm & Cozy….the plot is so boring. There is a lack of depth and I don't feel that they are portraying anything of their age".
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isnin
June 10, 2015 at 6:56 PM
I gave up on Warm & Cozy....nearly given upon Producers. School 2015 I still watch but I do a lot of fast forwarding. I'm still watching Orange Marmalade for Lee Jong Hyun. I am thinking of starting Missing Noir M and the variety show Crime Scene.
fantasy
June 10, 2015 at 10:29 PM
@isnin if you like thriller , you can't help marathoning Missing Noir M, all leads are good, stories are not only based on crime but also gives a message to society... Acting is superb, ending will make you angry like hell... Sort for blabbering but I have to display my love for the series somewhere.. He he :D
3 JuDa
June 10, 2015 at 3:32 AM
eeuuwww....Uee sucks!
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KDaddict?JCW
June 10, 2015 at 6:08 AM
I wasn't at all crazy abt Uee b4, but started liking her in Hogu's Love, and now find her adorable here.
Her looks have changed, and so has her acting.
Might just have to go back and watch her in Ojakgyo Brothers, and catch Joo Won and Ryu Soo Young too.
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Spi
June 10, 2015 at 12:31 PM
Actually I didnt like her at all from the promo materials but she is not that bad in the drama. I root for her character. She just looks a bit weird (probably plastic surgery?) and is cross-eyed, but her acting is decent.
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btsxfangirl94
June 10, 2015 at 2:29 PM
*sigh* I was a huge uee fan before but I sadly have to agree with you..she not only ruined her beauty but now she can't act naturally as before because of all that plastic in her face..sung joon is not great either and melos like this need strong lead actors for it to be good. Definitely won't be watching.
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4 Samui
June 10, 2015 at 3:59 AM
Park Hyung Shik has more lead's charm than Sung Joon imo.
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soapbox
June 10, 2015 at 4:43 AM
Sung Joon really isn't lead material, I feel sleepy every time he shows up or speaks. That has always been my problem with him but I thought he would have improved by now since he has had so many opportunities to learn through work experience. Unfortunately not. At this rate, I can't imagine him ever making it big regardless of how many opportunities he's given. I consider him the male Jin Seyeon, but he's gonna be loved here more because he's a goodlooking guy.
Didn't think I'd care much for Park Hyungsik but he's stealing all the scenes from the male lead, he goes overboard sometimes but he has future potential.
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Katzlove
June 10, 2015 at 5:03 AM
I thought I was the only one. I too feel sleepy from seeing Sung Joon, it's like he's learning from the book.
I still don't see him as attractive though haha.
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Lixie
June 10, 2015 at 7:27 AM
Agreed, also thought I was quite lonely thinking he is not lead material, the guy does not emote and when he is playing a character repressed like here when he would have to be subtle it is even harder for him.
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KDaddict?JCW
June 10, 2015 at 6:26 PM
I can't wait for Yeo Jin Goo to grow up and take a role like this, to play a man who is cold on the outside, and has a lot of pain and resentment on the inside. How will he do it? Will he put all his sundaes to shame, those who have played cold guys and aren't able to emote?
How should a cold guy in emotional guy emote? Yeo Jin Goo should be the one to show us, right?
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KDaddict?JCW
June 10, 2015 at 6:34 PM
Typo:
How should a cold guy in emotional "pain" emote?
Sorry.
Lixie
June 11, 2015 at 7:33 AM
Right. I blame Jin Goo and Yoo Ah In and Joo Woon. :) Whenever people start talking about some of these guys being too young to do it better. Even Lee Min Ho still gets a pass with this excuse very often. It is not that I dislike them but I feel they don't add much to the drama and probably steal the chance of a much better actor just because of their faces.
Mia
June 10, 2015 at 12:32 PM
I personally like his subdued style of acting. He doesn´t overact like many others. He was great in Shut up as a rock kid.
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jazztonish
June 10, 2015 at 2:17 PM
Strangely enough, I'd like to see more of the interaction between UEE's character and Hyung Shik's character. They might not be each other's love interest but their banter and interaction are definitely worth watching.
Meanwhile, Sung Joon's acting is slightly improved from the last time I watch him on Gu The Family Book. And that is disappointing. For High Society, I couldn't feel the pain of his character he's trying to convey through the screen.
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5 Hearherstories
June 10, 2015 at 4:04 AM
I was wondering whether you guys would recap this show and I'm glad you are! I wasn't really impressed with Ep1 but I saw Ep2 today and omg!! Cutest second leads everrrrrr! I'm also probably going to continue with this drama because...SUNG JOON! ♡
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6 KDAddict
June 10, 2015 at 4:36 AM
I am so excited about this recap. Please tell me it's not a one and done thing. I watched episodes 1&2 and I am completely on board.
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7 Sour Grapes
June 10, 2015 at 4:37 AM
Finally! Sung Joon is not playing a beta male for once. I haven't seen that amazing screen presence from him since Shut Up Flower Boy Band.
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8 Tamara
June 10, 2015 at 4:49 AM
Okay, drama, where are the kisses you promised us?!
Anyways, looks interesting... I think I'll give it a shot... especially that it's Sung Joon's first lead role drama... and it doesn't look half bad, but I'll have to see the 2nd episode.^^
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KDaddict?JCW
June 10, 2015 at 6:09 AM
LOL. You r asking for kisses in ep 1?
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newbie
June 10, 2015 at 11:27 AM
It's been done before. Took HITTG less than 11 min. ;)
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growingbeautifully
June 10, 2015 at 3:48 PM
:) There was a really nice1st Episode kiss in Nine : Nine Times Time Travel, however the couple knew each other already although they were not yet a couple.
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bebebe
June 10, 2015 at 12:07 PM
Excited for some kisses too, here, kekee :D
Btw, isn't it Sungjoon's third lead role? First being JiHyuk TvN's SUFBB, second JooWan TvN's INR3 and this. I didn't watch INR3 so I might be wrong but I'm pretty sure he was first lead in SUFBB.
Anyways, second leads are adorable!!
There will be conflicts along the way but I'm ready for my two ships to eventually sail (I know it's too early but I'm a happy camper already :D )
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isnin
June 10, 2015 at 6:58 PM
He was also in Can We Get Married.
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9 moar
June 10, 2015 at 4:49 AM
I think UEE's quite good. I don't know why people dislike her so much.
UEE, fighting!
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10 john
June 10, 2015 at 4:49 AM
gummimochi ~
Thanks for the recap.
I watched 3/4 of the 1st episode, went back and finished it and then watched Ep 2.
Could be interesting if it doesn't get too crazy. Hope there's some room for comedy to go with the angst.
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11 Adal
June 10, 2015 at 5:21 AM
I have to say, Sung Joon is so sexy in a suit, rawr.
The first episode felt 'choppy'. Of the four leads, surprisingly, the one whose acting felt most genuine and effortless was newcomer Lim Ji Yeon and I must say she is charming. Park Hyung Sik acting felt like he was trying too hard and UEE and Sung Joon were stiff, though I have every confidence that they'll settle into their roles with later episodes.
I am not clear if Joon Gi recognized Yoon ha from the pictures. It feels like he suspects she's a chaebol's daughter, but isn't quite sure. He certainly stares at her a lot, though I am not sure if it's because he's trying to figure her out or because he's attracted to her.
Unhealthy and loving relationship and friendship dynamics were established in this episode. It'll be interesting to see it play out.
Yoon ha lets her rich background slip through, though she may not realize it when she argues with customers and goes on about basic human rights for everyone. The poor do not have the luxury of arguing with customers because they may lose their jobs. Yoon ha is only playing at being poor because she can always run back to her chaebol household if the going gets tough.
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alua
June 10, 2015 at 10:21 AM
<The poor do not have the luxury of arguing with customers because they may lose their jobs. Yoon ha is only playing at being poor because she can always run back to her chaebol household if the going gets tough.
So true. The same when she gets annoyed that Joon-gi doesn't greet her at the end. She's acting like a rich person with the privilege to be rude and lose her job.
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Tai
June 10, 2015 at 10:55 AM
he's not her customer tho. and she isnt aware of him being the head of the food market at that time. but its p clearly a character trait of hers beyond just her personality at work lol.
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alua
June 10, 2015 at 11:43 AM
She continues that way when she knows who he is too.
Yep, it's a character trait, but someone who is counting every penny will not act this way.
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Tai
June 10, 2015 at 10:54 AM
i like that she was honest to herself about being glad she's wealthy when she sees how crappy she's treated as a service employee. i think she's self aware but also has that tough personality. im glad uee was chosen for this role, i can see why she was. so she prob feels like she can make changes happen by sheer will alone.
That said I think she definitely doesnt want to go back to her household but has no other place to be. like how her mother is essentially trapped there forever. but Yoon Ha still has a hope of escaping, which i think is her plan and why she is so determined to marry for love. its not just sentimentality and idealism its also p clearly a self preservation tactic. since she's treated so coldly in her family and her dad is a cruel vicious husband and businessman (no clue what her interactions with her dad are like tho, makes me curious) so the last thing she wants is a man like that. idt she cares to marry rich either.
but yeah its cause she lived in luxury all her life that she can be so indifferent about money in general. polar opposite of sung joon's character. really curious if he knows she's rich (i hope he already knows, that's more fascinating to me than him falling for her without a clue when its so easy to look up info on her family)
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Nicnac74
June 11, 2015 at 2:03 PM
+1
Yes! It would be fascinating if he already knew she came from a wealthy family! Which could be possible since Joon-Ki's mom works for Lady Kim, (who ain't no "lady") the Chairman's mistress.
Also, why do I feel a birth secret coming? Oh yeah, it's a melodrama....
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12 Adal
June 10, 2015 at 5:23 AM
Oh! And thank you Gunmi for recapping this!
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13 lisa
June 10, 2015 at 5:31 AM
Second episode hooked me. I think leads and seconds are all interesting characters and that the acting is good. I dont have a prob w uee's acting at all here, she's expressive and in sync w her character. I am also interested in the development of both the mom and the brothers character. To me, a fresh and updated; and perhaps more indepth; take on some familiar outlines. Loved the humor in ep 2 as well. Very promising, i will stick with it.
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14 fantasy
June 10, 2015 at 5:32 AM
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME????? :o No Seriously 1st MASK then this drama, all melos are working good for me.
1st of all why am I watching this?? This drama gives us two clear love lines , no triangles - YAY!!! Really happy. All the leads are eye candies :)
I really like Sung Joon but in these two episode Hyun Sik stole the show. I never saw him in something ( dropped Heirs mid way, no memory at all) but did not read anything good about him but he was gooooddd!!!
As for SJ , I know he was not that impressive in 1st two episode but he has to play a cold emotionless character and he can do it ( White Christmas), I believe once he start to pursue his evil plan, we can see actual SJ
For now I am shipping both girls with PHS. Girls are doing good but I like Ji Won more than Uee upto now. But your favourite couples may change time to time in this drama :D
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mehvish
June 10, 2015 at 6:54 AM
Haha I had the same reaction whilst watching mask, it was the only show I was planning on not watching.
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15 Teatoo
June 10, 2015 at 5:38 AM
I quite like the 1rst episode, but feel an uneasiness, I'd really prefer a lighter mood. As I like the leads, I'll keep watching it, but it's not a stress reliever after a long day at work. The older actors are very good, , the leads were doing a proper job. II was mostly bothered by Im Ji-yeon. I don't find her a good actress and she was way overplaying the cutesie cute imo. Super annoying.
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colleen
June 10, 2015 at 6:21 AM
I'm perplexed at reading other glowing comments about Im Ji-Yeon's acting. As I watched her scenes, I kept hoping she would just scale back on the over-the-top cutesy-ness. Her acting is cringe-worthy, in my opinion.
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KDaddict?JCW
June 10, 2015 at 6:26 AM
I felt the same way in ep 1, but ep 2 changed my opinion.
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kalel
June 10, 2015 at 10:58 PM
Wow...does she REALLY need acting classes anyway? I think she's the only one with film experience among all the leads of the drama. Are you suggesting the idol ( which I perfectly like him since the Sirius special) is better than her? She might need some time to adjust to tv rules and principals but I guess that will be all!
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Kiara
June 11, 2015 at 7:53 AM
She is still a newbie. This is only her 3rd project. The rest of the leads have more experience in acting than her.
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16 Sa_Rang
June 10, 2015 at 5:47 AM
The second leads definitely steal the show in episode 2!!
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17 pigsnout
June 10, 2015 at 6:03 AM
Sung Joon, not leading man material and only being given a pass for being a good looking man?
Clearly the words of someone who has never seen Shut Up Flower Boy Band.
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soapbox
June 10, 2015 at 6:06 AM
I have, but I dropped that one pretty quick too. Everyone overshadowed him there as well from the episodes I watched.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
June 10, 2015 at 11:41 AM
....everyone who wasn't Lee Min-ki? I wonder if you watched anything past the first few episodes.
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soapbox
June 10, 2015 at 1:37 PM
I can't precisely recall but I think episode 6, though it could be episode 8. Basically I didn't pass the halfway mark. It actually doesn't really take acting talent to overshadow someone, it just takes presence and charisma. Sung Joon has just always blended into the background for me even next to those who also can't act.
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fantasy
June 10, 2015 at 6:09 AM
@pigsnout my view is a bit different, I enjoyed SUFBB but I liked Sung Joon most in White Christmas. He was really good there
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Lixie
June 10, 2015 at 7:31 AM
Yes he was good in WC but he was playing a character literally unable to have emotions. :) Sorry, I could not resist.
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fantasy
June 10, 2015 at 7:45 AM
Yes that's why I thought he would be good in this role too... But I honestly I was drawn to hyung Shik's acting more. Hope SJ will grab it soon :)
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
June 10, 2015 at 11:38 AM
...or Can We Get Married, White Christmas, or even Swamp Ecology Report.
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Spi
June 10, 2015 at 12:32 PM
+1000
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18 Jenni
June 10, 2015 at 6:07 AM
Second leads were absolutely amazing in the second episode. So so cute and so much chemistry.
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19 Sajen
June 10, 2015 at 6:09 AM
I kind of liked the first episode but unless everyone but Yoon-ha, her adorably dim friend Ji-yi, Joon-ki, Joon-ki's parents, and Chang-soo suddenly and unexpectedly drops dead at the begining of episode 2 I'm not sure I can go on.
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20 Fun-Lugha
June 10, 2015 at 6:41 AM
Am pretty shallow where Sung Joon is concerned so I am happy to watch any of his dramas...except maybe for Hyde Jekyll and I?!! ;)
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Spi
June 11, 2015 at 1:13 AM
Hahaha I sat through that drama for Sung Joon. Oh the pain!
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21 Calzeralzer
June 10, 2015 at 7:03 AM
I've only watched the first episode and while it wasn't bad it didn't particularly peak my interest.... and the only reason I am really watching is for Sung Joon. But I hear episode 2 is pretty great so I think I'll stick around a little longer.
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22 mary
June 10, 2015 at 7:17 AM
Hehehehe thank you for recapping this :)
I really want to know what happens to Hyungsik. And if UEE will find her happy ever after.
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23 blubluskye
June 10, 2015 at 7:25 AM
The second leads are the scene stealers! Everytime Hyung Sik and/or Ji Yeon appear on screen, the more I want to watch this show.
It's a cliche story line (no doubt about it), but I'm on board. The second episode sort of sealed the deal.
The last scene of that second episode.... too much to handle! Waiting for DB's recap on episode two!
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fantasy
June 10, 2015 at 7:41 AM
Ya I am not saying anything about that cause it might be a spoiler. Let's say Lee Ji Yi style "Daebaak" :D :D
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sogazelle
June 10, 2015 at 8:44 AM
I totally love Ji Yeon's character...she's owning it! And I love her natural unconventional beauty...
People who complain about her...her character is supposed to be dim-witted...and I think she's doing a fantastic job.
She has fantastic chemistry with Hyung Shik.
2nd leads till the end!!!!!!!
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24 RoseTyler
June 10, 2015 at 7:30 AM
Yay! Hope this keeps being recapped. First episode was OK - I mostly stuck around for Sung Joon. Second episode made me like the second leads as I thought both were irritating in this episode.
Overall - I really like it so far! Between this and Mask, my fave shows right now are melos, which is weird for me.
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gustave154
June 10, 2015 at 7:34 AM
watch the 2nd episode its better trust me
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25 gustave154
June 10, 2015 at 7:34 AM
Im Ji Yeon, Sung Joon and Uee in a love triangle? I'M SO EXCITED!!! loved im ji yeon's excellent acting in obsessed so i'm looking forward to this,
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26 Nikilann
June 10, 2015 at 7:34 AM
Haha, I'm totally shocked by the second episode. Since when are the second lead more cute than the firsts ? Hope they're gonna keep being awesome ^^
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gustave154
June 10, 2015 at 7:41 AM
funny because Sung Joon always used be the second lead and everyone was swooning over him more than the first lead xD but i like sung joon's character more because he went through alot of hardship which i admire.
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27 Lixie
June 10, 2015 at 7:47 AM
I wanted to like this because I'm wishing for a good melo even though Mask is ok and probably more fun.
The first ep wasn't bad but wasn't good either. I'm not a fan of UEE's and Sung Joon's acting though I still like her better.
The violence against women bothered me too. If she hadn't questioned I don't think I could have finished even the first episode. I hate when kids get slapped and react like it's a normal thing. I know it happens in many countries but I just can't accept in dramas because it feels like they are saying this is ok.
The second lead had no reason to throw water on her head, that felt almost out of character because he did not seem cruel. Later the writing tried to explain this saying he hates being used, still, she was not really using him and he knew that because he summarized her intentions perfectly. Makes no sense unless he is given a mean streak later on which I doubt will happen.
She wasn't even angry or surprised he did it, that sort of kdrama female lead makes me mad. She is sassy enough to question a guy when he doesn't acknowledge her just because he was rude but she doesn't react to getting splashed, like that is the price to pay for her prank.
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28 wackycashew
June 10, 2015 at 8:02 AM
Thanks for the recap, gummimochi!
Decided to check out this series since I was interested in the cast.
So far, I like how Jiyi is being portrayed by Im Ji Yeon. Very cute and her name is a palindrome with a song to boot. XD Changsoo is also standing out more than Joonki with PHS being more lively than Sung Joon. Hope to see more layers and background come to light to show what drives Joonki and walking the fine line of friend/subordinate.
Uee is doing OK and you can see the pain of being the black sheep for years as Yoonha. No wonder she wants to be an ordinary girl instead of being associated with this household. Madam Min seems to be long-suffering as well with a tyrannical husband, and unfortunately, her hurt has led her to lash out at Yoonha. The whole family seems to have issues from the divorced brother to the older sister... Life sure is complicated in a chaebol family.
Anyway, can't wait to see how Changsoo will change his mind about Yoonha and what would happen to both friendships as the story unfolds.
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29 growingbeautifully
June 10, 2015 at 8:20 AM
Thanks gummimochi for a timely and good recap.
I'm interested to see how all the relationships play out. It's good that there is more than just the romance to be worked through. There are sibling and child-parent relationships to explore, and friendships and superior-subordinate connections too.
Besides the main theme of being rich versus being happy (as if the 2 are mutually exclusive!), there seems also to be the theme(s) concerning respect and dignity/self-respect and rights and privileges as brought out by the arguments on the use (or lack thereof) of casual and formal speech, and on how those considered lowly service staff are expected to accept bad treatment. It's not new, but it seems to be a recurring thing and perhaps something the show wants to explore.
Like a few, I did not find the character of Lim Ji Yi cute so much as rather amateurishly acted, simple and flat. On the whole her scenes were rather grating and unnatural.
Sung Joon was just Sung Joon. I've never been too taken up with him in Lie to Me or Discovery of Romance. He does look good here and is hopefully going to emote more as he falls in love with the challenging Yoon Ha.
Yoon Ha, I liked and can empathise with, and more importantly root for... otherwise I'd drop the show! And Chang Soo, was well acted enough that I found him childish, yet likable.
The first episode has already established that there's so much potential for improvement in everyone, that I expect, it is going to be a great show, if we get to watch it all unfold coherently, consistently and fully. :)
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30 Lulu
June 10, 2015 at 8:33 AM
The second leads are already in the cutesy, sort of flirty stage and are both very attractive compared to the main leads whose interactions are still very uninterested and cold so yeah, they will be more appealing.
The scene where they first encountered each other (including both elevator rides) in the first episode made me fall for the OTP hard but since then we haven't had mich I love how Sung Jon's character couldn't stop looking at her. She obviously made a deep impression on him that he is trying his hardest to mask and repress.
Sung Joon's character has been really repressed and cold so far, so he's not as interesting but i can't wait till the main leads start to fall for each other. Based on previews, it seems like it will be an intense, electric romance which I personally prefer to the cutesy second leads (I still like them of course).
I'm also hoping all the company drama gets less detailed. I don't like it when kdrama writers go that route as what could be filler. All we really need to know is info that actually moves the plot along.
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31 kobrakiddo
June 10, 2015 at 9:13 AM
I actually think the second OTP may appeal to the viewers more mainly because they are cutesy with each other? The fact that our main leads are more repressed and serious might not be that appealing enough YET. So I'm kinda excited to see how these layers being peeled away and both Uee and Sung Joon slowly falling for each other. I'm really biased for the time being, but I really like Sung Joon's character so far. He has played vulnerable, angsty (SUFBB) characters to fluffy puppy roles (INR3!), and I think he's doing a good job at being all intense and serious here. Love how he cannot stop staring at Uee in the elevator! Ahh those longing gazes.
I'm completely onboard this show! Love how both OTPs are very different from each other. :D
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Odessa Jones
June 10, 2015 at 10:13 AM
Well said. I think the second OTP is doing a standard rom com plotline, complete with lots of cutesy. While the 1st OTP is the melodrama, which means a slower burning fuse. But I expect some fire down the road.
I love Sung Joon so much in SUFBB and INR3. I'll probably watch every episode of this just for him, but I can't decide what I think of his character here. I like SJ best when he's playing a character with a chip on his shoulder. I can see that his character here has similar anger, but he's hidden it under so much professionalism that in episodes 1 and 2 he sometimes seem a bit flat. I can understand where the second lead syndrome is coming from for some viewers.
But Joon-Ki reveals a lot in that awesome scene in the hotel room. It was unexpected because we suddenly saw that he does have a life of his own outside of helping Chang-Soo. Even though he was cold, you got the sense both of them had hurt each other's feelings. Like it could have been a promising relationship, but they were too uncomfortable with each other's families. What does it say about Joon-Ki that he hasn't seen his parents in two months, but he breaks up with his girlfriend when she insults his parents? I smell angst and that makes for good melo.
BTW, has anyone seen "A Word from Warm Heart"? It's the melo this director and writer collaborated on previously. I've heard great stuff about it from the one person I know who has watched it, but anyone else seen it?
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Odessa Jones
June 10, 2015 at 10:18 AM
Forgot to mention something I loved:
When Chang-Soo is surprised Joon-Ki and his ex broke up, Joon-Ki doesn't go off on how she was a snob, but just says, "She was too good for me." Two thumbs up for having some real class, which has nothing to do with who your parents are.
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Cheetah
June 10, 2015 at 12:42 PM
I saw "A Word from Warm Heart". I can't recommend it.
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jomo143
June 10, 2015 at 4:20 PM
I have to agree with you.
Should be titled Many Many Many Words from a Warm Heart about the same things over and over and over.
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bbstl 🧹
June 10, 2015 at 2:19 PM
I'm glad I watched Warm Word but it was sometimes painfully slow. The performances are just great (plus, Park Seo Joon with Han Groo)! I still recall even tertiary characters clearly.
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Tai
June 10, 2015 at 11:15 AM
yeah for me the leads are the ones im most interested in now. the secondary leads are a good reprieve from the melo and lee ji yi is SO cute and lights up any scene she's in. she's a bit closer to the hard working pure hearted candy character we usually see with chansoo playing the selfish asshole lead, but with a dash more charm and liveliness than per usual to the archetype. its good contrast.
I really feel for Yoon Ha and while im not sure quite yet why Joon Ki is so bitter re his poor upbringing when his family is so loving and clearly not starving or living on the street or etc. I am still intrigued. esp when him and yoon ha start to directly butt heads more. (i think they will be a rly hot couple when the times comes. bring on dat slow burn yo)
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Firdhiye
June 10, 2015 at 1:05 PM
Sung Joon is doing good job and i like already how layered,complex his character is. He is intense,cynical, frank about wanting to marry up to rich company girl but also he has soft, smiley side he shows only his mother.
Still he is driven, so intense, so cold front to all others that i cant wait to see him melt, care for a woman he falls for. Its hard to imagine Joon Ki being in love ever right now.
Yoon Ha is also complex, special heroine good mix of naive, independent, strong girl despite the horrible way her mother,sisters,father treated her a s kid.
I like the cute, more typical second lead romance but the OTP are good melodrama type couple i have rarely seen before. There is no cute bickering, no cold guy falling for candy girl in them.
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32 gem28
June 10, 2015 at 9:28 AM
Since this the recap for first episode, I will keep it short. The first episode was sort of okayish. We just get a rough sketch of the characters that will play a bigger role later on and the inner conflicts. Things improved a lot in the second one.
Lets start with Sung Joon, well I like the fact that the male lead isn't some sort of ideal human being who does all things right. We have a cold, intense, ambitious young man here who has questionable intentions.
Yoon Ha, grew up in a dysfunctional family and has been used and abused by her mother as a punching bad whenever she wants. Headstrong, sometimes naive and willing to acknowledge her fault. UEE is doing okay so far.
Lee Ji Yi, hard working, cheerful personality. I find her cute and I like the acting. I also like the fact that she has realistic approach to romance and doesn't wish to be a Cinderella. She is also perceptive. I know she seems not so sophisticated or interested in complicated matter but she sees through Yoon-Ha and understands her well. I really love the bonding between Yoon-Ha and Yi-Ji, its the heart of the show so far.
Chang Soo, most childish character in the drama. But he is charming. I love how his character without even knowing just starts following Yi-Ji around. I love the second leads. They are the cutest thing ever. I can't wait to see how the two characters start affecting each other. I ship them.
All in all, I'm in. Lets see what story unfold in the upcoming episodes.
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33 Chococat
June 10, 2015 at 9:40 AM
Ha! I see what you did there in the last sentence, including all three of the titles Chaebol's Daughter, True Romance, and High Society. XD
I might watch this show now, though I wasn't sure about it before.
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34 windsun33
June 10, 2015 at 9:45 AM
Slightly off topic, but it seems like every Korean drama portrays a nation obsessed with food, and half can cook as good as any chef, while the other half can barely boil water. The word "organic" shows up in pretty much every drama - but I wonder if that is because the dramas get some funding from there, or is it just to infer that it is more expensive? Almost every episode of every drama someone brings food, buys food, goes to a fancy restaurant (where they never actually eat the food), asks are you eating well or have you eaten.
But funny thing is - despite this obsession with food in Korean dramas, the actual reality does not fit. In fact a recent Chosun Ilbo headline: "Koreans Enjoy Cooking Least in the World". http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2015/04/03/2015040301083.html
"..Koreans ranked lowest in all three categories -- hours spent cooking per week, knowledge and experience of cooking, and passion for cooking -- in a survey of 27,000 people in 22 countries published by market researcher GfK on Wednesday..."
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charlene
June 10, 2015 at 10:13 AM
In the real world, sad to say , most of our time are spent in working and other things which occupy our time.
Koreans, South koreans to be specific , are lucky to have lots of places where you can order your homemade dishes, tons of street food and the like. Mostly, it is more convenient to buy ready-made-food as oppose to preparing/cooking it. In some case ,could be cheaper too.
and it is True, the 'organic thing' is mostly just part of endorsement.
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charlene
June 10, 2015 at 10:15 AM
got some typos, but hey, who's checking :)
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windsun33
June 10, 2015 at 11:53 AM
I have no opinion either way on what is better, I just thought it rather funny how so many Korean dramas mention food so often, given the actual survey stats.
And as far as street food goes, I prefer Taipei :D
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sensualasya
June 10, 2015 at 10:27 PM
Funny that food should be mentioned here! I just finished a marathon cooking spree. Prepared 7 side dishes at one go, so that I am set for the week, all the while watching the first couple of episodes. And lo and behold, in the second episode when the mom said that she had tucked away side dishes in her son's fridge, I wistfully sighed. My mom passed away long time ago and sometimes I really wish somebody would pamper me like that. Wanted: A caring, sweet Korean mom. Nationality not really important but the other parameters non-negotiable.;-)
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Odessa Jones
June 10, 2015 at 10:38 AM
Wow. "Least in the world" is saying a lot. But the working hours in Korea are so long I can sympathize. I think maybe the reason food shows up so much in dramas is wish fulfillment. I don't have the time and energy to cook much, but I love the thought of eating a home-cooked meal and I'd like to be those drama characters who find time to sit down for meals. I think it's possible to enjoy good food without being a nation of home cooks.
"Organic" is a word regulated by law in some countries, but maybe in Korea it isn't, and advertisers use it to indicate quality? Or, like you say, it could also be used as a way to say "expensive," which would make Korea a lot like the US: you have to be well-off indeed to buy everything organic. Although lots of specific brands do PPL, I can also see reasons for dramas to celebrate food just for wish fulfillment reasons. The organic food might be like the brand name handbags and designer clothes on everyone.
Is it possible that because they don't cook much, Koreans are even more obsessed with cooking and eating? What other country would have a popular TV show simply titled "Three Meals a Day"! The title isn't particularly gripping. Wash Dishes 3x a Day! Three Loads of Laundry a Week! They could have given it a title that suggests more danger and conflict, but I guess food and eating is a big draw on its own!
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windsun33
June 10, 2015 at 11:58 AM
I think you are right on most points. Perhaps that is why in so many k-dramas one of the hero/heroines is an expert cook - for that daily does of food porn :D
I did a little surfing, and it does seem like the main reason they emphasize organic (aside from the paid support) is because it is so much more expensive in most cases - these are not just Ginseng roots - they are super priced organic Ginseng roots from a secret mountain field on Jejudo :)
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mary
June 10, 2015 at 12:31 PM
Maybe they enjoy eating more than cooking. You don't have to be a cook to be crazy about food! (Mostly that's me.)
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lulu88
June 10, 2015 at 1:12 PM
Wasn't a recent fad in S. Korea watching other people eat loads of food online?
Sorta like Let's Eat but for real.
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alua
June 10, 2015 at 4:10 PM
Yes, mukbang.
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35 Khule WY
June 10, 2015 at 10:48 AM
I'd like to point out that the t- shirt UEE was wearing is the same one Kwang soo is wearing in last week's episode of running man (250) and also UEE was in episode 249 of running man,so could they be dating and we're sending each other messages via tv hihi or did they just randomly have the same T-shirt
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janesally
June 10, 2015 at 11:30 AM
I like your crazy theory lol, I love Uee since her WGM days that's when I knew her, I always loved that she was the first idol and female guess that treated good and didn't make fun of Kwang soo, I feel like she kinda like him, I wouldn't say romantically, but she looked honest and not faking like the others guests in the show, so I would be really happy for them, she is always looks so kind and humble I really like her personality or what I have seen of her.
About the drama:
I liked the first episode, I'm here mostly for Uee her acting has improved a lot but I can't stand Hyungsik’s face he bores me to death I really can't undersatand his acting, maybe I'm just hate his face so much I tough that it was because his character in What's with my family? but not it's definitely his face and voice what I really loathe. I wiil peobably watch this for the leads I find the plot good enough and I didn't have any other drama to watch so...
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36 Tai
June 10, 2015 at 11:26 AM
idg ppl saying sung joon cant act, he is supposed to be stiff and cold. one thing i always feel he des well is simmering quiet rage and intense emotional outbursts. which would be ideal with the role he is playing here. i suspect that's part of why he was cast. the fury within is buried deep in joon ki's heart so far but i'm so ready to see it as it slowly starts to make its way to the surface.
No one in the cast is a true acting veteran so they are all on he same shifting scale acting talent wise. so i aint worried aby any of them dragging down or overshadowing the others.
Also not getting the second lead love here. i actually cant stand chansoo. he's a clueless selfish petty bastard. he has the gall to say he hates being used, when the whole reason he went to meet her was so he can marry a chaebol's daughter to help him compete against his brother...like ASS? then he acts all self righteous to her? hypocrite and insecure af. and he also has the temerity to call joon ki his close friend when joon ki WORKS for him. practically is his direct subordinate. he even jokingly/lightly calls him his loyal servant b4 amending it to friend? like???? i dont think he's being pass agg or malicious, he's just that clueless, self involved and callous by nature. which does make sense for a rich kid. CS can be charming n funny too (which is def all hyunshik) and he's v cute with lee ji yi. but yeah his actions in ep one made me dislike him to death so far. i still need to see ep 2 ofc. but unless he suddenly becomes a different person, im gonna hate him for a while lol.
Also LOL at CS's "dilemma" re his older bro which i could feel joon ki internally rolling his eyes at the whole time. its p clear JK doesnt see chan soo as a friend AT ALL. which is a nice contrast to the girl's friendship. yoon ha is being careful but she clearly adores her friend, and vice versa. i hope that doesnt change when joon ki starts to develop a thing for her.
Also Yoon Ha is a paragon of self control for not slapping the shit out of chansoo for his shenanigans. (tho that prob would have led to him making good on his promise to tell her parents he ~adored~ her. blech!)
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Ek Ladhki Thi
June 10, 2015 at 4:45 PM
I agree about Chang-soo, but I can't hate him yet cause Park Hyung-sik. I went 'really?' when he called Joon-gi is loyal servant. And after watching the second episode, I feel like Joon-gi doesn't delude himself into thinking they have as close a friendship as Chang-soo thinks they have.
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37 ikram
June 10, 2015 at 12:11 PM
I am falling for this drama and i am falling for uee acting .omg she's sooo good
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38 Amira
June 10, 2015 at 12:15 PM
I don't know way peolpe are hatting uee, she's so gorgeous and her acting is so touching .uee fighting and can't wait for the nexr episode
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39 RoseTyler
June 10, 2015 at 12:15 PM
Agree with everything you said!! Chang Soo seems like an ass. I warmed up to him a bit in the second episode though.
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40 Kaybee
June 10, 2015 at 12:25 PM
I LOVE THE FIRST 2 EPISODES <3
(Sorry about the caps)
The chemistry between Uee and Jung Joon is pot on. One can actually feel something between them.
The other actress is new for me. AT first I found her to be a bit bland in looks and overacting in her parts but the more I see, better she becomes. She is a good actress.
Uee has improved since Hogu (and her earlier works) sooo much. She looks so pretty here and Sung Joon never ever looked this good before!
So far so good! :D
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Kaybee
June 10, 2015 at 12:25 PM
*SPOT on
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Ek Ladhki Thi
June 10, 2015 at 4:41 PM
I LOVED the first two episodes too. And I hold my breath every time Sung Joon and UEE are together, it's like fire. So hot.
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41 Mia
June 10, 2015 at 12:43 PM
IMO the four main actors more or less fit their characters, especially UEE and Sung Joon, they are more reserved and subdued and I like it. Hyungsik and the other girl are more likeable at first but there´s not much depth in their characters, not yet. Sometimes they try too much but I cannot deny Hyungshik has great chemistry with all of his female costars.
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42 table122000
June 10, 2015 at 1:59 PM
I am also enjoying the 4 leads in this drama. I was hoping that we would have a little longer before Sung joon's character finds out the truth about UEE's character being super rich as I'm enjoying his reluctant attraction to her at the moment and would have liked to see that explored a bit more, but from the previews I think he finds out the truth quickly. Also loving the second leads...so cute. And the sister-mance.
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43 btsxfangirl94
June 10, 2015 at 2:57 PM
Awful casting tbh
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44 JMK
June 10, 2015 at 3:04 PM
Thanks for the recap!! Go Doo Shim always plays an awesome mom, and I was surprised from the teasers that she might be playing an evil mom in this drama. But, I think we have yet to see the depth of her character, and I think she will once again turn out to be the great mom she has played in so many other dramas. While this role is a 180 from the dowdy mom she played in 'Legendary Witch' it is similar so far to the character she played in 'If Tomorrow Comes' but with a tougher shell, and much more deep pain to deal with. I can't quite yet figure out her motive behind the toughness toward her girls....either misdirected frustration or teaching them to not be a doormat. Either way, I'm looking toward another stellar performance by her.
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jomo143
June 10, 2015 at 4:29 PM
She was rich in Mirae's Choice, too, and poor in Twinkling. I like that she stretches.
My fav scene was the battle with her and UE. I agree with Gummi that there will be a lot of growth between these two.
In Ojakyo Brothers, UE did really well opposite Kim Ja Ok (May the lovely lady rest i peace). Theirs was the best part of that drama.
I hope these two can build a better relationship. Heaven knows they could both use an ally rather than another enemy.
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45 Ek Ladhki Thi
June 10, 2015 at 4:38 PM
I was starting to think this drama wasn't going to get picked up since all the recappers are busy with one drama or another, some even pulling double duty, so I'm really happy it ended up being recapped, thank you.
I really like this show so far, all the leads have good chemistry with each other, especially Chang-soo and Ji-yi. Oh my God so adorable, I laugh and giggle every time they are together. I've always found Sung Joon boring and unattractive but for some reason I'm changing my mind in this drama. I do agree that Mom seems to be a very interesting character, some times you want to smack her and sometimes you just want to hold her and let her cry. I suspect she's been strong for so long, she probably doesn't remember how to break down and cry. I'm really invested in all the relationships, especially after watching the second episode. This drama is just my style.
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46 domo
June 10, 2015 at 5:33 PM
:/ looks like I'm the only one who finds Ji Yi annoying. I liked her in episode 1 because I thought she and Yoon Ha were really cute together, but I couldn't stand her when watching episode 2. Not really sure what it is. I think maybe she's too childish. I mean I get they want her to be innocent and cute, but come on, she's supposed to be like 27, so it's way too much tbh.
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Ziva
June 10, 2015 at 6:02 PM
Totally agree with you here. There's something about the second lead girl that just doesn't sit well with me. I don't find the acting to be that great either, in fact it was kind of annoying for me. Idk it's just in real life I would rather have a friend like the lead girl rather than the second girl.
On a separate note, I actually really like UEE's character. Idk if I'm in the minority but Idk it's so refreshing seeing someone not take crap. She's treated as the black sheep of her family so to remedy that she works part time somewhere else and saves up money to eventually be independent. She even buys stocks from the company! Even more, I love the part where she sends the picture of the mean girl at the grocery to her brother because it just made her seem so realistic and human...idk lol I'm rooting for her to win at life, whether or not that entails ending up with a guy by her side.
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kiwichan
June 11, 2015 at 1:37 AM
@domo
honestly, me too..was surprised to read mostly here like her character & acting. this is based on what I watched in ep.1 tho since I havent checked ep.2 coz I'm puzzling whether to continue or drop it. I'm okay if her character is like a sunny girl & bubbling but I think her acting was a bit over the top. so she looks too annoying to me, like too showing off her feeling towards SJ, I just dun get it how ppl find it's cute. The plot hasnt won me yet also. I dislike some scenes here, I hate people wasting food and throws it like those are rubbish. so far, it's UEE's character & acting interest me. Hyun Sik is okay, SJ's a bit boring to me and IJY is overacts. I will give one more chance anyway..
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47 owl 🦉 🫰
June 10, 2015 at 6:04 PM
I think the 4 main characters are fun as they trip over each other like every other minute. I'm shipping UEE and Jung Joon in RL, they look good together.
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48 ray
June 10, 2015 at 6:20 PM
Can they change and make Park Hyung Sik and Im Ji Yeon characters the lead instead?
They are more attractive, has more chemistry, better acting than the two leads.
Idk what happened to UEE... Sad case
As for Sung Joon, he is not lead material yet. He has zero charisma
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49 Mo
June 10, 2015 at 7:16 PM
I'm trying to get into this drama, but I just can't seem to. And I have watched both episodes that have aired so far. For some reason, I feel like the leads are so stiff in their roles. Bringing nothing really new or refreshing to the table. I think both second leads have way more charisma than the two main leads. Just my two cents.
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50 cayl
June 10, 2015 at 8:19 PM
im waiting for the recap of 2nd episode DESPERATELY
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Moch
June 18, 2015 at 7:09 AM
What English song title in this movie ? Can anyone tell me ?
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michael
July 23, 2015 at 3:11 PM
anyone know the song? i cant search it...
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