One Spring Night: Episodes 23-24

by TeriYaki

The ex-boyfriend’s team works behind the scenes to secure his marriage to our librarian, even though she’s told everyone who should matter that they’re not together anymore. When the ex-boyfriend tries to make his marriage plans official, he pushes our kind and patient pharmacist too far and the battle lines become clearer. Even though our lead couple’s friends may be confused by the latest development, our librarian couldn’t be more certain about her choice and she makes a move that leaves no doubt in her man’s mind.

 
EPISODE 23

Jung-in enters Chairman Kwon’s house and thanks him for seeing her. When she sits down, Chairman Kwon repeats that he wishes that they’d met sooner and Jung-in graciously observes, “It’s all in the past.” When Chairman Kwon wonders, “Is that how it’ll be,”Jung-in informs him that she hasn’t changed her mind, impressing her host yet again.

While they wait for a taxi after dinner, a drunk Principal Lee urges Ki-seok to stay focused on marriage, especially now that he’s secured the blessings of both fathers. Principal Lee tells Ki-seok that he can’t wait until he officially becomes his son-in-law.

Jung-in asks Chairman Kwon to convince her father to give up on the marriage and when he hesitates, she’s blunt, “There is no future for me and Ki-seok. I don’t want there to be one.” Jung-in doesn’t answer when Chairman Kwon asks if there’s someone else, even when he promises not to hold it against her.

Chairman Kwon says he understands Jung-in and offers to give her all the time that she needs. When Jung-in insists that she no longer has feelings for Ki-seok, Chairman Kwon dismisses the problem, “No one’s sure of their feelings. They can always change.”

After her visit, a frustrated Jung-in walks away from the house while Chairman Kwon retrieves the surveillance photos and zeroes in on one of Ji-ho and Eun-woo. Jung-in texts Ji-ho, “I’m too exhausted, so…I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” and when she gets home, she ignores Jae-in and falls onto her bed.

The next day, Ki-seok is surprised to find Chairman Kwon’s driver waiting to deliver an envelope. When Ki-seok sees the surveillance photos, he realizes that his father knows the truth.

Later that morning, Chairman Kwon is surprised when his maid reports that there haven’t been any calls while Ki-seok sits at home, trying to decide what to do.

During a brief stop at Ji-ho’s place, Hyun-soo asks what Jung-in had to say about her father’s meeting with Ki-seok. After he leaves, Ji-ho calls Jung-in, who’s still in bed. She jokes that she’s causing trouble and sits up in alarm when Ji-ho teases, “You already did that yesterday.”

When asked what happened, Jung-in admits that she doesn’t want to talk about it and Ji-ho is understanding, as usual. Jung-in grumbles that compared to Ji-ho, she’s the anxious and impatient one.

Worried that he hasn’t provided her with enough certainty, Ji-ho asks, “Would you like to meet my parents?” Jung-in’s eyes widen in shock and when Ji-ho teases that he’d like to see the look on her face, Jung-in deadpans, “I’m unfazed.”

Jung-in is even more anxious but Ji-ho assures her that his parents are nice people. Jung-in envies him but Ji-ho is quick to explain that when he looks at her, he can tell that Jung-in’s parents are nice too.

Jung-in heard about the advice that Jae-in gave Ji-ho and he admits, “I’ve already been bracing myself. Besides, I’m too happy right now to rush into anything in a hurry.” Ji-ho can’t help but smile when Jung-in disagrees, “Not me. I want you badly.”

Shi-hoon pays his in-laws a surprise visit and shocks them when he kneels down and admits that it’s his fault that Seo-in wants a divorce. Before his mother-in-law can interrupt, Shi-hoon tells Principal Lee that he was drunk when he hit Seo-in during an argument.

Shi-hoon weeps and begs his father-in-law to intervene, “I can’t live without Seo-in.” Jung-in’s mother can’t believe it when her husband bellows, “A divorce is just absurd!”

Young-joo is waiting outside when Jung-in arrives to spend time with her friend before her date with Ji-ho. As they’re about to leave for lunch, Eun-woo runs up excitedly, “Ms. Lee!”

Ji-ho’s mother asks how Jung-in knows Eun-woo and guesses that she’s the teacher from the library. Before Mom gets the wrong idea, Young-joo explains, “I’m her friend and I coincidentally happen to live on the second floor.”

Eun-woo pulls his grandmother inside and when he sees Ji-ho, asks, “Why isn’t Ms. Lee coming?” Ji-ho’s mother explains that they ran into Jung-in and Ji-ho can’t wait to hear her opinion. When his mother describes Jung-in as smart, meticulous and pretty, Ji-ho can’t keep from smiling.

At lunch, Young-joo announces that it’s time for her to move so that she’s no longer involved in Jung-in’s personal issues. Jung-in credits Young-joo for leading her to Ji-ho and hopes that she’ll have to reward her friend one day.

While Jung-in worries about Ji-ho’s mother, Young-joo brings up Eun-woo, “Are you sure you can be a mother?” When Jung-in explains that she has time before she has to worry about that, Young-joo asks if she’s keeping her options open.

Jung-in brings up the topic of changing feelings and Young-joo tells her that while feelings can shift, human nature stays the same. Ki-seok calls Jung-in at that very moment and Young-joo shakes her head, “See? People never change.”

Ki-seok wants to talk to Jung-in and promises to wait at her place until she comes home.

Seo-in’s parents and Shi-hoon are now at Seo-in’s apartment, where Principal Lee lectures his daughter and son-in-law. When Principal Lee asks Seo-in to forgive Shi-hoon, she explains that she made her decision after much thought. Seo-in realizes that her father is convinced that Shi-hoon only abused her once when Principal Lee exclaims, “…it was a mistake. He wouldn’t have done it on purpose.”

Seo-in announces that she’s proceeding with the divorce but Principal Lee argues that once her marriage is back on track, Seo-in can think about having a baby. Everyone is shocked when Seo-in blurts out that she’s already pregnant.

The baby gives Principal Lee even more ammunition against Seo-in, who he now labels as “..immature and reckless.” Seo-in shouts, “Your daughter was assaulted…How much more must I endure for you to understand me?” After her mother guides a distraught Seo-in to the bedroom, Shi-hoon grins over the turn of events. Ugh.

Alone with Seo-in, Mom apologizes for her husband, “How could I have lived with a man like that all these years?” Mom leaves when Seo-in agrees to speak with Shi-hoon privately. He kneels down and makes his plea, “I’m sorry…I’ll devote my life to you and our baby…So please forgive me this once.”

When Seo-in refuses, Shi-hoon coldly reminds her that he won’t be the only one ruined by a divorce. Seo-in readily admits, “Revealing that you’re a son-of-a-bitch will also let people know that I’m a pathetic woman who only married for money.”

Shi-hoon promises that he’ll agree to a divorce if he ever hurts Seo-in again. Seo-in’s answer is that she won’t press assault charges if Shi-hoon gives up his parental rights. Shi-hoon stands up and glares at Seo-in, “Then I choose to be an ex-con.”

After Ji-ho puts Eun-woo down for a nap, he gets a text from Jung-in and tells his mother that he’ll be back. Jung-in is waiting outside and when she asks Ji-ho what his mother thought of her, he jokes, “…she said you’re ugly,” Jung-in punches Ji-ho in the arm and the pair walks away holding hands while Ji-ho’s mother watches from the open window.

During their walk, Ji-ho encourages Jung-in to meet Ki-seok to listen to what he has to say. When Jung-in calls him incredibly patient, Ji-ho explains, “I trust you. That’s all.”

EPISODE 24

Ki-seok takes Jung-in to the school garden where they first met. After admitting that he waited too long, Ki-seok places a box in Jung-in’s hand, “Let’s get married. What you think doesn’t matter. I’m choosing this for your sake.” When Jung-in tries to return it, Ki-seok puts his hands in his pockets and backs away.

While Ji-ho sighs after a checking his phone, Ki-seok hugs an emotionless Jung-in.

After Ji-ho drives his mother and Eun-woo back to his parents’ place, Ji-ho’s mother whispers to her husband that she saw the girl that Ji-ho likes, and they’re already holding hands. Ji-ho’s dad mentions that she’s pretty and then covers his mistake by insisting that all young women are pretty.

When Seo-in’s parents get home, her mother tells Principal Lee how much he disappointed her and calls him despicable. She’s in tears because she knows that her husband is against the divorce because he want’s to hide Seo-in’s abuse.

Seo-in’s mother weeps, “Divorce is nothing to be ashamed of. You should be ashamed that you’re a shallow-minded father who’s more concerned with what other people think.” She’s appalled by Principal Lee’s reaction, “Let’s hurry Jung-in’s wedding…No family would want a daughter-in-law with a divorced sister.”

Jae-in stares at the engagement ring and scolds Jung-in for falling for such an old trick. When Jae-in asks if her sister still has feelings for Ki-seok, Jung-in confesses, “I was surprised to realize that I already have no feelings left at all for him.”

The next day at work, Jung-in catches Ha-rin and Young-joo reading an online announcement about Seo-in’s pregnancy. They’re surprised when Jung-in runs into the conference room to make a call.

Ji-ho hears about Seo-in’s pregnancy from Pharmacist Wang. Ji-ho can’t help but smile when Pharmacist Wang assumes that Jung-in’s family will be overjoyed when Jung-in marries in addition to the new baby.

Ji-ho’s smile evaporates when Hyun-soo informs him that Ki-seok proposed. When Ye-seul walks into the back room later, she finds Ji-ho deep in thought and asks if he’s all right.

At the bank, Ki-seok hands a corrected report back to Hyun-soo and wants to know, “Hey, did you pass on the news to Ji-ho?”

At the television station, Seo-in has to play the happy expectant mother when she’s showered with congratulations.

Shi-hoon’s receptionists are confused by the announcement after seeing how upset Seo-in’s mother was when she visited. Shi-hoon walks in while on the phone, basking in the attention that the announcement has generated.

Ki-seok is at the bank when Ji-ho calls to ask for a meeting. Ki-seok tries to put him off but finally agrees to see Ji-ho that night.

When Jae-in walks into Seo-in’s place and sees a large suitcase, she asks her mother if Shi-hoon is moving back in. Mom announces that it belongs to her and sighs, “Gosh, I’m so sick of this.”

Jae-in wants her mother to promise that she won’t talk Seo-in out of divorcing Shi-hoon. Mom informs Jae-in that she plans to get a divorce too and Jae-in gets hit when she asks, “If you and Dad get a divorce, whom should I choose?”

After they discuss school business, Principal Lee mentions his meeting with Ki-seok to Chairman Kwon. Chairman Kwon is agains pressuring their kids to get married since children usually go against their parents’ wishes. Chairman Kwon heard that Principal Lee has a grandchild on the way and advises, “Just enjoy that for now.”

Principal Lee is afraid that Ki-seok and Jung-in will drag things out without their fathers’ help. Chairman Kwon reasons, “Then maybe they’re not meant to be,” and walks off with his usual scowl, but once he’s out of sight, his face breaks into a smile.

Jung-in has to work late and texts Ji-ho just as Ki-seok arrives for their meeting. When she gets a text it’s from Jae-in, who reports that Ji-ho knows about the proposal.

Jung-in runs out of the library and calls Jae-in, who hands her phone to Young-jae. Young-jae confirms that Ji-ho set up a meeting with Ki-seok but he has no idea where they went. Young-jae makes sure to tell Jung-in that Ji-ho will never let her down and explains, “I guess I wanted to brag about my buddy.”

A smug Ki-seok starts off the meeting, “Hyun-soo, that blabbermouth, probably told you what happened. What more do you want to know?” Ji-ho has to calm himself before asking how long Ki-seok plans to make things hard for Jung-in.

After Ki-seok calls Ji-ho an “obnoxious prick”, Ji-ho announces his plan to tell everyone about his relationship with Jung-in, starting with their parents. Ki-seok is certain that Jung-in’s family won’t welcome him but Ji-ho argues that Jung-in has already accepted him, which is what matters.

After Ki-seok taunts Ji-ho about the humiliation that awaits him, Ji-ho leans back in his chair and announces that he’s giving up…on Ki-seok. Ji-ho won’t be respectful or considerate of Ki-seok anymore.

Jung-in leans out of Young-joo’s window while waiting for Ji-ho, worried that he and Ki-seok may actually fight this time. Young-joo argues that most people will sympathize with Ki-seok but as soon as Ji-ho gets home, Jung-in runs upstairs.

Jung-in rings Ji-ho’s doorbell just as he’s about to take a shower. Jung-in lets herself in and when Ji-ho walks out of the bathroom, she pulls him into a back hug. She suggests talking like that if he’s mad but Ji-ho points out that Jung-in isn’t the only one who was hiding something.

Ji-ho offers to make some coffee but Jung-in wants a beer. Ji-ho can’t join her because he has to drive her home but Jung-in announces, “I’m going to sleep here.” Jung-in wonders, “Can’t I do that,” and when Ji-ho doesn’t answer, she puts his mind at ease and admits that she’s staying with Young-joo.

When Ji-ho is ready to hear her apology, Jung-in explains that she only accepted Ki-seok’s ring because her guilt over the failed relationship kept her from throwing it back at him. Ji-ho accepts her explanation and Jung-in has to confess that she’s not as good as Ji-ho. Tears well in Jung-in’s eyes when she promises, “From now on, I’m going to try to become like you.”

Ji-ho wipes away Jung-in’s tears, “You’re still such a fool.” Ji-ho breaks the tension when he leans across the table to kiss Jung-in and laughs when he fails to reach her.

Jae-in is out with Young-jae when Jung-in texts that she’s staying the night with Young-joo. Jae-in doesn’t believe her and pressures Young-jae for Ji-ho’s address so that she can catch Jung-in and Ji-ho together and blackmail her sister for an allowance. Young-jae calls Jae-in a bully and refuses to tell her where to find Ji-ho.

Back at Ji-ho’s place, there are empty beer cans and half eaten snacks in the dark kitchen. After Ji-ho turns off the lamp in the bedroom, he and Jung-in kiss in bed until the photo of Eun-woo makes her self-conscious. Ji-ho turns the photo around and his neatly hung laundry blows in the breeze as the night stretches on.

 
COMMENTS

Well, just as I expected, Jung-in was the one to take her relationship with Ji-ho to the next stage, which makes perfect sense. While Ki-seok and their fathers continue to marginalize her, Ji-ho waited for Jung-in to decide what it is that she wants without any pressure. Chairman Kwon’s warning that pushing their kids into marriage could backfire turned out to be true because Ki-seok and Jung-in’s father have forced Jung-in and Ji-ho to fight for their right to be together. And now they’re really together.

As far as I’m concerned, the pivotal scene wasn’t in Ji-ho’s (very dark) bedroom, it was in the kitchen, when Jung-in confessed that Ji-ho has inspired her to become a better person. Jung-in was pained by her immaturity to the point of tears and promised to try to be more like Ji-ho. That’s what makes Jung-in’s relationship with Ji-ho so special, she wants to be a better person who’s worthy of his love. Isn’t that what true love should accomplish? Helping those involved to grow into better versions of themselves? I think that Jung-in’s relationship with Ji-ho has taught her what he already understands about love. Ji-ho is unselfish, patient, kind and loyal, just as his friend Young-jae described. It makes Ji-ho a great friend, father and boyfriend/future husband and Jung-in not only recognizes that, she appreciates it.

However, Ji-ho has no more patience for Ki-seok, who has targeted Jung-in relentlessly in order to get his revenge on Ji-ho. That stare that Ji-ho leveled at Ki-seok took me by surprise and I’m more that ready to see Ji-ho fight back. Ki-seok is really playing dirty after Chairman Kwon sent him those photos but it accomplished what he wanted, Ki-seok finally proposed, sort of. I think it was pretty obvious how impressed Chairman Kwon was to see Jung-in in his house and it only confirmed how much he wants her as a daughter-in-law, probably even more than Principal Lee wants Ki-seok as a son-in-law.

Speaking of Principal Lee, what a poor excuse he is for a husband and father. It confuses me how the Lee women, with the exception of Jae-in, have ended up with such disrespectful men. These are strong women who have ended up with men who treat them like property. But I think the tide is about to turn, led by a rebellious Jung-in who’s being forced to fight for her right to love Ji-ho.

Shi-hoon is a thug who thinks that he just hit the jackpot thanks to the news about the baby. And Principal Lee again demonstrated his disturbing ability to ignore the truth in order to get what he wants, but this time it may have cost him his marriage. I couldn’t be happier because I’m pretty sure that man can’t even boil water by himself. What I can’t understand is why Seo-in hasn’t disclosed Shi-hoon’s staggering debts to her father. That alone should get Principal Lee to agree to a divorce because Shi-hoon’s financial ruin will certainly hurt the Lee family’s reputation almost as badly as Seo-in’s abuse. Shi-hoon is a ticking time bomb and there’s no way that Principal Lee will escape unscathed, nor should he.

RELATED POSTS

• Premiere Watch: Angel’s Last Mission: Love, One Spring Night
• Falling in love One Spring Night in MBC’s melo romance
• A walk among falling flowers in MBC romance melo One Spring Night
• First look at Han Ji-min and Jung Hae-in for MBC melo Spring Night
• Pretty Noona cast and crew may reunite for another warm melodrama