Oh My Venus: Episode 13
by LollyPip
In the aftermath of near-tragedy, everyone takes a step back to re-evaluate what’s really important. Confessions are made, relationships are altered, and nobody comes through it unscathed. But in some ways, even a terrible event can bring about positive change, and it’s possible to come through to the other side even stronger than before.
EPISODE 13 RECAP
As Uncle chases down Joon-sung in Young-ho’s car, Young-ho follows, desperate to save his friend. He swerves into Uncle’s car which stops him from ramming into Joon-sung, but in the process Young-ho flips his own car.
Uncle isn’t unscathed, his car having crashed into a couple of other cars nearby, and he gets out despite being injured. He sees a car with a familiar license plate, and he’s horrified to realize that it’s his own sister, and she’s badly hurt.
Joon-sung sees the accident and realizes that it’s Young-ho who was in the car that flipped, and he’s injured, bleeding and unconscious. Joon-sung grows frantic, screaming and crying, trying fruitlessly to free Young-ho. But Young-ho is pinned by the steering wheel, which is jammed into his bad knee. Thank goodness Manager Min also followed Young-ho, and he takes over from the desperate Joon-sung to staunch the bleeding in Young-ho’s leg and call for help.
As Young-ho is rushed to surgery, his gurney is wheeled right past a shocked Dad. He flashes back to Young-ho as a child, begging him to not make him go through surgery again. I think I prefer the crying, pleading Young-ho to the frightening way he lies, still and silent, on the operating table now.
Manager Min is beside himself with guilt, and he apologizes to Dad for letting this happen. Dad just says in his stoic way that there’s no sense getting upset over what’s done — they just have to get through it.
Stepmom is also in surgery to repair abdominal injuries, and Uncle sits outside on the floor waiting for news, looking pale and frightened.
Ji-woong arrives at the hospital to find Joon-sung still covered in Young-ho’s blood. He tries to run to Young-ho but Joon-sung silently holds him back. It’s Ji-woong’s turn to collapse in tears, while Joon-sung tries weakly to comfort him.
Still waiting for her son (and wearing the red coat he gave her, awww), Joon-sung’s mother tries to call him, but he’s not answering. Joo-eun also waits for Young-ho, with a bad feeling due to a broken mirror and her intuition. She’s in a daze the next morning at work, growing more worried the longer it’s been since she’s heard from Young-ho.
Joon-sung does finally show up at his mother’s the next morning, looking contrite and exhausted and terrified beyond words. His mother is visibly relieved that he’s okay, and when Joon-sung’s chin starts to wobble and he ekes out a tiny, lost, ”M… mom,” she folds him into a hug and they both cry. She promises to hug him often from now on.
Stepmom comes through surgery battered but ultimately okay, so Uncle goes to sit by Young-joon’s bedside until he wakes. Young-joon asks for his mom and Uncle tells him she’ll be here soon, and asks why Young-joon would deliberately overdose.
Young-joon says through tears that he was there at the anniversary celebration and heard what Uncle said on the phone to his mother, and sobs that he feels responsible. Without him around, everyone could stop being so greedy about Gahong.
Full of regret, Uncle consoles Young-joon and admits that he was the one who did something stupid, and that he’s sorry. Later he calls Woo-shik to the hospital and makes a personal request, though we don’t hear what it is.
Soo-jin is absent from work for the second day in a row, giving Joo-eun one more thing to worry about. She drives to Soo-jin’s place to check on her, trying again to call Young-ho on the way, but with no luck.
Young-ho’s doctor tells the family that he’s finally waking up, and that his injuries aren’t life-threatening. But despite their best efforts, the damage to his leg is extensive, and it’s doubtful that he may ever walk again. Dad is in danger of losing his iron compoure, and it doesn’t help when Manager Min tells him that Young-ho and Stepmom were both hurt while trying to stop Uncle. Dad gets a steely look in his eye, and growls to Manager Min to take care of this.
Joo-eun gets no response when she knocks on Soo-jin’s door, so she lets herself in (never use your birthday as your passcode, people!) and finds Soo-jin in bed with a migraine. She makes the grouchy Soo-jin something to eat, noticing the medication and half-drunk glass of wine by the bed, and decides to level with Soo-jin.
She tells her to treat her body better, and not to take medication with wine. She also tells her to change her passcode, and to apologize — but not for stealing Woo-shik. Joo-eun is hurt that after Soo-jin passed the bar and moved, she never contacted Joo-eun again and ignored all of her emails. Then when she came back, she only ever said they were classmates, when in reality they were good friends.
Joo-eun demands an apology again in a loud voice, then immediately deflates and sits on the bed with Soo-jin. Soo-jin looks taken aback by Joo-eun’s outburst but she doesn’t take her seriously, so Joo-eun hauls off and smacks her. Hard, and repeatedly.
That breaks the ice and the whole story finally comes out — how Soo-jin was treated by the blind date that Joo-eun arranged, and how he said that Joo-eun pitied her. Soo-jin also wails that Joo-eun knew how much Soo-jin liked Lee Ji-hoon but got his number for herself. Joo-eun tells her what really happened that day, that Lee Ji-hoon was trying to hook her up with a talent manager, and that’s whose number he gave her.
She asks if this trivial stuff is why Soo-jin has been acting this way, but Soo-jin says she could have died from being so lonely and miserable. They keep calling each other “bitch,” but the heat goes out of the word with each repeat, which is oddly sweet.
Soo-jin grumps for Joo-eun to apologize first, and Joo-eun says that she never even knew any of this, but she does apologize. Soo-jin says that Woo-shik approached her first, and Joo-eun actually believes her. She knows he wouldn’t fall for someone just because they threw themselves at him. So what he feels for Soo-jin must be genuine.
Joo-eun really is over Woo-shik, but she whines that relationships are hard for her when Soo-jin asks about Young-ho. She starts to sob in earnest, releasing all the stress that’s built up, and Soo-jin almost pats her back to comfort her. She doesn’t, but she does mutter that she’s glad she didn’t change her passcode. Awww.
Ji-woong looks nervous as a cat on the way to see Young-ho, scared he’ll cry in front of his hyung. Considering his wobbly chin, I think he’s about to lose that battle, and so is Joon-sung. They warn each other not to cry, no matter what.
It’s so sweet that Young-ho’s first words are to ask if Joon-sung saw his mother, and to tell him not to feel responsible for this. Of course, this makes Joon-sung cry after all. Ji-woong babbles about nothing in his attempt not to cry, but it’s hopeless for him as well. Even Young-ho lets a tear fall.
Joo-eun calls Joon-sung, who asks Young-ho what he should tell her. Young-ho doesn’t want her seeing him like this, or to see her cry over him, and he seems terrified to think what may happen to him. Ji-woong says determinedly that he’s going to pray for a miracle, and Young-ho sends them both away.
Ji-woong and Joon-sung arrive back at the villa to find Joo-eun waiting for them, and they conspicuously avoid telling her where Young-ho is. She knows from their behavior that he must be in a lot of pain somewhere (which makes Joon-sung go all wibbly again — such a softie), but they won’t tell her where he is.
She gets upset, and says that she’ll find him if she has to search every hospital on the planet. They finally cave, and the three of them go back to the hospital together. Joo-eun literally runs, frantic to see Young-ho, with the boys trailing behind her.
The minions stop her from entering Young-ho’s room, and Manager Min tells Joo-eun that Young-ho doesn’t want to see her. She tells Min that she never listens to Young-ho anyway, begging him to just let her see if he’s okay, and calls out to Young-ho from the hall.
Inside, Young-ho opens his eyes, and he checks his phone to see the multiple calls and messages she’s left him. His breathing speeds up and he’s crying, and he sends her a text: “Tap tap.” It reminds her of how he always taps her to make her stop what she’s doing, and she collapses to the floor. He’s tapping out.
Manager Min lets her go as far as Young-ho’s door, knowing that she’ll respect his wishes. She calls to him through the door, saying that it’s not fair for him to tap out like this, but she understands why he’s doing it… because he feels that the best thing to be is healthy. But she reminds him that she’s stubborn — she doesn’t care how long it takes, she’ll wait for him to come back.
She reminds him that if he’s still hanging in there, it means he hasn’t reached his limit, and tells him to believe in himself. It’s okay with her if he’s not healthy, or handsome, or sexy, as long as he comes back to her.
She apologizes through her tears for not telling him sooner how much she loves him, and hearing that, Young-ho starts to cry along with her. He feebly tries to get up but he can barely move, and can only lay in bed and sob.
Grandma comes to visit Stepmom, furious at Uncle and threatening to rip him to shreds. She credits Stepmom’s interference with saving Young-ho’s life, but Stepmom can only apologize over and over. Still, Grandma suggests that they cut ties now, as if they never met. Dad takes Grandma’s hand to lead her away, but she shakes it off.
Joo-eun holds it together until she gets home, where the sight of the two bandages from Young-ho makes her legs go out from under her. She sits on the floor in the dark, and lets her tears flow.
Uncle sits in his office at Gahong, thinking of how he secured a place for his sister and Young-joon to stay, and had asked Woo-shik to arrange everything. Instead of agreeing to go, Stepmom had told him about Young-ho’s osteosarcoma, and how he spent half his life in hospitals.
She’d told Uncle that Young-ho was her husband’s son and Young-joon’s half-brother, asking why he would do such an evil thing. But Uncle isn’t as repentant as he seemed, and had argued that there’s nobody to take care of her and his nephew, but him. She agrees that their family is flawed, but at least she had a family, and a wonderful son, and was happy.
Soo-jin handles the legal settlement between Uncle and Young-ho, which also signals the end of Uncle’s employment at Gahong. Soo-jin and Woo-shik talk privately afterward, where he assures her that he’s not angry at her for doing her job, even though Uncle was his boss.
Soo-jin tells Woo-shik that she’s aware of the VVIP medical center proposal (the one Young-ho refused to sign off on), and that she thought it seemed unlike the rule-following Woo-shik she knows, to be involved in a shady deal. He admits that he was ambitious and willing to overlook the problems in the deal. As for getting involved with PD Go, he says he was too single-minded about getting revenge on Young-ho to think about the consequences.
As he’s leaving, Soo-jin drops the bomb that she and Joo-eun had a big fight. But she’s teasing Woo-shik, and jokes that women solve problems by fighting just like men do. Did Woo-shik just pout? He totally just pouted.
Soo-jin says that Joo-eun told her that he must be sincere about his feelings for her, and they both grin. Soo-jin smiles that it’s easier to talk about Joo-eun with him now, and Woo-shik is all So you’re good? Then let’s go get something to eat. Typical guy.
Joo-eun rings in the new year (2015) with her mom and brother in Daegu, and her mom notices that she’s particularly grouchy lately. Mom asks if Joo-eun will get married to that guy who makes her smile, which touches a nerve, but Joo-eun promises that Mom will meet him soon. She doesn’t sound so sure about it, though.
Everything reminds Joo-eun of Young-ho — the blanket they slept under that night, her brother taking care of his pregnant girlfriend, even her medication. She keeps up with her exercises, remembers to watch her posture, and eats right. But she can’t help but worry about Young-ho, and cries often, even in front of clients.
Time passes, and before Joo-eun knows it, it’s Christmas Eve nearly a year later. During that year Joon-sung wins the RCF championship, and Ji-woong decides to apply to the Marines again after being rejected for the sixth time. Joo-eun still sees Young-ho everywhere, smiling and holding his arms out for a hug. But it’s only her imagination.
Until the day it isn’t, and when Joo-eun steels herself to walk through Young-ho’s apparition as usual, she bonks right into his chest. Young-ho isn’t even surprised, and just smiles at her, then wraps a pink scarf around her neck. “It’s been a long time, Kang Joo-eun.”
Joo-eun reaches a trembling hand to touch Young-ho’s face, and lets out a relieved sigh to realize that it’s really him. Her eyes go to his leg, which he stomps to prove that he’s all healed up.
Without a word, Young-ho grabs Joo-eun in a tight hug.
COMMENTS
Aww, I’m glad that didn’t last long. Or at least, it didn’t last long for us as viewers. I was worried the show would make us suffer for an episode or two before reuniting Young-ho and Joo-eun, but clearly it knows what it’s got going for it. We’re all here because the two of them together light up our screens.
I can’t help but continue to be impressed with Joo-eun and her priorities — she’s just a lady who is doing it all right. When she confronted Soo-jin and demanded an apology, she had so many issues she could have been upset over, but the one that’s hurting her most is the one that most of us would probably consider least urgent. Not that Soo-jin has been treating her like crap at work, or even that she pretty much stole Joo-eun’s boyfriend of fifteen years — no, Joo-eun is most hurt by the fact that Soo-jin let their friendship drop after she finished school. Leave it to Joo-eun to place friendship above work and romance — and then to resort to childish violence when Soo-jin doesn’t get it. Hey, nobody’s perfect. But I just adore her, and she makes me want to be a better person. And apparently she’s rubbing off on Soo-jin too, who seems much happier and lighter since their fight. I’m looking forward to seeing them become friends again.
I really appreciate the theme of communication that weaves its way through all of the character’s relationships in this show, and how it can alter events drastically depending on how it’s handled. There are so many examples of bad communication, such as Soo-jin and Joo-eun’s entire college history, or how Young-ho’s father never talks to anyone, much less Young-ho himself, about his feelings and fears for his son. And the show makes it clear that this is definitely not the way to be, because it causes so much hurt and misunderstanding. Just one honest conversation could clear up so many things, if only people would just talk to each other when something comes up in the first place — but a lack of communication can ruin relationships for decades, or even lifetimes.
And then there’s the counterpoint of Young-ho and Joo-eun’s relationship, in which they’ve made it a priority to be honest and talk to each other at every crucial moment. They don’t talk things to death, but they make sure the other knows what’s going on with them, and how they feel about each other. And if one starts to refuse to talk for whatever reason, like Young-ho’s reluctance to talk about his phantom pain, the other doesn’t let them withdraw and back away. They manage to draw each other out in a positive way, and talk just enough to keep each other in the loop, which lets them support each other in the way they need to be supported. It’s such a healthy way to relate to each other, which I think is why I love their relationship so much. In a Dramaland where miscommunication, non-communication, and misunderstanding drives so many drama plots, it’s refreshing to see a couple who just talks to each other.
So it’s fitting that the real conflict in the show is seeing that communication being put in danger, and it’s refreshing to see that rather than the usual amnesia or Noble Idiocy. Okay I guess it could be argued that Young-ho’s year-long disappearance is a sort of Noble Idiocy, but I don’t think it’s the same thing. He never broke up with Joo-eun, and he didn’t cut contact in some misguided attempt to save her from his situation. He simply needed the time to get healthy without the added concern of seeing Joo-eun being worried and burdened by him. And given his feelings that a healthy body is the sexiest thing in the world, I can see why he would be ashamed to be seen by the woman he loves, in a state he finds humiliating. Not that I think it was the best way to handle things, and as a viewer I could have done without it, or even enjoyed seeing Joo-eun helping young-ho get better the same way he helped her get healthy again. Still, I’m happy that it didn’t last long, because there’s nothing better than Young-ho and Joo-eun together and in love.
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1 lolalarue
December 30, 2015 at 3:25 AM
I love that this drama continuously manages to avoid the pitfalls of so many kdramaland tropes. We've luckily swerved the boring chaebal/business hijinks by brining it back to what it was really all about, family. We've managed to save Soo Jin and Woo Sik, by finally letting the girls talk out their problems (I guess that manages to redeem him though I still don't really care about him). Can we talk yet again about how Joo Eun is so freaking awesome? I'm glad the girls got to have that conversation. So long overdue and perhaps something that Soo Jin should have learned to do years ago (fight and them make up - something all adults need to learn I think).
That conversation at the hospital was so heartrending.
Oh man I was an emotional wreck for most of the episode. I was bawling for the first 30 minutes.
Grandma just really can't unclench enough to show an ounce of kindness can she?
Poor Youngo Ho's dad! Both sons in the hospital at the same time and no way to deal with his own emotions!
Just love the little family groups that have been created. Young Ho, Joon Sung, Ji Woong. Bit sad that during the Young H/Joo Eun separation she didn't see the boys but I guess she needed to be appropriately sad while he was healing? Stubborn mule! I suppose he needed the incentive of going back to her, and he couldn't trust the boys not to spill? I don't really understand this bit but I accept it for it's thematic purpose (give us tears before we smile).
Holy heck, the Young Ho mirage at the end, made me laugh! I knew it was going to happen as soon as the second Young HO showed up but I still couldn't help myself.
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2 yyyy
December 30, 2015 at 3:32 AM
too good
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3 ChocoChip
December 30, 2015 at 3:48 AM
Honestly, I was a little disappointed watching this episode. I can understand that Young Ho would want to take the path of trying to do everything on his own without having Joo Eun see him at her worst, but to just separate for as long as they did just felt weird to me. He helped Joo Eun through her own health problems, but she couldn't do the same. What if they had been married or had children together when this happened? Would he still just disappear like that?
I was also a little bothered by how happy strings are just being tied on every situation, especially with Soo Jin and Woo Shik. With one little conversation, all the problems they were having together are solved? Are all of Woo Shik's sins forgiven just like that because he gave explanations for the reasons behind his actions?
I still don't understand why that older brother thought running Young Ho off the road would fix everything. I'm seeing a lot of flaws in the script writing, but I'm willing to overlook them because I love fluffy and happy dramas. :)
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Sue
December 30, 2015 at 5:30 AM
TOTAL AGREEMENT! I'm more than a little disappointed, I'm totally pissed. I think this was the perfect opportunity to turn the roles around. She could have helped him and taught him one more of the sweet things in life: the power of unconditional love. And he would have learned that it is okay to be show your weaknesses and fears to your partner and accept their help. Instead she spent a year sighing and crying, without any communication from him. Honestly, this is not what relationships are all about.
Also, if "He simply needed the time to get healthy without the added concern of seeing Joo-eun being worried and burdened by him" that is just selfish. He didn't think it would be worse to have her worrying not knowing what is happening? Ridiculous.
My husband had cancer, and if he had said to me "Meet me in a year when the treatment is over" he wouldn't have had to wait for the cancer to kill him, because I probably would have done it right there and then. That was my right as his partner, to stand beside him when times got tough. It is part of the deal when you agree to be with someone out of pure love.
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ita
December 30, 2015 at 6:44 AM
Hear Hear! Am extremely surprised that not many people commented on that!
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Sula
December 30, 2015 at 7:28 AM
+1
There is nothing healthy about a relationship where one half disappears for a year!
I was so upset that no one even bothered to call her to tell her he was in the hospital! She was frantic with worry all night. That seemed really cruel.
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Nena
January 6, 2016 at 2:51 PM
Exactly what I thought! On top of his ludicrous decision (of shunning her out for a year), WHY, why didn't his friends, HER friends, call her when they found out about the accident??
pickledplumtree
December 30, 2015 at 12:13 PM
I agree with both of you! It was absurd. I think the whole kdrama cliche with lunatics trying to solve life problems by causing a car crash, and in this case, 3 lunatics all doing the same thing, was so cheap. So unnecessary! I liked the drama up until then.
And let's be real, he doesn't want to see her "tears" for her sake? He doesn't want her to see him because of ego and pride. Period. It would have been a hard year, but it would have been a lot better if they could have helped each other through it.
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jusash
December 30, 2015 at 1:59 PM
Agree in part on "ego and pride". The sexy teasing coach who associates sexy with healthy. He's not feeling sexy nor wanting her to see him this way.
1) BUT here's another perspective. We all have different reactions to pain, and different pain thresholds too.
It can also be very burdensome whilst in pain, seeing well meaning other people trying to support you. or console. No one really understand the extend of someone's pain unless they've walked in the SAME shoes.
It's wayyy easier to heck it alone in stoic transcension to another place, where you can perhaps try block it off.
It can be just as tiresome trying to cope with your own agony, while also seeing how troubled people are by your discomfort ... it can also be very tiring trying to comfort/reassure other people.
2) Also more realistically, YH has been conditioned since a kid to confront all his multiple surgeries alone.
Faced with a stone-faced father, and a chilly grandmother who only places Ganong and her own wishes there) ... YH has faced all his journeys alone thus far. He saves the underdogs yes, but it's customary he also confronts his own demons himself.
The only person he had was Chief Min as very concerned surrogate dad but who could NOT (bless this man's heart!) always be there for him either.
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stuffed
December 30, 2015 at 5:48 PM
I have to agree with jusash on this. While it is entirely selfish of him to let Joo Eun suffer not seeing him, I can understand that it takes a looong time for someone who's reclusive like Young Ho to actually come out of his/her shell. In fact it's a process that can't be rushed. Some of us may find it easy to confide in others and to get help. It's a no-brainer, in fact.
But some would actually have to force themselves to open up and reach out their hands to others. And while the former may be the right thing to do, I can say that I belong in the latter group. And this comes back to the theme Lollypip mentioned above - it is all a matter of communication or lack of one in this case. Young Ho never had someone to properly talk to in the first place.
I believe that in the long run, Joo Eun can help Young Ho be more open and not feel ashamed of himself whenever he's sick. But it's a process and it's going to take time.
We have to bear in mind it's just a 16-episode drama. We're not here to witness their whole life and their whole progress. Best is we learn from their mistakes and not make it our own.
Sorry for the long rant and Happy New Year to all!
mex1616
December 30, 2015 at 9:13 PM
Sure one can argue that he's been conditioned to face things alone, but if that were true, he'd also completely block out the guys too. I just think that if I were her, it would be so odd knowing that my boyfriend is totally cutting me out from such a major part of his life, yet he allows his guy buddies to be more in the loop. I think that just points to his selfishness and the immaturity of their relationship, as has been argued above.
Speaking of communication, I was so bothered by how long it even took to tell Joo Eun he was hurt. Honestly, this drama lost a lot of its charm when she finished losing weight.
Nena
January 6, 2016 at 2:30 PM
So agree with you!!!!
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Nena
January 6, 2016 at 2:38 PM
Sue, you are so right! " (...) this is not what relationships are all about." Indeed!
We stay with our loved ones and help them through all!
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Dramalava
December 30, 2015 at 7:37 AM
While I absolutely agree that the year separation was a missed opportunity, it really is within the realm of reactions for Young Ho's character. That's the kind of guy he his. It's sad cause it would have been an amazing character development moment for him to learn that love means leaning on the person you are with. We could have seen Joo Eun do more than cry as she stands by her man and helps him recover. I guess it just goes to show the level of their relationship. That they haven't reached the point of intimacy where one lets their partner be with them through everything.
While I am enjoying this show, the writers could do better with the story. It's stuff like this that keep it from being as fresh as it could be.
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mojaslatka
December 30, 2015 at 7:39 PM
I do agree with you. And I was disappointed that YH didn't let JE in with his pain.Actually I was pissed. It would have been a nice reversal for JE to be by YH's side and help him. It would have been more satisfying for viewers to see them get through together. With so many dramas dong this kind of stuff, it is what is expected and I expected as such to happen. For JE, YH and for me.
But YH's behaviour and reaction rings true to his character.Through out his lifetime, YH has been dealing his journey and surgeries and rehab all alone.
Even the boys, they were not with YH. JS went on with his fighting and so was JW with assisting JS and his dream marine application.
YH and JE may have been in love with each other but they know, especially JE when to back off. She also knew she can't change YH just like that and with so many factors to consider too. She was suffering so much it hurts to see her crying like that.
I actually like JE. She could have forced herself to get involved but she knew YH and respect his wishes just like the boys. I remember that one time that YH was in pain and JE wanted to force her way to get involved but the boys told her to back off. They supported him that way. They all knew YH will be looked after well. And putting their lives on hold for him, it will pain YH more.
But without JE's presence, YH had more goal, more motivation to conquer the negativity and push forward for a miracle.
But I do hope that in the last 2 episodes, they will be able to talk about this issue and that YH will let JE in more in his life.
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Nena
January 6, 2016 at 2:29 PM
My thoughts exactly!
I love this couple 'cause they're fierce, fiery, cute, loving, strong. But his decision to exclude her from his life while he's injured and recovering... that was off.
Why would you do that to someone who loves you and whom you love back? Being there when things get rough is a BIG, CRUCIAL part of a good relationship!
Writers, why did you make it that way? Why did you even put that accident in the show? What did it gain? What did the characters learn? NOT to rely on each other?
Yup, I was also disappointed in the writing team for not showing us that Young Ho could be capable of trusting and leaning on Joo Eun in a painful situation (that lasted a bloody year!!).
Thanks for the recap LollyPip!
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4 linsiew79
December 30, 2015 at 3:53 AM
Oh love, love,love this episode. Was bawling my eyes out too. Sobbing out loud. Love the scene at the hospital with Joon Sung and Ji Woong. The way they express their emotions just nailed it for me. Kudos to them for their acting.
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5 Beverly A
December 30, 2015 at 3:54 AM
I still think Young Ho was a noble idiot.
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Jennifer Calabrese
December 30, 2015 at 2:03 PM
He's just an idiot - nothing noble about it...she still waited and cried for a year! What kind of resolution is that - she would live in fear of him just disappearing anytime some obstacle comes up. They didn't even know each other that well to begin with, the relationship was still so new.
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mex1616
December 30, 2015 at 9:15 PM
I totally agree.
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6 Kammy
December 30, 2015 at 4:29 AM
Can I just say, I love how So Ji Sub and Shin Min Ah play their characters in this drama! The look of pain and the look of love... It's so natural, I almost want them to really date in real life (sorry, Kim Woo Bin). Hahaha. Shin Min Ah's acting has really improved! And Henry?! Who would've thought?! The boy can act!
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loesea
December 30, 2015 at 8:04 AM
Totally agree, so natural... seems they are not acting but going thru what happened in their love life...
Standing ovation for them!!!
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Dody
December 30, 2015 at 2:46 PM
+11111111
oh god totally agree !! it's so natural i can't help shipping them in real life, why not together whyyyyyy?!!!!!
i think i will rewatch this drama for this couple many many years to come, I just love seeing these two together *swoon*
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hulaalice
January 8, 2016 at 2:28 AM
I have to respond to the comment "Shin Min Ah's acting has really improved" Although I agree her acting is so good as Joo-Eun, I have to ask if you have seen her acting as Arang and Miho. Shin Min Ah is a top 5 Kdrama actress in both beauty and acting ability, especially in romantic comedies. There really are no better tv kdrama actresses around. The fact that she has unbelievable chemistry with all of her costars in these three dramas shows you her acting skills. Can't say enough how I love Shin Min Ah and hope I don't have to wait another three years for her next kdrama.
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7 KDaddict?JCW
December 30, 2015 at 5:07 AM
I super love their coats in the last screen cap, esp his.
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bbstl 🧹
December 30, 2015 at 9:34 AM
Super love, but his tie has got to go.
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8 Naveena
December 30, 2015 at 5:14 AM
In the real world, it would be a problem if the guy's reaction to a crisis is to cut himself off. But considering this is a drama and Young Ho has lots of childhood insecurities, I can forgive it this once (Who am I kidding? It's because it's So Ji Sub).
But the reason I find Oh My Venus so special is that the leads are actually really believably nice people with their hearts in the right place and feet firmly planted on the ground. Shin Min Ah must be credited for bringing to life a character who seems both identifiable and a role model at the same time.
Will miss melting at the cuteness between Kang Joo Eun and Kim Young Ho.
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jusash
December 30, 2015 at 2:02 PM
AGREE! Stone walling and avoiance is a common problem and a huge relationship death prophecy sometimes.
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9 alua
December 30, 2015 at 5:15 AM
Soo-Jin and Joo-eun's misunderstanding makes no sense to me. Woo-Shik knew what had happened. Were all three incapable of communicating during college? Did Soo-jin just stew over the issue for ten years? She knew Joo-eun was dating Woo-shik, did she assume her friend was planning to two-time? If she saw that Joo-eun continued to date Woo-shik and didn't pick up the other guy, what was she angry about other than her own lack of brain????? Seriously, does not compute.
As for the one year absence: still noble idiocy. I can't think of a single drama where I ever thought this kind of plot twist makes sense (indeed, even in the similar-premise-but-much-better-written "It's Okay It's Love" this was the one turn that was seriously flawed in that drama). People don't disappear for one year (with ZERO contact) and then walk right back in, because everyone sat around waiting for them (feelings frozen in time). Sorry, if you can't go through the hardest of time together, I don't think your relationship will make it in the long run. Either you trust each other or you don't. And if you do think you need time by yourself, I think it's a decision you need to discuss together, not just decide one-sidedly without giving the other partner a chance to voice their feelings.
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zital
December 30, 2015 at 5:44 AM
Exactly my sentiment. It is both silly and chauvinist to take on that path. But then again, like they said, this is dramaland where reality isn't exactly the essence.
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Beverly A
December 30, 2015 at 7:15 AM
I totally agree.
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KSKalways
December 30, 2015 at 7:18 AM
KDramas have this way of making it sound like a year is "not that long". ZERO contact for a year??? Really? I mean, really THINK about AAAAAALL the things that could & do happen in a year !!
but nope! "I'm gone for a year and won't talk to you, but I still love you and, so do you" over what? Wouldn't staying in touch make you feel stronger? more connected? with more will to carry on? I mean, she definitely would have cried LESS, had they been in contact all this time !
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alua
December 30, 2015 at 7:32 AM
A year is bloody long even if you are in contact. (Speaking from experience here, thanks to long-distance relationships I've had.)
Time doesn't stand still, feelings don't freeze in time. And if they do, I'd be seriously worried – people should have feelings over a year. Anger, sadness, grief, longing, loneliness, frustration, nostalgia, etc. You don't just pick up where you left off after 365 days. This is stuff you'd have to first work through but I doubt the drama is going to give much (any?) time to this, plus rebuilding trust (b/c how would Joo-eun know that Young-ho isn't going to do a disappearing act again next time he gets into a bind?). But it'll probably just be about convincing grandma now....
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alua
December 30, 2015 at 7:19 AM
<In a Dramaland where miscommunication, non-communication, and misunderstanding drives so many drama plots, it’s refreshing to see a couple who just talks to each other.
I don't think I can agree... they've just had a year of non-communication (even if it feels like maybe ten, fifteen minutes – part of an episode – to us).
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Jennifer Calabrese
December 30, 2015 at 2:07 PM
I know - how totally opposite that statement was from how I saw things too! Had they worked thru it and stayed together to overcome his medical obstacles then I could have agreed!
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bbstl 🧹
December 30, 2015 at 9:38 AM
?? another vote for noble idiocy. Sooooo dumb.
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jusash
December 30, 2015 at 2:11 PM
I am completely on board for the OTP, and some of the peripheral characters. NOT for the plot. But the writing is killing some of the spontaneous fluidity that is so natural between the OTP.
The entire Ep 13 does not compute IF it serves no fluid purpose/meaning in connecting with anything. We know already YH is capable of pulling himself through crisis. Unless it's supposed ti be a lame attempt (and a big waste of OTP time) at curing him of his psychological hangup re: his pain + stress co-relation.
But that's the issue with this writer most times.
The hospital scene with SJS was heartbreaking reaction was outstanding, that's all I can say about Ep 13. It surpassed SMA's, who was also good.
Ep 13 is perhaps best watched with Ep 14. Though I still don't gety how not one but 3 people were out there driving like maniacs with cars trying to prevent an incident, and all ending up in hospital with injuries. And does the press not get wind of it at all? How do you block out such accidents to the point even JE doesn't know?
I also don't get scheming uncle = after all that, he impulsively is going to gun down YH with his car, and blow all his plans to nothing-ness anyways?
And what's with dad and step mom's relationship now? Are they divorced or what ...
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alua
December 30, 2015 at 2:58 PM
<And does the press not get wind of it at all? How do you block out such accidents to the point even JE doesn’t know?
LOL, good point. Especially because some of those people are so famous that they were hiding secret identities... so we're supposed to believe that none of the very wired Korean people witnessing the accident recognised them and didn't snap a picture with their smartphones...
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10 Nada
December 30, 2015 at 5:18 AM
henry really can act.
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Adal
December 30, 2015 at 8:34 AM
He can, can't he? I was bawling like a baby in his scenes, they were so heartfelt and genuine. By contrast my nine year old (an avid kdrama watcher) can't stand Shin Mina's crying scenes. She says they look and sound so fake: "Mom, nobody cries like that", she says. :-)
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anastassia
December 30, 2015 at 1:36 PM
She cried naturally in all her dramas.
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jusash
December 30, 2015 at 2:14 PM
I cldn't stand her crying in that first early episode when she discovered him in his secret room.
Also I felt it selfish she was crying and ranting over her feelings ... when it was really HIM in pain (or imaginary pain brought on psychologically). He ended up consoling her instead.
But the later crying scenes have been ok.
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11 newbie
December 30, 2015 at 5:32 AM
My first thought after realizing, that they WILL seperate for one year was, that it didn't sound realistic. But after giving some thought to it and watching this ep, I realized, that it totally fits Young Ho's character.
His relationship with Joo Eun is still very fresh, they know each other for a few months now and are only at the beginning of a real partnership.
He was raised by his restrained family and had to deal with his cancer from a very young age alone. He went to America alone, he fought alone, after the accident he just fell into a pattern he is used to. His MO is, like his dad's, to go alone through stuff like this. He needs every ounce of motivation and energy to fight and missing her is what motivates him. He needs to work to see her sooner, seeing her during this process could hinder his progress.
And he didn't know whether he had a chance to walk again, so he didn't want to burden Joo Eun with a crippled man.
This is so Young Ho and I like, that the writer stays true to the characters created.
Still love how detailed the show is. So had Young Ho's coat in the reunion scene the pattern of Joo Eun's dress when she made breakfast for the first time for the three boys in her new apartment after the scandal broke. Love it!
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alua
December 30, 2015 at 5:54 AM
<His relationship with Joo Eun is still very fresh, they know each other for a few months now and are only at the beginning of a real partnership.
Sure. But that's also exactly why, if this were real life, he'd reappear and Joo-eun would have moved on. Because why should she sit around waiting (which could have been a year or five!) till he's sorted himself out (while knowing NOTHING)? Or if she did sit around waiting for him like a good maiden, the next time a crisis comes up, they'll solve again in this manner? He's not ready to be in a relationship, if that's his way of doing things. And: even if it's what he has always done, then he's showing no growth as a character – which, if I were the writer trying to convince viewers about a slowly growing relationship that will go all the way, I would try to show.
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NaijaNoona
December 30, 2015 at 7:52 AM
This is one of the few instances of the dreaded OTP separation that I can actually understand. Coming from a comparable cultural context where illness/injury/disability are intensely private things, and where it's not uncommon for couples who are married or thinking about marriage to, for one reason or another, spend one or two or even several years living far apart and with sporadic contact, this feels plausible to me. Like, it's not something I think I would do (I hope I never have to test that theory out), but I can see people I or my family know doing it. So I can see how Joo Eun, if she's thinking of Young Ho as someone she's likely to marry, would be willing to wait a year or even a few years for him to recover.
At least in a Nigerian context, I think the reasoning would be that this is a relatively brief period in in the larger process of entering family life and (ideally) integrating each other's families as well…or that it's worth enduring separation or minimal communication for some broader long-term goal or value. I dunno if that makes any sense, and it's hard to articulate in part because so much of this stuff is unspoken even within the culture. In any case, this felt like a reason that would make sense in a similar cultural context—like there's legitimate work Young Ho has to do and there are societal factors that make him more likely to think of that work as something he needs to "go away" to do.
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arugula
December 30, 2015 at 1:55 PM
Thank you for this context! It is helpful to think about it that way. I was annoyed by the separation, but then started thinking about the opposite: if they had stayed together through his recovery, would a 1-3 month relationship survive that? Being in physical pain is emotionally so difficult, and can often create tension with those around you, who might have opinions about what you should do to make yourself get better faster. Yes, in a marriage/partnership, you should help each other through stuff, but maybe he did the right thing for a new relationship?
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NaijaNoona
December 30, 2015 at 9:43 PM
Yea, I can see the newness of the relationship being part of it too. It could feel more like putting a burden on her, as opposed to people like Sec. Min and the boys seeing him in pain—because they've been with him through a lot of that already.
There is an argument for seeing Young Ho's choice as unselfish, in a way. Yes, he's sparing himself the pain of seeing Joo Eun sad because of him, and sparing himself the shame of her seeing him in a weakened state (not saying injury is shameful, but that shame is a real feeling people can experience in such situations). But he also is trying to spare Joo Eun the experience of seeing him in pain for an extended, indefinite period of time, and denying himself her company and support in part because of that. In this case I don't really see it as making the decision for her, because in the end he's the one who has to do work of recovery and his wishes should be respected. What would be messed up would be demanding she wait for him regardless, which I don't see Young Ho as doing. Waiting was her choice just as much as recovering away from her was his.
There's just something about that dilemma that feels authentic to me; I'm not in any place to say how reflective it is of Korean culture, but it resonates with my own experience. As much as I dislike how secretive and weird Nigerians can be about illness and disability and death, etc., I get that what feels obvious in one context—that you would share what you're going through and work through it with the people you love and who love you—is just one way of looking at it. In a lot of contexts the protecting people you love and being considerate of them can make withholding information or limiting access look like the better choice.
growingbeautifully
December 30, 2015 at 3:46 PM
@ NaijaNoona
Thank you for giving us a Nigerian perspective on separation in relationships. What you say is very interesting and an eye-opener.
I've been so used to the idea of when emotionally attached, then there should be a certain kind of progress in the relationship over a 'reasonable' span of time (with progress milestones along the way! LOL!) that hearing about another way of accepting reasons for separation and of accepting relationships with different milestones and a bigger picture, did not occur to me.
I suppose, one might argue, that based on the majority of kdrama romances so far, the separation trope lacked the scope or vision of the kind you've described, probably also because the culture is different. Therefore in the Korean romance drama context, the kind of separation that Young Ho 'demanded' seems something to be disapproved of, whereas in another context, I agree with you, it would or could be heartily understandable and accepted.
It would have helped, I guess, if it had not sounded like it was more about him and what he wanted or did not want. And it would definitely have been perfect if he had given her a choice.
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NaijaNoona
December 30, 2015 at 9:53 PM
Yea, I definitely can't make any claims about the broader Korean cultural context, and I also usually find the standard OTP separation really contrived and unnecessary. I get the sense that a significant portion of Korean viewers are also not super fond of the forced separation, but I don't really know.
OMV is the exception for me with this trope. I don't necessarily agree with Young Ho's choice, but I do see how the right choice isn't necessarily obvious and that there's a case to be made for choosing to recover on his own. (Not for expecting Joo Eun to wait indefinitely for him to maybe return—fortunately Young Ho didn't ask for that, lol.) I also don't see it as him making the decision *for* her, but rather making a call about how he wants to go through his own recovery process.
12 growingbeautifully
December 30, 2015 at 5:39 AM
Thanks LollyPip!
I found it strange that although this is Episode 13, with 3 more episodes to go, suddenly so many things happened to tie up loose ends and resolve relationships. The pace at which some resolutions and conclusions were achieved seem uncalled for and more than once, nothing much in previous episodes have led up to them. Many resolutions seem to have been done within this episode.
I must credit other viewers who've commented on some of these and got me thinking.
I found it too pat that almost everyone who was going to be written out of the show, was on the road at the same time to crash into each other. Was it within the realms of possibility that they could even locate Joon Sung's position so easily. That the multiple accidents are supposed to push Uncle to repentance and get out of everyone's hair seems obvious but this is badly written.
The reasons for Young Joon's suicide attempt seem too inadequate and his mum's sudden understanding of what her brother was going to do to Young Ho was too unlikely. She who had been passive suddenly became extremely full of initiative over a step-son's safety. Not quite in character.
Joo Eun and Soo Jin's relationship gets patched up this episode ... did it have to happen now with a convenient-inconvenient migraine. Well, maybe we are supposed to get the happy community thing with Soo Jin and Woo Shik joining the makeshift family of Young Ho's boys, Joo Eun and her best friend. But this does not seem too compelling a reason. This however paved the way for the other reconciliation...
.... this time between Soo Jin and Woo Shik. Again, it's nice but this seemed an extra thing that need not have happened right at this time, and Soo Jin's believing that Woo Shik's regard for her was genuine was too easy.
... oh and Joon Sung and mum's reconciliation... sweet and at least there was a lead up to it, .
And then we even have the OTP reconciliation ... it was good to have it without frustrating us viewers, .... and we know how Joon Sung does in competition even, .... so hmmm ....what is there left for us to look forward to for the next 3 episodes?
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jcw_mesmerizing eyes
December 30, 2015 at 7:10 AM
Great observation Growingbeautifullly unni!
When I saw everything wrapped up so nicely, I quickly checked to see what episode I was on. I was like.. what 13? Then I was like oh oh...are we going to make another individual sick? I kinda figured that there wasn't much plot to the story but wrapping things up in 13 eps makes a little obvious and the flashbacks or kicking in more frequently now. haha I love the chemistry between the leads but 3 full hours of it... not sure if I can do it. :)
I wish there was more development with Soo Jin and Woo Shik. I feel like Joon Sung and Henry had more scenes than them which I didn't mind. But I felt like the actress Soo Jin can more kick ass like she was in Mask. She is such a great actress.
SJB and Shin Mina is totally rocking their roles. I have to give credit to the writers for some of the dialogues that were spoken. Witty and Inspiring. I wish the writer spent a little bit more on the plot. Fingers Crossed!! I do love the dimples popping - I've been using it with the kids as mommy's new flying kiss but without the dimples. :) It will be my chubby cheek flying kiss. haha
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Yellow Mellow
December 30, 2015 at 1:18 PM
Yeah, this episode felt like it could be the last episode. So much so that I almost don't want to watch the next
episode because it might ruin it for me.
It makes me wonder what else they'll do for the next 3 episodes.
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jusash
December 30, 2015 at 11:56 PM
Hot and exotic nights! for the next 2 episodes. :P
Even irritating CF Queen has more or less been dealt with - she has insinuated her way via mom in JS's life and acceptance
The writing has never been the forte of this drama, except it's refreshing ability to resolve issues within the episode, unlike typical Kdrama fashion
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13 confusedturtle
December 30, 2015 at 5:42 AM
I hate that the show is trying to make me like Woo-shik and Soo-Jin. It's not going to happen.
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Nada
December 30, 2015 at 5:56 AM
it happens to me haha
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KSKalways
December 30, 2015 at 7:11 AM
me too ! lol
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Beverly A
December 30, 2015 at 7:18 AM
Nope, Soo-Jin and Woo-Shik are two timers who hid behind Joo Eun's back. Not cool.
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Adal
December 30, 2015 at 8:59 AM
I dunno, playing devil's advocate here, I would say it's not a crime to fall in love with someone else while you're in a relationship that does nothing for you. It can and does happen everyday in real life. While break-ups sucks, Woo shik had the decency to break off his relationship with Jung Eun before going out with Soo jin, so I don’t get why he's so unlikable. As for the devious things he did at his job, while I can't excuse the things he did, I do understand that he was working for a greedy, unscrupulous boss, and his motivation to please his boss made him do such things.
That being said, I didn't like how both he and Soo jin easily dismissed the harm he caused Young ho, while they were talking in the office. It didn't sit right with me. I think he owes Young ho an apology for the part he played in this mess.
I am hoping Soo jin learns to communicate better in future when she has a misunderstanding and not hold it all inside.
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alua
December 30, 2015 at 9:21 AM
<I would say it’s not a crime to fall in love with someone else while you’re in a relationship that does nothing for you
Not a crime, but getting together with someone while you're still with someone else is, in my book, a no-no. I had the impression there was at least a slight overlap? (Correct me if I'm wrong.)
<I do understand that he was working for a greedy, unscrupulous boss, and his motivation to please his boss made him do such things
I don't know. When he said that line "We're just doing our jobs" I thought, "Yeah, that's what the willing minions under Hitler were saying too" (Excuse the extremeness of the comparison, but you can't throw ethics out of the door for the sake of your ambitions & motivation to please your boss. You do have responsibility for your own actions. And it's not like WS was even in some situation of death-threat like someone minions under dictators surely will have been...).
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Adal
December 30, 2015 at 10:22 AM
@alua
I have a question about the timing as well. My impression was the breakup happened, and THEN she spotted them together. Being that piecing together timing on a kdrama could be a job all of itself, my impression was they had broken up and then he acted on the attraction he felt for Soo-jin.
Seeing them together in the hotel also happened after they broke up.
So Timing is everything. I agree with you, seeing someone else while you are still in a relationship with someone is a no-no. But I think he did the honorable thing, and ended up one relationship to move forward with another, which is why Joo Eun doesn't feel so angry and I think, also plays a part of why she accepted (after a suitable period of being distraught and angry) the new relationship of her ex and her ex-bff. If he had cheated on her, then she would have every right to be angry and unforgiving.
I also agree that Woo shik, as any healthy adult has to be accountable to his consience for his actions. I have said he does owe Young ho an apology at the very least for the part he played in the whole fiasco, and by no means do I give him a pass for his actions. But I also recall, that he wasn't very eager to dispense with the news that Young ho was John Kim and seem to mull it over for a long time before going ahead with it. That suggest to me that he was someone faced with an unpleasant duty, not someone who got a kick out of hurting another person.
Maybe his job forced him to to do things he would never, in an ordinary day, dream of doing. Most times we have the comfort of saying "No I won't do that",but maybe he didn't and felt that saying No to his psycho boss would ultimately mean putting the Kibosh on his career at that firm. I'm not defending him, just putting things in terms of gray instead of black or white.
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14 wackycashew
December 30, 2015 at 5:58 AM
Thanks for the recap, LollyPip!
I was happy that the separation didn't last long and YH got healed within a year. YJ and JE together are the best!!
It was heartbreaking to see all the tears, whether outright crying or withheld crying from JE to JW to Dad... Also glad that JS finally met up with Mom and he can have that comfort from her hugs.
Finally, SJ and JE are patching things up and on their way of renewing their friendship. It's good to finally clear the air of misunderstandings. So often we get upset because of what someone else outside the friendship said and let that gnaw at us without confronting the person in question. That gets built up over time and before you know it, the friendship has been destroyed. I'm glad they finally talked honestly and apologized so that they can move on from the past.
I don't know if Uncle has learned his lesson seeing his sis and nephew like that... =X
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KSKalways
December 30, 2015 at 7:11 AM
a year is a mighty long time... seriously...
As for Uncle, I feel like he'll never learn.
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15 MissUnicorn
December 30, 2015 at 6:11 AM
While I get that given Young ho's character, the decision of cutting off contact for a whole year and trying to get all better by himself is his way of doing things, I am very much hoping to see Joo eun help him the way he helped her. She may not have the expertise to help him heal, but she can be by his side and help take care of him. Why the separation?
I'm also disappointed at Uncle's 'punishment'. Seriously? Is firing him sufficient for his attempted murder? Even if Young ho and family decides not to sue him, i believe there are other ways to make him pay for his mistake.
Anyway, I've always been ranting about the plotholes in OMV, but just for the record, I do love this show. That's why i get so worked up when i see something that could have turned out differently (for the better maybe?). I can't believe next week is finale week already.
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16 KSKalways
December 30, 2015 at 7:10 AM
So I really did not like this episode very much.
I love this show, but yeah, this was like a filler episode, dragging quite a lot (but "beautifully"). Looooots of tears that go on and on and on and... would you look at that ! he's all better by the end of the episode ! What was the point then?
don't get me wrong: Thank you, Writers, for not including amnesia or the utterly foolish awkward Noble Idiocity where the main couple actually break up. Sure, they separate, but with full intentions of reuniting. Not sure how I'd feel about my boyfriend disappearing without a trace for a WHOLE YEAR but hey !
and does no one care about the Step-Mum in all this??!?! I feel terrible for her. she just never seems to catch a break and the show has been glossing over her misery for some time now. Greedy turned Almost-Murderous brother. Ungrateful Mother-in-Law. Stoic Husband. depressed Son. I’m not really sure how she’s been enduring and the show has yet to make an effort at making things right for the poor woman… :-(
Conclusion: good acting on the part of our fav Lawyer, Coach-nim and our cutey pie Henry ! but still… “take us to the good stuff, writers!!”
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17 krstjb
December 30, 2015 at 7:13 AM
I want to know what is tied up in the little ball at the end of the scarf...They wouldn't have focused on it during the scene if it wasn't something...right?
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18 hrkharis
December 30, 2015 at 7:18 AM
This drama starred by the famous main characters and great supporting casts, but it is unfortunate has a shallow story. From the first episode until episode 12, just filled with effortless weight loss, approach to love two adults act like teenagers, a scandal with the famous actress who seems to be making it up there, poor stepmother , attitude half-uncle excessive, girl CF rich behave weird and some other additional stories that are not completely explained. (If so this drama quite made only 12 episodes, but not stretched to 16 episodes)
The climax of the story takes place at the end of episode 13 (the occurrence of accidents), then back to the anti-climactic episode in episode 13 and 14. The remaining two episodes, I think there will be rejection from wealthy grandmother on the relationship of two people who have different social status and can eventually solved easily. Other issues in this drama was not developed further.
Did not feel a sense of sadness empathy in relations between the two main characters, which is supposed to be feel sorry for the sudden separation. Prefer the sweet relationship between the ex-athlete and deputy director.
I think this drama is made just to please the fans.
With so many titles of other new drama, the audience is given the option to choose which story drama qualified or just selling fame star name.
Very curious, why famous stars such as SJS wanted to play in the drama with a very shallow scenario in describing the story.
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KSKalways
December 30, 2015 at 8:14 AM
"Effortless weight loss"? I strongly disagree. While we weren't given a clear timeline of how long it took, our Main Chick worked hard and well for all the pounds shed.
I think for a Kdrama, they've done a pretty good job at emphasizing that HEALTH is more important than actual WEIGHT/IMAGE. if you watch the other "Transformation" Kdramas out there, this one is clearly the best and healthiest there is !
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19 Julzevias
December 30, 2015 at 7:48 AM
This show has always refused to drive a spark that makes me want to continue it; it has become something that I watch in my free time rather than a show that I "must watch". While it DOES avoid most Dramaland troupes like Noble Idiocy, it therefore sacrifices plot and action for simplicity. I feel like the plots are too shallow and the characters too simple-minded. Therefore, while this is a warm drama, it's just not a memorable one for me. In fact, it probably wouldn't even have sold itself without the famous lead stars. Honestly, both So Ji-Sub and Sin Min-a have given much better performances. And while I think script-writing is the major fault of this series, the problem of crappy script writing is that it limits its actors. I'm a little disappointed and I hope for their better works in the future.
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alua
December 30, 2015 at 7:58 AM
<I hope for their better works in the future
I want to say yes, but I already felt the same way about Shin Min-a's last project (My Love, My Bride), which I thought was pretty clichéd and shallow (while pretending to be oh-so-sexy). I could understand why Jo Jung-Suk signed up for it (finally lead role status! with an A-list actress!), but Shin Min-a? Doesn't she have better offers?
I'll only watch whatever she does next if it's something from a fab writer/director and has a premise that's compelling from the start (which the weight-loss premise of this drama wasn't either – nor did it deliver).
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KDaddict?JCW
December 31, 2015 at 3:27 AM
Julzevias,
You've said everything I've been trying and wanting to say. TQ.
But then scriptwriting is the major downfall of many a drama.
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20 Mermaid Scribbler
December 30, 2015 at 8:36 AM
Show, we need to talk. *Clears throat - ahem* You know I love you, right? I get a thrill just thinking about you, I can't wait to see you, and you make me laugh and giggle like a high-schooler, but I have to say, I'm a little disappointed in you today. I mean, sure you dodged the cliches of amnesia and many episodes of noble idiocy...I'll hand it to you, you never made me worry for more than one episode. But here's the thing, you left me behind for the good stuff. You know what I'm talking about. The part where KJE helps YH heal, the part where she uses her awesome spirit to encourage YH to really recover and LET HER IN. You promised Show! In the previews, in the plot descriptions - you promised that they would heal each other! I know, I know - you kept YH in character, and like father like son, but this was the point of the whole drama. It WAS the drama, and you just, well...you skipped it. (*Mumbles - And you skipped punishing Uncle, and healing suicide boy, and fixing broken step-mom and dad...). *Big sigh* You know I still think you're cute, and that you're mature, and my warm-cozy-fuzzy favorite, but I had to - just HAD to tell you. Ok? *Gives Show an attack hug* *Pats Show on back*. Don't worry, I still love you. We'll get through this. Fighting!
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bbstl 🧹
December 30, 2015 at 10:15 AM
Really well said! Hey Show, Mermaid Scribbler speaks for me too.
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Mermaid Scribbler
January 1, 2016 at 7:12 PM
Thanks ☺️
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21 Adal
December 30, 2015 at 8:40 AM
I wonder why there must often always bea period of seperation in most kdrama rom coms. Is it cultural?
My biggest pet peeve with this drama is how it seems to pick and choose people as plot devices. Not that most dramas aren't guilty of that, but I am most concerned with Young ho's step mom and his half brother. I hope they bring suitable resolutions to both their arcs.
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22 Skwonto
December 30, 2015 at 9:02 AM
I think my expectations were different. First I hoped for a romantic comedy. Second, did they really need all the different story lines? Except for the main one, none of them were fully developed. The second grandson overdose? Where did that come?
But thank you for the summary. It reminds of what I do appreciate about the show. (Cute couple and cool Shin Mina character) I was so blinded by the lame execution.
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katy
December 30, 2015 at 10:31 AM
agree
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katie
December 30, 2015 at 10:37 AM
agree with Skwonto .
main actor is acting good
main actress ' face looks weird , too much cosmetic interventions
, especially cheeks too high .
her eyes are big but no soul in its .
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23 Skwonto
December 30, 2015 at 9:04 AM
Sorry one more thing!! How many episodes are there in this show? Sorry for a potential spoiler alert. Ep 14 felt "final-ish".
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Sam
December 30, 2015 at 11:18 AM
Comment was deleted
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24 Sara
December 30, 2015 at 9:16 AM
I don't really understand why they had to include an accident. Maybe to get rid of the uncle and do a time skip.
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KDaddict?JCW
December 31, 2015 at 3:29 AM
If there was no accident, there'd be nothing to film for eps. 13 and 14.
Even WITH the accident, there is barely anything to film for eps. 13 and 14.
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25 Evie
December 30, 2015 at 10:35 AM
Henry trying his damnedest not to cry made ME cry. Buckets of tears. You puppy T_T
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26 Random Visitor
December 30, 2015 at 11:44 AM
I can't bring myself into the drama. Due to my lack of emotional wealth, I just can't afford to buy into the conflict. I am unable to emotionally attach myself to anything in this episode. But I'm just pleased CF Queen did not make an appearance this episode.
This episode bored me. I just wanted to see the cute.
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27 ObsessiveCompulsive
December 30, 2015 at 11:54 AM
There is def. a ring at the end of the scarf in that little ball.
The one year gap didn't bother me after watching what he had to to rehabilitate. Plus i understand the accident and his injury were supposed to remain hush hush so he had to leave so the other directors wouldn't know. He asked her to wait he didn't break things off, I think this makes their relationship stronger. There will be many more difficulties and angst for them to deal with together. This just wasn't one of them.
Can't wait for the finale and to see how they wrap everything up, I want dimple babies.
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28 jra
December 30, 2015 at 12:46 PM
What a gorgeous man! The plaid suit fits beautifully on his well-toned body!
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29 Dory
December 30, 2015 at 12:47 PM
Hi! Does anyone happen to know the name of the instrumental piece that plays in the background during the really "epic" parts of the episode? Like around the 19 minute mark?
A BIG THANK YOU!
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30 Minchai
December 30, 2015 at 1:18 PM
This series have been a refreshing gush of air in dramaland for me. As intense as this chapter was, it was resolved in the way people didn't expect it. Real talks and sincerity and not the wallowing mess most dramas play when accidents happen.
Although I think the separation could have been avoided, as some of the comments already pointed out, its the way Young Ho is, and the fact he had the determination to overcome such a fatal injury in such a small time (because I've seen it IRL and It's usually 3 to 5 years to have a 99% recovery - limp aside) is magical.
But what broke me was the tear of the two friends....
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31 bd5
December 30, 2015 at 2:32 PM
Not that the whole story-line revolving around Gahong was of much interest to begin with, but OMV has really "jumped the shark."
1st - that huge build-up about the press/public finding out about who John Park was - which ended up not being that big of a deal (wasn't much of an impediment to Young-ho assuming the directorship).
But the nephew attempting suicide and the Uncle deciding then and there to kill YH himself just seems like the writer tossing things in so we can have an whole ep of watching Joo-eun cry (which really didn't do anything b/c all of this seemed so forced and artificial).
It's like the writer was doing a "paint by number" in how to try to bring some drama to the drama and how to try to make the audience feel something but failed miserably.
Uncle did what he did and wasn't quickly booted out of Gahong by Halmoni Chairwoman? (So he gets to resign; and he did it so easily - which negated everything that he tried to do.)
And really, YH not only avoiding seeing JE for a year, but not even communicating w/ her?
Sure, he doesn't want to her to see him in all banged up in the hospital w/ a leg in traction (btw, he stomped the wrong leg in proving that it was OK), but once he got out and was doing rehab - was it really that big of a deal so her not seeing that? (After all, JE had already seen him being debilitated by his phantom pains).
Eh, just more stuff the writer has tossed out hoping something sticks - but little did (just another example of lazy, unimaginative writing).
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32 alua
December 30, 2015 at 2:50 PM
<And does the press not get wind of it at all? How do you block out such accidents to the point even JE doesn’t know?
LOL, good point. Especially because some of those people are so famous that they were hiding secret identities... so we're supposed to believe that none of the very wired Korean people witnessing the accident recognised them and didn't snap a picture with their smartphones...
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alua
December 30, 2015 at 2:59 PM
Sorry for the triple postings!
Having trouble loading the page (error messages :-( ).
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33 alua
December 30, 2015 at 2:51 PM
<And does the press not get wind of it at all? How do you block out such accidents to the point even JE doesn’t know?
LOL, good point. Especially because some of those people are so famous that they were hiding secret identities... so we're supposed to believe that none of the very wired Korean people witnessing the accident recognised them and didn't snap a picture with their smartphones...
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34 teo
December 30, 2015 at 3:42 PM
It seemed like the perfect place to just end the show as a whole, was it not?
While this episode was a bit of a tearjerker, I was REALLY frustrated that Joo Eun wasn't part of his journey to recovery; especially seeing that Young Ho played a very present and vocal part in hers.
It would have been great to see their roles reversed, but hey beggars can't be choosers!
I guess anytime dedicated Shin Min Ah and So Ji Sub's on-screen chemistry can only be a plus!
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35 chinoischick
December 30, 2015 at 4:04 PM
I think it would be a great plot point since there is 2 remaining eps, if Joo Eun (after a nice reunion) tells him she is dumping him and that he has to woo her all over again. Because he broke their relationship by leaving her out of his life during his recovery period. Not even letting her see him at the hospital?? That is messed up. She needs to be in an equal partner in their relationship. He can't keep her in the dark when things are going bad for him, that isn't respecting her. It would serve him right if she decides he needs to earn her back the right way.
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36 Scinoona
December 30, 2015 at 4:04 PM
Is it just me, because i really want the two leads dating in real life.
So Ji Sub and Shin Min Ah's chemistry look so real. Oh i just loooooooove them.
*sorry Kim Woo Bin ?
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37 Blondbs
December 30, 2015 at 4:33 PM
Oh, I am still loving this show. I want to see Young Joon's mother find happiness. I want Ji Woong to find a girlfriend or make it into the service (and play a little more violin). I want Joon Sung to find a different girlfriend- one not so annoying. I am impressed that So Ji Sub can actually KNIT and wonder if he made that entire scarf himself. I like what someone said about a RING inside that little ball at the end of the scarf. Young Ho, Joon Sung, Ji Woong - my new favorite trio of hunky boys. Love the actress playing Grandma, but I want her to die in her sleep. I want Chief Min to wear that psychedelic jacket again at his wedding to Sung Joon's Mom. I want Joo Eun's best friend to have a quick, exciting fling with Ji Woong. Okay, maybe that one really won't happen (!!!) but I would love to see the incredibly happy (brief) then incredibly guilty (forever) faces on both of them. There are so many things that I want, and if it really goes to 16 episodes, maybe one or two will come true. No drama can have the perfect plot or the finest writing or the best acting, and I have given up on expecting things to go "my way" - which makes me one happy Korean Drama Watching Camper!!!
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38 Kat
December 30, 2015 at 4:41 PM
For all of you that 2 months ago were happy with the news that sjs and sma were going to be in a drama together, and didn't care if they just were to read the phonebook, I am really disappointed with all the whining about the show. Just enjoy it while it last. In 2 more weeks you will be missing it. Happy New Year!
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Delta
December 30, 2015 at 6:53 PM
LMAO....So true. SJS and SMA remind me of Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracey ( if you like really really old classic movies) they had a screen presence where you didn't really care about the story...you just like to see them together acting.
I see SJS & SMA the same way...they fill up the screen with their presence and more, they make the audience feel. Which I think actors are supposed to do...I'm enjoying OMV and will miss it in two weeks for sure...
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Rafe Amani
December 30, 2015 at 9:27 PM
So well described Delta.
I feel the same way you do.
"I see SJS & SMA the same way…they fill up the screen with their presence and more, they make the audience feel. Which I think actors are supposed to do…I’m enjoying OMV and will miss it in two weeks for sure…"
Many Cheers to that and Happy New Year to all!
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Rafe Amani
December 30, 2015 at 9:32 PM
Indeed SJS and SMA in OMV are just like Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracey... just great acting together.
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Dody
December 31, 2015 at 4:09 PM
+1
EXACTLY, idk why everyone is this whinny and over analysing everything !! just chill out and enjoy it, tbh when i read the plot i didn't even expect anything i was just HAPPY to have these two on the same screen idc about anything else, their skin ship is what i'm living for in this show, i just love that we got to see all these scenes, thank god i got to see these two together, i'm happy and that's all, in the end this show grew on me that i freaking love it now and i'm so sad it's the last week :'( .. i just wish that they will work again someday!
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39 merry
December 30, 2015 at 5:37 PM
Thanks Lollypip for the recap. I am of the same mind as Mermaid Scribbler above. For the lovely acting of SJS and SMA, it's easy to forgive; especially at this time of the year where warm and fluffy is good. I wish i trained as a scriptwriter and i can make specific suggestions. But this audience here, a community of drama lovers, have made their points; so writer-nim and PD nim, please see these comments as fertiliser to your growth as writer and director. I look forward to the last two episodes. Heaven knows when we are seeing these two leads on our small screens once again.
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40 Beez
December 30, 2015 at 5:43 PM
So baby brother cares enough about his entire family, including Young Ho, that he attempts suicide to make everyone better once he's out of the way and yet, Young Ho still hasn't said his half brother's name? Which would be fine if we've been told in the story that Yong Ho had some sort of distain for the little brother or opposed his dad's remarriage. ..but we have no context.
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41 fgb4877
December 30, 2015 at 6:08 PM
It is just me, or Uncle seems to have reserved a place among the fishes? (in a very Godfathery way).
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42 marmari
December 30, 2015 at 7:26 PM
Many folks above have said it better than I can but in short:
HATED the way Im Shi Wook was absolved of his crimes with pretty much a shrug and a: yunno, I was doing my job pushing a corrupt project and, the spoiled rich kid had it coming. He's a complete creep not only in his professional life but in his personal life. And, no matter how you split those hairs, he cheated on Joo-eun with Soo-Jin.
Don't get why he's given a pass and painted as a "nice" guy by the writers. As for his "civilized" way of breaking up with Joo-eun, more for him to ease his non-existing conscience than to be decent to her. If he was decent, he wouldn't have told her repeatedly that there was no way Young-ho would be truly interested in her (because really, who could love a woman with a big a$$).
Ugh, ugh, ugh show.
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Rafe Amani
December 30, 2015 at 9:20 PM
Jerks like Im Shi Wook are plenty in real life, I have come across a few in my life time.
I may be one of the few who do not see that the writer painting him as a "nice" guy... but rather he is just present to us as, not as a drama jerk, but as a jerk true to life, like someone we are likely to meet and then we can cross him off the list.
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jusash
December 31, 2015 at 12:26 AM
Nodding along to your comments.
I don't see him as any nice guy either (and even stalking her after was his way of not protecting/looking out for JE but rather his ego bruised that another guy YH was in the picture) ... insecure pill-popping Soo Jin likes him, so let's wrap them up nicely together with a bow. I can live with that.
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43 belami-js
December 30, 2015 at 8:52 PM
Show, I love you! Shin Mina, I love you (you nailed with your great performance it in this episode)! So Ji-sub, I love you (you, on the small screen, were the best Christmas gift to me. Next episode is yours and proof of your amazing acting. Please after Oh My Venus do not disappear for long time and come back soon with another great project).
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44 Angel
December 30, 2015 at 11:44 PM
Thanks for the recap LP! I cried more in this episode than I have all year. The small significant moments that centered around family (blood and sentiment) were heart wrenching and absolutely believable.
As an aside I think the credence and reality demanded of the show by some viewers is ridiculous. It's fiction which means at times you have to suspend all disbelief. Are you really going to run into the same man at every turn in real life where he turns out to be a celebrity coach and a chaebol who happens to save you numerous times? Why is this so easy to believe yet the same viewers are up in arms when he chooses to recover alone for a year so as not to burden her and because that's who he is?
Ridiculous. Just enjoy the romance for what it is: Beautifully imperfect, yet imperfectly beautiful.
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Rafe Amani
December 31, 2015 at 12:05 AM
Kudos to you Angel!
Can't agree with you more
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alua
December 31, 2015 at 1:31 AM
<It’s fiction which means at times you have to suspend all disbelief.
Suspension of disbelief doesn't mean that you throw logic out of the door and then proceed with "anything goes". It means, for the viewer/reader, that you build a world that wouldn't perhaps be possible in our real world, but that has a functional, internal logic that you make clear. Which this drama hasn't, because it's mostly given us some basic ideas (with characters and plot points) and then has failed to fill in details for things to actually make sense (in whatever alternative, fictional world this drama operates in).
<Are you really going to run into the same man at every turn in real life where he turns out to be a celebrity coach and a chaebol who happens to save you numerous times? Why is this so easy to believe yet the same viewers are up in arms when he chooses to recover alone for a year so as not to burden her and because that’s who he is?
Uhh, some of us didn't believe that. Some of us very much questioned their repeated run-ins and the multiple saving-the-damsel-in-distress.
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Rafe Amani
December 31, 2015 at 2:30 AM
"...... when he chooses to recover alone for a year so as not to burden her and because that’s who he is?"
It is believable to me because I have witnessed the same pattern of behaviour happened to a friend. He got into a car accident. He cut off his relationship with a girlfriend whom he "had not given a ring or promised to marry and did not want to burden her." He lost one of his legs and did not recover like JH in the drama. Life is drama in itself.
But his girlfriend is no way near the character of Joo Eun who tells JH "she’s stubborn — she doesn’t care how long it takes, she’ll wait for him to come back. It’s okay with her if he’s not healthy, or handsome, or sexy, as long as he comes back to her."
Therefore, what you write, NinjaNoona, I can relate. You say it all for me, in particular this: "There’s just something about that dilemma that feels authentic to me; I’m not in any place to say how reflective it is of Korean culture, but it resonates with my own experience."
Having seen it happened to a friend makes JH action believable to me.
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45 Kat
December 31, 2015 at 3:04 PM
Oh alua...
When you loose someone, don't you miss them? That is what real love is. If you have never experienced real love, then you don't understand, and cannot give an opinion about love separation or the reasons why people are willing to wait regardless of the situation. Your kids go to college? You miss them, and cannot wait to see them again. Your parents passed away, do you stop loving them? Of course not, and not only that, but you wish that you could see them and talk to them like before. Real love waits, and forgives, and understands. ✌ Peace.
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46 Hanys
December 31, 2015 at 8:24 PM
Joo eun is so matured actually. This drama proves.. women in 30s wont do something fool. Like when she asked soo jin to apologize. Nont bcoz of steal woo shik. But bcoz of the frendship... its make me want to be a better women in 30s.. then how loyal she is for 1 year.. once again, matured women did this. If not, she probably get together with some one else. Crying out of nowhere.. thats normal. I love how the writer make it as a normal behavior of women of 30s..
What im afraid when the doc said the director need to reasy for cancer treatemnt. Which director?
Yong ho's cancer come back. Its that why he feel quite uneasy? Will he died?
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47 Eylül
January 10, 2016 at 9:06 AM
Hi everyone
I would like to make a request. In the beginning of this episode, there is a piano song but i dont it. D
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48 Eylül
January 10, 2016 at 9:08 AM
Does anyone know the name of this song???? ( while car crash will be )
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49 Jay
February 6, 2016 at 12:50 AM
I'm happy they didn't make us wait long either.
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50 Jay Sayson
July 31, 2020 at 12:33 PM
Any idea who is the singer from their background song Someday at Christmas accompanied by guitar
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