Marriage Contract: Episode 10

131 April 6, 2016April 19, 2016

by LollyPip

Just as half of our couple starts to realize their true feelings, the other half begins to pull away — though not for the reasons you might think. Hye-soo has more to worry about than a possibly-fleeting romance, and her daughter comes first. She’s even willing to sacrifice her honor to secure a future for Eun-sung, though I’m sure we all hope that in the end, love will win out over money.

EPISODE 10 RECAP

Ji-hoon kisses Hye-soo, then again, more desperately. She kisses him back just as passionately, but then she backs off and, without a word, walks away. Ji-hoon is left on the beach, stunned and alone.

Hye-soo prepares Eun-sung to go home the next morning, and they stop to say goodbye to Mi-ran. Hye-soo asks Mi-ran one last time to please have the surgery, revealing that if they don’t do it soon, she may not be able to be her donor. Mi-ran tells Hye-soo that she’s not going through with the surgery, and thanks Hye-soo for everything she’s done.

They narrowly miss Ji-hoon on their way to catch the ferry, and when he gets back to the cabins, Mi-ran tells him that he should go home before his father gets angry. He sits with his mother but keeps craning his neck looking for Hye-soo and Eun-sung, and Mi-ran warns him not to get too attached to them.

When he hears that they’ve left, Ji-hoon runs to try to catch the ferry, but he’s too late. Eun-sung waves at him as the boat pulls away from the dock, but Hye-soo carefully avoids looking at him.

Ji-hoon arrives at his Promise apartment that night, but refrains from knocking on Hye-soo’s door. He notices that Eun-sung’s kittens are gone, and he asks Ho-joon if he’s seen them.

Hye-soo is at the hospital to meet with her doctor, and she learns that her tumor is growing. Her doctor tells her that her symptoms will worsen without treatment, and at this point, she only has a thirty percent chance of survival over the next five years. She urges Hye-soo to receive treatment, and Hye-soo readily agrees this time.

She arranges to start treatment right away, which will require four sessions a week for several months. She avoids a text from Ji-hoon and picks up Eun-sung at school, showering her with hugs and kisses until Eun-sung begs for mercy.

Ji-hoon surprises them on their walk home, and takes them for ice cream and a bike ride. How does he look so adorable wearing Eun-sung’s backpack?? He asks Hye-soo why she ran off without saying goodbye, and she just says she had something important to do.

Ji-hoon accepts her non-answer for now, and asks her to have a talk with him later, but Hye-soo says that she has nothing to talk to him about. She says that their kiss was a mistake, and stands to go, reaching out a hand for the backpack. But Ji-hoon takes her hand instead, saying, “I don’t think it was a mistake. I know you feel the same way, too. Let’s continue being a family.”

Hye-soo is flustered and doesn’t answer, hesitating long enough for Eun-sung to ride back to them and declare that she’s hungry. Ji-hoon offers to buy them lunch, still holding Hye-soo’s hand, and she doesn’t break the contact until they head off ( she doesn’t argue with going to lunch, either).

At lunch Eun-sung asks about Mi-ran, and Ji-hoon says that she should call her. After lunch they find out that none of Ji-hoon’s credit cards work, so Hye-soo pays for their meal.

Ji-hoon tries to prolong their time together but Hye-soo cuts things short, and asks for leave time from work as well. She says that she’ll be staying with Joo-yeon, and that she’ll come back to work after her business is done.

Ji-hoon visits Chairman Han to find out that his father cut his cards off on purpose, as well as his bank accounts. He’s also reported Hye-soo for fraud, and orders Ji-hoon to thank him for protecting him from her cons. Ji-hoon insists that she’s not like that, but the chairman only sees this as proof that he’s fallen for her lies.

He tells Ji-hoon again to divorce Hye-soo, but this time Ji-hoon isn’t ready to lie down and take it. He tells Chairman Han that he will accept whatever punishment he dishes out, but he doesn’t think he can give her up. He’s utterly respectful and even bows to his father, but leaves without bending to his will.

He tries to ignore Jung-hoon on his way out, blowing up when Jung-hoon grabs at him and demands answers. He snaps at his brother to ask their father if he wants to know what’s happening, and storms out. Jung-hoon calls someone and tells them to search Ji-hoon’s office, and let him know if they find anything fishy.

Ji-hoon texts Hye-soo that night wanting to meet up and talk, but she doesn’t answer him. He tries calling and strikes out there too, though Joo-yeon can tell with her usual insightfulness that it’s “that guy” calling again. She asks if he still plans to pay Hye-soo even though the surgery didn’t happen as planned.

When Hye-soo confirms that he will, Joo-yeon exclaims at her luck. Hye-soo won’t have to worry about money until Eun-sung is grown.

Madam Yoon takes Ji-hoon out to ask him about his mother, wondering how long her change of heart will last. When he declines to answer her questions she admits that he hurts her sometimes, since she took him in and raised him, yet he remains loyal to Mi-ran.

She warns Ji-hoon not to disregard her or Jung-hoon, though he swears that he’s not. Madam Yoon says that she’s willing to overlook this whole situation with Na-yoon, since Chairman Han has business connections with her family (and so giving her the brother she wants is beneficial to him), but in return she wants Ji-hoon’s promise that he won’t try to edge Jung-hoon out as the heir to the company.

Afterwards, Ji-hoon goes back to Mi-ran’s apartment, and cleans up the photo he smashed the last time he was there. He calls Mi-ran and offers to bring her anything she needs, though she says she needs nothing and tells him not to call her anymore. He agrees and hangs up, then immediately takes a selca and sends it to her. Ha.

Just as she gets the picture, Mi-ran’s brother finds her and asks why she doesn’t go back to Seoul, though I notice his voice isn’t as harsh as it was before. She cheerfully takes his arm and walks with him, and he shakes her off and says again to go back to the city.

Mi-ran follows him and asks him not to blame her for what happened to his wife — she says it wasn’t just her fault, it was his too, for traveling all the time and leaving her behind. That makes him angry again, but she begs him to forgive her.

She says that this is her last chance to make peace, and now he fusses at her for changing her name and speaking in the Seoul dialect. He starts to call Ji-hoon to have him take his mother home, and Mi-ran grabs the phone, which makes her brother ask if he has to be responsible for her death, too.

He starts to stomp off, but Mi-ran’s pitiful cries of apology make him stop. He almost turns back to her, but continues on his way.

Hye-soo watches families in the park, thinking that in five years, Eun-sung will be twelve years old, and she only has a thirty percent chance of seeing it. Chairman Han calls her to meet with him, and right away he lights into her for still hanging around Ji-hoon.

He tells Hye-soo that he’s cut off Ji-hoon’s money, still thinking that’s her only reason for seeing him. He tells her that this is his last warning — he’s sending her the divorce papers, so she’s to sign them immediately.

Hye-soo arrives at Joo-yeon’s salon at the same time as Young-hee and Seung-joo, who’ve come because Young-hee overheard enough about the surgery to worry. Hye-soo says it was a misunderstanding, but she accepts the red ginseng soup Young-hee brought for her.

Young-hee admits that she saw Eun-sung, and that she feels bad for blaming Hye-soo for her son’s death. She’d only felt that, if they’d never met, he might not have died so young. But after seeing Eun-sung she thought that her son wouldn’t be happy with her behavior, and she’d felt guilty about it.

She urges Hye-soo to take care of herself, so that she can be there for Eun-sung for a long time. She asks after Hye-soo’s new man and Hye-soo fibs that things are fine.

Soo-chang is whiny that Hye-soo is gone, though snippy waitress Ara says that she’s no better than any other assistant chef. Ho-joon breaks up the fight, and Soo-chang asks him if it’s true that Hye-soo and Ji-hoon are dating. It’s so cute how he says all these sensitive things in that gruff, booming voice, ha.

Ji-hoon arrives in time to hear him, so Ho-joon hustles him away, and tells him that Chairman Han called him. He demands to know everything so he knows what to say and not to say, assuming that there’s something going on with Hye-soo.

As soon as he mentions her name, Ho-joon can tell from Ji-hoon’s complete lack of a poker face that he’s fallen for her. Ji-hoon grumpily confirms it, and that Hye-soo returns his feelings, warning Ho-joon not to tell anyone about this.

Ho-joon asks what Ji-hoon will do if his father really does completely cut him off and kick him out, though Ji-hoon doesn’t seem terribly worried. Ho-joon points to all the employees cleaning outside the restaurant, and tells Ji-hoon that there were so many people wanting those low-paying jobs — Ji-hoon can’t possibly survive in that world.

That night Ji-hoon texts Hye-soo that he misses her, and she again ignores it. Eun-sung wants to go home and see her kittens, and when Hye-soo says no, she stomps out to ask Joo-yeon to take her.

Poor Ji-hoon is in agony waiting to hear from Hye-soo, hugging his pillows and whining to the empty room that he misses her. Awww, he’s actually crying a little bit with missing her.

Eun-sung succeeds in dragging Hye-soo to the restaurant, though Hye-soo wants to leave as soon as they see that Ji-hoon has been feeding the kittens. Eun-sung asks to stay a while, and Hye-soo can’t help but peek into Ji-hoon’s rooms to see if he’s there.

She finds him sleeping on the floor and covers him with a blanket, wanting to touch him but holding off. She bundles up Eun-sung and takes her home, but makes enough noise doing so that it stirs Ji-hoon.

He goes down to the street, right on their tail, but Na-yoon shows up and stops him from looking any further. She asks point-blank what relationship he and Hye-soo have, but his hesitation is enough answer, and she tells him not to say anything after all.

She tries to make him feel bad, saying that she chose him even though she knows he doesn’t have feelings for her, and that his apologies only make her feel worse. She tries a different tactic, expressing sorrow over his mother and apologizing for trying to force him to like her. Then she ruins it by telling him it’s time to stop, urging him to give up Hye-soo and accept his fate of marrying her.

Ji-hoon doesn’t respond as she expects, and tells Na-yoon to forget about him. He says that he was a coward back then and he’s still one now, and that he can’t be with her anymore. He lays down again, hugging the blanket Hye-soo covered him with, looking defeated and lost.

Guessing that something is off, Eun-sung asks her mother if she and Ajusshi had a fight. It’s as good an excuse as any so Hye-soo says they did, and Eun-sung pleads with her to make up and get along with him. She makes her mom pinky-swear, and in her little innocent mind, that’s all it takes to fix things.

After Eun-sung is tucked in bed, Hye-soo takes care with her appearance for once, fixing her hair and putting on makeup. Her hand trembles, and Joo-yeon catches her getting all gussied up, though Hye-soo says she just felt like it and she’s not going out anywhere.

Joo-yeon teases Hye-soo that she’s too old to be pretty now, which is a complete lie because she looks gorgeous. Hye-soo asks her friend to do her nails, which she can’t normally do since she works with food, and the pretty result makes her tear up a little.

She asks Joo-yeon a little sadly, “Do you think I can have a bright life, at least once?” Joo-yeon says that she’s still young, her debt is paid off, and she has no more money worries, so of course she can. That makes Hye-soo cry again.

She tells her friend that she wanted to date and kiss a man, and dress up and go out. Joo-yeon says that she can absolutely have those things, but by now tears are streaming down Hye-soo’s face, and she asks Joo-yeon half-jokingly what she’s done so wrong in her life.

Later Ji-hoon calls Hye-soo again, but she still doesn’t answer. She takes off her makeup while the phone rings over and over, feeling that the life Ji-hoon offers isn’t meant for someone like her. You can tell that it takes every ounce of her will not to answer the phone.

She meets with Chairman Han again, this time by her request. She says that she’ll divorce Ji-hoon, but first she asks Chairman Han to settle the balance that Ji-hoon owes her per their contract. She says that she won’t divorce him without that, and Chairman Han just laughs bitterly.

Ji-hoon is still trying to reach Hye-soo, and texts her that he’ll come find her if she doesn’t answer him soon. He sells his fancy car and expensive watch, and even borrows money from Ho-joon, promising to pay him back soon (and they get into the cutest fight over interest). But the money isn’t for him — it’s for Hye-soo, to pay her the rest of what he promised her.

Hye-soo finally answers Ji-hoon’s texts, asking where he wants to meet, and he gets all giddy and makes a reservation for dinner. He makes a stop to buy a set of wedding rings, and waits for Hye-soo looking like a kid on Christmas morning. He can’t stop grinning at her when she finally arrives, and happily gives her the money he owes her.

He says that their contract ends today, and grows adorably nervous. He brings out the ring and presents it to Hye-soo, practically bouncing in his seat in excitement. When she opens the box and looks at him in confusion, Ji-hoon asks her if she wants to not get divorced, and continue their relationship.

He promises to take care of her from now on, and Hye-soo holds out her hand. But instead of letting him slip the ring on her finger, she gently pushes his hand away, and gives him the envelope of money back. She holds her smile and says that she wants to get divorced.

She tells Ji-hoon that she already got the balance of the money from his father, which immediately wipes the smile off his face. She feels bad that she couldn’t help with the surgery, and she lies that she’s never seen him as someone she could have a relationship with.

Ji-hoon isn’t happy about this, but Hye-soo says that they just got a little too into their roles as a married couple and made some mistakes. She says that the kiss, especially, was a mistake, but her voice wavers just enough to give her true feelings away.

Unconvinced, Ji-hoon asks one last time if she really means it, and Hye-soo says that she does. As he stares at her, her words finally sink in, and Ji-hoon’s expression shuts down.

COMMENTS

Oof, that was cruel. I mean, I understand why Hye-soo did it, because she doesn’t want to burden Ji-hoon with her illness when he’s already dealing with a dying mother. She’s trying to be kind, and in a way, she’s right — dealing with losing the two women he loves at the same time would be difficult for Ji-hoon, who we’re now learning is a giant emotional marshmallow. But seeing him go from being so happy and hopeful to devastated, in a matter of moments, was so hard to watch.

But backing up a bit, I can’t even express how much I loved Ji-hoon in this episode. It’s so sweet that he denied his feelings so hard and for so long, but once he admitted them, he just went all in. I knew he’d be a big old softie under all that gruff grumbling, but I never pegged him for the guy who would literally cry into his pillow just from missing the girl he loves. I never would have thought he’d be the sensitive, vulnerable one in this relationship, but I love the reversal. Though it shattered my heart into tiny pieces when Hye-soo rejected him, I love that he’s making himself so vulnerable to her, and it’s softening him around the edges in other ways too (that hug he gave Ho-joon was so cute, and you could tell Ho-joon loved it, too). I hope Hye-soo doesn’t hold out for long, because I want to see more of this sweetheart.

Let’s talk about Na-yoon for a minute. I’d rather not, because she still comes across as a bland, one-dimensional character, but she’s starting to make more moves towards Ji-hoon and I’m just getting fed up with her. You can see her calculating everything she says to Ji-hoon, changing her angle multiples times per conversation, and it’s just so frustrating watching her try her hardest to manipulate him. I don’t think she’s got any evil intentions, but she just flat-out doesn’t seem to care that he’s no longer interested in her — she wants him, and that’s that (and I’ll never understand the drama second-lead desire to possess someone who doesn’t want to be with them, it seems like such an empty way to live).

But when she went to Chairman Han for answers instead of talking to Ji-hoon, that’s when I was officially done with her. You can see that, if she married into the family, she would play by the “Father Know Best” rule and everything would go through Daddy Dearest, which would only cement Chairman Han’s control over Ji-hoon. If for no other reason, I’m against her marrying Ji-hoon because it would anchor him even more securely to the family and he’d never break free. She can go marry Jung-hoon for all I care, he wouldn’t mind her manipulations and deferring to the chairman first before her own husband. But she is not for Ji-hoon, whether or not Hye-soo was even in the picture. So I’m glad that Ji-hoon finally stood up to her and said a firm No, though I’m afraid she’s going to need to hear it a few more times before it sinks in, especially with Chairman Han offering his son to her on a silver platter.

Every time I think I can’t fall in love with Hye-soo any more than I already am, she does something amazing and strong and I just admire her that much more. I know it’s the mother in her that makes her willing to do anything to secure a future for her daughter, but it takes all kinds of guts to go to the man who thinks you’re nothing but a low, filthy gold-digger, and demand more money. With her sense of honor, you know it had to kill her to do that when the truth is that she loves his son — but for Eun-sung, Hye-soo will even let the chairman think the worst of her. I love how her strength is so ever-present and rock-solid, and she always does what she needs to do. I only hope that her love for Ji-hoon wins out soon over her decision to keep him int he dark about her condition, because she does deserve to be loved, and Ji-hoon deserves the chance to prove that he’s just the man to do it.

I just adore the little meaningful moments the show gives us, just small scenes that seem like throwaways but can mean so much. The one that killed me in this episode wasn’t when Hye-soo got fixed up and cried about not being able to live an easy life, but the scene right after that. Ji-hoon is calling her, over and over, and you know that she wants more than anything to pick up the phone and go to him. But instead she takes off her makeup, accepting that that life isn’t something within her reach. There’s no dialogue and it’s such a quiet moment, but so full of deeper meaning, and this entire drama is chock-full of wonderful, rich moments like that. It’s one of the things that made me fall in love with this show in the first place, that it never condescends to us or overexplains what people are feeling. The scenes are so well-directed and the actors are just that good, that we know exactly what they’re feeling even when they don’t say a word.

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1 lovestodream

April 6, 2016 at 2:15 PM

How long is she going to conveniently carry around information on her disease in her purse before Fate has it come spilling out?!? TELL THE TRUTH already! I can't take Ji-hoon's sad faces and crushed hopes anymore. :(

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Adal

April 6, 2016 at 4:13 PM

If she tells him it would be like admitting that she wilfully deceived him. I mean, who wants a donor with a terminal medical condition? She also doesn’t want to burden him, knowing his mother is dying. It would place him in the position of losing the two women he loves to terminal illnesses. Better for him to hate her and break up before their feelings for each other get any deeper than it already is.

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2 newbie

April 6, 2016 at 2:23 PM

This is such a wonderful show. As you said lots of meaningful little scenes like the make-up removing. Well done, the impact made me even think of Glenn Close in Dangerous Liaisons.

And Eun Sung is so well written. Most kids in Dramas are behaving like little grown-ups, wise beyond their age, but she is a real child, having her own will and going for what she wants and using her charm to get it.

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3 V

April 6, 2016 at 2:31 PM

This episode was so beautiful but so sad. I absolutely love this drama.

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4 halfmoon

April 6, 2016 at 2:35 PM

Comment was deleted

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earthna

April 6, 2016 at 3:28 PM

I know, right! You'd think by now, her BEST FRIEND, would notice something's going on with her but nope.

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Adal

April 6, 2016 at 4:16 PM

Yeah, I too was disappointed that the best friend didn't catch on that something was wrong. I mean, who cries hopelessly when they are about to recieve the biggest pay off that they've dreamed of their whole life?

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lolalarue

April 6, 2016 at 4:33 PM

I feel like her friend is waiting for Hye Soo to open up, not that the friend has a clue about the sickness, but is simply assuming Hye Soo is dealing with the hard things in her life as best she can and doesn't want to push her when she appears to be dealing with it all. I mean it's not like HS has had an easy life, so now that all her 'worries' seem to be disappearing I'm assuming that her friend won't be able to let the crying jags go on unremarked for too much longer.

I feel like we're not too far away from someone finding out this secret.

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kitkat

April 6, 2016 at 6:17 PM

... what exactly happened for her and JH to break up.

if I remember correctly NY explained to his father that JH presented himself as an orphan and then broke up with her because her parents refused him as their son-in-law.

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FireHorse

April 6, 2016 at 7:48 PM

I totally agree about the make-up scene, and especially the removal scene. When HS kept wiping her face over and over and over again, after all the makeup was gone, and she kept wiping it, and you could see her skin turning red from all the wiping - I cried w/ her in that scene. It was so touching, so real, you could just feel the tremendous amount of sadness, hurt, and disappointment pouring out of her in waves.

Uee is just knocking it out of the park in Marriage Contract. I really watched it initially for LSJ (didn't everyone else, too? j/k), but I am so impressed w/ how much Uee has improved and grown as as actress. Kudos.

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irenah

April 6, 2016 at 8:21 PM

Totally agree with you about Uee. I've never watched her act before and only read critics about her "one-look" :D
But this drama proves otherwise. Her character and action feels organic and real. Impressive indeed.

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Nissa

April 7, 2016 at 1:32 AM

Uee's lucky to have Kang Hye So.

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yoadrian

April 7, 2016 at 6:43 AM

Sad and magical. I cry hysterically or laugh uncontrollably every episode.

Someone may just have to re calibrate my hypothalamus after this.

First time watching UEE in a drama. Just beautiful.

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June

April 7, 2016 at 8:54 AM

I felt uee was good in Hogu's Love too :)

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Mermaid Scribbler

April 7, 2016 at 3:57 PM

Ditto about how Uee is doing such a great job. I cried, too. The emotion in that scene was so real!

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5 Nessa (Bebe) 🌹

April 6, 2016 at 2:40 PM

Thanks for the recap, Lollipip ~~~!!!!!!

THIS SHOW ~~~ OMG!!!!!! THIS. EPISODE ~~!!!!!!!! T.T

So many beautiful, telling, yet, little moments of gems and emotions .<

2. Ji Hoon's constant phone calls and texts to Hye Soo, especially the "I miss you" one ugh MY HEART. MY FEELS!!!!

3. Ji Hoon's poor and sad lovesick puppy dog scene when he's drinking and wailing into empty space at how much he misses Hye Soo <3 <3 <3

4. Hye Soo's whole entire make-up/nail polish/BFF talk/ make-up removal scene T........................T Seemingly mundane and very everyday-like, but oh so poignant and profound, actually

5. Ji Hoon's willing to go so far as to sell what he can to get money and just to uphold his part in the contract, but most telling of all: How much all of that symbolizes how much Ji Hoon is actually willing to give (up) and how far he is willing to go in order to make his stance known about how much he wants things to work out with Hye Soo

6. And finally.... the interconnecting scenes, AND FEELS, from Ji Hoon: from the moment he FINALLY receives a reply text from Hye Soo, then being SO prepared to go ring shopping, meeting her, feeling so happy to see her and PROUD to be seen with her because he LOVES HER (and yea, anyone else notice how the words "My wife and daughter" came out from him when he was introducing Hye Soo and Eun Sung to his uncle in episode 9???????????)..... to shock and incomprehension at Hye Soo's words of rejection, to seemingly total despair at what she's actually saying, especially when she mentions that she already got the money from Chairman Han </3

MY HEART ~!!!!!!!

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Nessa (Bebe) 🌹

April 6, 2016 at 3:33 PM

Whoops!! Got too excited there and made my numbering all wrong lol But I did forget to mention (spazz and squee, really) one more scene:

- that LOOK he gave Hye Soo when he took her hand at when they were at the bike park ~swoooooooon~

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cinnamimi

April 6, 2016 at 10:04 PM

It happened to me as well. Because I was so excited, I clicked the wrong reply button on the previous recap :P

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honeyJ

April 7, 2016 at 12:24 AM

I like the moment at the park too!!
The way he took her hand instead of giving the backpack, it's giving me so much of romantic feelings.

swoooooon hard!

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Loesea

April 7, 2016 at 1:03 AM

and one more scene...
After they finished and paid their lunch, they walked hand in hand together.. Then Hye Soo said she would stay at Joo Yeon's house temporarily, she suddenly pulled Eun Sung's hand from Ji Hoon's, but then Eun Sung took his hand back (cause she didn't understand what happened) and then Hye Soo forcefully pulled her hand back again... Hye Soo and Eun Sung walked away from Ji Hoon but Eun Sung couldn't stop looking back...sadly at her Ahjussi... Hiksssss....

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cinnamimi

April 7, 2016 at 4:18 AM

Yes, that scene is perfect. The hidden detail which makes this drama so rich... I was wondering how the director asked the kid to do the scene. Was it unintentional? It just looks so natural...

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Nessa (Bebe) 🌹

April 7, 2016 at 2:28 PM

I'm also wondering if little Rin Ah (name of the little actress who portrays Eun Sung) improvised it or if the director asked for it... hmmm...

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Nessa (Bebe) 🌹

April 7, 2016 at 2:26 PM

Yea ~~!! I caught that, too!! Whew Eun Sung took his hand back <3 Awwwwwwwww!!!!

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phoe

April 7, 2016 at 10:22 PM

Yes, i notice that too... what a cute little moment.

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:36 PM

It's amazing how the director was able to think about the scene where Eun Seung took back Ji Hoon's hand!

This small details just show us how attach they are to each other :)

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6 logan5

April 6, 2016 at 2:41 PM

Nothing really new here ... we've seen this all before ... the question is about execution ... how well will the rest of the story play out without feeling tired and old.

That said ... I have to admit, I like the show

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Amilia

April 6, 2016 at 10:31 PM

Exactly! There's absolutely nothing new about this drama. But! The execution! Gah! So perfect! So beautiful! I am sucked in completely every week despite the tired clichés. I am giddy when subs come so quickly on Saturday afternoons. And then curse myself for not waiting so I could watch both episodes back to back. And then watch Sunday's episode piecemeal as subs come out. And then wonder why I'm not saving this show to marathon. But there's no way I'm going to hold off when the subs are ready again early next Saturday afternoon.

Kudos to everyone involved in this drama for creating something magical out of well worn parts. I am completely and totally invested in this story and these characters.

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newbie

April 6, 2016 at 11:16 PM

So Ji Sub said in a promotional interview for Oh My Venus in Japan these days, that this drama is like miso soup. The basics are the same, but you can vary the ingrediences and present it in multiple ways. Guess this is true for all dramas. They can't invent the wheel anew every time.

Marriage Contract is a very tasty miso soup.

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cinnamimi

April 7, 2016 at 4:24 AM

I like the analogy...

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Camkim

April 7, 2016 at 6:31 AM

I don't like miso soup but I'll say Marriage Contract is a very satisfying show!!!!

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Flin

April 7, 2016 at 8:49 AM

+1000!!

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:37 PM

+1000000!!!

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7 RockPaperScissors

April 6, 2016 at 2:43 PM

Ji Hoon wearing Eun Sung's backpack while she rode her bike - so darn cute. My heart melted. Hurry up and be a happy family!

Hye Soo's meltdown in front of her friend - great acting Uee. Never thought I'd be saying that! Really, her friend should suspect something.

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8 Sama

April 6, 2016 at 2:47 PM

My favorite drama ever and my 1st interest. Truly it is more warmful and interesting than DOTS .the mske up scene her conversation with her friend .the question what did i wrong .and the rrmove of the make up truly thump up for uee she did a great job as usual. It is not like a rotine drama .theere zre so meanful thing here .can t wsit for rp 11 .truly it is a must watch

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cinnamimi

April 6, 2016 at 10:11 PM

Maybe because we relate the emotions here to our own life. This is becoming my number one show too, replacing Come Back....

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Flin

April 7, 2016 at 9:02 AM

@cinnamon

Agree.. And also the actors are just great at expressing the emotions, kudos to the director and everyone else involved in this drama.

I never really like UEE before, watched her here and there in 'you are beautiful' and 'high society' but didn't click. This time around I am glad I decided to check on this drama, although initially for LSJ, but truly got a pleasant surprise from UEE instead! You go girl! Your acting rocks!

My first LSJ drama, only seen him on variety shows before, but he is good. Joah ❤❤

Everything about the drama is done very well. Really enjoyable (despite the number of tissues spent), now I am really looking forward to weekends.

Thank you Lollypip for the recap!

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9 Affie

April 6, 2016 at 2:49 PM

When she rejected him, I felt like I had been socked in the gut! Whoa! I felt so bad for Ji-Hoon! I felt it so intensely!

This show makes me feel so many things intensely...

I cried when Mi-Ran was begging for forgiveness... I cried when Hye Soo asked Joo Hyeon what she had done so wrong in life...! Argh! It's so full of feeling....this show!

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irenah

April 6, 2016 at 8:26 PM

So truee!! The feelings are intense. I was bawling at bus station scene... wooff...

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10 Houda

April 6, 2016 at 3:00 PM

I am addicted to this show .the best drama ever even DOTS is nothing comparing this great story line .this show start with a lot of hates for uee and the big gap of the couple but now you can read only positive comment about this drama and all the hate and critisism become love and complements to uee and the caresma between the couple . this just show us the impact that this drama haveand how could it win the heart of the hater.this is a show that you will never regret it

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11 stargazer

April 6, 2016 at 3:03 PM

Great review Lollpip. I agree there are some really great moments in this drama. I really wasn't expecting to like it as much as I do.

Hye-soo has been raising Eun-sung on her own so she is probably used to doing everything herself but she will need lean on when she starts getting treatments. If she is going to keep her illness a secret from Ji-hoon she should at least confide in her best friend.

I hope she starts to accept that she is not alone and she has people around her who really care about her and Eun-sung. I really love Hye-soo, Ji-hoon and Eun-sung together, I hope they get a chance to be a family.

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earthna

April 6, 2016 at 3:32 PM

Good point! Her actions say so much about her being alone and trying to raise her daughter by herself. Just like you, I hope she realizes soon that she can lean on other people too and they're much willing to help if only she would reach out to them

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12 Loumas

April 6, 2016 at 3:08 PM

I hope that people stop saying that uee didn't know how to act .truly she is the best idol turned actress she play so many different role and every role she play it very well and her role in this drama is like "shut your mouth" to all people who didn't accespt her as an actress. Great drama and every episode make you more obssesed yo it .thump up to all the actirs writer and director

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Katie

April 6, 2016 at 4:31 PM

Uee is really good in this drama! But I felt nothing from her from High Society, she was a bit robot, with no emotions. I guess it's not her fault, she just needs to choose roles better and wisely, if doing so, she wins peoples hearts!

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kamal

April 7, 2016 at 2:54 PM

high society didn t get a lot of sceen time if you wact it you will see that the writer focus in the second actors and destroy the lead couple. uee did a great job in all her dramas even in high socity but she killed it in marriage contract

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13 gadis

April 6, 2016 at 3:16 PM

Auugh.. That last scene. I know it's coming, but the smile on Jihoon's face is still killing me. He looks so happy and giddy at the prospect of starting a genuine relationship with the woman he loves. And I can't even blame Hyesoo for rejecting him. For a woman who became a widow at such a young age, she wouldn't want to drag Jihoon into her life with her low survival rate. Especially when there is already a burden of potentially leaving Eunsung at the tender age of 12.

Still, I hope there is a happy ending in store for them.. *crossing finger*

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14 Beverly A

April 6, 2016 at 3:22 PM

I ask you experts: Is this behavior typical of chaebols? I understand there is to be some drama added in but everything I've ever seen depicts chaebol families as mean, deceitful and manipulative.
I'm at a loss.

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Katie

April 6, 2016 at 4:27 PM

I've seen the same over the years: chaebols as mean and manipulative.
I doubt every chaebol is like that in real life, but the message dramas want to give is: money don't make you happy! Maybe that's the reason most chaebols in k-drama land are antagonists.

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zzmarie

April 7, 2016 at 9:35 AM

Say it isn't so. I refuse to think of Siwon this way! Lol

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newbie

April 6, 2016 at 11:20 PM

In light of the recently released Panama Papers it seems that the rich really have no conscience at all, doesn't it?

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hangsang nae ma-eum-e

April 10, 2016 at 7:15 AM

Lol

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Camkim

April 7, 2016 at 6:43 AM

I'm no expert but I guess there's some truth in that kind of portrayal. After all, such character depictions are more or less based on real life. Though I agree that maybe not all of them are like that. Maybe being bad makes them survive from the ruthless world they're living in, no?

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Pearl~ai88

April 7, 2016 at 7:00 PM

Basically money=power and power corrupts. This is true in Korea as well as the rest of the world. Of course not everyone who is rich is corrupt, but it takes a lot of strength of character to handle it well. Dramas take this basic fact/stereotype and use it for their rich villains because it's a tried and true formula. Also most of the audience isn't insanely rich so it's easy and entertaining to hate on snobby upper crust characters that are much more privileged than we will ever be. This is by no means unique to kdramas- just read a Dickens novel. I wouldn't take drama tropes too seriously- they may be based on certain real life truths, but ultimately it's all just being used as a means to tell a story.

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15 miroufleur

April 6, 2016 at 3:23 PM

I really love this drama but it will kill me if Ji-hoon ends up losing his mum and his wife too. Drama please give the trio (Ji-hoon, hye-soo and eun-seung) a chance of having a happy ending.

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16 Julzevias

April 6, 2016 at 3:25 PM

OMG...that ending.

There are many things that what makes this show good, but one thing I really love is that it makes me want to stop watching it. In a good way. Most of the times, I enjoy those fluffy little romantic comedies and if they have especially strong character development or good plotlines, I rate it solid.

However this drama does the exact opposite. It bites, it stings, and I want to turn my eyes away from the screen. This episode, for example, had an ending that literally made me cringe and clench my fists. I could barely stand Hye-Soo's fake smile and the way Ji-Hoon's expression turned dark.

Because every action in this drama carries a lot of weight, most of it also being very realistic, I'm always kept on the edge of my toes, and always want to switch the screen for the few happy moments. And this is what makes this drama so dang good. I'm scared stiff(especially at the end of this drama) but there's this urge inside me to keep watching and find out what happens next. Ironically, because I sometimes want to stop watching this, I have to know the ending.

I cannot commend the show enough on its limited-words performance and the expressions almost every actor convey. It's quickly climbing its way up as one of my favorite dramas of all time, and that's not easy. ESPECIALLY in an age of dramadom. So, thank you, show!

By the way, Na-Yoon...I recently rewatched Master's Sun and just loved how cute she was there...couldn't she just be cast as a cute character here? Despite her character, I'm fine with her at the moment(despite strongly disliking her) because 1) she's not obstructing love relationships purposefully yet(Daddy's doing that) and 2) as a hateful character, I'm not torn between pairings. She's also increasingly nice to dislike, and her presence only solidify's Ji-Hoon's choice in Hye-Soo now. I have no problem with that at all. Teeheehee. Sometimes badly constructed characters have their merits. Too bad it comes at the cost of negatively portraying a good actor.

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houstontwin

April 6, 2016 at 5:26 PM

No reflection on the actress, but I am so tired of female characters like Na Yoon. It seems to me that Kdramas are full of male second lead characters who are as sweet as can be, but most of the time, the female characters are "mean girls". In the classic love rectangles of Kdrama, I don't remember too many sweet "other women."

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Melleit

April 6, 2016 at 9:59 PM

Preach!!

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merrym

April 7, 2016 at 4:50 AM

And most times, these 'other women' have committed no real crime, except maybe being too beautiful, rich and talented (like Na Yoon). But we love to hate them, because after all they are detrimental to our OTP getting together.

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rowanharper

April 8, 2016 at 2:47 AM

Na Yoon, hasn't committed a crime but she has certainly been a self absorbed character that demands her own way and neglects to consider EVERYONE else's feeling. Let's not forget also that she was rude, condescending and highly disrespectful to HS. On top of all that she's highly manipulative. Her drama trope is my least favorite kind of character and totally unnecessary, as the lead couple had plenty of conflict to go around.

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rowanharper

April 8, 2016 at 2:54 AM

In other words - my hate for her type of character has nothing to do with her looks.

I would be more tolerant of her if she were a nice person, but all her scenes now make me want to fast forward.

I actually liked the second female leads in BOF and My Lovely Sam Soon.

17 earthna

April 6, 2016 at 3:26 PM

This episode made me cry so much but here I am again crying as I read the recap.

The nail polish scene broke my heart. She was stating her wishes so genuinely but with sadness because she's scared she won't be able to experience those anymore. And yes! he scene after that was even more heartbreaking. It's so symbolic how she erased her make up and then flings her pride to the ground right after that. Ahhh, mothers and their love for their children.

Jihoon made me cry as well. That "I miss you" when he was alone, just devastated and longing for Hyesoo. The last scene though! My heart couldn't take how happy he was to finally see Hyesoo again but of course, she had to break his heart.

I can't believe the things Nayoon was spouting right there. Omg. She's like saying, "I know you're having a hard time but you're mom's gonna die anyway so you have no choice but marry me." She's crazy!

Can't wait for the next episode. I don't care if we get angst and pain or whatever. Bring it on!

Thanks for the recap, LollyPip!

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earthna

April 6, 2016 at 3:37 PM

And did anyone catch that meta reference to Grandpas Over Flowers at the proposal scene? "I'd carry your burden (luggage) for you."

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Nessa (Bebe) 🌹

April 6, 2016 at 3:52 PM

I did!!!

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EnZ

April 7, 2016 at 4:49 PM

In an earlier episode he made a reference to three meals a day. When he was cooking for her.

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:41 PM

I laughed during that line!!

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18 Adal

April 6, 2016 at 3:27 PM

I have to confess that I am a tad disgusted with Stepmama's reaction to the news that Miran is dying. She could have disguised her relief at hearing that news better. I always wondeted why Ji hoon didn't bother to explsin himself to his step mother and Jung hoon. Sll the fracas would've been over had he explained that he is NOT interested in either Na Yoon or his father's company. But considering his step mother's disparaging attitude towards his birth mother, it's no woder he clams up and leaves them to their own imaginations, which means they very often jump to the wrong

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houstontwin

April 6, 2016 at 7:06 PM

You make such a good point Adal. It is almost inexplicable that he doesn't explain himself to his brother. It is no wonder that his brother is furious.

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:44 PM

I thought she was at least becoming human when she look shocked hearing the news from Chairman.

But watching Stepmom conversation with Ji Hoon.. ugh, just live with your family. Sigh, Ji Hoon should just cut ties with his family. Too much hateful and negative auras in that house -_-

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19 Moko

April 6, 2016 at 3:44 PM

Thank you LollyPip for your awesome reviews.

I really love this show. It got all the right feels and all the heart. It's finally a contract marriage that I feel could really be like that. Nothing too crazy. I mean it's still obviously a drama but its realistic. I don't have turn off my brain in order to watch it. Usually I think contract marriages are really unrealistic, fun yes, but not plausible. But this is. The stakes are high enough to actually make such a crazy decision.

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20 Adal

April 6, 2016 at 3:53 PM

I have to admit that I am a tad disgusted with Stepmama's reaction to the news that Miran is dying. She could have disguised her relief at hearing that news, better. I always wondered why Ji hoon didn't bother explaining himself to his step mother and Jung hoon, he could have told them he was NOT interested in Na Yoon nor in his father's company.

But considering Step mother's disparaging attitude towards his birth mother, and Jung hoon's superior attitude towards him, it is no wonder he leaves them to their own imaginations which leads to a lot of misconceptions about Ji hoon's motives and actions. They took him in and provided a home for him, yes, but they never really accepted him into their family. That is why they never let him forget what they did for him, like they're rubbing his nose in it and they act like he owes them something.

I strongly suspect, that older brother Jung hoon, who is having Hye Soo investigated, will let Ji hoon know of Hye soo's brain tumor. And I suspect, this will not stop Ji hoon from loving her or wanting to take care of her, despite his initial reaction of anger at her decieving him.

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21 paroles

April 6, 2016 at 3:56 PM

I have no idea why, but I got tired of this show. Don't know the reason why I got into it at first, and don't know the reason why I feel like dropping it too. Perhaps it's just too predictable; I only need to watch the preview to know what'll happen in the next episode.

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22 Omgggggg

April 6, 2016 at 4:02 PM

Awww when JiHoon is sleeping on the floor ??? like he did when he missed his mom ????

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earthna

April 6, 2016 at 4:09 PM

Yes! It seems like a coping mechanism for him when he misses someone.

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23 teawater

April 6, 2016 at 4:23 PM

The last 5 mins were difficult to watch. Ji Hoon was so vulnerable, so in love with Hye Soo. Great acting by everyone, especially LSJ. He makes the audience feel his pain as well.

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:48 PM

I half expect him to burst out & yell at Hye Soo. And I was amazed when he ask her calmly to confirm about it.

And the scene where he explain to Na Yoon to stop chasing him. He handles it maturely.

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24 cinnamimi

April 6, 2016 at 4:24 PM

Thanks for the recap, LollyPip.

- Look at how JH didn't let his mother know how he felt when she told him HS and ES had left. He pretended to be okay. I believe once his mother wasn't aware, he started running desperately to the harbor.

- Looking at JH with that yellow bag gives me a strange feeling, as if I were embarrassed by myself. I don't know. It's something tickling. Maybe because it's too cute and I can't handle that cuteness. He's just too nice and he wanted to be close to them badly. Maybe I feel pity for him, having so much hope only to be rejected later. Watching him to be that open and vulnerable really hurts. Sigh, I can't even describe it properly.

- JH shared his ice cream with ES. She's surely not just anybody to him.

- JH acted like a teenager, sitting on the sofa, holding the pillow and whispering that he missed HS so much. For people in their 30's, spouting name of someone they love alone like crazy needs a lot of courage, need not to feel embarrassed by their own doing. Someone need to be really in love to do that.

- I cannot describe what JH felt. After he had so much hope to be with her, when his heart finally bloomed like a flower, he got rejected at the very end. It must be like being dropped down after flying high. And no preview for the next episode. Perfect! I hope he won't hate her because of her rejection. Being deeply hurt can turn love into hatred. No. JH, please find out why she did that.

- I DO HOPE HS WILL PASS OUT ON HER WAY OUT OF THE RESTAURANT (and finally JH learn her illness, yay!).

- The chairman freezing JH's cards was just too much. Like, what? He's a MAN, not a BOY! Come on!

- Did UEE prepare too well for her role here? I mean, look at her hands. The fingers seem too fragile and easily broken. They are just too perfect to conform her being ill. I hope it's not because of something unrelated to the drama. I hope she is well.

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phoe

April 6, 2016 at 9:12 PM

There is a preview for ep 11, you could search it on youtube.

And about Uee, she loose so much weight.
She become very skinny in this drama, she really looks like she is ill.
I hope that it only for this drama too...

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cinnamimi

April 6, 2016 at 10:20 PM

Thank you, phoe. I did not thought about that before. Got to go there checking the preview... :)

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I Quit

April 7, 2016 at 4:43 AM

Comment was deleted

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:52 PM

"Look at how JH didn’t let his mother know how he felt when she told him HS and ES had left. He pretended to be okay. I believe once his mother wasn’t aware, he started running desperately to the harbor."

I notice this too!! He was walking infront of his mother to catch them and end up running when she's not watching.

I guess we all do the same thing esp if you want to hide your feelings from your parents!

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cinnamimi

April 11, 2016 at 12:04 AM

Yes, we do :D

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25 zzmarie

April 6, 2016 at 4:37 PM

This is the one show I watching faithfully right now. I have others, but don't always see them on the day they broadcast. I love the raw portrayals our leads are giving us. From the preview, it looks like 11 is going to be another tough one. All I ask for is some hope at the end for our family of three!

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26 Rubita

April 6, 2016 at 4:38 PM

I have been waiting--hoping--for this recap to post because this episode has been on my mind since I saw it. You captured, I think, all the things I loved about it. Above all, what I appreciated most this episode was how much was conveyed either nonverbally or via subtext. That's what sets Marriage Contract above other shows for me, how accomplished it is at showing-not-telling. It's a masterful team effort of writing, directing, and acting.

But--I have a bone to pick with Hye-Soo. I do think she's great. BUT. As much as I understand why she's not telling Ji-Hoon about her illness, I don't understand why she hasn't confided in Joo-Yeon. I'd be very upset if my best friend kept that kind of thing from me for so long, and I know my best friend would feel the same way. There's a certain element to Hye-Soo's character that makes me feel like she brings some of her suffering on herself by refusing to ask for or accept help. Or--in this case--confide in anyone.

Furthermore, since her brain tumor is beginning to manifest symptoms--I can't help but think she needs to let someone know for Eun-Sung's sake. I realize that Hye-Soo is determined to live--and I'm completely, 100% rooting for her!--but that does not mean that shouldn't have plans for her daughter. I'm not talking about "if I die" plans, but "if mommy's unconscious again" plans--because I sort of doubt that Eun-Sung's incredible cuteness will be enough to make Ji-Hoon pick up the phone after this episode. At least for a while.

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rainerust

April 11, 2016 at 9:31 AM

I think it's to do with her personality, and how she doesn't want to bring trouble to others/burden them with something she regards as her responsibility to deal with? I mean, that's why she got into so much trouble with her husband's debt and moved away from her husband's family. They clearly didn't know about his debt, and why she chose to leave them. In that sense, it's not inconsistent for her to keep this secret to herself for now; she thinks she can handle it. She WANTS to be able to handle it. She wants everything to turn out OK. Not to say that this is the best way of handling the situation, but it's consistent with the way the character was written. Also, maybe because she's a very private person - even with the contract marriage agreement, she didn't let her best friend find out until she needed her friend to stand as a witness to the process. Pretty much says it all. I also don't think she's thought ahead of plans for "if I become unconscious". Her biggest concern was to try and secure Eun Sung's future, and that's what she has her mind on for now. Later, though, when she thinks it's timely, I think she will tell her friend...just not now, when everything is still in flux and she's still trying to fix things in her own way.

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27 SuziQ

April 6, 2016 at 4:40 PM

This is one of the few dramas that has me crying again. Get out the tissues! So well written and acted. I especially like the scenes with Eun Sung. Such a talented and natural child actress.
Na Yoon's character and the actress' acting rubs me the wrong way. I keep thinking she's going to fall off those high heels she wears. Why go to JH's dad to get the lowdown? If JH ain't telling you, you should realize he isn't that in to you.
I hope the writers don't write themselves into a corner with HS's brain tumor and its disclosure....

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28 Carie

April 6, 2016 at 5:14 PM

This show is really amazing. HS is an amazingly strong woman coping with the disease and preparing for her daughter's future. She is really carrying everything on her shoulder yet she still cares for JH. Like everyone else, this is one drama where it touches us very deeply as we feel for the mother who knows that she will die really soon, child (JH) who is going to loose his mother and a child who is innocent and yet we all know that she will be the one who will suffer most as she is not and never will be ready to let go of the one and only person who matters in her life. Wonderful storyline, great acting and absolutely touching. Well DONE!!

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29 Asterido

April 6, 2016 at 6:00 PM

Thanks for the recap LollyPip!

I have said this in the Marriage Contract, again and again...
I desperately want this drama have a happy ending, i don't care its cliche or whatever.
My emotional investment in this drama is too high, if its a sad ending - i might have to reserved a while from kdramaland.

Its as if real characters live in my world, and in the middle of bad news everywhere - i just want a dust of happy ending storyline to ease the life's hecticness.

Ah drama. I went too crazy for you.
Ottoke~

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irenah

April 6, 2016 at 9:07 PM

Me too.. If HS dies, i will just have to write my first fanfic haha

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kimchikay

April 6, 2016 at 9:12 PM

I feel like we may have to be ready for a sad ending...reality is, many people die from brain tumors....her chances are 30% survival in 5 years...that's extremely low.

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cinnamimi

April 6, 2016 at 10:35 PM

The worst thing is:
HS finally accepted JH as her husband. They lived happily for five years. 10 years later, the young adult ES visited her mother's grave, the camera slowly turned to shot two people behind her: JH and NY. Oh, No! How dare I ruin my own happy ending imagination!

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earthna

April 6, 2016 at 11:17 PM

I totally screamed NOOOOOOOOOO while reading the last part. Your imagination made so giddy then my heart suddenly dropped. WHYYYYY

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cinnamimi

April 7, 2016 at 4:33 AM

It's the worst possibility, but I still want to believe that this drama prepares a sweet ending for us. Let's pray. However, whatever the ending is, I must say that I'm so into this show because the execution alone has defined it well.

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:54 PM

NOOOOOOOO!!!!

What's with NY having a happy ending with Ji Hoon & on top of that a stepmom for cutie little Eun Seung?!!!

Let's pray this won't happen. haha

30 Jeffer

April 6, 2016 at 6:24 PM

Can we take a moment to just appreciate the last few seconds of this episode? The play of emotions on Ji-hoon's face as realization finally sank in at Hye-soo's words. Masterful, Lee Seo-jin. Simply masterful.

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Nessa (Bebe) 🌹

April 6, 2016 at 9:30 PM

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:55 PM

+10000!

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31 Kit

April 6, 2016 at 7:05 PM

THIS DRAMA MAKES ME FEEL SO MUCH.

This episode in particular was wonderful. The acting was absolutely stunning, especially in the last twenty minutes. The make up, the couch, and the restaurant scene - all perfect. And you can't help but be impressed at our leading man - yes his courage mostly has to do with the fact that he doesn't know what it's like to have money at the tip of your fingers, but to easily sell off your possessions like that? That takes a lot of guts.

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32 flowerlady

April 6, 2016 at 7:06 PM

Thank you Lolypip for the exquisite words
" The scenes are so well-directed and the actors are just that good, that we know exactly what they’re feeling even when they don’t say a word."
Many scenes are reaching so deep, I can even picture them later in my mind and the emotions follow.

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33 Karsu_

April 6, 2016 at 7:09 PM

Thank you for the recap!

You are right, it is the little moments in the show that kill it for me. I especially love Uee. When she is removing her makeup, her expressions and acting were so devastating. She is one heck of an actress.

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34 knewbie

April 6, 2016 at 8:00 PM

I agree with Ho Joon that times are hard and it wouldn't be easy for Ji Hoon to survive on his own, but the guy is a graduate of the Stern School of Business (like Lee Seo Jin himself, apparently), and presumably a known quantity in the Korean business world. Wouldn't he be snapped up by any number of his dad's competitors? Or would they be too suspicious of him to give him a job…? I guess I just don't know enough about that world to even speculate about Ji Hoon's situation.

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juniemoon

April 9, 2016 at 6:09 PM

From all the dramas that I've seen with these Chaebols, relationships in business as well as life are key. They feature dynastic loveless marriages all of the time. So yeah, people would be suspicious and wouldn't give him a job if his Father threw him out. And with that crotchety old man for a Father, he would make sure that he wouldn't be successful.

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35 phoe

April 6, 2016 at 9:05 PM

And is it only me that feel scared about this drama?
Because i've been so invested in this drama, i feel so afraid that it will go down the train wreck. Maybe because the last Drama that got me so invested is CITT, and it burn me so deeply...
So far this drama has a very cliche plot line and makjang story, but it has it magic, the directing and acting so wonderfully addicting.

But i admit i'm scared, so so scared that they will leave scar in my heart. I don't mind with Sad Ending, as long as it still consistent with their character development and still fell realistic.
I still love 49 Days, even though they kill the main actress at the end. I still can accept the message of the drama, even though i cry a river watching 49 days.

Its not the sad ending that kill a drama quality, its the inconsistent of the character and story line.

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gailt

April 8, 2016 at 4:12 PM

Because you mentioned 49 Days, I just had to write a reply. Sigh. That drama ruined me. I did not watch another drama for a long time after because I was so devastated with the ending.

I really like Marriage Contract, and always liked UEE. She was so delightful in Ojakkyo Brothers. The make-up scene was well done and impactful.

I hope for a happy ending where no one dies.

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phoe

April 8, 2016 at 8:12 PM

Yes, i also hope that no one dies...
And hope that this week episode will at least has some cute and giddy moment.

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36 kimchikay

April 6, 2016 at 9:09 PM

Oh dear, this episode hit me right in them FEELS~~~

I loveddddddd that scene with HS and her getting dolled up, only to cry at the end about how she just wants to have her moment, so have her bright light but all she's gotten is a tunnel of darkness and her bright light at the end is an ending she doesn't want.

And Ji Hoon - everything is so crappy for him. From his atrocious step-family, annoying ex-girlfriend that wont leave, his mother that's dying and now, his probable first love..my god...

I feel like Mi Ran's brother will eventually give her part of his liver, there's a reason why he's still around with all this screen time...that's what me thinks.

I think I'll be gutted if HS actually ends up dying...like I am not ready for that....AT ALL.

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37 Pookie1

April 6, 2016 at 9:14 PM

I swear that UEE is depriving herself from sleep and food for this role because the girl is getting thinner and weaker with each episode - her flame flickering in danger of going out grows more palpable. i love this kind of dedication and I think her focus and commitment really solidifies her status from entertainer to serious actor. Excellent work!

I also thought her mother in law's (Eun Sung's grandmother) insightful words that when someone is having a really hard time they get twisted up (or so messed up things out of need) were poignant and resonated with Hye soo because he next scene is her approaching the chairman to do the "twisted thing" and pretty much threaten him for more money. It really shows what's most important to her: Eun Sung.

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Adal

April 7, 2016 at 5:08 AM

I noticed she's getting progressively thinner, not only in this drama, but in her last four. She really looks ill. Poor UEE. I wonder if she'll ever return to being healthy and vibrant Miss Honey Thighs.

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gailt

April 8, 2016 at 4:14 PM

Yes, where is Honey Thighs? And mandu face? She's still beautiful but we've seen her prettier at with more weight on.

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38 Pookie1

April 6, 2016 at 9:15 PM

*DO messed up things out of need (typo) ^^

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39 lolalarue

April 6, 2016 at 9:24 PM

After being unsure if I even wanted to start this drama, I'm completely sucked in. Waiting with baited breath for each new episode every week. From a slow start this has become one of my favourite drama's this year.

I love how the relationship has developed, love the silences and the weighted looks. It's so moving. I really feel for UEE's character, denying herself a taste of happiness for her daughter's future. And Ji Hoon, wow, he's come so far. I felt so bad for him, I just want HS to explain whyyyyyy!

By far the best thing is Eun Sung, so I'll be very interested to see what Ji Hoon's next step is, after the crushing blow Hye Soo has just dealt him.

Still hating on the Chairman and the eldest brother. I really need the ex-girlfriend to step off!

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40 merrym

April 6, 2016 at 10:57 PM

Best recap of the series so far! Had me choking up actually reading the emotional parts involving Jihoon,and Hye Soo and literally everyone else. Even Jihoon's father gets me trying to understand him. He really does think Hyesoo is all bad, and his protective stance comes from the right place. Noone in Jihoon's family, even his mother, think Hye soo is right for Jihoon. So even if their love thing works out, and even with overcoming the illness issue by facing it together, they'll have a hard time holding back the negativity from just about everyone around them.

Love this show to bits still!

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41 Jessie

April 6, 2016 at 11:12 PM

I felt sorry for both of them ????

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42 Taylor Christian Rowan

April 6, 2016 at 11:47 PM

First, of all I love this show, especially the small scenes and moments in it:
1. When Ji-hoon grabs her hand, the same way she grabs his hand earlier.
2. After lunch how Eun Sang grabs Ji-hoon's hand as they walk out the restaurant and her mother tries to disconnect them, for her just to grab his hand again.
3. Ji-hoon's " I miss you" text and missing her crying into a pillow ** Plus laying on the floor- remember in a previous episode during a flashback he laid on the floor when he missed his mother so badly.
4. The way Hye-Soo wants to touch him as he slept, but pulls her hand back
5. As he hugs the blanket which probably has a little of her scent on it, or he knows she put it on him when he finished talking to Na Yoon
6. Lastly, the removal of the makeup scene was well written and performed. Especially, as she kept wiping- she just reminded herself she cant have that piece of that world.

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honeyJ

April 7, 2016 at 2:15 AM

5. As he hugs the blanket which probably has a little of her scent on it, or he knows she put it on him when he finished talking to Na Yoon

This is one of my favourite scenes in ep 10. It is well executed by LSJ. Kudos to the director as well for the detail execution on the little meaningful moments in this drama.

Some of us might be able to personally relate to this scene. That desperation and longing for the scent of someone you love when you miss him/her.

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43 whitewire

April 7, 2016 at 1:26 AM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Dramabeans has finally caught up... Ottoke ottoke, how could I handle my fingers -- if they do the recap on time -- when I am at the peak of my emotions?!

Shucks I am addicted. LSJ UEE chemistry is BANG!

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44 nevi

April 7, 2016 at 2:37 AM

Why did she hide her feelings toward jihoon I don't understand her and of course her illness... why did she make a deal with dad even though she knew, it will make things more compilated... anyway let's see what is going to happen to their relationship? Thanks for recap ?

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newbie

April 7, 2016 at 2:45 AM

She desperately tries to cut all ties with JH. She knows, she has to hurt him deeply to stop caring. Her survival chances aren't great, her child is her first priority, she needs all her energy to start the fight. To see someone suffer next to her, who loves her, knowing that she will most likely have to go in a few years and he'd have to live with a dying person, I totally get why she is doing what she is doing.

Better a scary ending, than a scare without ending, as we say in Germany.

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nAEE

April 9, 2016 at 9:59 PM

I'm amazed how she really throw out her emotions for Ji Hoon out of the window in this episode.

But then we get to see her crumbles and hesitates for a moment about it esp during the make-up removal.

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45 Hungry

April 7, 2016 at 3:59 AM

I don't think i have praised Uee yet.

So i'm going to just say one thing about it. I tried to picture anyone else acting as Kang Hye Soo, surprisingly i can't imagine anyone even my favs. It's like she's bringing something to the plate. Like she is Kang Hye Soo, herself.

That is something right?

PS. I love lovelorn Ji Hoon and the dinner scene broke my heart to bit and pieces. His change of expression is so heartbreaking. He the grumpypants finally want to give up something, and expectantly at that... and when she rejects him. It really feels like his whole world is falling apart.

That is only her rejecting him. Can you imagine she dying on him?

Damn.

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phoe

April 7, 2016 at 10:33 PM

"That is only her rejecting him. Can you imagine she dying on him? "

Ouch, that would be so hurtful... (T-T)
Gonna prepare box of tissue...

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46 Lidy

April 7, 2016 at 4:25 AM

I'm crossing my fingers that JH, no better yet the chairman finds out about HS illness by ep 11/12. Please don't drag it out show. Would love to see the chairman's reaction when he realizes he was wrong about her. Then JH will find out soon after and turn his back on that family, cut them off, to stay by HS side. And to have her BFF, her ex mother in law and everyone who cares for her, give HS a BIG scolding for keeping it a secret and taking all the burden.

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47 growingbeautifully

April 7, 2016 at 5:27 AM

Thanks LollyPip!

Ah what a great show, with the Feels done right. Superbly executed.

It's gonna be a tough next few episodes, but I trust that we'll get some nice bromance moments with Ho Joon and sweet moments with Eun Sung to balance out the woes. :( :) I hope the misdirection and misunderstandings that Hye Soo has set in motion will not last too long. I'm getting the tissue supply ready!!!