This whole eps drove me to the verge of tears because of shared pain and happiness, but mostly because I finally understand what's actually going on between some of the characters. All the clashings and revelations I didn't see coming happened at the same time. And this drama reminded us yet again how messy human emotions and relationships are.

I might not be as annoyed as many others by Ki-hoon and Yu-ra's storyline, but at some point I also asked myself what they'll contribute to the bigger story. And then Ki-hoon went to confront the other PD and for the first time, finally confronted his own mistake 10 years ago. His monologue in Yu-ra's room was a powerful reminder of how much you can ruin someone's life by not admitting your own shortcoming, by not wanting to be seen as someone who makes mistake and poor judgment. And that, 10 years late as it might be, is the one thing she needs to hear to 'straighten her out'.

Kwang-il's reminiscence of Ji-an and his history together pointed to something much more complicated than I imagined. I believe that once, he saw the wrong things his father did as it is, and became the little help and maybe solace for young Ji-an to go through those hellish days. But when she killed his father, he was torn between his hate toward Ji-an and his self-hate for being a copy of his father. I wonder if he unfairly blamed her for turning him into who he is now. Because with his father died that early, he has to fend for himself since young, and he only ever learned about violence and being a loan shark from his father. I think he knew it was wrong, yet he didn't know any other way to live his life, which might prompted his "should I just kill myself?" comment.

Then there is Ji-an and Yoon-hee's third meeting. Everything that happened in the rooftop might not be much of a surprise, given how well we already knew them. But Yoon-hee's call afterwards floored me. Her genuine and sorrowful "Thank you" after hearing Ji-an admitting that she like Dong-hoon was something I didn't see coming. I expected Yoon-hee to get angry or jealous, but she looked both glad that someone who has Dong-hoon's best interests at heart is there for him, and also crushed to realize that she couldn't be that person for him. And that, I believe, is another powerful wake up call for her right there.

Thanks for the recap, @Lollypip!

Well, this show certainly doesn’t pull any punches.

My heart got hit with a mega-ton punch of TRUTH. Repeatedly.
I missed Dong Hoon having drinks and chatting with Ji An, so I’m glad that episode ended with them together.

But, DANG, if Dong Hoon and Yoon Hee’s discussion about the infidelity wasn’t soul-deep raw and honest!! I was reeling because it was so powerful and painful…like surgery without any anaesthetic!!

Did you think it’d be easier to divorce me if you had an affair with him, had me fired, and turned me into a homeless person?

DH, in his methodical way, echoes our collective indictments against YH: not only cheating on him, but with the very man he despised, in complete disregard to the consequences of her actions on her family, even her son.

I LOVED how they divulged how each chose to love the other. DH entirely misunderstood what his wife needed. This is so realistic to what couples who genuinely love each other go through when trouble brews in the marriage. DH provided for YH’s physical needs so impeccably, but he completely missed what she really wanted:

"Is it love if I’m in second place? Am I even in second place?"

“You were always my number one.” My heart actually went out to YH this time. No matter how MASSIVELY she messed up, she’s extremely lucid describing the emotional neglect and isolation she felt in the marriage. She understands her husband emotionally better than he does her.

She knows his family is the most important thing to him, so to please him she made every effort to love his family-of-origin well. But, she was hoping he would love her with the same kind of devotion he gives to his family-of-origin, but it never materialized.

She even names the fear that motivates him: he wants to avoid disappointing his mother and hurting his son. If so, he is motivated by “family” to stay in the marriage, but sadly, YH isn’t included on that “list”. If that is true, then her indictment of him is equally true: she was never part of his “family”, which is why she never FELT like a priority to him. She honestly thought she didn’t mattered to him. She thought he didn’t love her. She recognized he would never change, and in her despair, she turned to whoever would give her the affection she craved. That’s really sad.

It’s interesting how quickly YH and JY turn on each other…and ironically enough, because of Dong Hoon. Their conversations are always about Dong Hoon! The person they both betrayed is the same one who drives them apart. #poeticjustice

Oh snap! YH now fighting full force for her husband: she’s pretty useless compared to Ji An, but I like that she’s in her husband’s corner.

The one vital piece of information we lack is why Dong Hoon fell in love with Yoon Hee in the first place.

This was such a beautiful episode. ♥ Soo many good stuff!

That scene with Ji-an and the neighborhood gang was so heart-warming. And when she mentioned about life being hard and then everyone stopped and we see that the scene looks like Ji-an is in the middle, surrounded by everyone with her looking like she’s being enveloped in that protective circle? That was soooo beautiful 😭 I’m excited for how much she’s learning to be with people and how much her world is expanding just by being adopted into this ‘neighborhood’!

And the catching-the-last-train scene unexpectedly brought tears to my eyes too. Because Ji-an was part of the group, like she ‘belonged’. And it was so nice to see DH happily working with his team that night, it confirms my belief that DH actually enjoys his job and is passionate about it. That maybe he only started seeing the job as a ‘slaughterhouse’ when JY became CEO.

Ji-an’s speech at the interview was also beautiful. I love that it back-fired for the other team, and the Chairman was there to hear it too! Yey!

Also for the first time since this drama began, my heart fluttered romantically for Ji-an and Dong-hoon in that scene outside the car. 😳

And Kwang-il, oh my! He and Ji-an do go way back and that he had/has feelings for her. What delicious angst, it could be a separate drama on its own!

Yura and Ki-hoon’s story too was surprisingly deeper than it seemed. So unconventional, but so cute together. The actress playing Yura is good, I don’t think I’ve seen her before.

You do a wonderful job recapping and it's appreciated.

I have some friends I wish would watch this , it is just so good. It is hard to find the words to describe it, especially when sone descriptors could turn some away, like slow and bleak. Lol.
With Kwang-il I can feel bad for the boy he was and life he had to lead. Also, all the bad choices that led and keep him where he is even if I do not feel sorry for the man who preys on others.
It sounds like YH never directly told DH what she needed from him and then DH acted like there was nothing to hear. And I'm not condoning her behavior either, especially conspiring to take his career from him. But so much regret and missed chances in that marriage.
I want all of DH's friends to adopt JA. I need Jung Hee to not be so lonely either.

Ji-an really is the boss here, even when she was called to give her testimony about Dong-hoon for the director election. She should be the one who felt like sitting on a trial, yet somehow she made them all hanging to her each and every answers like it's their lifeline without realizing. While that was a heartfelt scene where we can clearly see where her everlasting loyalty lies, it was also kinda funny to see her easily played the atmosphere in that room.

When Director Yoon persistently asked her "How far you two have gone?", I outright chuckled when she purposefully gave a misleading half-answer: Home. Only to made it clear that they lived in the same neighborhood several beats after Yoon silently celebrating his 'clever' question. I can almost see her rolling her eyes in her mind that there is someone who actually believe that Dong-hoon could do something like that. And later when Director Janh told Dong-hoon that Ji-an is clever and she handled things well, I was all "If only you know how clever she truly is." If there is one person I could trust to single-handedly save Dong-hoon from being used in this political machination, that would be her.

TY for the recap, @Lollypip.

Oh, show.. how i love you. All your mixed signals. Paraphrasing one sayings - some shows should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly. My Ajusshi really amaze the senses and challenge the mind to the point of exhaustion, and I think that's what makes for some of the best dramas.

DH and YH in ep11-12. Oh boy! It was intense.
IMO - Good marriage (..well ideally)- is built on three things. Love, respect and trust. All elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have love for someone, but if you don't have respect and/or trust, the marriage will crumble eventually.
I don't think she truly respect DH. She obviously can't accept all of him and his background. YH wanted his undivided affection for herself, there's nothing wrong with this, but she married the wrong man for that. And he definitely lost his sense of trust in YH. Of course love is not the only reason people marry, but without trust and respect i don't see how this relationship can be repaired.

JH and the Monk.
It seems he made this big decision by himself, but they both lived all these years with the consequences of this decision.
And he is whole, but she is broken.
It was painful to watch. My heart hurts for JH.

DH consistently waiting for JA and JA consistently listening for DA - this two will be the end of me.
DH monologue
- What did you do with my slippers?
- I'm too old to... I'm begging you let's do that. -
And when JA tell grandma
- I'm happy... I'm close to someone like him...I'm happy.
The exact moment JA was adopted by the neighborhood.
The moment when Jian see DH across the street an his stare that is somewhat.. almost longing?
Scene in the train.
Also Dong-Hoon's legal team thinks Ji-An ain't pretty. But, as we already known, DH on the other hand think she is (he calls her "pretty girl" in conversation with cafe owner)😏
PD/writer this evil mastermind duo. No romance they said, no love line..
All this little moments make my heart painfully flutter.

P.S.
Simon and Garfunkel song (they use it in ep11 bus scene) gave a very apt narration
for this two episode.

I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail
Yes I would, if I could, I surely would
I'd rather be a hammer than a nail
Yes I would, if I only could, I surely would

This show, this show, this show. The devil is in the details, it's the little things that count, and big things come in small packages. That is the genius of this drama. The minute detail of Kwang -il talking about the hill he used to carry her on when his father beat her, the crushing loneliness that Yoon-Hee felt; to the point that she cheated on her husband with someone he dislike because that was the only way she knew how to punish him for his separation, the small yet hopeful glance Ji-Ah makes every time she talks about Dong Hoon, and the simple kindness that Dong Hoon gives to Ji-ah simply by walking her home. Brilliant, utterly, fantastically, brilliant.

Dong Hoon and Yoon Hee fight was worth everything. She and he both knew the cheating was bad, but he needed to know how lonely he made her. I hope they can forgive each other even if they don't stay married.

I cried when Kwang-il and Ji-Ah talked. It was a very poignant conversation. As most of the beanies and I suspected, he loved her and maybe still loves her, but he felt guilty that he loved her when she was also responsible for his father's death. His only way of coping with the guilt was beating her, at the same time Ji-Ah also felt guilty and so took the beating. This short, yet simple conversation resolved or at least brought to the forefront that nothing either them was doing was helpful. Him beating her didn't absolve his guilt and her taking the beating didn't make her feel better.

Yu-ra and Ki-Hoon. Talk about a hot mess of a couple. The two of them deserve each other, lol.

My favorite scene of this episode was when Ji-Ah told Dong Hoon he was a good person, by repeating what he said to her, right back at him. Just flawless.

I also really enjoyed Ji-Ah in the boardroom and her simple, yet clear statement about what kindness can do for a person.

Jung-Hee, the poor woman needs to let go. Unfortunately, it sounds like Gyeom-Duk didn't give her the curtesy of closure. Shame on him for that, she deserves better. Also they should talk. lol

In the end communication is the name of the game unlike certain misty, I mean foggy dramas. The writer gets it. Communication is key.

Finally it has been an honest and true pleasure to watch this drama and talk/type about it with the beanies here. Thank you Dramabeans

HOT DANG if this Show doesn’t have the best One-Liner Quotes!!!

SANG-HOON:
“Well, I park him next to a pretty car every night. ‘Have fun. Don’t do anything foolish.’”
[Looking at the sleek, black SUV] “That car’s male. I never park him next to cars like that. He gets discouraged.”

HAHAHAHA! I seriously love this Show’s humor. For all of Sang-Hoon eye-rolling-worthy monologues and stupidity, he’s great for a laugh.

KI-HOON
“Fine! I’ll just believe it’s something about work.”
“It’s crazy attractive. I get really sexy. The words that come out are like art.”
"Mom, I have a girlfriend!”

I love how Ki Hoon is so perceptive, he isn’t fooled by Dong Hoon’s lies. He even asked if DH fought with his wife. The youngest brother, hothead failed-director that he is, is one sharp nail! I found his monologue about saving up all his rage for the person he wants to have a fight with hilarious in its pompous self-importance and self-satisfied strutting. HAHAHA! And it’s super cute that FINALLY in episode 11, he and Yu-Ra finally get together. Those crazy kids….

JI-AN
“You didn’t make it clear.”

Ji An certainly doesn’t mince words. I’m glad she called him out on his ambiguous actions and words! Heck, even his feelings towards her are ambiguous! But, Dong Hoon’s response was pretty spot on: she looked to him for comfort as another pitiful person. Isn’t that what we’ve all said all along? They are soulmates in their isolation, loneliness and pitifulness.

DONG-HOON
“I just don’t know how to end this relationship that we’ve maintained for 20 years.”

Yes, and that’s the problem, Dong Hoon. You can never conceive of walking away or separating from family, because family is forever. But, you thought that if you loved her the way you loved the others in your life that would be enough. But, it wasn’t…because she wanted all of you. She wanted to be first in your heart. You “maintained” the marriage, but you didn’t give what was needed to make it flourish.

JOON-YOUNG
"What’s wrong with all the women in Park Dong Hoon’s life?”

KWANG-IL
The way up to your house is similar to that hill. The hill that I climbed with you on my back when you passed out from my father’s beatings.>/I>

Jung Hee: Ki-Hoon is the one with girl problems. He likes someone.
Momma Park: What is she like? Is she weird?
Jung Hee: She suits Ki Hoon.
Momma Park: Is she really weird?...

IU: I wouldn't have thought it was possible to give such a memorable performance by talking (mostly) in a flat monotone and spending so much time looking almost expressionless.
Of course, it helps to have a good script. I'll bet the PD of this show isn't feeling any of the despair that Ji-hoon was talking about.

You do a super, great job in your recaps @lollypip! I wish we could like recaps as well so you could know that I'm at home nodding my head in agreement to what you are saying. I'm more of a talker than a writer so to all beanies that can express their feelings well in the comments, thank you and lollypip, as well, because it really does feel like I am watching a drama with friends!

I think the beauty of Ji An and Dong Hoon's relationship is it can't really be defined. Feels like watching a Hayao Miyazaki movie, where relationships can't be defined as black or white. What's understood, can't be explained... but we somehow have an understanding. It's up to the viewers to interpret it. That's why for me it's okay if there's a divided response to the relationship between DH and JA. It's okay if you don't want to see them as a couple, but it's also not wrong to ship them together.

That scene is one of my favorites too, among many others. Thinking about it again makes me teary-eyed. It made me realize again how important friends are. Dong-hoon and the rest of the gang grew up together till they had wives and kids, probably shared their problems and all. Then I thought of Ji-an, 21 years old, faced a lot of struggles alone with no one to talk too and somehow lessen her pain. It just breaks my heart.

I hope Ji-an will be become part of this neigborhood-family.

The conversation between Dong Hoon and Yoon Hee was exactly what I would have expected from what I know of her character so far. In response to Dong Hoon’s question “why?” everything that came out of her mouth was blaming him. “Because you didn’t put me first as I did you. Because you wouldn’t change. Because you wouldn’t leave this neighborhood. Because you made me feel lonely.” All these clearly show that Dong Hoon was not a good husband to Yoon Hee. However, none of these are answers to his question why he did this to her. If you are unhappy in your marriage/relationship broadly you have three choices: 1) accept the things as they are and do nothing 2) Try to talk to him and see whether it is possible to change things so they both will be happy 3) accept this won’t work and walk away. As far as we know she did neither of these things. Sure she indicated she said she wanted to move from the neighborhood or that she complained about the amount of time he spent with his family during previous arguments but we don’t know whether she sat him down outside of an argument about drinking and said “Look, I am not happy, this relationship isn’t working for me, let’s talk about whether we still want to be in it and if so what can we do to fix it”. She brings these up to explain why she had an affair. Well, that doesn’t cut it for me.

What this fight showed me was that these two people are not a good match to begin with. The way they view life, love, marriage, family is very different and they can never be happy together. Even if his brothers were not losers and could take care of their mom Dong Hoon wouldn’t be happy if he abandoned his family the way Yoon Hee expects. And his family is even more extended than that including the neighborhood people. We don’t know whether she has family but clearly she expects Dong Hoon to adopt her views on what is family and what is love (and her view is: “I am your family and if I am not first with you that is not love”). That is a very big ask and not fitting Dong Hoon’s character. I loved the scene of Dong Hoon’s friends walking Ji An home along with Dong Hoon and one of them asking an acquaintance who happens to be Ji An’s neighbor to keep an eye on her. This is what family is to these people, not Yoon Hee’s limited description so Dong Hoon would never be happy if he acted the way Yoon Hee wanted.

I don't understand Yoon Hee at all. If she loved Dong Hoon the way she described how could she like Joon Young at all? What was even the point of an affair during which she acted like she would abandon her husband and marry someone else? If Joon Young gave her what she wanted (being put first) maybe I could have seen the attraction but his priority wasn't her either but his position. Did she not mind in that case as Joon Young was never first with her? Did she not care as long as his first wasn't other people?

I don't know this drama is not supposed to be a romance drama as the main focus, but this drama surely knows hiw to make my heart flutter than any regular romance genre I've watched. I understand if they don't go there at this point of the narrative, but they sure know how to tease me with little moment they show us. Especially in this episode. My heart flutter! And that expression DH give to Ji An at the end of this drama. Pffttt he is shy! My heart flutter.

I have been waiting for this. Thank you @lollypip for the recap. Your words are so beautiful.

This episode is just so exquisitely beautiful. I have always known there's a backstory that led to such action especially from Yoon Hee and Kwang Il but I never expected myself to share their pain.

Most of us agreed that Dong Hoon himself is not really a good husband and now we understand what drove YH to cheating on him. There's nothing that can justify her infidelity but my tie breaker for not supporting the salvation of the marriage is her part in getting DH fired. They are both aware of their loveless marriage but I have deep respect for YH for trying to redeem herself and even more, thanking the girl who obviously loves her husband, who probably even willing to do more for his sake, even at the expense of her broken heart.

I already sensed that romantic interest in Kwang Il the moment he gave that frantic look the night he saw the happiness on JA face when she was drinking with DH. Like I said, he is conflicted between the feeling of love and hate. I could not believe it saddened me to watch him pining for her especially for the horror he had inflicted on her but he himself is a tortured soul and when he saw JA standing before him, emotionless, he knew that she had lost her forever to DH, because DH had shown JA the opposite of what he demonstrated to her.

And can I say how much I LOVE the scene when DH and JA's gaze met while he was in the car and her standing on the sideway. That scene is so brief yet so poignant, telling so much of how they feel for each other. We already know JA's feelings but that moment, I am sure that DH feels the same way. In the midst of his worries, his broken moments, her presence even without words just bring him calmness.

And that final scene where they drank at the bar...I thought the reminiscent of the argument between DH and YH was coming from DH and not JA? I don't know but I could be mistaken, though.

Finally, the final scene where DH broke into that shy smile sets my heart a flutter. It's like a reassurance to himself and not a confused man conflicted over his feelings for the girl sitting right in front of him. Or may be I am just being overly romantic? LOL

Gosh, this drama is so good. So rewarding and here I am dreading the 2 weeks of emptiness till the next episode.

Thank you for the recap!! I've watch this episode yet I waited to read your recap here just because I feel I need to find people who equally amazed by this drama (it's hard to recommend this drama to others when I can hardly describe how good it is).
I'm more like a silent reader here but this drama makes me want to explode with admiration, feels and sympathy for our beloved characters.
That scene when Jian told the Ajusshi gang that she hope she ages faster is sooo beautifully shot, when the camera moves to show each of their expressions, they were like "I totally understand you... but look at us"
And when Jian said Thank You for the first time and bowed to them, Dong Hoon expression is priceless. Sanghoon and Jung Hee may find that gesture as normal but that shows just how much Jian has changed and feeling welcomed and appreciated for the first time 😢

I'm not really hoping for a romance between our leads, even after Jian confessed her feeling to him but I can't help wondering what Dong Hoon really feels. I mean, the way he stared at her longingly when he & Ki Hoon drove pass her (the backsong makes it even more beautiful) and when he looked around to look for Jian in front of JungHee's bar after Ki Hoon and Yura's drama makes my heart flutters...

I was curious of the history of Jung Hee and the monk relationships, it seems like more than just a youthful love, when she can barely move on after so many years.

Jian's speech in front of the Directors made me tear up because that really showed how much his relationship with Dong Hoon has changed her and how smart she is to turn the table around in front of those intelligent people.

What gets me disappointed is how Sang Hoon's story line keep lessening and he just becomes a grumbling, musing older brother. I hope they create more storyline for him

The next episode's preview though...is Joon Young gonna make a move to expose Jian's role to fire Dong Hoon? I think it will be hard at first for Dong Hoon to accept that fact, but he knows how Jian condition was so I hope there wouldn't be any conflict between our leads.

And is Jian going somewhere? I hope they won't separate our leads for too long because they are match made in heaven (doesn't have to be romantic)

Honestly, I don't know how you manage to recap this show and do such a brilliant job. After each episode, I'm just speechless and wordless.

I've never been much in drama thread discussion and I definitely don't know where to start in this one. There's so much feelings, insights, details and stuff to talk about.

For this episode, I'll just talk about Yoon Hee. Her issues with Dong Hoon and his family are all very real. I know of people who faced the same thing. Never thought there would be a drama which covers this subject with much insight.

It's easy to throw stones at YH and expect her to accept Dong Hoon's relationship with his family. Love doesn't conquer all. Neither does it stay the same. It's the little things that eat into people and change them albeit slowly.

Dong Hoon is a very good man but I can't say I'd like to live with a man like him. He seems to be melancholic by nature and strikes me as someone who can never be happy. If you are his wife, you'd wonder why isn't he happy? He's got you and your child(ren) and yet he doesn't seem fulfilled. Worse, if you are the opposite type. You might try your best to help him but after a while, you will find ways to make yourself happy regardless of his state.

Over the years, resentment grew insidiously. It's possible for love and hate to co-exist. I speculate that is the reason why Yoon Hee had an affair with Joon Young of all people. Dong Hoon was right. She had lost her esteem of him as a person.

It's gonna be haaard having to wait two weeks until the next episodes, but since the reason for the postponement is that the actors and staff really need a break, I won't complain and will applaud the production team for putting their health and safety first. I gather they're extra exhausted because they had to reshoot all of the Oh Dal-soo as Sang-hoon scenes, and because they've had so many night shoots. They deserve a break (as does Lollypip!) and hopefully it'll mean that they'll be able to keep up the quality for the last four episodes. And at least we can continue to be intoxicated by My Ajusshi for a little longer...

Oh man this episode, like wow. WOW! So many layers and depth we find out from our characters and finally we see Jian showing her vulnerability and letting the strong woman inside her out. I also loved the scene where everyone walked her home and the look on her face and her stance, it was so awkward and she looked like she was in unbelief like where are all these people going and why are they following me type of look. I feel such sadness for Junghee and want to know more of that background and her relationship with Gyeomduk. Also Yoonhee I feel so bad for her. She made a mistake that she shouldn't have but her loneliness and misery led her to a place where she was distracted and not in the right mind to make good judgements unfortunately. I'm so sad that we have to wait 2 weeks for another episode...sigh

Thank you LollyPip!!
I think I might actually need the extra time to go back and rewatch this show from the beginning.
If everything went well for Dong-hoon to become a director, then jerkface CEO will surely continue to try to undermine and destroy him.
I dread the moment when Dong-hoon will learn about Everything that Ji-an has done as a spy for the other side. Dong-hoon forgave her once, and he has accepted her as part of his extended family, but that is going to be so painful. The closer you are to someone, the more they have the power to hurt you deeply.

Right now, Dong-hoon is still reeling from the betrayal of his wife (on so many levels). Okay, he hasn't been the perfect husband, but who on this earth IS perfect, huh? For me, marriage is saying yes every single day, multiple times if necessary. They are both at fault for the distance that grew between them. The lack of loyalty and just simple respect for her partner on Yoon-hee's part show that she wanted out and didn't care about what kind of aftermath her actions might create. She might have been hurt, but her actions were like a ticking time bomb waiting to devastate everything that was left in their relationship and everyone nearby. She is repenting now, but she has shown herself to be supremely selfish: it is always about her pride. (end of rant)

I digress. Dong-hoon can't help but be fragile right now. I don't care how solid he looks from the outside. When he finds out, and he will find out, what will that do to him? Will he still be able to accept Ji-an one of his people? Will Ji-an be isolated again? I think that Dong-hoon is a very careful person and I appreciate how he methodically looks at a situation from all sides before making up his mind. I trust that they will get through this next crisis as well.

I love these characters so much. Who knew that simple human kindness is the most powerful love of all?

Thanks so much @lollypip. This is a great recap and review. I've never felt that your recap of this show was wanting, but I do agree that the feels while watching it are something else! Each episode is just so filled with little moments that say so much.

My absolute favourite moment of this episode was when Ji An looked at the folks who had walked her home, thanked them properly and bowed. My heart just bubble over with joy; I was so touched I had tears flowing.

The other moment was when Ji An meant every word she said during the interview and said she'd never felt warmer in all her 21 years. It was just so sad.

The Kwang Il and Ji An meeting was so short and so monumental. From a hated figure, Kwang Il suddenly became a sympathetic character. In that one scene is explained all of Ji An's attitude, why she never evinces fear of Kwang Il who is so much bigger than her, why he keeps barging into her home and still respects her wishes after beating her up. It's crazy to say that my heart also bled for him when he can be so cruel. I find him, strangely, the most tragic figure. Doomed by his father's legacy to a life of thuggish violence, doomed by his father's death to never have a good relationship with Ji An or be with her, when he can't help but miss her, of all people.

I continue to be wowed by the writing of this show. How it makes Ji An so smart, her every decision is spot on to evoke the results she needs. The only thing that didn't work out totally was losing the detective stalker. If Yoon Hee's threats against Joon Young work, then stalker should be pulled off the job.

My favourite funny moments were:
1)Ki Hoon's mum's reaction when she heard that his girlfriend matched him..."Is she very weird?"
2)(This scene... I can't seem to locate it now) Ki Hoon entering his home like an excited kid, yelling to his mum about his girlfriend and his mum cuts in with a deadpan question, and he stops short to get the stuff he forgot instead of taking issue that she ignored his excitement. LOL

*raises hand* Excuse me for cutting into your wonderful thread. We would like to extend an invitation to My Ajusshi lovers, who are writing so eloquently about love and pain and happiness here. Would you be interested in turning your thoughts into poetry? If so, join us for

THE BEANIE POETRY SLAM
Lately several beanies have been posting some outstanding poetry on their fanwall, some inspired by dramas and inspiring others to look at life through different lens. I think it’s time we get a real party going.

What is a Poetry Slam: “A slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. Participants perform their original work and are judged by members of the audience... The audience’s job is to keep the mood supportive, energetic and encouraging to all participants.” (From readingagency.org.uk).

Open to: All beanies.

Hosted by: Forgotten Poets Society and Island of Neutrality.

When: Poems entered until Wednesday 3 May will be considered. Winners will be decided on how many upvotes they receive and announced in next Open Thread.

Theme and Style:: Any, we love reading your poetry.

Instructions to participate: The OT Thread will be the main base for the competition. Beanies can submit their entries in two ways:
1) Directly on OT Thread 549: http://www.dramabeans.com/2018/04/open-thread-549/ At the top write ‘POETRY SLAM ENTRY” in bold.
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Some times I'm just too empathic.
"Secret love affair" allmost destroyed me with its intensity.
I know this show will do the same, so I live vicariously through your words.
Thankyou.

LollyPip, thank you for the recap.Your recap skills are fine, fighting !
Lots of good scenes this episode. Ji-an’s interview, she was so polished! The range of facial reactions of both teams during the course of the interview was funny, in this show’s quirky way.

The director has done a wonderful job setting up the scenes. Kwang-il’s scene , recalling such a wretched moment in his life, yet somehow it’s still precious to him.

Dong-hoon and Ji-an have so much energy between them, they spark. Contrast that to the stale, lonely grey cardboard life that Joon-hee described she endured. Would their marriage have been so bad if their son lived with them?

Would their marriage be salvageable? It would require some time at the temple to reflection, eh?

Yay for Dong-hoon’s team at work. Yes, the report is what is important at this time. Ji-an stays too and then they catch the train, running, hearts pounding together, what is it with these two? Magic.

Regarding Yoon Hee and and Dong Hoon marriage. she say she felt lonely and that he cared to much about his family that she felt sidelined. but she could easy done something about it. she could have go with him and get to know his friends and family. she could have become a part of his circle instead of showing dislike and even talking about moving to a new neighborhood. I think most people would feel resentment for the person that show dislike for your family and friends and want you to move away from them. Not saying DH is not in wrong. but there is a better way to handle this i think from wife side. the birthday scene showed just how she was not part of his family, witch i think in some way is her own making.

Thank you so much LollyPip for your recaps! It’s really very much appreciated! Thank you!

I also love the walk to JA’s house. I feel the warmth of everybody, the feeling of being accepted, protected and I even felt the love, especially when Jung-hee wrapped her arm around JA’s after that pregnant pause. I’m certain that JA felt the same way and was touched enough to have mustered all her strength to utter, “thank you”. DH’s reaction was priceless. He had a blimey-did-I-hear-that-right face, LOL!

I also love the race to the train station. I don’t know but I felt so happy for JA in that scene, it’s like finally being part of the team and this is all thanks to DH. She’s really learning from him and that makes her life so much better, and this has resonated in the last scene when being interviewed. I was just bursting with pride not only for JA but for DH as well!

I now understand Yoon-hee’s side. All our behaviours have reasons behind it. The problem is lack of communication between them. We now see that DH hates confrontations and will avoid them at all cost. He shrinks away from anything uncomfortable. We saw that while Yoon-hee was trying to talk to him and he would just go silent or change the subject or crank up the telly’s volume or stand up and leave. Even with Joon-hee, while they were walking and reminiscing the olden days when they were hopping from temple to temple, looking for that “somebody”, DH physically shirked away from her. He just couldn’t stand it and that is his big problem. Loneliness is lethal, that is so true. Being ones “second”, not the priority and to think she’s the wife, can be very lonely indeed. However, she should have confronted DH even when he didn’t want to, make him listen and understand. If he doesn’t want to talk about it then write him a letter, whatever it takes, because sometimes men just don’t get it (and he admitted that he didn’t have any idea), therefore, the woman just has to say it or write it in bold letters. She shouldn’t have given up and find solace from somebody because it is just not right. She’s already married. Now the transgression cannot be undone and she surely made it worse by choosing a trashy douche bag to hook up with. DH’s face when looking at Yoon-hee in front of the fridge was a look of hate and disgust and those lines that he said, that she gave him a death sentence were just wow! I feel for him. Everything that the restaurant owner said, the one who just had a divorce, was right. There is no way that kind of marriage can be saved.

Now we go to DH and JA, alright there is no love line apparently or so they say. No love line, but there are these longing looks, the love in their eyes is just always there. The scene where DH was in that van and saw JA, that was actually a pretty strong scene for me. Even with no words, just those looks, well, it just killed me. DH certainly wouldn’t like JA to disappear from his life. That pair of slippers is the glaring proof. If it weren’t...

I usually watch the show raw and the wait for the subs lmao (life of internation viewers who does not speak korean) so I scenes with the brothers and Yura were always annoying to me, but after this episode I think I understood her character and the whys of her relationships with KH, im rooting for them now lol. This episode cemented what I've been saying for a while, DH and YH marriage was broken way before she cheated, like, how can you come back from that? Not only did she cheat, but he never truly understood her, so much wrong.

Ji An, baby, I love you more more, I just do.
Also I never thought I would feel pity over Kwang-il, but here I am, feeling sad over him crying, like what even..

Thank you thank you @lollypip for recapping this amazing show! You may say you can't write what you feel, but I think you are doing a pretty darned good job of recapping and expressing yourself.
So many beanies have written so eloquently all the things I feel about this show so I can't really add much.

I think the relationship/romance/friendship between DH and JA is one of two lonely souls who have found a 'home' in each other. DH has his brothers and friends as family but JA 'gets' him and the loneliness he feels. When he's with her it is gone and vice versa for her.
That scene when they surrounded JA in the group walk/hug/love taking her home left me with tears running down my face. I was so very touched by how they all gathered her in and welcomed her as one of their own without any questions. Powerful - very powerful.

JA's interview was epic! I loved how her strength and sense of worth came to the fore and she showed those men in the room how awesome DH was by just valuing her as a person. What more do they need in a director? Well management skills of course, but we can all see that DH has that in spades by how all his co-workers adore him.

Enough - I'm so glad to have this place to gush over this show. 2018 has been a good year for dramas so far hasn't it?

THANK YOU @lollypip for your recap AND review at the end. I full-heartedly agree--- NOTHING can fully capture the depth of this drama. The cinematography, acting, subtlety it's all there and you really have to watch it to experience it. Discussing it here gives me a chance to also see points of view or interpretations I've missed while watching. This is turning out to be one of my *all-time* favorite dramas (hope the ending doesn't ruin this statement). This is the only show, JUST after finishing an episode (or even just after finishing a scene), I'll go back and rewatch it again. Beautiful. beautiful. Beautiful

Lollypip, I read the dramabeans recaps AFTER watching drama episodes. I am so happy to have found your site because you (and the other writers) write extremely well about kdramas with insight, humor and affection that extends the enjoyment of the stories.

I fully appreciate the difficulty in being able to adequately convey the beauty of "My Mister". I become a little frustrated myself when I want to post a comment about it; there's just too much to say. "My Mister" is exceptional and exquisite in so many aspects (acting, directing, ost, and most especially, the writing).

This drama translates beautifully into English which, I think, is a testament to the genius of Park Hae-Young. The translators are, of course, incredible, but she has given them an amazing work.

Thank you so very much for your recaps. I look forward to them. I "run" to dramabeans after an episode just read what you guys think. 😊

LollyPip is a very good writer even though she sometimes doubts her ability. It's just this drama has so much nuance so it is almost impossible to describe it. Despite of the challenge, she does a fine job indeed. We always appreciate your time and efforts and great analysis.

People say that DH is chronically depressed and they can see why his wife cheated though they never approve of adultery.
If I were in DH's shoes, I would be depressed as well. He must have studied very hard under the Korean educational system which is known the harshest. This time alone is quite depressing. His brothers always tell him not to quit his good job though he does not like it. He does all those things that people expected him to do. No wonder he is depressed. Is he a typical Eastern Asian guy in this sense? I think he is. He does not talk about what he thinks even among his friends,,, that is how he is. My husband often jokes but he hardly reveals his heart to his friends. Those guys exist and it is not their fault.
But his wife wants him more of him that he does not have or he does not place the utmost importance, ie, always listens to his wife, always place his wife over anything. His wife claims that she did all those things for his family but they did not accept her well. That can be true but I also think there is a reason for their behavior as well and the reason is not just because his wife advanced herself ahead of her husband( which might be the superficial reason.)

They have a totally different compasses for life in a way so after following their own compasses for many years, they become further apart and now they are completely lost, cannot find each other.
I am old enough to see some of my people's divorces and affairs. Most who had affairs actually have similar reasons as DH's wife. They complain that their husbands' value are different from those of their families, their husbands do not pay attention to them etc etc. I am female and married for nearly thirty years, so that I understand their complaints. But sometimes I found some of those women are too self centered and obsessed and DH's wife seems to be one of them.

This show has more memorable scenes in one episode than most k-dramas do in the entire series. I am still wondering how I should feel about some lines, such as "it broke her heart when she’d call him and he’d say he was eating with his family, even though she wasn’t there.".

Perhaps Ji An is doing far more good than anyone or herself realizes...

@lollypip dont sell youself short . You are a very talented writer. I always look forward to your recaps, yours insights are very thoughtful and relatable. Not everyone can write down the emotions which we can feel while reading it. I knw it sounds weird..but hope you get what I meant.

Now this episode is like a testament to affect of Dong Hoon on Ji ahn. How far has jiahn has come compared to the 1st ep? She is now volunteering herself to work late to help dong hoon . And the when she says 'Thank You ' to Dong Hoon and his friends , i was like awwww .. Dong Hoon even looked suprised.
And obviously we have to mention Ji Ahns intelligence , when she uses Yoon Hee to save Dong Hoon and then at the interview how she raises Dong Hoon up when the chairman comes by saying how she will always be thankful to his company because of donghoon. Dong hoon doesnt know it , but you are each others guardian angels. Always looking out for each other.

Lee Sun kyun srsly deserves an award for his role especially the scene of confrontation with his wife on her cheating. He looked so broken . It was heartbreaking to watch. But it had to happen for them to move on.

Ki Hoon and yura. Aww the ship sailed.. but Jung Hees words seemed like a foreshadowing that the relationship wont survive. :(
From the preview it seemed like ji ahn will move away.. :(
How am i gonna survive 2 freaking weeks for the next episode to air !!

I've been badly captivated by this drama... can't stop thinking about it 😭😭😭😭😭😭

I'm enjoying watching the developments in all of the relationships depicted, but I *really* wanna know what's up with Sang-hoon. What's he planning?! With his luck, all that $$$ that he's stuffing under the floorboards is gonna cause an electrical short and a fire. Aren't there heating elements embedded in the flooring? Lol

And I've got to say, I'm absolutely loving his reactions to KH's grouchiness & lady problems as well as that knowing glance he threw DH's way when DH & JA showed up outside the bar. I really like this actor and those mischievous eyes of his. 💕

thank you @lollypip ! I completely agree, this drama is 10000% better watched than how it can possibly be described with words. It's the feeling of this drama that gets me, even more so than the incredible dialogue.
If the previous eps didn't make me feel like there was something more between DH and JA, this ep definitely did it for me. That scene of DH in Ki Hoon's car where the truck next to them drives on, only to reveal Jian standing before his eyes on the side of the road, that was so beautifully filmed. There was so much longing for JA in DH's face and body language. The scene where his friends are talking to him outside of jung hee's bar but he's only focused on looking both ways to see if Jian is on her way home, when the higher ups training DH how to answer questions says "thank god she's (Jian) not pretty" yet not too long ago DH described her to the bar worker as "the pretty girl", and that shy smile at the very end, WHAT!?
- I enjoy seeing her protect her feelings for DH. I don't think she's confused over her feelings anymore. She seems resolute about liking him.
- When the private investigator on the train was walking towards where Jian was and after that guy left that section of the train DH casually but firmly stood close to Jian in that empty train lot while glaring at the other guy leaving, it's was as though he was the one trying to protect her. Oh the irony, as she's been the one protecting him.
- When Jian said "thank you". IU had great tone and delivery, those words alone moved me deeply.
- at the end of the ep JA said "you're a good person, really.", she said it with so much determination in her beady, red-tinged eyes, like she wanted him to trust what she said, for him to believe it for himself, and for a good moment he stared into her eyes without much expression, WANTING to believe those words, then with that bashful smile...I smiled so much. He seemed comforted to hear those words coming from her.
- Junghee talking to the monk through DH's phone oh god THE TEARS THAT WERE FALLING DOWN MY EYES. She read for herself how fine he is in his life without her, but for us viewers to see how torn she is without him... I really hope Junghee gets some closure by the end of it all.

Iam with you @lollypip. Cheating is unforgivable but I can understand how Yoon-hee got there. To be honest, their life together seem so lonely. They don't talk, they don't hold hands, kiss. The whole time, I am watching My Ajusshi, they strike me as roommates more than lovers.

They should have divorced or gone to marriage counselling a long time ago.

For those of you who love the show, you should try Secret love Affair! I like this show a lot, but SLA even better. Great acting and directing and beautiful music and camera work. It’s a story about redemption.

@Lollypip,

After re-reading your recap for episode 12, I have to echo the other Beanies on here. You’re an amazingly articulate and insightful recapper, so I hope you don’t sell yourself short. I look forward to your analyses every week.

I’ve certainly started dramas I hadn’t even considered because your recaps made them sound so interesting and fun! In fact, I cannot count the times when you noticed something subtle but important that I missed, and only after reading your recap was I able to appreciate the work and narrative the PD & co. put in the episode.

I agree that My Ajusshi is a uniquely rich, multi-dimensional, tightly written, subtle masterpiece. Capturing every minuet, important detail while also expounding on how those pieces fit into the larger narrative arc is challenging, but I think you’re doing it beautifully.

I am personally so thankful for all your hard work that allow us all to enjoy the Show to the fullest extent.

Thanks so much, Recapping Queen!

A commenter, noona1, over on Soompi characterized the effect this drama has on a majority of viewers as 'melancholic euphoria', which perfectly describes how I feel after episode 12.

So much happens in this episode that it feels impossible for it to be one episode: KH taking responsibility for the damage he caused to YA; JH finally speaking to GD, and GD being forthcoming about seeing JH (for the record, the scene of JH sitting in the bathroom, bawling, with the text stating she hasn't changed hovering in the corner was brilliant and devastating); YH and JA tag-teaming to make JY heel; confirmation of KI's conflicted sense of guilt; and JA and DH just making my heart bleed all over my laptop.

KI's turmoil is intriguing, only because it informs why JA tolerated the beatings for so long. Whatever guilt he feels, whether it concerns being attracted to the woman who killed his father or not protecting JA is really nothing compared to what he has actually done. I hope JA is rid of him.

JA is the most refreshing character I have seen in such a long time. She expertly handled that room full of executives, JY, YH, everyone, especially DH. The way she adjusts her sincerity is fascinating to me. That and her insistence on openly liking DH. It's about time a woman romances the subject of her affection, even if it's not reciprocated (as of yet).

One more thing: IU is doing a phenomenal job expressing the complicated motivations and desires of JA. You can tell she's invested in bringing this character alive. She completely disappears into the role. Kudos, IU.