Radiant Office: Episode 15

79 May 4, 2017May 4, 2017

by LollyPip

If I’d known that all it takes is a couple of beers to get these two flirting, I’d have suggested it a long time ago! This episode offers plenty of cute to go along with the inevitable angst as we barrel our way towards the final showdown with Hyun. He seems bound and determined to do everything wrong despite all advice to the contrary, and someone is going to have to face him. Personally, I’m betting on our girl Ho-won.

EPISODE 15 RECAP

Ho-won confronts Hyun during a meeting, fearlessly insisting that it’s employment fraud to promise a job to the design contest winner only to then rescind the job offer. Both Manager Park and Suk-kyung try unsuccessfully to calm her down, but Woo-jin just watches her with a mixture of worry and admiration. Hyun ends the meeting and goes back to his office, though Ho-won’s words seem to have shaken him on some level.

Suk-kyung pulls Ho-won aside to ask if she’s crazy, but Ho-won argues that Hyun put her in charge of the contest, so it’s her responsibility to speak up at the injustice. When Suk-kyung says that Ho-won should have spoken to her first, Ho-won reminds her that it was Hyun who said at the company dinner that he wants to eliminate rank and position.

Suk-kyung angrily tells Ho-won that it’s time for her to adjust to the office atmosphere and stop saying whatever she wants, but again, Ho-won disagrees. She says that it’s not what she wants to say, but what needs to be said. She asks how lying to college students could possibly be beneficial to the company.

Suk-kyung is finished, but Yong-jae makes sure that Ho-won knows he thinks what she did was stupid. He snaps at her to stop thinking like a struggling student and start thinking like a person who has a job to protect.

Woo-jin reports to Hyun, who says that he thinks Suk-kyung is doing a great job these days. Woo-jin admits that it’s difficult for the marketing team lately with nothing to do (Hyun has forbidden them to work on any new marketing campaigns), so Hyun tells him that a restructuring will be announced soon.

He puts Woo-jin in charge, but Woo-jin knows that only means he has to decide who gets fired. He warns Hyun that restructuring without a good reason will lower morale, but of course Hyun doesn’t listen. He orders Woo-jin to check the employees’ review scores and make a list of those who will be let go.

Ho-won walks home that night on the verge of tears, exhausted and disillusioned, only to find Woo-jin waiting at her gate. He gently complains that she’s always causing trouble, but Ho-won says sadly that people like him can’t understand how desperate people like her are. She cries that they have no right to take advantage of other people’s hope and breaks down sobbing, but all Woo-jin can do is take her in his arms and try to comfort her.

They sit on a bench to talk, and Ho-won says that it feels terrible to be unable to speak up when things are unfair. Woo-jin agrees, feeling that way a lot himself, lately. Ho-won says that the applicants aren’t speaking up about the unfair change in the contest only because they’re afraid of backlash.

More worried for Ho-won, and knowing that people are about to be fired, Woo-jin asks if she can let it go. Ho-won reminds Woo-jin that when she was hired, he told her to take responsibility for her decisions, but now she feels like she’s in charge of deceiving the contest applicants.

Again, Woo-jin tells her to look the other way just this once. Sure that he was going to support her and urge her to stick to her principles, Ho-won says that she’s disappointed in him and goes home without another word.

Woo-jin goes to see Hyun in Chairman Seo’s hospital room to humbly beg him to reconsider the restructuring. He argues that there’s more to an individual than cold hard numbers, and that their review scores don’t reflect ability alone. Hyun refuses, but he does promise to hold off deciding how many people to let go until he sees Woo-jin’s list.

The next day, Woo-jin goes over everyone’s most recent performance reviews, but the chore only depresses him. Ji-na comes to his office to bring him the budget review, and she expresses that it feels strange to be facing the off-season without any marketing campaigns planned.

Woo-jin asks if Ji-na’s father still works, whether she has siblings who have jobs, and if she has any marriage plans. She answers, though she wonders why he’s asking personal questions all of a sudden, and she says it’s nice that he’s taking an interest.

During a moment when the office is empty, Ki-taek brings Ji-na some paperwork to check over. She slips movie tickets onto the clipboard and hands it back for his “approval,” and he pockets the tickets. He hands the clipboard back to show her the train tickets to a weekend getaway that he’s included in the report. Too cute.

Ji-na simpers happily, and Ki-taek takes her hands and says that he has something to tell her while on the trip. Yong-jae breaks up their little flirting session, complaining about dating at the office, but Ji-na shuts him up by threatening to tell everyone his embarrassing little secret. When Ki-taek asks about the secret, Ji-na just giggles.

Yong-jae goes to the break room to grumble his frustration at Ji-na for thinking he could ever like a girl like her. But his vehemence only proves that she knows exactly why he hates seeing her with Ki-taek.

Ki-taek takes a break with Kang-ho and Ho-won, and he complains that he’s been extremely tired lately and has no appetite. He confides that he’s been studying to become a chef, and that he’s going to tell Ji-na when they go on their trip. Even though Woo-jin offered to extend his contract, Ki-taek says that it’s time to start thinking of his long-term plans.

He tells his friends that his dream has always been to live a normal life with a wife and children. But then he realized that by working in an office, he’s been chasing a dream that belonged to other people. Kang-ho admits that he’s often wondered if this is his dream, or his mother’s.

Ki-taek continues that he’s always loved to cook, and his friends conform that his cooking is delicious. He says that he plans to get his license so that he can help his parents in their restaurant, and eventually open one of his own.

Later as Ho-won sends design entry confirmations, she gets an email from one contestant asking if the winner will really get a job with Hauline. She recognizes it as being from the girl who brought her entry in person, which the design team leader then threw away, and she starts to draft a response.

She’s interrupted by Woo-jin and tries to hide behind her desk, but he spots her and asks her to make some copies. She complies with cold indifference, still angry at him. Ji-na finds Ho-won cringing in the copy room and asks her to pick up a birthday cake on her way to work tomorrow.

Woo-jin and Gu-dong share a drink at a pojangmacha after work, where Gu-dong volunteers himself for Woo-jin’s cut list. Woo-jin wearily lists the personal reasons why he doesn’t feel comfortable firing anyone on the team, such as Suk-kyung being a single mom or Yong-jae’s debt from paying for his siblings’ college.

Gu-dong cuts him off with his own personal reason, that his parents are in nursing homes with dementia, and Woo-jin confesses that he’s never considered his employees’ personal lives before. Gu-dong insists again that he be on the list, citing his own slipping employee reviews and saying that he’s ready to retire.

He tells Woo-jin that he knew his time was short when Hyun showed up, particularly since he’s one of Chairman Seo’s people. Woo-jin asks what he should do, and Gu-dong says he has two options: do as Hyun says, or don’t do as Hyun says.

Woo-jin arrives the next morning to an empty office, then he’s surprised when everyone bursts from the break room singing “Happy Birthday.” Ho-won carries the cake (Woo-jin blows out the candles in her face, ha), and she offers him a smile, having decided to forgive him.

Everyone sits down for some cake, and while they’re all together, Woo-jin tells them about the upcoming restructuring and inevitable firings. Shocked, Manager Park accuses Suk-kyung of knowing about this and not telling him. Ho-won realizes that this is why Woo-jin asked her not to make waves right now.

Woo-jin tells the group that he thought it would be better for them to come up with a solution together, and first he asks for volunteers to resign. Gu-dong sweetly tells the new hires not to worry, that it’s the older employees who aren’t at their peak anymore who are in danger.

Woo-jin retreats to his office and finds a gift on his desk. The attached note identifies that it’s from Ho-won, who writes that when she first met him, she desperately wanted to impress him. The second time she was bolder, and the third time, after getting the job at Hauline, he rejected her by making the sales team take her.

The note continues with Ho-won thanking Woo-jin for everything he’s taught her about working hard and taking responsibility, and especially about proving her own worth. She promises to continue learning if he will teach her and concludes by saying that having him as her first boss is the best thing that’s ever happened to her. Woo-jin opens the gift to find a beautiful tie, and he smiles.

Kang-ho worries that Woo-jin is secretly watching them all to decide who to fire, but Ki-taek defends him, saying that if that were true, he wouldn’t have told them all about it. They agree that things have gotten worse with Hyun around, and Kang-ho warns Ho-won to be careful of him.

Hyun is very unhappy to hear from Manager Park about Woo-jin telling the office about the restructuring. Suk-kyung sticks up for Woo-jin, saying that he asked if anyone would resign voluntarily, but Hyun thinks Woo-jin’s way of doing business is out of line.

The marketing team go out for dinner and a beer, where Woo-jin declares that tonight is for fun only. But a few beers later, Ji-na is an emotional mess. She slurs that she can’t quit because she has to provide for Ki-taek, who looks embarrassed and begs her to stop. But she says that there’s no law that says the man must be the breadwinner, and that she’s okay with him being her house-husband. She’s actually a pretty adorable drunk.

Woo-jin finds her funny and wonders out loud who will support him if he stops worrying. Ho-won says that she’s jealous, and Ki-taek mentions that he wants to set her up with someone, which draws Woo-jin’s sharp attention. Ho-won tells Ki-taek to stop it, while at the same time enjoying Woo-jin’s reaction.

Then Woo-jin barks that she promised to learn from him, so she has no time for dating. But he waves at her to go ahead if she wants, then mutters into his beer that she was confessing to him not that long ago. Eek, he heard her! He can’t help but ask if Ho-won plans to go on the blind date, and she purposely says yes just to torture him.

Later Ki-taek piggybacks Ji-na home while she issues drunk threats if anyone dares to fire her. Ki-taek says that his love will never change even if he’s poor, so she gets down and orders him never to make her pathetic over him. Happy beyond words, Ki-taek just hugs Ji-na and kisses her forehead.

Woo-jin also walks Ho-won home, and they stop on a playground to talk. Ho-won confirms that he told her not to make a fuss over the contest because of the restructuring. Woo-jin assures her that nobody lower than assistant manager level will be fired.

He thanks Ho-won for the tie and the note, which makes her shy. He oh-so-casually asks a third time if she’s going on that blind date, and she says that she should, while watching carefully for his reaction. Inexplicably, Woo-jin just says that he heard from Ki-taek that she makes good kimbap, then he says she should make some tomorrow. You two are so cute!

Working late, Suk-kyung finally tells Kang-ho to go home. He gives her a gift as thanks for buying their dinner that time, then he barely makes it out of the office without tripping over every chair on the way. Smooth. Suk-kyung opens the gift to find a new wallet with one of Kang-ho’s business cards tucked inside.

The following morning, Ho-won makes kimbap, bouncing in excitement. Her roommate Hyo-ri teases her about her date, though Ho-won insists it’s not a date. But in case it is a date, she offers Hyo-ri half the kimbap if she’ll lend Ho-won a dress.

Woo-jin takes Ho-won on a picnic overlooking the river. He compliments the kimbap, lamenting that he only knows how to make kimchi stew. He suggests they trade his kimchi stew for her kimbap, then he flusters Ho-won by leaning in close to pluck a grain of rice off her lip.

Remembering how Woo-jin once told her not to let anyone at work know that they live in the same neighborhood for fear of gossip, Ho-won asks Woo-jin if he’s worried someone will see them together. But today he acts like it’s no big deal, saying that he doesn’t care what they think even if they do see them, which makes Ho-won all fluttery.

After lunch they go on a bike ride, and when it gets bumpy, Woo-jin instructs Ho-won to hold onto him. She enjoys the chance to wrap her arms around him and snuggle close, smiling widely (and HAHA, at one point they hit a big bump and you can hear the camera crew laugh!).

Manager Park runs into former-CEO Han eating at a convenience store and tries to sneak away, but Han spots him and tells him to sit. Manager Park tells Han about Hyun taking over and reorganizing, and Han philosophically sighs that execution day is approaching.

They’re joined by the store owner, Ho-won’s former boss, and Han tells Manager Park that he’s thinking of opening a convenience store like this one. Manager Park thinks it’s a good idea, but the store owner, sensing incoming competition, does his best to convince them that owning a store is awful.

Ji-na tries calling Ki-taek when he fails to show up for their weekend trip, but he doesn’t answer. He can’t, because he’s writhing on the floor of his apartment, clutching his belly in agony. Oh no, it’s Ki-taek, isn’t it? He’s the one who’s sick.

Woo-jin and Ho-won take a break from the bike and settle on a bench (and hee, Ho-won accidentally sits on Woo-jin’s hand). Ho-won gives Woo-jin a talisman from her mother, guaranteed to give him luck at work, but he says that this kind of easy luck is also easily lost.

He gives the talisman back for her to use herself, urging Ho-won to aim at becoming Hauline’s first female CEO. He says that if anyone can do it, she can, though he also reminds her to know when to hold back. She asks if he’s trying to help her, but Woo-jin shakes his head. He says that instead of him doing it for her, they can do it together.

Ji-na waits outside Ki-taek’s place until late, when he finally drags himself home (from the hospital?). She starts to fuss at him for not calling her, but he just grabs her in a tight hug and begins to sob. He says that he just found out that a very close friend is sick and may be dying and cries like his heart is broken while apologizing over and over. Dammit.

Later, Ki-taek makes dinner for the two of them. He piles up food on Ji-na’s rice, barely choking down his own meal while trying his best to hold back more tears.

On Monday morning he’s in a better mood, smiling as he gets to work. He tells Kang-ho that he’s happy because all of the people he loves are here where he can see them. Ho-won joins them, and they notice how happy she seems, but she doesn’t tell them about her not-a-date with Woo-jin. Even Kang-ho had a good weekend, having had a good talk with his father.

Ji-na notices Woo-jin’s birthday tie at the morning meeting, and he says that someone with good taste gave it to him, which has Ho-won twitching with excitement. Woo-jin assigns Ho-won and Ki-taek to work on an upcoming online promotion, and everyone notices that Ki-taek is completely checked out.

Woo-jin makes a point to give each team member a good long look before he leaves the room. He does the same with the office itself, then he heads to Hyun’s office for a meeting. Oh no, he seems sad—what’s he planning?

With the managers there, Hyun says that he’s thinking of laying off two people from their departments. He asks Woo-jin for his choices, but Woo-jin says there’s nobody to lay off. He argues that there are only four of them, so they need every person.

Hyun snaps angrily, saying that he refuses to put up with Woo-jin’s behavior. In response, Woo-jin slaps a file onto Hyun’s desk and says that he needs authorization on it. Hyun opens the file to find Woo-jin’s resignation letter inside.

COMMENTS

Don’t you do this, Show, don’t you do it. I will hate you forever if you kill off Ki-taek, I mean it. He’s had a hard enough time — he’s spent the entire show pining for the love of his life, then he didn’t get the job he needs to win her back, then when he miraculously got her back anyway, he finds out he may be dying. Ki-taek is such a sweet, pure soul who works hard and loves even harder. He’s just decideded what he wants to do with his life. If his reward after all this is a terminal illness, then I’m just done with you, Show.

Not to mention, I’ve been angry with Hyun for weeks now, but I’m going to have a very serious problem with him if he’s known that Ki-taek was sick for months and hasn’t said anything. I’d hoped that maybe the test results he discussed the night of the attempted suicides was about another patient, because I couldn’t fathom anyone keeping such information from the patient. But Hyun seemed to know something when the four of them went out for drinks, the way he kept asking Ki-taek about his health, and Ki-taek had even said he’s been having stomach issues. As a doctor, it’s not just irresponsible for Hyun not to disclose a life-threatening illness, it’s actually criminal. If Ki-taek could have been saved by earlier treatment and ends up dying all because Hyun didn’t tell him about his test results, then I want to see Hyun in prison. He’s danced around the ethics of his actions ever since meeting Ho-won and her friends, but if he lets Ki-taek die when all he had to do was give him a heads-up that he could be sick, then he needs to go away for a very long time.

On to a happier subject — I really love how Woo-jin is changing for the better, not because he’s forced to or because anyone expects it of him, but simply from being exposed to another perspective by Ho-won. A few months ago he would have compiled a list of employees to fire easily, never knowing or caring how it would affect them. As someone who could quit a job for trivial reasons and get a new one within days because of his specs, it never occurred to Woo-jin that not everyone can just go out and get a job with ease. But now he’s seen what a job means to people who have to struggle for it, and how important it is for their sense of personal pride and accomplishment. He can no longer turn a blind eye to how his words and decisions can harm those who depend on their job for more than just money.

And Woo-jin’s awakening to the value of a good job extends to himself as well, because for the first time, he has a place and people that actually matter to him. He cares about the employees at Hauline and understands that it’s on him to protect them. So I liked seeing him struggle over the decision to quit, unwilling to fall back into his old ways of bailing at the slightest hint of a mildly uncomfortable situation. But I also think that he’s tried everything he can to oppose Hyun’s way of managing — refusal, negotiation, even bargaining — and now he’s realized that he there’s nothing he can do to alter things when Hyun’s mind is made up. He’s learned from Ho-won that even though the job is an honorable thing to fight for, sometimes standing up for what’s right is more important than caving in fear in order to keep that job.

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1 dukseonnoona

May 4, 2017 at 11:10 AM

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dukseonnoona

May 4, 2017 at 11:14 AM

Kyaaaaa ~~~ ??? Too happy with the Woo Jin-Ha Won development! ❤️ I really love how he's become very supportive of Ha Won. Yes to being the first female CEO of Hauline, Ha Won-ah! ?

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2 eked13

May 4, 2017 at 11:11 AM

I'm honestly not sure how they can wrap this up in just one more epi - I nearly threw something at the screen when Ki-Taek was on the floor. What a horrible bait n switch that was :(

Hyun is just a weird character. Rather than a plan to do something (I did wonder if he was deliberately trying to destroy his dad's company, not 'prove' anything) he just seems really offhand. Is there no board at this company?

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eked13

May 4, 2017 at 1:31 PM

The need to wrap up reminded of something else - I guess that'll mean not much Kkot-Bi in the final epi either - she's been a brilliant character.

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3 dukseonnoona

May 4, 2017 at 11:12 AM

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dukseonnoona

May 4, 2017 at 11:15 AM

Ooops messing it all up! ? Saree! Thoughts on the reply to comment #1. I must get some sleep now ?

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4 coby

May 4, 2017 at 11:18 AM

I wish this show is longer... I secretly want a birth secret.. I mean they are both "Seo" why do they have to continue with the terminal illness and Ki-taek.. no!

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Iriwa~anajwo~

May 4, 2017 at 4:50 PM

? didn't realize it's episode 15! And it's only 16 episodes. Nonono I haven't prepared my heart

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5 kristinc

May 4, 2017 at 11:35 AM

I ended this episode thinking, 'Oppppppaaaaaaa! NOOOOOOO!' They better not kill Ki-taek, I will be so mad. I wanted to talk to someone about it, but none of my friends are K-drama addicts like me, so they don't get it.

Other than that, I love Ho Won's conviction and ability to speak truth to power, even when it's Woo Jin trying to talk her into letting it go. It reminds me of the Dumbledore quote about standing up to your friends showing more bravery than standing up to enemies.

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6 Cazorlaesque

May 4, 2017 at 11:45 AM

What a gem this drama is. A1 Friendship, compelling workplace characters, and the romance! Kudos to the writer for creating such a realistic AND beautiful relationship with no skinship or pity shortcuts, just admiration. We may have missed out on hot HSJ kisses (apparently he has those in his catalog), but we've been spoiled everywhere else.

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mylatteday

May 4, 2017 at 1:56 PM

HSJ kisses were for winter katalog. It's almost summer now so it's already warm enough. That's why the writer choose to lower the level of hotness.

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purebristles

May 5, 2017 at 7:27 PM

Sorry for my ignorance - what do you mean by catalog? (Is it some new social media thing that I can't keep up with loll)

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redfox

May 7, 2017 at 10:49 PM

I think it is a pun on how HSJ plays the marketing team boss and they are always making their furniture catalogs.

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7 lovestodream

May 4, 2017 at 11:46 AM

Hyun is such as @ss. I don't get why he wants Hauline so much, nor why he seems determined to ignore the advice of the person (aka Woo-jin) who he seems to respect the most. (I think Hyun thinks that Woo-jin is smart and talented, and that's why he wanted Woo-jin to be his "person.") If the employee that you think is actually smart (and will actually tell you the truth instead of just pandering to you to gain favor) tells you that your plan is bad, shouldn't you listen for at least a few minutes? Hyun was a doctor, not a furniture salesman! Listen to the people who know what they're doing, and in a few months ONCE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING start making small changes. I also don't get why he didn't fire Manager Park when he knew that Manager Park was taking bribes. Wouldn't plugging the gaps of embezzlement and shady deals be a better way to save money than a randomly-decided restructuring? And also the common sense move? If your ship is sinking, stop the leaks and THEN lighten the load. If you just keep releasing ballast without addressing the leaks the ship will still go down!

I'm excited to see how Hyun responds to Woo-jin quitting, because I feel like Hyun thought of Woo-jin as a pillar of support (not on a personal level, but as a capable employee who could get stuff done). So yeah, episode 16 should be interesting.

I loved how squee-y (that's a word, right?) Hoo-won was when Ji-na complimented Woo-jin on his tie. :)

Don't let Ki-taek die! He's so sweet, and such a kind, honest person.

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annerl

May 4, 2017 at 12:24 PM

Love the real ship analogy ?

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8 PinkSushi

May 4, 2017 at 11:48 AM

HAHAHA. That last screencap made my day. It's so meme worthy!

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coby

May 4, 2017 at 12:07 PM

indeed!

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9 Lunabird

May 4, 2017 at 11:56 AM

I love how the relationship between Ho-Won and Woo-Jin is going. However, I can't believe the show just revealed that Ki-Taek is the one with the disease. Nothing (besides Ji-Na) has been going right for him and now he could be a possible character to kill off. Also, that ending with Woo-Jin filing is resignation paper was awesome. He finally decided to put his employees first and actually started to care for them and their welfare. I wonder how this show is going to close this story.

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10 vongole

May 4, 2017 at 11:58 AM

Ho Won and Woo Jin are just soooo ... squeeeeee! Their quiet romance feels very real. HW is such a cute little puppy (and totally fierce when it matters too!). And, Gu-Dong's knowing smiles are hilarious.
Waaaaaaaiting for the subs for finale! I will miss this show :'(

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11 redfox

May 4, 2017 at 12:14 PM

I will beat the 4th wall into a pulp and go at their necks if they kill Ki Taek. I knew it was coming but PLEASE. and Ji Na, don´t you dare have the girl lose her oppa :-( girl, be strong!

way to make me care for every single character so much.
they are all equal here, but he is... I mean...

drat.

But Ho Won and Woo Jin are too cute. There is no need for Big Romacne, it is expressed on micro level and it doesnt have to be spelled out. They are acting in love before they have admitted it. Especially Woo Jin´s eyes ooze out adoration every time he sees her. It has been almost tangible by hand for half of the show

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12 mahoilam

May 4, 2017 at 12:16 PM

So many great moments in this episode between characters.

Like Gu Dong offering to resign, I think he's such a lovely character. It's such a shame we didn't see more of him.

Ho Won getting so excited making gimbap was cuteeee. Also Woo Jin pretending like Ho Won going on the blind date was no big deal to him and Gu Dong looking on like 'I've got you guys all sussed out'

Ji Na and Ki Taek too, I loved it when she started saying that she would take care of him. But nooooo, show don't do this to us. Ki Taek doesnt deserve such a sad ending☹️

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anglvue

May 4, 2017 at 9:43 PM

gu dong's knowing smile and his glances always makes me smile. he's got it figured out...waaaaay before woo-jin ever even realized it. it feels like he's one of us: knowing what's going on, watching what's going on, and just waiting for for that right moment to squeal. hahahaha

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mylatteday

May 5, 2017 at 1:24 AM

Manse for Gu Dong ahjussi. I applause the writer for making all characters have meaningful purpose. Everytime Gu Dong ahjussi smile I can't help but smile with him.

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13 stpauligurl

May 4, 2017 at 12:36 PM

OH man, this show got me on so many levels!
First:
1- Ho Won standing up and speaking truth - That's my girl!!! She is going to go places with that strength, honesty, and integrity.
2- Woo Jin's response to Ho Won's blind date - priceless!!! I thought for sure he was going to say something right then and there.
3 - The not-a-date - had me smiling all the way through it. Especially the smile on her face when she was holding him while on the back of the bike. Don't tell me she was acting - I'd have been thrilled to hold on to him the same way.
4- Jin Ae and Ki Jae holding each other on the street - all I could think was these two are so wonderful together
5 - then DAMN - he ends up in pain - my heart was just hurting for the both of them. But then, if he had a terminal illness how would the hospital just let him go? Maybe it's a misunderstanding and he got the disease wrong. Writers I'm with the rest - don't kill him off!
6- when Woo Jin was looking at his screen at the employees, I could feel his pain as he was trying to make a decision.
7 - when Kang Ho gives that gift to his boss and literally stumbles out of the office. How totally cute!

Wasn't there a scene near the beginning when the Chairman (Hyun's father) met with Woo Jin and asked if he would consider running the company? He seems to be the wild card here and I'm hoping he will wake up, kick his son out and ask Woo Jin again to take over. At least that's my hope for a good resolution.

I am so sad this show is ending as I've loved every episode. Like everyone else I've marveled at the consistently good writing, directing throughout the whole show. Personally, I'd love one of Woo Jin's amazing kisses before the end, but then it wouldn't be consistent with the rest of the show.
Thanks for recapping this DramaBeans!!!

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하데스

May 5, 2017 at 7:23 AM

I especially liked points 2 and 7.

Woo Jin asked her like three times if she was going on the date. His persistent curiosity was quite cute and telling.

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14 Chandler

May 4, 2017 at 12:45 PM

Ugh. My heart feels shattered by the Ki-taek revelation, especially because him and Ji-na were such a sweet couple this episode.

But I just need to try and focus on what I loved this episode. I'll save my ranting for the finale, depending on how this resolves.

I admit, I feel like there is so much more story to tell and I'm not ready to let go. This world of characters really started to gel in recent episodes and I find myself wishing I had just one more week with them to explore their lives a bit further and give them each deserving resolutions. Here's to hoping they'll be able to do that in just one episode!

But, ahhhhhh, Woo-jin and Ho-won! They were so adorable this episode. Even more than the kimbap date, my highlight was Woo-jin's reveal that he knew she attempted to confess to him that time, lol! My reaction was literally Ho-won's! Like, what?!

And to think he acted so clueless with her bro last episode...it really makes me wonder just what's been going on in his head, haha. Maybe he was just enjoying their flirting, 'something' relationship too much? Or perhaps he second-guessed the confession before the blind-date forced him to bring it up this episode? Haha, I have no idea with this guy! I find it cute that they've been avoiding addressing their growing attraction for so long now that by the time they start actually dating this episode, it doesn't even feel necessary to talk about it. Though, I'm sure many of us are hoping for something just a bit more concrete ;)

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mahoilam

May 4, 2017 at 2:11 PM

I did a little squeal when I found out he knew about ho won's confession. How did he not react to it at all?

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meowingme

May 4, 2017 at 4:24 PM

I actually thought the confession Woo-jin was referring to is Ho-won writing that she loves Hauline at the end of her self-evaluation. That's why he put emphasize for her to "working well", and I thought Ho-won looked kinda relieved... Loved how she tease her about the blind date tho ?

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15 annerl

May 4, 2017 at 12:46 PM

Ah Hyun. I actually try to forget that his character still exists in all the cute and heartwarming moments of the show. No Show, not dear Ki-taek! He's the best person out there. Ack. In truth, I dunno if it's my anxiety or what, but when the 3 had this talk and everything seemed so breezy, it honestly felt for me that things will go pretty bad sooner or later. And then they show me that scene with Ki-taek withering in pain?! Hyun, if he's bloody sick and he dies AND YOU KNEW but did not bother telling him all along I'd love to see you cuffed and rotting in prison mate!

Now wondering who's the other one that Woo-jin recommended (the other one's himself)?

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daydee

May 4, 2017 at 12:50 PM

Maybe Hyun?

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16 risa

May 4, 2017 at 12:54 PM

I'm right there with you LolliPip, ready to flush all my love for the show down the toilet if it turns out our precious Ki-taek is terminally ill (and Hyun knew all along). However, I'm trying to keep the faith, reminding myself that he had a thorough physical not too long ago (which didn't show any serious illness), so hopefully this is just another fakeout. I'm fond of the OTP, but I'm even more invested in Ki-taek getting a HEA.

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anglvue

May 4, 2017 at 9:45 PM

i agree. ki-taek, on so many different levels, deserves his happy ending.

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17 mayi

May 4, 2017 at 1:02 PM

I'm so extremely sad that this show is ending, I don't know how I'm gonna get through the last episode tonight because I've gotten soo attached to all the characters. Even Deputy Lee, he's so annoying yet so funny? Ahh and my babies Woo Jin and Ho Won.. too precious, their slow romance has been beautiful to watch. I only wish this drama had gotten a little more love by the viewers but, their loss. See you fellow Radiant Office fans tomorrow to discuss the finale. <3

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18 Zanna

May 4, 2017 at 1:22 PM

Worrying about Kitaek is gonna be a constant thing from now on?

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19 kingsqueen

May 4, 2017 at 1:28 PM

I'm wondering also how they will be able to wrap this up in one more episode. I mean, springing the Ki-Taek thing on us for one. And the mysterious older brother of Hyun - do we not find out anything about him? Are we going to see anything further with Kang Ho and Suk Kyung??

But seriously...Show, do NOT let Ki Taek be dying!!!! :( Hyun definitely needs to be criminally charged for not telling him if that's the case!

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20 fab

May 4, 2017 at 1:29 PM

Is it already the episode before the final?? Oh man, I'm not ready, it's been long since I wished a drama could last longer- much longer. Off to watch it and cry myself to sleep...

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21 purplesheesh

May 4, 2017 at 1:46 PM

Drama Gods, we need a season 2. ??????

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aami

May 4, 2017 at 2:56 PM

Exactly. I want to see Eun Ho Won ruling over as the CEO of Hauline and more romance with Woo Jin.

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Zanna

May 5, 2017 at 1:35 AM

me too. but is it possible? i mean given the low ratings, its unlikely they will do season 2.

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22 mylatteday

May 4, 2017 at 2:19 PM

LollyPip, no screencap of WJ hugs HW? It was really beautiful...beautiful conversation and beautifully shot. And it sealed the deal for me. No boss hugs his/her subordinate like that, period. The bike date is a bit cheesy IMO.

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patinalee

May 4, 2017 at 8:12 PM

Yes, totally agree! That wasn't a boss-subordinate hug but a man-woman hug. ?

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23 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜

May 4, 2017 at 2:21 PM

But... but... what am I gonna do when it's over??

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mylatteday

May 5, 2017 at 1:29 AM

I'll save RO to my rewatch list. You know, if other shows are too makjangish and I need something warm and down to earth story.

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24 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜

May 4, 2017 at 2:28 PM

I just thought of something though. Ki Taek went and got a check up earlier on. Wouldn't they have found something then?
So is this just a writing plot hole, or could they not see it then, and the sickness is only apparent now? (Or are they trolling us... I hope they're trolling us)

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25 mariflower

May 4, 2017 at 2:47 PM

I'm not an easy crier but oh my GOSH during Ki-taek's scene where he was crying over his sick "friend" tears would NOT stop streaming...If Hyun knew Ki-taek was the one with the terminal illness this entire time and didn't do anything about it except for ask ONE question during the night he bought them beers, he deserves to be sued for medical malpractice, fired from his position at Hauline (that's how we'll get rid of him, hopefully), and then thrown in prison. Seeing how he had no problems with closing his freaking hospital down even though he was a doctor, I knew something was off about him but I had no idea he was this evil. FRICK I am so boiling mad right now. Ki-taek....hang in there....

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26 aami

May 4, 2017 at 2:55 PM

This show has my kinda PDA. Dangling at the line of cheesy yet being subtle at that and sooo cute and romantic at the same time.
I adore these two main leads together. They bring out the best in each other and it's so refreshing to see how the hero supports the heroine's career and motivating her and seeing her as his equal. LOVE it!

Wish this pair act together in more dramas... One more episode to go and am gonna miss watching these character's on screen every week.

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27 Aliceindramaland

May 4, 2017 at 3:20 PM

Yikes. Omg. @ Chickachunga's prediction is coming true :( I agreed, please don't kill off Ki-Taek. This totally sucks ball if they will kill him off the show, he is one of the most decent people I seen in dramas. So sad! I also agreed that how can it be possible to wrap everything up in one more show ?! Don't fail me now Radiant Office *hopes up/wait and see*

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28 berryberrymuch

May 4, 2017 at 3:24 PM

I'm so happy the romance is finally developing after being at a stand still for like the last 8 episodes. Tbh, I really do care about this show, but what I had once thought would have been my all time fave is not just something I enjoy from time to time. For one, I think the show spent too much time talking about the business in recent eps. In the beginning Hauline drama was kept a minimum or it was seamlessly blended into the character's lives that I didn't really notice it. But lately the show has focused so much on the schematics of their business lives that every time we were shown a glimpse into their personal lives (which is not as often) I feel like I was watching a different show.
That being said I love that this episode included all those cute moments between Ho Won and Woo Jin - they just took too long to happen. Because that's this shows brightest point - the beautiful, thoughtful moments and conversations between characters not the company dealings. And I don't mind the slow and steady pacing. But if a show is going to do that, I want to at least be more invested in the plot that's brewing.

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29 reggie12

May 4, 2017 at 4:07 PM

oh no Ki-taek why did it have to him.. I feel like crying!!! but am happy our main couple are getting somewhere...

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30 meowingme

May 4, 2017 at 4:15 PM

Ho-won jjang! She's really becoming Hauline's living conscience. Woo-jin's quiet "I can't take my eyes off of you" got me the feels. Am so glad he is finally giving her a hug when needed, altho it feels like 5 episodes late for me ^^
When will he ever call a date, a date, tho, haha. And the "exchange jjigae with gimbap", is that his subtle way of asking for a second date? If Ho-won watched Jealousy Incarnate, she might think it was a jjigae proposal ><
The last 10 minutes of this episode got me reeling, tho, like, whattt! Can't believe the show is handing out angst and noble idiocy this close to the final, urghhh. If they kill Ki-taek, I... I dunno how I can live with it...

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31 brian

May 4, 2017 at 5:05 PM

Waah!! I was sooo sad finding about Ki Taek, and yet just before I was sooo happy for him and Ji Na. Both of them have realized a lot of things about themselves and now for this to happen. . . I think a lot of people will be upset if he dies in the show :(

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32 matcha and the beer

May 4, 2017 at 5:22 PM

Just little skinship but i scream here and there (sorry to all my neighbors)
Apparently hyun's just doing all unimportant things in Hauline with the reason that I'll never get. I think he will be back in to flower smile doctor, but i guess we still far from there. HA.
I'm about to watch the last episode now. it's time to say goodbye T.T

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33 outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

May 4, 2017 at 5:23 PM

The 1st screencap! ???

I made the meme yesterday so I laughed when I saw this. Did anyone notice that Go Ah Sung seemed to have sat on Ha Suk Jin's hand unintentionally? And that's also when I also saw the ? in the room or should I say park? ???

I'm going to watch the finale first because I just can't stand the thought of poor Ki Taek dying. I hope the writer was trolling us. This has been a show without tropes and the usual kdrama makjang despite some very weighty issues. So I don't see why she would do this. I'll be back but no spoilers of course.

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34 yoonjaepuppylove

May 4, 2017 at 5:26 PM

My interpretation of the look Woojin gives Howon in the first screencap when she's standing up to Hyun: I WANNA HAVE UR BABIESSS

The romance in this show has been a slow burn but oh my goodness is it just me or do Ha Suk Jin and Go Ah Sung have freakin amaaaazing chemistry ???

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mylatteday

May 5, 2017 at 1:34 AM

HSJ gazes speak a lot. That's what I call good acting. Ahh... now I'm officially in HSJ fandom, heheh..

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35 Ruilala

May 4, 2017 at 6:45 PM

Gah Ki-taek nooooo T_T

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36 inna

May 4, 2017 at 6:56 PM

Don't tell me it's open ending coz one episode left won't answer a lot of questions. However Kang-ho's new hairstyle is cute... and until now I still can't bring myself to hate Hyun! I'm in trouble~

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37 Fairy tail

May 4, 2017 at 7:09 PM

This show is all over the place. I just finished watching the final episode, honestly I'm soo disapointed how can they end it like that.
And remind me if I'm wrong, didn't ki taek already got a medical checkup when he heard that one of them may have terminal disease?? Just like Kang Ho, right? And he found out that he's healthy, that's why ki taek and kang ho assume Ho Won is the one who's terminally ill??
I had a really big expectation towards this show sigh...

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outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

May 4, 2017 at 7:46 PM

I think this is a SPOILER. Pls don't.

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Fairy tail

May 4, 2017 at 8:46 PM

There's no spoiler in this comment. I'm just saying that the final episode is disapointing. That's it

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38 Juice

May 4, 2017 at 7:54 PM

So are they related????

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39 patinalee

May 4, 2017 at 8:00 PM

Thank you for the fast recap LollyPip!

The team's beers after dinner scene - I thought WJ wondered out loud who will support him if he stopped working, not worrying. Typo, or did I get it wrong?

And I certainly missed the crew's laughter in the bike date scene. Checking it out now. Thanks. ?

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40 lemoncello

May 4, 2017 at 9:47 PM

Oh Man, this show grows on me, and I'll sad that it's episode 15. :(. My note on this episode:

1. Ho-Won's line in the playground while Woo-jin thanking her with the tie: "You look good at everything, even in rubber shoes." Is it an ad-lib? Yes, Ha Seok-jin is good in everything.

2. Gu-Dong understandable smile is always hilarious. He knows what's going on while Woo-jin and Ho-won are on denial, LoL. His character is so relate-able in office life. There's usually a person like Gu-Dong.

3. Ki-Taek: Oh poor Ki-Taek.... Didn't he get checked before? I remember him saying to Ho-Won he sold his scooter for him to pay the check-up? And he said, he wasn't terminally ill. Even, he offered Ho-Won the left money from selling his scooter for Ho-Won to go to the hospital for check-up.

4. Ho-Won and Woo-Jin: Ah, those two.... I seriously love how the feeling between this two grows, little by little, while the two respect to each other. And, I think, this kind of romance fits with the story line and their characters. It will be weird to make they instantly fall in love (and won't be different from most drama out there). Woo-Jin for Ho-Won is not only a possible love interest, but also a great mentor to her. Kudos to the writer-nim to make their loveline is different from Rom-com office drama.

5. The characters are very "human", even CEO Han,. After he got fired and threw a fit to Mr. Park, they didn't really hate to each other really that much. They still talked. And Ho-Won ex-boss (the convenient store), is an interesting character too! He's so thoughtful to Ho-Won, Kang-Ho, and Ki-Taek.

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lemoncello

May 4, 2017 at 9:54 PM

Also, I forgot to mention, how each character influences other characters' change, even at this episode Mr. Park has changed a little. I notice that he started to changed when he's reading Ho-Won "101 Introduction Stories." Maybe, her stories woke him up inside him? I love how the writer make people's change don't happen in one night; instead slowly and surely.

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redfox

May 4, 2017 at 10:38 PM

Ki Taek might have always known. and maybe Hyun might have actually had a talk with him. I suspect that the question while having beers was a question between two knowing people.

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outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

May 5, 2017 at 6:52 AM

this kind of romance fits with the story line and their characters. It will be weird to make they instantly fall in love (and won't be different from most drama out there)

I couldn't have said this better. Most dramas trip over this

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41 anoriori

May 4, 2017 at 9:48 PM

About to watch the last episode now.. I really hope Kitaek isn't really going to die, because there are so many questions that raises. He only go checked very recently so why didn't they pick anything up? If he didn't get checked why would he have let Howon believe she was the one who was sick? If Hyun knew, why didn't he tell Kitaek, or at least persuade him to get checked up? He's just figured out his dream show!! Don't do this!

Anyway I'm glad I got my Howon Woojin date at least. I hope that Woojin doesn't end up leaving Hauline, because part of his character development is learning not to run away when things get difficult and he uncovers corruption. I really love how much faith he has in Howon, how much he pushes her and supports her and how he isn't threatened by the idea that she may one day be more successful than himself.

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Carolina

May 4, 2017 at 10:31 PM

I agree. I love how much he encourages her to be successful!

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redfox

May 4, 2017 at 10:41 PM

yes, Woo Jin is awesome in encouraging her! now where are such bosses in real life?

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meowingme

May 4, 2017 at 11:59 PM

So true, Woo-jin, and Suk-kyung, are the type of supervisors that newbies are lucky to have, because they are supportive & motivating without being handholding. Too bad their own supervisors are awful...

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42 Momo

May 4, 2017 at 11:44 PM

I hope the chairman wakes up & get rid of Hyun and put Woo-Jin in charge. I hope Ki Tae's illness can be cured after an operation. I hope Woo-Jin & Ha Won starts dating. A lot to happen in one episode ?

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43 etrenelle

May 5, 2017 at 12:18 AM

............. nope. no. I am not okay. no. nope. don not do this to me show. I can not have my fav baby die. No. No. NO.

And like you said Lollypip I am ready to go through Hyun under a bus if he has been just sitting there idly and doing nothing.... Far out. I am so done why are you doing this to me show I hate you!!!

And the resignition letter.... I have been kinda waiting for him to finally hand that in because there has been soo many times that Woo Jin has thought about leaving but never acted upon it. To be honest I would love to see him start a small business on his own. Now that he has the empathy (no thanks to his team) to run a team and with the skill set he has gotten from working at soo many different companies I am sure he would be fine.

But gosh I am not looking forward to Ho Won and Ji Na and everyone else finding out about Ki Taek.... But I have to admit I am lowkey very interested in finding out how they would all react. Sometimes people act in strange ways when thrown into different situations.

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44 vongole

May 5, 2017 at 1:43 AM

Comment was deleted

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45 vongole

May 5, 2017 at 2:29 AM

and, after that maybe-spoiler comment, here's a maybe-mean comment: I've been wondering if Go Ah Sung would have been able to salvage Introverted Boss. I never dissed Park Hye Soo while the show was on, because I do think she gave it her best shot! But, after seeing Go Ah Sung make her occasionally-annoying character (at the beginning) in RO so lovable, I feel like she would have been able to work her charm in IB too. Of course, the writing in RO is way more deft, so who knows!!

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46 NutellaFitzgerald

May 5, 2017 at 4:21 AM

So, the episode ended with Woo-jin pulling a classic Ho-won move - speaking truth to power with reckless disregard and throwing bombs at already burning bridges ("Can't you read?" ??? lol)

THEN they started playing the the song that usually play when Ho-won's being a badass, but with a male singer!
I don't know if it was the writer, or director, or music supervisor, or just some random employee at MBC....whoever you are...just know that someone saw what you did there. You are a goddamn genius.
Bravo.

I am going to miss this show *SO MUCH*

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outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

May 5, 2017 at 6:28 AM

wow! thanks for pointing out about that song. I missed it.

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47 outofthisworld 不愧是我 🏍

May 5, 2017 at 6:48 AM

Thank you Lollypip for the recap

He’s learned from Ho-won that even though the job is an honorable thing to fight for, sometimes standing up for what’s right is more important than caving in fear in order to keep that job.

I don't think Woo Jin has ever feared standing up to the higher ups or doing what is right. He just simply hates such environments, politics and leaves to find another better place.

I agree about Woo Jin changing into a nicer person, thanks to Ho Won. In many kdramas, we often see a previously not-so-nice male lead changed because of love. Although it's obvious that Woo Jin is already in love with Ho Won, her influence on him is a lot more natural and convincing. The best thing is that they both show a lot of personal growth and development while still staying pretty much true to their original self.

The best part of this episode when Woo Jin told Ho Won to dream big. He would make such a supportive husband...as if I even need encouragement to imagine him being one to Ho Won ?

I just love how these two constantly tease each other. Ho Won really knows how to press Woo Jin's hot buttons, I never fail to laughed at his reactions. He's also quite good at making her blush and squeal silently. Too cute for words ???