Yong-pal: Episode 13

207 September 17, 2015January 23, 2016

by HeadsNo2

Life for these newlyweds may look idyllic on the surface, but this hour introduces the possibility that our good doctor may not know the woman he’s married to as well as he thinks he does. Any doctoring is kept to a bare minimum in favor of company politics now that Yeo-jin’s back from the dead, but at least it doesn’t seem like the three years spent in a coma have dulled her business acumen as much as it’s sharpened her senses (and possibly also her teeth).

SONG OF THE DAY

Seung-yeon (Kara) – “길티 (Guilty)” [ Download ]

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EPISODE 13 RECAP

Thanks to the detectives with him flashing their badges, Tae-hyun is able to get past security to burst into Yeo-jin’s funeral before Do-joon’s goons can take her away.

Do-joon urges the police chief to arrest Tae-hyun, since he’s the one who called Yeo-jin’s “death” and ran away with her. But Tae-hyun holds up the marriage certificate and proclaims that Do-joon is no longer Yeo-jin’s legal guardian, because she has a husband now.

Seemingly oblivious to the makjang drama playing out in front of him, the police chief answers Do-joon’s claims that the marriage is invalid due to Yeo-jin’s madness by repeating what Yeo-jin says: that he can take it to court if he wants.

In the meantime, and for some reason now that she has a husband, the police chief agrees to honor her request to be protected by the law. Do-joon’s ready to protest, but President Go warns him to keep his temper—they still have the One USB, after all.

After Do-joon and Yeo-jin send each other threatening telepathic messages, Do-joon pretends to amicably agree to the police chief’s decision regarding his sick sister. He makes it very clear to Tae-hyun that he’s going to make a call to the States about someone else’s sick sister as a threat.

That’s when Yeo-jin tells him that if he had just let So-hyun go to the United States without using her as bargaining chip, she and Tae-hyun would’ve just lived quietly without ever coming back.

But then, she admits, she wouldn’t have seen her father’s will and known what he really thought about Do-joon. Most of all, she wouldn’t have found out about his secret promise with her fiancé.

This is enough to get Do-joon to demand that the police chief arrest the two of them immediately, before he proceeds to threaten the whole room with the damning information he has on the One USB. “That’s it,” Yeo-jin thinks to herself—the trap she’s set for Do-joon has been sprung.

Do-joon thinks he has an ally in the chief prosecutor, but he’s not there to help Do-joon. He points out that those assembled at the funeral aren’t the ones he has dirt on in the One USB, even though Do-joon swears up and down that he saw their names there himself.

Regardless, more prosecutors shove past security to apprehend him, on the charge that he sent out a text the night before pressuring funeral attendees by threatening to expose the secrets on the One USB. Do-joon claims he never sent that text, which is when Secretary Min steps in to show them the text on Do-joon’s cell phone.

It was Secretary Min that sent the text, and Do-joon realizes it when his secretary shows solidarity with Yeo-jin by bowing to her. “Do you think you’ll make it out alive after this?” Do-joon snarls to the room when the One USB is confiscated. Probably a bad idea, but then again, he’s full of them.

Do-joon is arrested, and he tells President Go to call his lawyer before he’s carted off in handcuffs—but not before he can send one final murderous look in Yeo-jin’s direction. He’s comforted at least by hearing the chief of security putting in a call to So-hyun’s caretakers in the States, grinning at the mere thought of revenge.

Thanks to Doo-chul Ahjusshi though, Detective Lee is able to confiscate President Go’s phone before he can even make a call, announcing that they’re arresting him for being an accomplice to murder. He gets permission from the police chief to do so by proffering the little black book of confessions Scarface wrote up.

While everyone else salutes Yeo-jin’s return as Chairwoman of Hanshin, a group of protestors bearing a portrait of the dead factory worker’s face burst into the funeral hall surrounded by the media. Yeo-jin bows to them and steps aside so they can place her portrait at the altar, having planned for this.

Addressing the media assembled as well as the protestors, Yeo-jin gives her sincere thanks to the factory worker, since she wouldn’t be here today without having pretended to be her. Since she was wrongly dismissed from Hanshin Electric, Yeo-jin apologizes to her family and promises that they’ll be compensated for her loss.

Also, she promises to honor the woman’s memory today by holding her funeral, and by hiring back any other employees who faced the same unjust treatment. Hanshin Electric will also not be sold off like Do-joon wanted, much to the crowd’s joy. The blood of those who wronged the woman, Yeo-jin promises darkly her as she faces her portrait, will be offered on her altar.

Chae-young accepts a ride from Yeo-jin after the funeral, and half-sarcastically congratulates her for winning. “But the marriage is fake, right?” she seems eager to know, even though Yeo-jin provides no answers—she’s too busy having an out of place flashback montage of her time in the hospital.

Nurse Ahjumma finds Nurse Oh tending to Chief Lee in his hospital room, and tells her the news: Yeo-jin is now chairwoman, while Do-joon’s been ousted. (That was awfully quick.) Chief Lee hears that Yeo-jin is alive with fear, considering he tried to kill her and all, but he’s too weak to do anything about it.

Yeo-jin is welcomed back to the home her brother’s been inhabiting by all the staff who are now loyal to her, but Chae-young isn’t. Yeo-jin coldly orders her things removed from the house immediately.

We find Tae-hyun at the police station with Detective Lee while his partner interrogates an unforthcoming President Go. Even though they have Scarface’s confession that Go ordered the deaths of both Nurse Hwang and the hospital director, along with text messages Go sent ordering murders. Wouldn’t the attempted murder on Tae-hyun be included then, since he texted orders to Scarface?

But despite having all that evidence, Tae-hyun worries that President Go will be released if he doesn’t confess. Even Detective Lee says that proving the charge will be tough, though at least now he’s respectfully calling Tae-hyun by his title and full name instead of Yong-pal.

Secretary Min sends Hanshin lawyers to bail Tae-hyun out of jail, unaware that he’s already been released by Detective Lee with only a fine to pay. Now that they’re buddies, Detective Lee even encourages Tae-hyun to make house calls—as long as they’re not to gangsters, of course. Just for funsies, Lee growls “Yong-pal!” the way he used to do one last time.

Tae-hyun is clearly uncomfortable with all the respect he’s getting, even from Secretary Min, who comes to escort him home to Yeo-jin. He tries to get Min to call him something less formal, but Min claims that his title was decided at the board meeting that totally happened off screen (and solved everything).

He also holds an important position within the company now, as the heir to the largest shareholder in Hanshin Group. He’s the equivalent of the chairman’s wife, only he’s the chairwoman’s husband. Tae-hyun laughs like he wishes he could find a hole to crawl into and never come out.

The chief prosecutor finds Do-joon in a waiting area of the office and tells him the One USB he had was a fake. Do-joon is sure that that’s just his way of covering everything up, and guesses that the chief prosecutor will keep the files for himself to use as insurance.

It’s only good news for Do-joon if that’s the story the prosecutor sticks to though, since the USB’s nonexistence would invalidate the crimes he’s supposed to have committed.

But it does seem like Do-joon has some sort of deal going on with the chief prosecutor, since he boasts about how he’ll retake the company from Yeo-jin and invites him to just watch for now and share a drink with him later. Likewise, President Go is acting equally unfazed and cocky in the prosecutor’s office too.

Tae-hyun’s attempts to squirrel out of being taken to Yeo-jin’s home don’t work with Secretary Min, who tells him that he’ll become comfortable with his new home soon enough. “And later, it will become a place that you can’t ever give up.”

Secretary Min appoints a personal bodyguard for Tae-hyun, which only makes him feel more burdened. Secretary Min pulls him aside for a private chat, and surprises him by dropping all the formalities—he wants to talk to him as Doctor Kim Tae-hyun for the last time before he crosses that threshold and becomes his much fancier title again.

He seems to be warning Tae-hyun not to let all this newfound power go to his head, because even if he’s powerful, he’ll always be vulnerable to someone. Secretary Min just wants him to be vulnerable to Yeo-jin, he claims, before reverting back to stiflingly formal politeness and apologizing for his rude behavior.

There’s no hard feelings on Tae-hyun’s side, but he does call out Secretary Min for apologizing without meaning it, though his smile says the two of them are good.

The house has been cleared of most of the servants so as not to make Tae-hyun uncomfortable, though he finds Yeo-jin in the kitchen attempting to cook up a meal with the chef and wraps his arms around her from behind. She turns around so she can reciprocate the embrace and welcomes him home emphatically.

Chae-young drinks away her sorrows at a bar, and finds herself bereft of words when she tells a man she offended, “Do you know who I am?” Only she can’t tell him who she is since she isn’t anymore, and without her title, Chae-young doesn’t know what’s left.

Tae-hyun makes soy bean stew for Yeo-jin the way his mother used to make it so she can rest instead. The household staff looks in on the two lovebirds with huge grins, as Tae-hyun looks for the missing ingredient: his mom’s secret ingredient, aka MSG. Hah.

Meanwhile, President Go wastes Detective Lee’s time with stories and anecdotes about how he’s not going anywhere to stall until his lawyer arrives. Cue maniacal laughter.

After Tae-hyun spoon feeds his stew to Yeo-jin while they both sit comfortably on the kitchen counter and even does the dishes (winning him points with the staff), Yeo-jin asks, “When should we have our wedding?”

Tae-hyun’s the typical boy who says they’re already married and don’t need an expensive and elaborate ceremony, even though Yeo-jin wants to wear a wedding dress for an event that’ll only happen once in her life. Soon enough though, he caves, and lovingly tells her he’ll do whatever she wants.

He weirds the both of them out when he calls her yeobo, a term of endearment commonly used among married couples, but they both get a good laugh out of it. But Yeo-jin pauses when Tae-hyun says they should retire to “our room,” asking him where his mind is.

She playfully huffs that they didn’t have a wedding (ergo no wedding night), and Tae-hyun jokes that she’s not well enough for whatever he might have been thinking. He’s not joking when he adds, “I told you before. Until you’re free from your painful past, I can wait.”

Yeo-jin thanks him for his thoughtfulness, but tells him she’s already over that past. “Should we go?” he asks, and when she nods, he picks her up in a bridal carry to her wheelchair. They part ways for their own separate rooms then, and Tae-hyun’s shown to his quarters in the guest house by the head maid who’s either clumsy or partially blind.

After receiving a secret note with concerning news about his son from his lawyer, President Go goes back to acting high and mighty with Detective Lee—soon enough he’ll be handed over to the prosecutor’s office where he has friends. They’ve already gotten the order to send him, which neither the station chief or Lee’s partner are happy about.

Despite the head maid’s coldness toward him, Tae-hyun sits her down to perform a rudimentary vision test, concerned about her constantly bumping into furniture. She has terrible peripheral vision, which he claims could be due to a tumor pressing on her optic nerves. He urges her to go the hospital, his concern enough to break through her icy exterior.

President Go is served prison food in the interrogation room, and though we can see the wheels turning in his head, we don’t know why. At least until he takes out the note from his son, shatters his bowl against the wall and slits his own throat before the detectives can get to him.

He bleeds onto the note that put him into such a state, which reads: “Father, save me.”

The next morning, Tae-hyun’s ready to leave without eating breakfast, until the head maid guilts him that the kitchen staff would be disappointed. He goes into the dining room to find way too lavish a spread for just one person, but still does his best to eat as much as possible. That’s just wasteful.

Yeo-jin’s wheeled in, wanting to be the wife who sees her husband off to work in the morning. Tae-hyun hugs her before leaving her with the giggling kitchen staff, who obviously made all that food because they like Tae-hyun.

Secretary Min wheels her to Do-joon’s office, now a boardroom, and she walks from the threshold to her seat with difficulty. After cracking wise about her atrophied muscles, Yeo-jin puts a stop to the board members acting friendly with her by reminding them that no one there helped her while she was imprisoned for three years.

And because they didn’t, she adds with a rueful laugh, her muscles became so weak that she couldn’t even slit her own throat when she wanted to. All this is to remind them of their failures, but the vice chairman of the board reminds her that everyone present is here because they support her.

Still, that support is tentative for as long as President Go and Do-joon’s alliance stands, considering that Yeo-jin hasn’t been confirmed as chairwoman officially yet. They’re basically threatening her to be nice to them during her transitional period, or they won’t help her against her two greatest enemies.

It’s then that all their phones start buzzing with the news that President Go died in prison the night before. Yeo-jin can barely overhear them and smiles, more to herself than anybody. “What’s going on?” she asks, feigning innocence. “Did someone die last night?”

Ohhhhhh. That definitely gets everyone’s attention, and Yeo-jin seems awfully pleased with herself now that she holds all the cards. But she reveals her best one, as she shows them a silver USB before plugging it into her computer.

“It can’t be…” the Vice Chairman stutters. Yeo-jin flatly responds that her father gave it to her, before looking up at the board and smiling: “Should we see who will be the next President Go?”

Secretary Min pushes her empty wheelchair out of the room and closes the doors. Yeo-jin watches her symbol of weakness disappear behind the boardroom doors, her lips curled in a confident and dangerous smile.

COMMENTS

Innnteresting. This episode sure took a while to go somewhere, but I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting where we ended up, nor was I expecting it to throw everything I thought I knew about Yeo-jin into question. If we’re not just being led to a false conclusion with New Yeo-jin, this would certainly change everything—after all, no drama character undergoes a dramatic hair cut just for aesthetic appeal. (Fictional Hair Cheat Sheet: Curly and/or long hair = nice, straighter and/or shorter = naughty.)

The question then becomes whether Yeo-jin’s secretly been this person the whole time, or whether she’s just made that dramatic a shift while pulling one over on everyone else. I’d salute this show’s huevos rancheros if they decide to really commit to her being the crocodile she always claimed she was, because it’d open up so many avenues for her relationship with Tae-hyun. Is she using him? Is she just in this for revenge? And if so, whatever happened to the girl who confessed before God that she’d be more forgiving of her enemies?

Still, I’m not against a vengeful Yeo-jin, especially when it provides so much gray area for her as a character and for us as viewers. So far she’s been painted as a desperately maligned sleeping beauty just trying to evade her torturers, but it’d really be something if she’s now turning the tables in a way that wouldn’t make her too unlike her brother. Of course, this is all based on speculation as to whether she had that note sent to President Go, since she definitely seemed the opposite of surprised when the news went public.

In a way I’m glad it could’ve been her that sent that note and not Do-joon, since it’s no secret that I’ve grown weary of his antics lately. He’s just not smart enough to do any problem solving, so his bravado comes off as patently false and juvenile. He’s the opposite of subtle, and the whole funeral room showdown was honestly hard to swallow at some points, what with everyone announcing a new twist and turn in front of a dispassionate audience of men in positions of varying and bizarrely convenient levels of importance. I even laughed at the part where Detective Lee burst in to arrest President Go, which can be pretty much summed up as: “I’m arresting this man! Is that okay?” Police Chief: “Well, do you have evidence?” Detective Lee: “Yes!” Police Chief: “Okay then!”

Every problem was solved in that room with someone saying one thing, another person contradicting it, and some higher power just going along with it. Nothing really carried dramatic heft, even with Tae-hyun showing their marriage license around—because again, that’s apparently the only thing the police chief needed to decide that not only was Yeo-jin sane, but that her earlier complaints had merit. And yet the only crime Do-joon’s being held for is blackmail, when Yeo-jin now has the power for her voice to be heard if she cared about bringing him to justice. The legitimate and lawful way, anyway.

Instead it just seems like business as usual for the new chairwoman, and not so much for Tae-hyun. It’s fun to see him struggle under the awkwardness of being a chaebol’s husband, but for a show named after his alter ego, it’d be nice to see him have a bit more agency in the action unfolding. Then again, it might be a tall order to integrate an optimistic and well-meaning doctor into Yeo-jin’s crocodile pond—so for now, we wait.

207

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1 tara97

September 17, 2015 at 8:12 PM

The way tae hyun adjusts to his new married life is cuteness overload , I kept smiling like a dork at the screen :'") glad yong pal showed us a different genre in this episode ?

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Affie

September 18, 2015 at 2:34 AM

Lol. Cuteness overload is riiiiiiight! Lol.

I'd like to go to a smoothie bar and make an order like this...

"Umm, waiter... I'd like to order a cherry smoothie and two Joo Wons sitting on a counter, in 'cuteness overload' mode, pls? Gracias!" ;)

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nonski ⭐️A forever JIN who crash landed on Hyun Bins heart❤️!

September 18, 2015 at 8:50 AM

hahaha, will be joining you!
+++ likes!

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Affie

September 18, 2015 at 10:38 AM

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fgb4877

September 17, 2015 at 8:28 PM

... because I can see that sometimes Yong-Pal's idealistic streak can become a vulnerability, but a crocodile without a conscience can become a pretty dangerous beast (even for herself).

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ohnodaisuki

September 17, 2015 at 8:33 PM

+1,000 on this point!!

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5 ohnodaisuki

September 17, 2015 at 8:27 PM

This is the episode where every new character especially the staff in Hanshin Yeo Jin's household 'gets smitten' by Yong Pal's charm... and the day I didn't see in my dreams just yet, but glad it happened... hot-headed detective and 'our Yong Pal' all chummy... <3 Yong-Palla.... ^_____^

and oh, sleeping beauty's other (true?) face is intriguing!!! 'Crocodile-I'm ready to kill-mode' is definitely on!
Is she going to give her all just to get back on those people who've wronged her? We saw early signs of it, from her thoughts, confession and prayers... oh my, oh my... How will Yong Pal take all of this???

I can't see him get hurt and part of me just wants him to start his married life peacefully too~~~ a real wedding and wedding night scene maybe?? =(
Now, it all seems too far, for now. From hill kisses to icy boardrooms.. damn, the contrast!

This drama is unique and storytelling keeps me thinking and guessing... rethinking and reforming my own prejudices on how these characters are supposed to act. The show is now definitely taking us to the second half and more dark side of Yong Pal and no-longer-sleeping beauty's story!!!

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Shuerei

September 17, 2015 at 9:14 PM

FGB, ohnodaisuki

I guess she is a crocodile after all... One can't grow up in a chaebol environment and not groomed into a predator of some sort. The show does give the impression that she was weak. A few things came to mind:

1. Is it Yeo Jin or her mom - the portrait in the mansion?

2. Her cold persona during her first discussion with TH - was it a facade adopted after the accident or was it the real Yeo Jin?

3. She seemed to dislike Chae young - was it because CY wanted TH or has it been her intention all along not to ally with CY? Would CY go back to DJ who will at least give her a proper position? I feel sorry for CY

4. Do all the people in the board know she was in an induced and prolonged coma by DJ? I thought that was a secret knowledge for a few: DJ, CY (and her dad), sec min, pres go.....

5. Her smile makes me uncomfortable - while I enjoy seeing her getting upper hand and ensuring justice - killing people is not exactly what I had in mind. I think it goes against everything that TH stands for.

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Way

September 17, 2015 at 10:01 PM

1) Yeo Jin's portrait.

2)Yeo Jin was always a crocodile. Correction, apex crocodile that had to be caged. They didn't imprison her because she was weak rather she was dangerous. "Remember who you are talking to" YJ to CY. This indicates that it's common knowledge that YJ wasn't the kindest of people pre coma.

3)Jealousy. Remember she watched irritably as TY and CY had a flirtatious discussion in the hospital. YJ must really love TY because she just stabbed CY in the back after CY aided her in reclaiming the throne.

4)Yes, assuming this is the inner circle of trust that runs the company. They likely feared DJ and went along with his plans.

5)Queen of crocodiles.

I love this drama. Honestly, I never taken YJ's crocodile comments seriously until she picked off one of the big bads with a smile. It's scary that you don't know she was this dangerous until it's too late. Good writing.

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Affie

September 18, 2015 at 2:27 AM

I agree!

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blubluskye

September 18, 2015 at 5:10 AM

My take on YJ kicking out CY: CY wanted out of this tied-marriage with the ex-Chairman anyway. YJ was doing a favour for CY in a very non-obvious way.

But like the spectacled-assistant said, this mansion leaves one too comfortable enough to want to leave. I suppose CY felt that at the bar, being unable to say that she was "the Chairman's wife" anymore.

The thrills of episode 1-8 is back.

sea

September 18, 2015 at 8:30 AM

As far as "Yeojin was always a crocodile," I dunno, I have a hard time buying that such a hardened crocodile would try to kill herself because of her fiancee dying, and be so irrational and out of her mind that her dad couldn't even talk to her and he had to put her in a coma instead.

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Affie

September 19, 2015 at 6:45 AM

@sea. Come to think of it, I also don't think YJ was always a crocodile per se. I think more along the lines of when situation presents itself for her to be a 'crocodile', she is more than capable to rise up to the challenge. I think of it more like an ability than a temperament.

So I think it's safe to assume she can switch it back-and-forth...:)

SS

September 17, 2015 at 10:31 PM

Hi @Shuerei

In addition to the answers provided by @Way, these are my takes:

2) Do you mean when she first had a conversation with TH in her VVIP suite?
I don't see it as being cold or putting on a facade or being a crocodile for that matter. She was born a heiress to Hanshin, treated like a Princess and looked upon as the Queen. I am glad that for once, we get a chaebol heiress that acts like one. Note that it's a role YJ has been playing her entire life. She must have learned the ropes from Dad and another reason why Dad viewed her as worthy heiress . There is a certain manner and approach YJ must adopt to deal with those people. It's got nothing to do with kindness.

3) I agree with @Way that it's mainly jealousy. But she has never trusted CY fully. She believes that given the opportunity, CY would have taken her from DJ and used her the way DJ did. She even called CY's bluff and said that CY would have put her in a mental institution. Therefore she used CY before CY can use her. Ruthless but not unthinkable.

4) They won't know the details but suspected something was fishy. Only President Go had the guts to form a group to go up against DJ. Again, we saw that it was not for YJ's welfare either. Everything these people did was for their own interest.

5) I will write more about this in ep 14 recap. Basically, YJ and TH still share the same dream. It's just that the paths they have chosen are different. Yet, both make perfect sense.

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Shuerei

September 18, 2015 at 9:45 AM

@ way, affie, blublusky, sea, SS

Thanks a lot for all your replies. Has there been a similar kdrama show like this? A revengeful heir/heiress?

By the way couldn't she alert CY to remove her things alone and in a more amicable manner instead of embarrassing her in front of everyone ......or like @blu said CY has been getting too comfortable and so it's best to make it sharp and quick? Still that's not something TH would do.

I dunno what is going thru her mind but I think past experience taught her that if her own brother could try to kill her *twice* I think she is treating everyone suspiciously except for TH.

@ sea....
I guess I felt the same way. Perhaps YJ was a dormant crocodile or all the while she was a tough taskmaster (which was not revealed on the show)? The show did mislead us on her personality prior to the "accident" esp. at the party with her brother. All sweet and demure...

@ SS will wait for your theories in ep 14 recap

Having seen YJ acted this way, now I can understand why DJ acted so mean and threatening all the time. The way the executives behaved are just like some biz and even "religious" folks I know - they are ruthless beneath the nice fatherly or motherly exterior. The moment, someone starts demanding for "justice", within a short period, they would kick out the good person and take everything away.

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SS

September 18, 2015 at 10:40 AM

I am not sure if there's another show about revengeful heiress but I think there's bound to similar themed ones. I get why revenge genre is always so appealing because there's this vindictive streak in all of us. Just a matter of degree. Sure, we don't carry out the action but how many people have never harbor thoughts of getting back at someone for some injustice? Only in dramas, can characters do the things we would like to but cannot do.

One main difference Yong Pal has with other dramas of revenge genre is that the revenge arc started late. If we count ep 13 as the start and assuming this goes to the end, then we only have 1/3 of the drama focused on this. I still don't get why people find this drama slow. Although this ep had zilch action and mainly dialogue, 60 minutes never passed faster. I was too engrossed in grasping everything the characters said and gasping
at some. This is one show which very little of what's said is redundant. I am very impressed with the screenplay.

6 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 17, 2015 at 8:32 PM

Wow. im just wow at this new development. i never thought YeoJin is this scary. haha, I love the way writer made her character so far. But one thing for sure, she is way smarter, more fierce and knows how to manipulate ppl, compared to her oppa. I actually hoped that Do Joon's character will be made smarter,and equally smart and fierce with his sister.

There are few things that open for speculation:
1) Why TH's room is at the another building, and being treated like Guests while he is legally YJ's husband.
2) YJ's actual feeling towards TH, i really hoped she is not using TH
3) Whether she had that note sent to President Go
4) Maybe CY will join hand with DJ, wondering how their collaboration would be. Can they beat up YJ?

This episode shows how our Yong Pal adapt with his new life. lol. As the one who are freely to go anywhere he wants and do whatever he wants, this seems to be quite shocked for him. haha. But still his cuteness are overload.

Emm, that might be some of us questioning the focus on this drama, that the focus should be on Yong Pal and his medical works. But for me, it would not only focusing TH as a Yong Pal only, but it will surrounds his daily and personal life, and one of interesting part of his personal life about his lover.

The key to watch this drama is we need to be patient, and everything is unexpected. We can expect this, but it will turn out differently. This is suspense of this drama, and this is their uniqueness :D

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 17, 2015 at 8:39 PM

aaa maybe it is about time for YP to be fully aware, that the one he love and married is someone who is not ordinary person, not only from chaebol family and a heiress, but she is the Queen of Crocodile. I'm not sure how TH had seen YJ before, maybe in his mind YJ is someone who needs love, and he never see the scary and fierce sight of his beloved man. YJ already knows herself very well, and the crocodile's blood in her body, she may seem to use TH in some ways, but she still love him. But it is common in chaebol's family i think, based on what i seen so far in Kdramas.

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Shuerei

September 18, 2015 at 1:07 AM

Hi sera,

1) Why TH’s room is at the another building, and being treated like Guests while he is legally YJ’s husband.

I guess the main wing is only for family members. Or maybe a guest room strongly suggests their commitment to chastity before the real wedding. Clearing a family room in the main wing often indicates a couple is "separating" so a guest room would be more suitable to prevent any gossips.

2) YJ’s actual feeling towards TH, i really hoped she is not using TH

I think she does love him a lot and may now find herself even more dependent on this love knowing SH was not thoroughly sincere with her. I do hope that she will find a balance in her love and her quests.

3) Whether she had that note sent to President Go

I think she did.....expecting him to confess his crimes and may also predicting his suicide. That's the swiftest way to incapacitate the people who will likely hurt her and TH.

4) Maybe CY will join hand with DJ, wondering how their collaboration would be. Can they beat up YJ?

I thought so too. I feel very sorry for CY but I guess no one is supposed to bargain or make a deal with a crocodile. I dearly hope that DJ will do the right thing at the end. He started this whole mess and everyone just got roped in out of greed and fear.

I feel sorry for CY coz she is a likable character and kicking her out was pretty heartless. But it was also necessary for her to assert total control - there can't be two tigress on the same mountain.

5) I think YP will remain as the central character, the heart of the show. I admire the show for taking us through the depths of darkness in the human soul. She may be the matriarch with all the money and he is the "wife" but Sec Min is correct, TH has more power over her. If he left her, the guardianship would be reverted to DJ, and/or she will find it hard to find a sincere guy like TH to protect her.

I am confident the show is focusing on YongPal while developing the characters around him. The heart of the show is still YongPal. He listens without prejudice, he talks without any disdain, he cares without expectations, he sees without hatred...

Ultimately, its for Yeo Jin to discover through the eyes of TH that while there's lots of cruelty and evil in the world, there's also kindness and love.

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 18, 2015 at 1:19 AM

Shuerei, TQ for your reply.

I am agreed that Yong Pal is still the heart of the story, and this drama will unfold stories one by one ppl around him, and how his take for all that. Some ppl might have seen that his story is lost in its focus on Yong Pal but it is actually not. Maybe they need some more time to actually see the wheregoing of this drama :)

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rozie

September 18, 2015 at 3:52 AM

Shuerei , I loveeeee this statement "I am confident the show is focusing on YongPal while developing the characters around him. The heart of the show is still YongPal. He listens without prejudice, he talks without any disdain, he cares without expectations, he sees without hatred…" this is so true.....:)

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Affie

September 18, 2015 at 10:44 AM

I love this statement too! Wow. U put it so well @Shuerei. So true and epitomises Yong Pal. Yes!

7 nhisayshi

September 17, 2015 at 8:33 PM

Okay, I officially un-ship this couple.
I have always felt that their relationship lacks chemistry, and Tae Hyun is moving too fast and strong with his crush on Yeo-Jin. There is always a problem, somewhere, in their fast-and-furious relationship. Now we are seeing it emerge. If Joo Won and Kim Tae Hee act on purpose to convey this unhealthy relationship (because it is more of an obsession from Tae Hyun), I can't admire them more. The fact that the script accelerates their relationship, rather than lets them come to each other slowly in episode 8,9 starts to make sense.
And congrats to Kim Tae Hee. She does hell of a good job creeping me off in this episode...Joo-Won amazing actor as always.

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fgb4877

8 KDramaNewbie

September 17, 2015 at 8:45 PM

Liked this episode overall. I loved TH's fish-out-of-water behaviour at the sudden change in his status. Give me more of badass YJ!
I am guessing the writer has something planned for CY. I can't believe she was sidelined just like that by YJ. She was one character I've consistently liked, so I hope she doesn't go down the drain.

September 18, 2015 at 6:46 PM

Have to rescind most of my comment because I think I got confused with who was showing her adulation and sucking up; after re-watching this part I think the police commissioner was more anti-DJ than he was pro-YJ, although he did treat her respectfully. Guess I shouldn't try to watch episodes until they are 100% translated; either that or go ahead and learn Korean!

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Way

September 17, 2015 at 10:05 PM

The words of a person who was medically declared mentally unstable have no merit regardless of gender.

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Affie

September 18, 2015 at 3:03 AM

@Way. OMG. Yes. A million times Yes.

Some viewers, and here's to hoping they recognise themselves, don't seem to understand that YJ being mentally unstable and suicidal needed to have a guardian to be in charge of legalities, including medical decision-making. A simple example is one someone is on life support for the longest time, next-of-kin gets to make the decision on whether to pull the plug.

A person of Yeo Jin's status would probably require some paperwork to put DJ as her half-brother, in next-of-kin position so he can legally make all decisions pertaining to her.

It's not paperwork, you can just ignore on the said mentally unstable patient's say-so until it is proven that said patient is currently stable and lucid. It's more legal than anything and it is actually very logical that Commissioner wanted to be sure everything was copacetic before picking a side.

It wasn't him suddenly agreeing because YJ 'has a husband', it was him tipping the scales in favour of who had the current overreaching legal right to Yeo Jin, whom hasn't still not gone through the proper psych evaluation process to determine her sanity. That's the universal law.

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Affie

September 18, 2015 at 3:30 AM

In other words, if YJ had another close relative, apart from Do Joon, like an Aunt or an Uncle... she wouldn't necessarily need to have a 'husband' to protect her interests as a person considered to be 'mentally stable and suicidal'.

If YJ had other relatives, those persons could have also contested Do Joon's guardianship, and the relative with the more current legal right would have gotten 'custody (due to her mental instability)' of Yeo Jin, regardless of the fact that the person isn't her 'husband'...

Basically, these rights are only granted by law on the basis of marriage or consanguinity...

On a lighter note, if YJ were in a country were gay marriage was allowed, she could have married a woman and got her rights shifted to that person. Lol.

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SS

September 18, 2015 at 4:03 AM

Hi @Affie, it's great to read your take on this because of your legal background.

I have learnt not to jump into conclusions whenever I have doubts on whether this drama got their facts right. At another forum where this drama has very active discussion, we have doctors to comment on the medical cases presented in the drama. The consensus is that while the drama does take artistic liberties, they have done their research. Simply put, most of the medical parts are not all impossible but rare or stretching the limits.

For the legal issues like this and the marriage registration, if we don't dismiss them as illogical or impossible, we actually learn something new.

Affie

September 18, 2015 at 5:07 AM

@SS. Why thank you SS! Its always a delight to read your responses since you re really on point with this show...like me, lol. :)

Wow, I'd love to check out other forums with chincha doctors giving their takes on this show. I like to learn new stuff. This is one of the myriad reasons I love this show. ♥ ★

nonski ⭐️A forever JIN who crash landed on Hyun Bins heart❤️!

September 18, 2015 at 10:08 AM

thank you @Affie for shedding light on this matter.

sometimes we do take things at face value or up to the level that we only understand and judge what we see by that standards.

you should join another forum where the discussion is very active and fluid! we'd like to hear from you.

Elle

September 18, 2015 at 12:54 AM

I think this is more of a next-of-kin issue. As a "mentally unstable" patient, Yeo-jin was under the guardianship of her brother, who was her next of kin. Tae-hyun became her next of kin when he became her husband. Similarly, Tae-hyun's next of kin was his sister, but now it's Yeo-jin because they're married. I don't interpret it as misogynistic as I think that's the law in a lot of places.

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Shuerei

September 18, 2015 at 1:27 AM

@ way, Elle
I agree.

1. Yong pal being the immediate next of kin would override DJ's responsibility/obligation/authority over YJ.

2. Having a husband who is also a doctor disputing the "insanity" claim also rendered DJ's claim null and void.

3. Regardless of whether YP signed any death cert, he appeared as a husband to protect her interests. Again, DJ 's argument is now baseless.

Based on matrimonial rights, and likely vexed with the contrary reports, the police commissioner decided to "honor" YJ's request for protection, probably now believing her accusations.

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9 jazz

September 17, 2015 at 8:46 PM

Kim tae hee is really good in strongwilled characters . from being a princess-like weak crybaby in earlier episodes turns out to be an unstoppable witch on fire. i dont want to mess up with her. unusual but great.

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 17, 2015 at 8:53 PM

I agreed. She turned to be scarier than her character Jang Ok Jung. lol. i also dont want to mess up with her. haha :P

This type of female lead in Kdrama is unusual, but it is great to have a strongwilled female lead once in a while. :)

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jazz

September 17, 2015 at 9:01 PM

true, not a cliche female lead. when she said shes a crocodile too in ep 8, i laughed and said maybe shes a baby croc. haha. now shes scarier than i think .

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 17, 2015 at 9:06 PM

I know right. She knew very well about her nature :)

Yeah i thought she just make jokes. lol. I just wondering whether TH already foreseen YJ'c character from before, but dont want to think so much about it. Or maybe he was clueless? This show really made my brain working lol

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jazz

September 17, 2015 at 9:23 PM

writer nim is really good, kudos! unusual twists and turns. expect the unexpected.

fgb4877

September 17, 2015 at 8:54 PM

It has been an incredible role for her. I love her roles as a good natured character, but this one shows a range I didn't know she had.

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ohnodaisuki

September 17, 2015 at 11:42 PM

+1000! Kudos to Queen Kim Tae Hee! She chose well, and hope she makes a movie with Joo Won, maybe when he returns from military??

Huhuhu! Like you, I'm enjoying Joo Won, Kim Tae Hee and this show--especially it's giving us a whole new level of awesome!

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Chanelboy loves Jang Ki Young Argh

September 18, 2015 at 12:09 AM

@jazz : Yeah, makes me awake that Kim Tae Hee is sure one of 'odd' actress that choose two project in a row potrait her as anti-heroine or at least unusual heroine's trait.

Her Jang Ok Jung still, is understandable and the ground where she stands is the most hideous place you ask for to live in, so her change is commendable and her only motive and all she asks for is her King. And we know her past she is one hard-working lady with honesty and pride put in her chest.

But this time, Yeo Jin is one of hella snake crocodile.
Her smirks, give me chills to the bone that I was regret to save her life in operation table, make her half brother Doo Joon as a very meek villain and not so scary after all.

This is just like saeguk drama, where the first king is a evil that needed to be thrown, just to make a seat for the second another evil king.

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 18, 2015 at 12:22 AM

i remember someone commented in previous episode if im not mistaken that this drama is a modern version of sageuk. Lol.

yeah, Kim tae hee's superb in this drama. Some knetz bashed her in earlier episodes. Now i do hope they can zip their mouth. No one will believe if they still criticize. if there is, just insecure for sure.

a stellar cast. Joo won, jo hyun jae and the rest ;.handsdown

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celine

September 18, 2015 at 12:39 AM

She's doing great with this new (or old resurfacing?) Yeojin! I love it!! She's so commanding! I cannot wait to see what else she plans to do to her enemies even if her plans are evil. It gives her character more depth.

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10 S

September 17, 2015 at 8:52 PM

I just really want to know the name of that purple lip color Yeo Jin is wearing.

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ohnodaisuki

September 17, 2015 at 11:12 PM

me too! I keep rewatching and saying.. 'I need that 'rebel/queen of crocodile' lipstick in my life too! Perfect for meetings in the middle of shady self-serving people!

Thank you for the recap and comment! After watching 2 last eps alone last night, I really couldnt wait to read what others have to say about the show and how they enjoy it now.

Such a turn of event!

It feels like the world is flipped upside down, but who would have known that it would look similar nevertheless? That song whenever Yeo Jin is at work creeps me out. Makes me wonder if she really is no different than Do Joon.

I like the kitchen scene, though. It is the only time I feel at ease throughout the episode. I hope there is more, but I guess it can be quite a struggle from here onwards. There is a lot of layers and dimension in Yeo Jin apparently, than just being a woman in love or sleeping beauty. I am thankful that she is married to Tae Hyun. Not only that he is innately a good person, but he also has gangsters as friends. I dont know what will happen next, or what the hell is actually happening now (did Tae Hyun just rubbed a lamp with good genie inside, or evil genie?), but I have a hunch that it is going to be interesting and exciting (now that the genie is out!).

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13 susan

September 17, 2015 at 9:05 PM

Who knew that the romance would ever become the least boring element of this show? I first watched this episode without subtitles and it was as riveting as CSPAN. Thank goodness for the romance!

Sigh… They’ve got a visual storytelling problem. The visual storytelling in YP was quite high in the first 6 episodes, changed tone utterly for episodes 7 – 9, and then kind of wound down through episodes 10 -12 until it became virtually non-existent in episodes 13.

I think the problem might be the production chaos I’ve been reading about. Apparently the suits have been arguing over script lengths and other issues - all of which impacts writing schedules. It’s not a surprise that they’ve been really behind in shooting (Joo Won’s fatigue from consecutive all-night shoots has been noted. He’s beginning to look like a zombie, poor thing.) So, you can imagine that they’re rushing through scenes and the editor is getting the tape at the last minute as well. This makes for a real editing challenge.

One of the things I notice most is the failure of the edit to smooth the unevenness of tone between the two production teams. One of the teams does great closeups that give dynamism to people sitting around talking. Which they do a lot of in this show. (I am seriously missing the early fast pacing.) This team is pretty good. I’ll assume they’re the A team. The other team (B) never seems to frame their shots well and so we get panoramas of people endlessly standing around while someone talks. You could have heard a pin drop at that funeral. Honestly, was that a review? A marching band? Someone move for Heaven’s sake!! Anyway, a good edit could have helped this.

At least they’re getting better with integrating the mini CFs and product placement into the whole. They’re less obvious now. Still obvious. Just less so.

The first 6 episodes of this show were visually really great. Ever since then it feels like the producers have been messing with it. The show still has really good moments - but some really boring ones as well. An editor with adequate time to do their work could have fixed this. Considering how popular the show is now - imagine how much more so it would be if the cast got to rest and the crew had time to do everything well!

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 17, 2015 at 9:13 PM

Hi Susan, just want to know are you a Producer? Or working in this area?
If yes, can you share with us any of your projects. I have read your comments about the production in other dramas, so looking forward for your projects too.

:-) Hiding. Sorry!

susan

September 17, 2015 at 9:42 PM

I'll answer production questions though...

KDramaNewbie

September 17, 2015 at 10:09 PM

This is an interesting viewpoint. I would like to know more about this visual storytelling aspect. I confess I never understood how drama fans could watch a raw episode, especially if the series is dialogue heavy (something like Punch for example) and still enjoy it.
I liked the funeral scene, the tone and the music. Are you talking about the multiple cuts in that scene?

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susan

September 18, 2015 at 7:06 AM

Hi KDramaNewbie -

I'm talking about the framing.

Framing is what you see inside the camera frame. More or less, it's what you see when you watch the show. Is it close up on one actor's face? Are two actors in the frame ? Are three actors in the frame? These are typical close-up shots for dialogue.

Sometimes the location of the conversation is important. That's when you see a a medium range shot. Here you might see the actors with dialogue and the setting around them - TH and YJ in the church for example.

And then sometimes you need to get a lot into the shot. That's a long range shot. A lot of people - a big set - etc - etc. Or, maybe you just want to have the sense of the main character being along in a sea of people.... There's lots of reasons for this type of shot.

So, back to the YP funeral. There were a lot of shots where we saw that whole room. Allllll those people standing around. Why? How many times did you need to be reminded they where there? Was seeing a bunch of people aligned like soldiers at a review important to the plot? .....

Ding ding ding ... The bells just went off in the head of someone reading this. Yes! That's why we have that imagery - the loyal soldiers. Okay, sure... but then we have to talk about plot holes since those people all arrived unexpectedly. Because the visual storytelling is now in conflict with the plot. Setting that aside though, let's just focus on what's necessary for the visual storytelling.

How many times do you need to see a piece of imagery to know it's there? Once? Twice? Thrice? Maybe once at the beginning, once in the middle of a long sequence, and once at the end. Unless the action in the background is really interesting, after a couple of distance shots, you want closeups of action or dialogue. Especially if nothing happens in the background. Which was the case with the funeral scene. And yet they regularly showed the whole room.

This especially bothered me because it showed a problem with direction. Everyone stood around stiffly watching everyone else give long speeches. No sound after something shocking. Really? None of those politicians would have said something to an aid? Let out a gasp? Hmmmmmed? People standing around make noise. Then, there's the security guards who only needed a push to be gotten out of the way. No one walked over for any of the conversations. Etc etc etc. And edit that focused on tighter shots could have compensated for the problems with direction.

Why did they have problems with direction? My guess is not enough time to plan better. Also, extras aren't actors for the most part. If you need them to do something, it has to be something they find easy.

Contrast the funeral scenes to the Yong Pal as undercover mob doctor scenes. These are much stronger. Take the most recent warehouse scene. Lots of people in the...

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susan

September 18, 2015 at 8:09 AM

Contrast the funeral scenes to the Yong Pal as undercover mob doctor scenes. These are much stronger. Take the most recent warehouse scene. Lots of people in the background, but staged nicely, moving around, making some noises, etc. It felt real - not so staged. There were lots of medium range shots there - you saw what YP was doing and caught glimpses of the people and action in the background. There was also a distance shot when he first came in I believe that set the scene. I don't think there were any closeups - maybe there were, but I don't remember any - and that makes sense because there was more action than dialogue.

Anyway - try watching the funeral scene without reading the subtitles. Try. :-) Because it's long and boring visually. And let me know what you think after....

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KDramaNewbie

September 19, 2015 at 12:01 AM

So I saw it again with subs off. I see your point that all these important folks are just standing like trees. But it could also be that they are riveted by the drama playing out in front of them. It could have been done better though. YJ had some strange expressions there which I had not noticed before. And poor Joo Won really needs some sleep!

susan

September 20, 2015 at 3:48 PM

@KDramaNewbie

Watching without subtitles is such a great way to really notice all the other pieces. Normally we can't hear sound without recognizing dialogue - but if Korean isn't your first language, then you can just listen for cadence and not meaning. All of a sudden the acting is obvious.

KDramaNewbie

September 18, 2015 at 2:21 PM

Whoa! Two big thumbs up for the very patient and detailed explanation! (I don't know how to insert emoticons here)
I'll come back and give my thoughts on the funeral scene but I just had to say thanks :) Its nice bumping into interesting people @Dramabeans

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susan

September 18, 2015 at 5:23 PM

;-)

Marie Balangue

September 19, 2015 at 6:49 PM

Thank you for the explanation, Susan. Perhaps the difference in shots reflects the editor's contrast of the 2 lifestyles. YP's more "human" and YJ's more robotic lifestyle. While mobsters fight it out to live in YP's world, YJ's minions are afraid to let out expressions and move before being told by the biggest reigning crocodile of them all.
Kudos to the hardworking team!

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susan

September 20, 2015 at 3:49 PM

@Rie

"Perhaps the difference in shots reflects the editor’s contrast of the 2 lifestyles."

That's an interesting thought. I don't think it came off well, but this could be the reasoning behind why they did it that way.

DDee

September 17, 2015 at 10:47 PM

Susan, I've had inklings that half of the issues that Yong Pal has are production issues i.e. it's a matter of execution rather than writing (though the latter has its share of problems). I think complaints about pacing, and a sense that the show is clunky and lacks finesse especially of late, wouldn't be as bad if editing was better. It really is a shame that there's simply not enough time for everyone to do their best. Thank you for your comments!

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susan

September 18, 2015 at 10:16 AM

Hi DDee -

I think that the writing has had plenty of issues, but I don't think it's likely the writer's fault. My guess is that the first 6 episodes laid out the writer's vision. It was good! Granted, there was almost no character development in those episodes, but with a plot-driven piece character development can actually distract from the action.

When the tone and direction of the show changed in episode 7, it began to feel like a different show. My guess is that this marks the point of production interference with the script. Script changes (in the sense of the overall structure) don't just affect dialogue. They also upend plans for visual storytelling, casting (Cynthia, Nurse Hwang), the relative importance of various characters ( the sister, the father, the nurses, doctors, and interns at the hospital, the gangsters, etc etc), sets, locations, etc. Everyone in the crew has to react to the changes. That's a lot of last minute work. So, what was once tight writing and production-wise is now a bit of a free for all.

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kalel

September 18, 2015 at 2:22 AM

I agree. I couldn't possibly know all the inside information but my semi-trained eye has spotted enormous mistakes made by the production designer and/or the PD and, at some point, very, VERY sloppy editing. On the other hand, the writer's first project in OCN was so promising; what happened to him? Considering the whole crew, I had faith in him and his skillful writing right from the beginning. But something went wrong here and it's so obvious. If this production were in a cable channel, which elements would have been removed and which ones would have been emphasised according to your expertise? What about episodes 7 to 10? Would they have been removed, stripped down or somehow reversed?

The funeral scene could have had quite an impact if it were staged and filmed more theatrical and less cast were included...well, just throwing in my two cents' worth.

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susan

September 18, 2015 at 10:22 AM

At one point I tried to figure out what was the original intention and what they changed. It really seems like a constant flux show. It's zigzagging all over the place without a lot of clarity. There are still some really good moments. The acting is beginning to flag though. I think the cast looks tired. The best moments are now the minor background characters. They seem to be trying to make the most of their 15 seconds of screen time. I enjoyed the guard during TH's exam of the housekeeper. Well done. Immediate connection to him as a character.

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kalel

September 18, 2015 at 10:49 PM

How about when he was chasing after the dog? The man is so miserable working for the filthy rich that he tries hard to find moments of happiness in this unhealthy environment. I felt sorry for the poor guard, too...

So, no one can see the initial genre to this one. Was it a noir-crime drama or a revenge one? Was the romance the core or the canvas here or was it a revenge-driven drama? I don't actually care for the genre per se but I have noticed that it's somehow an important issue in k-ent in terms of budget, cast and payments... Thanks for the answer, Susan(and all the pretty colours tagged with your name!).

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susan

September 20, 2015 at 3:50 PM

So many actors in small parts have been able to make hay with their parts - all 5 nurses, the bodyguard, the housekeeper, the loan shark, the mobsters... very well done!

susan

September 20, 2015 at 3:53 PM

Oh, and about the genres. I've been counting:

Action, thriller, romance, melo, comedy, makjang, horror, fantasy, crime.... plus a couple of CFs thrown in for good measure! :-)

14 LY

September 17, 2015 at 9:07 PM

Ah...the 2 happy love birds...sweet..no wonder the kitchen staffs are swooning over with Taehyun.

Is it just me or does anyone find the personal bodyguard to Taehyun is dorky funny dude? I have a feeling he's going to provide more laughters since he's around Taehyun. Taehyun is now treated 'Sir' rather than just doctor Ki,

And is Do Joon going to die based from the latest episode?

Our Good doctor is definitely having a hard time accepting the fact he's married an heiress who is filled with vengeance and it's his destiny that he's meant to see what's happening around him.

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15 Saya22

September 17, 2015 at 9:09 PM

Who else things that this drama is just turned it up a notch! YJ going all Jekyll and Hyde on us. Poor TH when finds out who he really married....
Will they even stay together by the end of the drama? I think that maybe if YJ got pregnant and she and TH had a baby together she might just might to from this path of vengeance that will surely lead to self destruction in the end. I want a happy ending writers!

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16 no name #6

September 17, 2015 at 9:11 PM

Yeah, that whole funeral scene...its purpose was to get Do Joon to say something stupid and thereby implicate himself, which really isn't so difficult, is it? That was all that had to happen. They just took a really overly dramatic approach to it, and ultimately it ended up a little anticlimactic. :)

On the other hand, it accomplishes a couple of things too. 1) Getting them married and 2) getting the first branch of Hanshin on her side with her apology to the Electric workers. Both things that will start the next phase of the story, so it works.

And yeah, that flashback in the car was very clumsily inserted. I can buy that as her thoughts, but it came across awkwardly. Maybe if they had cut back to her in the car once or twice in there (with flashback audio still playing)...as it is, it's strange. But it also serves to enumerate those people she feels like she needs to take down: Do Joon, Nurse Hwang (already taken care of!), the hospital director (another one!) and Chief Lee. Thinking about it, that was probably the purpose. The execution could have been smoother.

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17 katasu1996

September 17, 2015 at 9:16 PM

This show is not what it said it was going to be or promoted itself as in all the teasers. Maybe some DB users don't know this, but there were rumors spreading amongst Korean netizens that this show was plagiarizing a webtoon called City Conquest, and right after news of that came out, the show took a sharp turn, and I'm wondering if it's because the writer realized she was caught or something and decided to write it on her own, which has made it the mess it is today. I like the whole grey area Yeo Jin thing we've got going, but the story was originally supposed to be about Yong Pal, his underground life, and this woman in a coma that he falls in love with on the job. If I can be honest, I thought it was going to be like a medical version of Healer, but instead it feels more like a medical version of Mask (which I basically lost interest in towards the end, so...). I'm basically annoyed because I feel like there was a lot of false advertising for this show, and I don't think I'm the only one who was fooled. I honestly don't think Kim Tae Hee and Joo Won knew what they were getting into either (since it's live shoot, scripts and changes to the show can be made on the spot). Basically I feel badly for the main cast for being fooled, and I'm watching it because frankly, I like Joo Won that much. Am I the only one feeling this way? I do like this whole showing Yeo Jin's true colors, although she did tell Joo Won ahead of time that she was also a crocodile. I'm going to enjoy seeing them at opposite sides of the spectrum, and hopefully, maybe he'll take down her new empire from the inside out (let's be real, there isn't much story left to tell other then this arc anyway).

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nhisayshi

September 17, 2015 at 9:41 PM

Well I watch it because of Joowon too. If it is another lead, I won't watch Yong-Pal. But I think they have an excellent cast. As for the plot, I am not psyched about it, but it is all fine. I would have preferred the story to focus on Yong-Pal, rather than Yeo Jin, because I like more the story of a man having to pay off his debts and willing to do anything for money.

But i think the producers did say in the beginning that after episode 4, Yong Pal will shift its focus from Tae Hyun's life to Yeo Jin. The first four episodes are to tell TH's background.

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no name #6

September 17, 2015 at 9:44 PM

I'm pretty sure melodrama was always the plan (or at least a major component). Sorry to break it to you. :)

As for the plagiarism accusation, it was mostly based on similarities to a couple of very specific scenes, as I understood it. There was not much similar in the story as a whole, so I don't think that has anything to do with any perceived change in story direction. But I could be wrong. And writer is "he", not "she". Not that it matters.

As far as feeling misled based on promotional materials, I think this may be a problem felt more by international fans. If you were just following casually, and only watched one of the teasers (the action-y one) and saw the poster or something, I can see how you might feel misled. However, the character descriptions were quite clear. Those were not as widely publicized (or translated) for the international audience, I think. Maybe that's where the problem lies.

I don't feel misled at all. I was under the impression that we were getting a mix of action, melo, medical, and who knows what else, and that seems to be what we got, right? For better or worse. :) As I recall the sum total of the teasers (there were 3? 4? of them) implied as much anyway. I remember wondering if the show really was going to be this crazy mix of genres, and sure enough, that's what it is.

For the record, I do hope we get back to a little more Yong Pal-centric stuff by the end. We switch back and forth between him and Yeo Jin as the focus, but I hope that his story isn't over yet. And no, I'm not just talking about sick sister (she can stay in the US for all I care - alive, of course, but not taking up too much more time in the story). I want more doctoring hijinks.

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SS

September 17, 2015 at 9:50 PM

I get that viewers has issues with this show - mainly the insertion of romance and dreamland fantasy landscape in ep 7 to 9 before whipping back into the tone set in the earlier episodes. It has however nothing to do with the rumors of extension and much less the rumor of plagiarism.

First the plagiarism, that rumor has been squashed in Korea and the Koreans are all too familiar with attempts like this to bring down highly rated dramas. It happens so often that no one takes them seriously. knetizens' comments are full of the crazy, they are a laughing stock in Korea too. Anyway, I saw the parts where scenes were supposedly stolen by Yong Pal but they were pretty laughable. Plagiarism is a serious issue, I just hope that jokers like this stop their nonsense so that when a real act of plagiarism happens, it won't be brushed off or ignored.

As far as I know, extension was only decided very late in the game, far too late if you ask me. So this means that ep 7 to 9 weren't inserted due to the extension. To think that this drama got so much flak for putting in filler and unnecessary romance when it wasn't even done for the extension in the first place.

Well, to those who didn't like those episodes, they might laugh more at this. If drama didn't do those for extensions, then doesn't it make drama look even worse? I beg to differ.

I can totally see why the story needed the transition and development to make sense. Contrary to what’s said about episodes 7 to 9, I think it’s perfectly logical and if it didn’t happened, I would never have bought in why Tae Hyun and Yeo Jin needed to brave such dangers for each other.

One thing I will admit to is the result was not very satisfactory. It’s like it all made sense in my head but my heart felt different.
I didn’t think the romance was rushed and it was actually more realistic than other kdrama romances. Joo Won and Kim Tae Hee had great chemistry. So what’s the gripe? If I can take those episodes and view them separately or take the romance bits and bask in the loveliness, I would say it’s quite awesome. I think the problem was that it didn’t feel as seamless as I would like it to be. Think of taking an imaginary amusement park ride where it’s absolutely fun and heart stopping. Then the ride enters into a segment filled with beautiful breath taking scenery before turning back to the thrilling part. The parts on its own are equally enjoyable but put together, I am not so sure.

In a genre like this where we have a hero and a heroine who’s a damsel in distress, the heroines in those stories don’t face fatal threat in the beginning or middle of the plot. Usually, the danger builds up and the OTP gets to build their romance as they rely more and more on each other.

In Yong Pal, this could not have happened. In ep 6, Yeo Jin was nearly killed. In ep 8, she had to make a crucial decision to go with Tae Hyun or seek alliance with President Go. Tae Hyun had to be clear with his...

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SS

September 17, 2015 at 9:57 PM

continue

Tae Hyun had to be clear with his feelings because it makes no sense for him to risk his life if he doesn’t love her. And he had to know if she’s on his side. So given this necessary development, how could the writer bring forth a coherent story and one that sits better in terms of pacing and tone? I have no answer.

Coming back to the issue of promotional trailers, when did we take them for anything more than teasers? If you read the synopsis on the official SBS website, it would give you a lot more about the drama. Even the English blogs and drama websites have the words "melodrama, medical and romance" none of which I would disagree on.

SS,

I could not agree more with your analysis. Not everyone will like this drama. It is basically not everyone cup of tea. This drama is not typical medical drama, and hospital politics. This also not a typical revenge drama. However, besides the unique concept, they still able to bring a high rating.

I can understand if there are some frustrations, for e.g some may want to see Yong Pal's surgery activities through out the drama, and do not expect the plot twisted to be like this. But for me, i am welcoming for any new drama concept, and to be honest, i kinda afraid at the beginning if the focus of the drama mostly on Yong Pal and all his underground surgeries and house calls.It is one of interesting factor for this drama, but it is great for a twist like this.

After watching epi 14, i wish not to give any spoiler, but i hope YeoJin is not lost in her middle of revenge. Here, our TaeHyun will need to open YJ's heart on how she should actually dealing with her revenge. YJ is

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Affie

September 18, 2015 at 3:49 AM

@SS. Oh SS, why are thou so awesome in your escriture! Lol. :) I love everything you wrote.

It's funny... some people are convinced this show is dumb in its execution. While I'll agree there have been some hiccups, I still think it's a really great show. I knew the show would focus on KTH's revenge arc and not just Yong Pal's moonlighting medical jobs before this show aired from reading it right here on this site! How can the cast be fooled when even I wasn't, lol.

Anyway, I'm just convinced you can't please everyone. From cries of YJ made a dumb move to give up the One USB to why does she think getting married will solve anything to she's just going to be a damsel in distress and Tae Hyun is gonna swoop in to save the day...

if some viewers stopped to consider WHY they were thinking that way, they'd realise that it's cuz that's the same kdrama trope we get served over and over so it's become an expectation... And that's precisely why this drama is unique.

A couple of other dramas can join it in unique-dom, but shouldn't be a reason to write-off it's uniqueness.

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SS

September 18, 2015 at 6:01 AM

Thank you :D

In several forums and drama sites, many people were aghast that Yeo Jin gave the One USB(they should patent this, ha!) to Secretary Min and many also wondered about the issue of legal guardianship. The difference is that they wait for the show to explain itself or find out more about how the law works instead of jumping into conclusions.

About uniqueness, I agree with you that this show certainly does things differently and you never know what to expect. But there will be people who disagree on this and it's okay. I am inspired to write unique drama about how a human and an alien fall in love. What? You mean it's been done? Okay, how about two aliens who fall in love? But I promise to add in all the necessary tropes.

nonski ⭐️A forever JIN who crash landed on Hyun Bins heart❤️!

September 18, 2015 at 10:49 AM

thanks for all your POV @SS @Affie @june96 @Audrey @sera and to all who believe that YP is giving us an excellent story and good acting. i agree with you on all accounts. this is exactly what i had been telling myself... if you like your drama, watch it and rave about it. but hen if you have some issues about it, don't like it, by all means, stop nitpicking, drop it and keep quiet.

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susan

September 20, 2015 at 4:01 PM

@Katasu1996

No, you're not the only one feeling this way. :-) A lot of Beanies dropped the show during episodes 7 - 9. Joo Won has been great though, no? He's always always a pleasure to watch.

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18 Aigoooo

September 17, 2015 at 9:16 PM

I would applaud this drama if they made Yeo Jin the main villain and Yong Pal had to stop her. It will be both cutting edge story telling and nostalgic since Kim Tae Hee used to play villain roles early in her career. This Han Shin Group seems more like a mafia organization than a legit business. Enemies get killed off like it's standard fare. lol

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susan

September 17, 2015 at 9:44 PM

I like that idea! I'd love to see an unexpected twist!

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Affie

September 18, 2015 at 4:15 AM

I like that idea too! I think the show is gonna go there. Definitely. But then the real test would be would Tae Hyun be able to forgive her! It would a test for the ages... forgiving and marrying a cold-blooded murderess. Aish! Lol.

she would be an awesome villian though! Then Tae Hyun would be her only weakness. What an Achilles heel it would be!

I'm all for this revenge arc! YJ, the avengeress, really scared me... and I haven't been this scared of a kdrama heroine in ages! I actually want her to kill everyone and not trust the justice system since they could also double-cross her but ONLY if they come after her and Tae Hyun again. A pre-emptive strike is emotionally and vengefully logical but... I dunno... i want it to be more justified somehow.

September 17, 2015 at 9:34 PM

I keep waiting for KTH to show her half smirk and calculative-cold stare like she did in JOJ, and voila! I finally see it in this episode. You go girl.. Revenge, but don't go too far. Don't be as dark as DJ, please. Smile and stare a bar colder, and she'll chilled my spin like LYW did in EoG.

Love this ep. Although the inheritance/company ownership politics and boards meetings are not so well-deeply explored, it is still good.

[Yeah, Empire of Gold, all blames lies on your doorstep for setting the bar so high for my expectation on inheritance-revenge drama..]

As always, thanks for the recap, Heads~!

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 17, 2015 at 11:30 PM

I barely meet ppl who watched Empire of Gold, glad that i found you :D

I'm thinking to spend my weekend to watch Midas. Actually i love a drama relating to company matters esp politics in the company. Empire of Gold is one of the high-level drama, and i started to love LYW from that drama.

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gaeinalee

September 18, 2015 at 2:32 AM

Hi Sera.. if you survive and love EoG, then you'll be in fun ride with Midas. Me and friends at Soompi have a blast watching EoG back in 2013, and joked around about studying the proper-near-to-real business acquisition and family politics on inheritance war where every players remorselessly swift allegiance every now and then. I'm a big fan of LYW myself, I watched any of her drama including Horse Doctor.. ^^

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Chanelboy loves Jang Ki Young Argh

September 18, 2015 at 11:53 AM

@sera & Gaeina Lee :

Hi chingu! I'm glad there's someone out there talking about Midas! It was one of really memorable drama for me, very 'not' forgettable for sure.

The chaebol family which is the portrait centre of main story involving, is one of hella truly chaebol indeed. The show well put together to show their richness, the un-equality aura they have compare to commoners/peasants, the depth of their desire and complexity as one of biggest economy power in Korea. So u have ground,motive, and a drawn hero to be rooted for.

Sure you won't take them lightly. I haven't watched EOG tho :(

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20 Nessie

September 17, 2015 at 9:49 PM

If they went full on later in the story where she became so twisted YP had to stop her oooohhhh boy what a sight to see!
This is such a nice reversal of roles, I hope they handle it well. Yet at the same time I don't want them to dumb down YP into being a puppet too much, I miss his action scenes.

KTH's makeup at the end was so on point! Dayum girl can rock those red lips.

Thanks for the recap!

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21 SS

September 17, 2015 at 10:13 PM

Is it just me or every time an odd numbered episode recap comes up, I need the next to discuss it properly.

oh you're being modest @SS, episode 14 is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay much better. be ready guys for episode 14

22 Barb

September 17, 2015 at 10:16 PM

Wow, the ratings for this show have really spiked in Korea. I haven't seen a show with such high ratings in a long time. I wonder what made this show different to get the ratings.

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23 k-pop

September 17, 2015 at 11:10 PM

The two faces of Yeojin... From a lovable wife to taehyun then next shes the queen crocodile at its finest ready to eat her enemies alive. kimtaehee's doing a good job in this drama. The way she transforms back to back...
Taehyun really loves her. I hope she realizes not to go too far in her revenge before its too late. Their chemistry is daebak! Joowon and Jo hyun Jae ... great acting too.
Before YP ends, i wish the Han siblings can bury their painful past and will reconcile.

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24 sunandhearts

September 17, 2015 at 11:11 PM

"He’s comforted at least by hearing the chief of security putting in a call to So-hyun’s caretakers in the States, grinning at the mere thought of revenge."

Isn't it that the Chief of Security was now working for Yeo Jin? That call was to put a protection for So Hyun and not to harm her? Or did I misunderstood that scene?

And I think this episode has answered the concerns of others in the previous episode like why did Yeo Jin entrust the "one usb" to Secretary just like that; and whether Yeo Jin only planned to have Tae Hyun save her from Do Joon. Yeo Jin definitely already had a plan even before seeing her dad's video. The plan was just strengthened further with the help of dad's will and usb.

September 18, 2015 at 12:30 AM

what's the issue with the scar face guy? I don't think YJ is aware of that guy's existence.
They buried him alive. I hope Do chul make it on time and save that guy.. seriously, who's the one behind all the killings?
I still don't believe it's YJ..no matter she wanted to..

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

September 18, 2015 at 12:37 AM

Maybe there will another twist on this drama, for now we have seen how scary YJ is and has a doubt whether she is actually order the killing. I have a feeling that Chief Min maybe has his own agenda that we cannot foresee yet.

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shirayukihime

September 18, 2015 at 12:46 AM

Th should have trusted his wife then. Trust is important for a married couple. That Chief min he's mysterious. The way he laughs when YJ reveals him about the usb.
What do you think will happen to YJ and the hanshin group if that acct book will be known to public?
I just hope that there is really no slush fund /secret account book.
I think do joon and that prosecutor general is planning something.

shirayukihime

September 18, 2015 at 12:34 AM

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