Hye Jin made me want to cut her today. I don't have time for her noble idiocy. Just because she is willing to give him up does not mean he is automatically going to fall for her self-destructive best friend. This must be Sung Joon's karma for being an ass for three episodes, which the show conveniently glossed over as he is near perfect now. "If you give me a hug, I might get energized." "Because of you, I'm not okay." Is he trying to kill me?

Does Sung Joon not remember Hari from his childhood? His family moved into her family's house, and Little Hye Jin must have mentioned her best friend to him. He seemed to interrogate Hari without recognizing her name. Since Sung Joon practically grew up in Hye Jin's house, shouldn't he have noticed a resemblance between pre-makeover Hye Jin and his future father-in-law? I am glad Hye Rin now calls him "oppa." I was confused why she used to call him "ahjussi" since I would think unni's chingu equals oppa. And in the words of Ahn Yo Na: "If you're handsome, you're my oppa."

I teared up when Hari wrote "I will sincerely be rooting for you and Hye Jin" in her letter. I am so spoiled by the Misaeng heart-lights that I am going to expect them in every drama from now on. They made our first loves' reunion so romantic. Last week's baseball preemption really threw off She Was Pretty's schedule. Episode 11 is a classic odd-numbered episode -- frustrating plot with no cliffhanger but will redeem itself tomorrow -- while Episode 10 was the mother of all cliffhangers. I cannot sympathize with Hye Jin's bawling in the airport because obviously Hari is not leaving. Thanks for the recap, LollyPip!

I was frustrated throughout this episode. This wasn't what I was expecting after the awesomeness of the last episode. Every character, except Sung Joon, was acting with such random and totally stupid reasons.

I read a lot of translated comments about people being frustrated with Hye-jin and it's understandable that it's always frustrating to be at this point in a drama and reach the Noble Idiocy stage, but I also completely understand Hye-jin here. I personally feel like it's NOT Noble Idiocy in the sense that we've been given a good build-up for what Ha-ri and Hye-jin mean to each other, and Ha-ri's been AS MUCH (if not more, since she's been around the entire time) of a friend of Hye-jin's as Sung-joon was. Which is what Sung-joon understands as well, because he's been her friend and he knows what that means. Ha-ri genuinely means that much to Hye-jin, and Ha-ri's made some unfortunate choices, but it's clear that Hye-jin means that much to her as well, we've been shown so many glimpses of how they've stuck together through the years, how much they've supported, encouraged each other and continue to.

And even now I'd say their "break-up" is not because of Sung-joon, it's because Ha-ri personally feels so guilty about what she did that she can't stand Hye-jin being her usual self and gaining forgiveness which she feels doesn't deserve (guilty enough that she's previously been hospitalised for its effects). Usually noble idiocy involves completely ridiculous reasons, which could easily be resolved through communication, but here, it feels to me like a genuine dilemma, in that I don't see Sung-joon/Hye-jin mattering MORE to Hye-jin than Hye-jin/Ha-ri. Usually it's like it you love the guy, you should fight the odds for him-- but what if you don't love the guy over and above the best friend? It might not make her happier to be with Sung-joon if Ha-ri was hurt, which means her act isn't purely sacrificial. And Ha-ri clearly doesn't want to stand in their way, but also can't help the way she feels, and Hye-jin is acknowledging that, and I personally find that interesting. I love their relationship, I love that it's centralised and important (maybe more important than romantic love) and I've always found the Ha-ri hate OTT. I think the opinion was pretty unanimous that Ha-ri shouldn't have gone after Sung-joon knowing he was Hye-jin's first love (legit not even current or ex), so why would Hye-jin go all-out for a guy knowing Ha-ri feels deeply about him. Just because the public perception of Ha-ri changed doesn't necessarily mean Hye-jin lost their years of friendship and unconditional love as well.

Romantic love is always posited as all-important in dramas, so I love that we're getting other kinds of love that may even trump it.

I personnaly like that Hye-Jin still cares about Ha-Ri feelings. Sometimes friendship is just as important as romance and I think that if HJ can forgive SJ for the way he was with her, she can forgive HR.

I don't thinks she wants to hold off SJ forever but just wait a little until HR can resolve and explain herself properly to SJ.

Hari made the bad and immature decision (again) by leaving but maybe she will grow and learn from her mistakes.

I want to root for Hari and Hyejin's friendship so much because they are so sweet and caring with each other. Sometimes I feel like female friendship is often underrated in dramaland. There often can be no betrayal from a girl friend unless she is actually a villain with a (BIG) agenda.
Whereas bromance is enhanced, what with the boys doing each other theit worst and us still rooting for them to be friend and to cuddle and to joke and to hug (that School 2013 Bromance though).

I like that this drama is taking the stance of saying : Yes she made a mistake but they are still friend and they still love each other deeply.

Also, Shin-Hyuk. *heartbreak*

p.s, this is hella long, i had to stop myself cause i wanted to write more lol.

I genuinely loved ep 11 the more i watched it, it may have not been the fluffy cute ep i was expecting but it was interesting surprise for me nonetheless, although the focus was more on HR and HJ relationship, it was interesting to watch. Of course we had a moment of noble idiocy from HJ which fits with her characters selflessness nature but also highlights how that can be a flaw. Poor SJ had no idea what happened but he didnt give up or believe her answers. Before i get to HR and HJ, i have to say i loved how SJ couldn't handle being just classmates, he tried so hard, so much so that it was making him tear up. His so in love with her it hurts my heart.

What i love in this ep is how SJ instead of being angry at HJ was just so relived and happy, its like the chains that were shackling him disappeared and all the feelings were rushing out, he was trying not to cry in the car but failing completely . The part were SJ was saying “ i missed you.. Kim hye jin shi” and he kept going because HJ didnt understand “ its been a while... Jye jin ah” and i was like ahhhh, i loved those lines, its was such a awesome moment in itself and HJ reaction.

Their reunion on the streets had me all teary and so happy. SJ just kept apologizing and blaming himself for not recognizing her and jung eums acting here was really wonderful as well, its great when you have two excellent actors playing of each other, makes the scene more awesome. The scene felt so heart warming and sweet especially when we got to see little SJ and HJ together. Also SJ just couldnt keep his hands of her, touching her face and moving her hair.

HJ and her selflessness and kind nature, though she does view things stuff a little differently, but at the same time i understand even though HR dug her own grave. Like HJ said HR is more then a friend, she is family just as much as SJ is, both of them matter a lot to her. HJ has seen how HR is constantly going out with sleezy guys and putting her self down as well as her worth, so it must have been kind of big to actually like a guy, genuinely like him.also i feel like HJ understands more because she understands how lies can snowball until you cant handle it anymore and dont have the courage to. What i like is that when SJ and HJ were talking at her house outside, she wants to sort stuff out with HR before she can be happy and start something officially with SJ. And its wonderful to see SJ being so understanding, i agree his flaw can also be his biggest strength. He understands and HJ isnt sacrificing one relationship for another, its just HR is #1 priority right now cause thats the biggest problem at the moment. HR is such a mess and seems to be really damaged just like her mum she is running away, i felt bad for her, she seems to genuinely be hurting as well, and she doesnt understand why HJ isnt mad, although i think HJ was mad when she had a little burst...

This show started to lose its fun ? I want to know which one is hurt HR more, because she is felt guilty or because of her first love? The reaction from HJ is smh for me, too kind..

Anyway, in my opinion, if HJ and SJ reunite before HJ transformed, it might be more touching moment.

I'm losing some faith in this show - when Shin-hyuk is sad, so am I! I think I'm rooting for his happiness more than Seong-joon.

I think Hari would have felt less guilty and heartbroken if Sung Joon had heard her out and accepted her apology. Now, she is not only heart broken, she's also feeling very ashamed. It's the shame she feels that makes her lie to Hye jin and want to run away. I believe if Hari had resolved things with Sung Joon civilly, if not amicably, she would still be able to hold up her head in front of her friend, but the way Sung Joon brushed her off without fully hearing what she had to say was quite off putting.

To his credit, I really can't blame him because Hari left her confession way too late, after the ship had already left the port, so to speak. He wasn't ready to hear her explanations after piecing it all together. What rankles with me is that in his single minded pursuit in going after the woman he cares about, he often burns, slights, belittles or mistreats others.

First it was Hari he was being nice to, and Hye jin bore the brunt of his ire, now the tables have turned, but I am guessing Hye jin has not forgotten what it feels like to be on the receiving end of his anger. I am sure this, in no small way, is part of her concerns for her friend Hari. The truth is that Hye jin will never feel truly comfortable with Song Joon until Hari is in a happy space, and I don’t see this as noble idiocy, but more of a representation of the deep caring and affection between the two women. Especially when Hye jin knows she's responsible for this whole farce by being dishonest in the beginning.

Okay so I have read a few comments here that seem frustrated about Hye Jin's sudden avoidance of romance with Sung Joon. Though I understand their stand point, I understand Hye Jin's current decision better. Although most would probably prefer them to be together NOW and get on with the fluffy and sweet scenes with our couple, I think it wasn't the right time for them to have that. If they did get together now, I would have probably felt some sort of resentment towards Hye Jin for almost like throwing/ignoring her friendship with Ha Ri. It would have also felt totally opposite to Hye Jin's character. I love that the writers gave the main characters the decency to be honest with their feelings and each other. It's just so refreshing for a kdrama, which more often than not likes using misunderstanding as a plot drive.

And although we know it was Nobody's fault but Ha Ri's that the backlash of her lies are so bad, I don't think she "deserves" what's happening. A friendship like theirs doesn't deserve an ending like that.

ok, i may be in the minority but im a lover of melo and angst, so if it gets a bit angsty in the coming up, im all set for it. i usually like my rom com with a side of angst in it, personally i find it really satisfying, i live for it, ok maybe not in real life lol. i like it when its not straight sweet and fluff not that im saying thats bad. though all the angsty,drama seeds seemed to have been planted in previous eps, and now it seems to be coming into fruition now, from HR and her mum, HR and HJ although i feel like that maybe sorted out in ep 12, the possible closure of MOST mixed in with SH depending on whether or not his the chairman's son and what role he will play after i previous eps, HJ said he will complicate things, also on soompi forum there was also a mention of SJ's dad. personally im really interested to see whats going to happen

I hope that SH is leaving Korea's most to return to Most HQs to have a talk with them. If SH is really the nephew of the chief editor/someone who has some say in the organisation, he will be able to do something to prevent Korea Most from disbanding.

Great recap! Thanks, LollyPip, like always!

You know, this is a show where I don't hate or dislike any character at all. I understand why they do the things they do without getting mad at them because they're each flawed to a certain point and that's what makes them interesting. I want all of them to have a happy ending.

LollyPip, I agree so much at how beautiful their expressions were when they saw each other in the street. Hwang Jung-eum was so good in that scene. I think about the times she was ready to confess to him, and I remember thinking how mad he'd get, and how anxious I was. But when she started tearing up, all I saw was relief that he finally knew. That told me she was always confident that he would react that way, happy to finally meet his old friend rather than angry at her for lying. And that is why they belong together. They understand each other, they are just happy to be with each other. Sung-joon was so on in this episode. He's always been honest, but this time it's the good kind. No silliness, no drama, no time for misunderstandings--please, we need more guys like this dramaland!

I do like that the girls' friendship was front and center in this episode. The show started out with them, so it should make sense that that's where the angst is. I think we were all expecting the angst to be from Sung-joon's discovery, which is why I absolutely loved that he was so accepting of Hye-jin and forgave her right away. He pretty much blamed himself for being oblivious, just like Hye-jin blamed herself for Ha-ri's situation. It's no wonder they're together! Again, I can't praise the writer enough for doing things that are different from other shows. I like being surprised.

For example, we've had an airport scene, a back hug scene, dishonesty, literal lovesickness, and true love--ALL between best friends and not between the OTP. My love for this show is just ever-growing, and I can't stop saying how much I love it.

I totally get Ha-ri leaving. She is escaping her guilt, but I think she's found the time to be with her mom and she is too ashamed to live with Hye-jin. It's that thing where when you want someone to be angry with you, and they're understanding instead, it's that much worse. It means that your lie, which you built up in your head to be the worst thing you could ever do to your loved one, wasn't actually a big deal at all.

Insanely, almost stupifyingly great little story. I don't do cute but this show is killing me with cuteness and I love it.

Ahh... recap for the roller coster ep is here~
Probably becuase this is ep 11, which if we follow standard kdrama rules, is when conflicts are introduced, the start to angsty ride & lots of stupid misunderstandings & cliches

First off, I really like how HJ react when she received SJ's call. Her facial expression change the mement she realised SJ know the truth. I really applaud her in that scene. And their scene together afterwards is so cute & I totally swoon.
I think only SJ making progress in this ep. He takes no time telling exactly how he feels, calm & understanding when HJ wants to take things slow, resolve misunderstanding quickly.
Another one that makes me happy is when SJ asking HJ to explain her behavior calmly. In most kdrama, it always ended up in shouting match & more understanding. And I glad he tell her exactly how he feels and put an end to that noble idiocy act. That scene at HJ parent house is swoon worthy~~
Although I understand HJ pov, I wish she just tell him rather than acting all strange (again) around him. Just becuase you know HR like SJ, pushing him away to HR doesnt make them fall in love suddenly. Dont treat him like a ball you 2 friends pass around.
And I'm glad that HJ & HR had that fight because things wont get resolve if all are acting fine & dandy tbh. Altho I kinda mad at HR for leaving just like that. I know she probably feels guilty & need time to get over her feelings towards SJ but leaving without saying anything only making HJ feeling guiltier. Since they has been friends since young, shouldnt she understand HJ at least by that much?
Another one that irked me is SH. They started SH being so level headed but then he skip work for days because HJ rejected him? Sure he probably wants to distance himself from HJ but acting like that hurt the most more than HJ tho. And she plainly tell him that she like SJ, so you already know her feeling and has no chance dude.
But, I think it is so unnecessary for HJ tried to give SH money. Dude already feeling down got rejected, no need to pour salt & vinegar on his fresh wound.

Hopefully we will get good ep 12 and few things get resolve. Since SWP always fast pace, hopefully they continue with that. But our otp found each other so early like this do makes me nervous tbh. Pls dont introduce new character (like HR's mom. why?) & unnecessary side story.

This episode was strange. I know SWP is not a logic show but this pushed things even more.

I love that HJ puts so much value on her friendship with Hari, it's about time kdramas talk more about this and it's very nicely done in this show but I still think she accepted too easily and later had no real reason not to tell SungJoon straight away why she was acting distant. I mean, you hide for all that time and when you finally start talking you begin lying again the very next day? Not the best idea.

What happened with SHK??? If everybody who had a crush on someone at the office quit, the business world would be in constant chaos.

Hari would be too guilty to have that fight with her too, it doesn't match how she felt the earlier episode, sloppy writing.

Wow Lollypip, your recap got me emotional all over again. Towards the end as I was reading about Hye Jin crying her heart out at the airport, I could feel tears starting to well up in me again..

And can I say I'll double that ~swoooon~, maybe triple? Sung Joon's totally gOT me now. Your assessment of Sung Joon's honesty was right-on-point, and that whole paragraph made my stomach flutter a little as I was reading it especially how Sung Joon was "gently insistent " on Hye Jin telling him the truth.

""The one I like, is you.” When they were kids, it was her, and when he didn’t know who she was, it was her. Now, and in the future, it’s her. Well, ~swoon~." YES, Swooning big time. :)

Thanks again Lollypip!

As I reflected on Hye Jin's total jitteryness around Seong Joon in Ep 10 and then her backpeddling in ep 11, I get the distinct feeling that Hye Jin is comfortable in the role of caretaker and friend - but not comfortable with romance because that requires receiving.

It freaked her out to be the focus of Seong Joon's hug (clearly a protective and comforting connection) and then his stares (eye contact is a soul to soul connection), and then his determination to state the truth of where they are in their relationship ("it was you then, it's now you, and it will always be you"), she's in new position to be the receiver, rather than the giver. That's kinda scary if you're not good at receiving love.

Ha Ri, yes, there is devoted friendship there - but I think Hye Jin isn't that noble, she's just scared. I would be. Seong Joon is intense and bossy and has a panther stare which is disconcerting. I can't get that "you're fired" scene out of my head. It could mean he's gonna be not so great when he's in denial or avoiding something, or splitting hairs with his intuitive critical logic. When he's good he's very very good, but when he's bad, he's horrid.

Maybe she's scared to be with him, and Ha Ri's abandonment leaves her very vulnerable with no one to "care" for emotionally facing the reality of Seong Joon by herself. Shin Hyuk is the safety net - he's safe. Shin Hyuk, pony up and pursue her!

I don't know. Personally, I kinda felt let down by this episode with all the Ha Ri stuff. Get in there and find out who Hye Jin really is. Make Seong Joon slowly woo her - and rebuild the trust that he damaged in the first episodes. Love is one thing, but trust is a whole other animal.

Okay, here's an IF question:

IF Hari had never found out that Hye Jin knows about her still seeing Sung Joon under her identity....

AND, just to take it back a little further,

IF Hari had never found out that Hye Jin was planning on telling Sung Joon the truth,

Would she have continued to charade around as Hye Jin, despite her physical manifestations of her guilt, and continue to see him during his entire 3 months in Korea?????