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One Spring Night: Episodes 23-24

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.

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You killed me with that opening screenshot, I was totally disoriented for a minute, thinking why is a fresh from bath JHI staring at me, and almost by reflex went back because his hand was coming towards me.
Then I realized it was a screenshot for the recap.
*Sees herself out, will be back when my senses are working again.

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And after a cold shower? Teehee.

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LOL!!! @oppafangirl

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This is a bit off-topic, but can I just say all these characters are so adult? Like, they adult so well. Clean flats/rooms with things nicely arranged, stable jobs, steady incomes, no existential crisis, they do their chores and laundry, they date, they have friends and a social life and their families. Like, they're proper adults. Only a few of them seem to have any career ambition, but that's ok. They're well settled adults. I'm pretty much the same age but I'm a mess - job and income are in a flux, zero social life except online, and its a massive achievement if I managed to make my bed in the morning.

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I totally relate, I wonder sometimes how is that even possible?
Re: Career ambition: I somehow felt it from early on, that how would the story be if the lead girl was ambitious in her career. The older sister had a trash of a husband, but she is ambitious.
Re on making bed: That's too much of an effort most of the days, but laundry, yes you have to do it, else you run out of clothes...
Social life: You mean Drama beans, right? What else is there otherwise?

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Oh boy, I relate to you too!

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To be honest these kind of adults are very by the book. They are all inside the lines drawn by society. I would go crazy if that was me. Plus they have it all (except for the one that has an abusive husband). I do agree that managing it all is hard.

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You're right. When you put it in those words, I'm glad I'm not like that too. :) Thanks.

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I think it's really interesting, the writer is saying that you can have it all together, be a proper successful adult but still experience shame from the society because of your personal relationships. That no matter how accomplished you are, you can still be seen as a failure and looked down on.

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I agree. I mean, just because some one has a job and a relationship, it does not mean they are happy/or feel accomplished.
I have a job and sometimes I wonder if I am a complete failure, but it is a voice that was planted in my head by society/upbringing/traditions. I realised that the important thing is being happy and feeling well, it does not matter how unconventional your life might be.

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Just to clarify - The point of my comment was not to say that they are in any way happier than I am. In fact, the bleak/muted colours of this drama alone show - probably - how dull their worlds are. I only wanted to comment on how perfectly "responsible" they are. As tesshan points out, they live within the lines drawn by society.

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It's a common theme for this writer, it was the same one in Pretty Noona. She writes relationships that are transgressive but only because of certain societal pressure points where the individual meets the family or society.

Both shows had relationships where the people involved were doing nothing wrong and yet both were forced to fight for and justify their relationship for reasons that were arbitrary and unfair.

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This is the show I wait for every week.
Honestly, I'm not even sure i know what i want to say about it.
First I love Ji-ho. There is a bit of a flip that I like. How to say it....he is such great relationship material. As his co worker said he will be the devoted husband. And goodness does Jung in make him happy. She brings such a spark to his life.
It broke my heart when the mom apologized for staying married to the father. When she realized what she was passing down by just enduring in her marriage.
I love how the sisters just have each others backs no matter what.
I need Seo-in to be safe and happy at the end of this.

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Gah, been waiting for this recap to pop up - thanks @teriyaki This episode was so juicy!

Chairman Kwon severely disappointed me. All the hope I had for him to maybe flip sides is lost. Though it was already dwindling thanks to the P.I. photo tail.

Two highlights for me this ep:

- Ji-ho's no bullsh*t expression as he lay down the law with Ki-seok - it was so low-key smouldery, but in general a great moment

- Momma Lee's move out - I secretly hoped for this, but am so impressed that she actually is going through with it. I feel like it would be so easy, albeit extraordinarily painful, for her to just keep her mouth shut and let her husband continue to railroad her as per usual. But she's not ready to shirk her duties as a mother, and if that means shaking her own house down to save her babies, she's going to do it, as hard as it will be.

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Regarding Chairman Kwon, he is sneaky. I can’t always tell what his intentions are but he knows GiSeok has lost to JiHo, he has seen the pictures. I feel as if he’s like a chess player maneuvering the moves around GiSeok and Principal Lee.

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Definitely has that puppet master vibe. Out of all the despicable menfolk, he is the most interesting.

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I don't know what it's more frustrating, the father's character or to know that in lot of cultures, it happens like that. The reputation of the family is the most important and if you are not happy, it doesn't matter. I think that the Chairman didn't like Jung In because he didn't like her father, he's weak. But Jung In is the opposite of her father and know he saw that, he regrets.

For their mother, I think a woman can accept things from their husband until it has consequences on their children. She could handle the behavior of her husband, but when his actions hurted Seo In, she finaly decided to take action.

The reaction of Jiho's mother to the happiness of her son was really nice to see. She saw how Jung In makes him happy and how his parent's opinion is important for him. His parents are so lovely.

Jiho-Ki Seok's confrontation : Jiho is right, Ki Seo doesn't care about Jung In's feelings, he just hurts than a single father surpasses him. The singler father is still a pharmacist, not jobless, it should count, right?

Jung In and Jiho's couple is so enjoyable to watch. They can be serious or funny, they can tease each other, they can be tender or sexy.

I like in this drama and in Pretty Noona that the women are not innocent girls, they know what they want and they are not afraid to ask for it.

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The scene that impressed me the most was the face off between Ji-Ho and Ki-Seok. Look at their body language. At the beginning, Ki-Seok is super relaxed like "I got this," and Ji-Ho is tight as a bowstring. As soon as Ji-Ho says that he is done with Ki-Seok both of their body languages change. Now it is Ji-Ho who relaxes and Ki-Seok who suddenly is sitting up straight and rigid. It is the little things that impress me about this show.

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Yes! I noticred the body language in this scene too and I truly appreciated it! the body language "spoke" in addition to the words in the conversation. That was a great acted scene.

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Sometimes I get so frustrated with the terrible men in the drama, that I forget how cute our lead couple is. Also Eun No and Jae In, new favorite aunt/nephew combo. Yassss, I think so. They are my fav characters anyway.

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I am also a big fun and feel happy that so far the story goes well :) I just don't understand that how come educated -independent women as Lees sisters can be driven by society pressure? Is it that bad in Korea or just a story ? How come their father has a say to for their future or who they love ? I also come from a traditional Middle Eastern background but that is a history not a reality !

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"Under the old family system (pre-1960) parents arranged marriages without the consent of their children, either male or female."
"Love matches are no longer frowned upon, but arranged marriages are still more common."

https://asiasociety.org/education/value-and-meaning-korean-family

This is an excellent article on familial values in Korea.

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Initially I was mad that she took the ring. But then, after Ki-Seok flaunting at office and taunting Ji-Ho’s friend am glad it happened. He is digging a deep hole for himself. What would hAve been a simple break up while dating is going to make him look like a complete loser by the end of it with no pride left to be hurt.

The father - just abandon him please. He doesn’t deserve a family. Am so happy it’s Mama Lee who is making this move. It makes sense. How can she expect her daughters to live respectfully and not let people trample them, if she doesn’t lead by example.

Ji-ho and Jung/in. I love how these two are growing stronger and stronger. He is such a gentle and kind soul and it’s rubbing on her. And she is such a badass that it’s making him fight for his right to happiness.

Am worried about our psycho Shi-Woon.

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@Blue: I agree with your thoughts, especially in relation to Jung-in and Ji-ho.

I had observed myself – more so with respect to Ji-ho – how he has become more assertive and less apologetic since Jung-in has come into his life. Based on what his boss had said in an earlier episode, I sense that he has become a more mature version of his earlier self (smart, funny, competitive, confident).

The same can also be said for Jung-in, based on what he family have said about her. Her relationship with Ji-ho has brought back conviction back into her life – her belief in her right to be happy, without excuses and without suppressing her true self and desires – and being prepared to fight for her happiness, if required.

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I was angry she took the ring. I know she did it because she just wanted the situation to be over without making a scene and because she felt that if she got angry she was tacitly saying she still had feelings for him. But she should have thrown it on the ground and walked away.

I keep forgetting thought that her father works for his father and that she is trying to get out of the relationship in a way that doesn't hurt her father's job - especially when he's so close to retirement.

It's kind of frustrating that every time she tries to talk to Gi-seok's father like an adult, he sees her maturity and wants that in a daughter-in-law. It's as though every time it happens it actually sets her back.

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I do think there was somewhat an undercurrent of fear in the proposal scene too. Most women can identify moments in their lives when they chose a path of appeasement to make sure they make it out of a situation safely. He keeps escalating his demands and even says "What you think doesn’t matter.” She was there alone with him and keeping the ring was the path of least resistance in the moment with an increasingly unhinged ex.

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I fall for Jung-in a little more every episode. She truly prioritizes herself and is able to see the values in other human beings just as humans. And I think it's this latter point that contributes to this connection between her and Ji-ho. They're kindred spirits in a sense. I was initially very confused over why she accepted the ring (especially from last episode's preview...to say I was anxious is putting it lightly). But after her conversation with Jae-in, I understood. At her core, she's empathetic, understanding, and objective. She knows herself and more than that, she knows how her actions can impact others. Just as Ji-ho can understand (to a point) why Gi-seok is acting the way he is, Jung-in too can see how her actions have hurt him and he's acting out of desperation. To throw the ring out or back at him is too cruel - what else can she do? But thank god she's not showing any other kind of acceptance toward him because, again, her happiness is first. She's the heroine we deserve in 2019 <3

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The problem is, and I'm aware this is a cultural thing, taking the ring is crueller in the long term. Nothing is achieved by trying to massage a butt-hurt man's child's feelings. This is a lesson that I and a lot of women have learnt the hard way. Being cruel is often the kindest thing when it comes to men like this. Otherwise, you're stuck in the situation she's stuck in where they just won't go away.
That's why I love the female lead in Angel's Last Mission because she doesn't feel the need to massage anybody's egos. Admittedly, that show is a ridiculous Twilight fantasy and this one is realistic. But, still, that's why we like fantasy in the first place isn't it?

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I believe both approaches are understandable - I'd like to think that I could be so forthright and refuse it on the spot, but honestly, in the moment, especially if I had been dating someone for so long, and if I had been feeling in any way guilty over how I had contributed to the downfall of the relationship...I might take it in the moment. There's not always going to be time to be rational in thinking "oh, if I do this, I'm letting him think this so the best thing to do would be this instead." So that's the read I'm getting from Jung-in :)

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I am abit confused as to the motivation of Chairman Kwon. did he send those photos to ki-seok to force him to propose to Jung-In? additionally, he keeps telling Prinicpal Lee to give the children time to sort things out but he was the one who force ki-seok to act by sending him the photos. after his talk with Prinicpal Lee about ki-seok, why did he smile in private? if he is happy that ki-seok proposed, why did he have to do so in private and not in front of Prinicpal Lee?

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I believe this is he way of encouraging the match. He likes Jung-In's fearlessness, but he doesn't actually like disobedience. It's why he threatened her. He wants the wedding with his son and he wants to encourage her dad to keep pushing it. He is a manipulative and awful human. Gi-Seok never stood a chance, but luckily both Jung In and Ji Ho are made of sterner stuff.

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Could you recap how Chairman Kwon threatened Jung In? I don’t seem to have registered this part 🤔

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Sure, if you go back and watch the scene where they are talking he warns her not to break his son's heart or something back could happen. It's why at the end of the scene she looks so stricken. He made very sure to tell her not only that feelings could change but not to break his son's heart or else.

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He believes that if everyone backs off, her relationship with the single father will fizzle out or end of its own accord. So when he advises them to stop pushing things, he's being strategic. What he hasn't realised is that she was over the relationship anyway. He just thinks she's been "swayed" (a concept I never heard until I started watching Asian dramas) and will settle down eventually and marry the best social option.

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Which is to say, both he and her father are playing from an old rule book. And that of course is one of the dynamics this writer always deals with so well.

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So true about the swayed, lol. I'd never heard it other, it is a very kdrama concept.

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I'm not sure Chairman Kwon sent the photos to force Gi-Seok's hand. Recall that Gi-Seok had told his father that Jung-In was not seeing anyone. So, one could think that in sending the photos, the father needed Gi-Seok to see what is really going on, and to face the truth.

However, the father also did tell Gi-Seok that he should only walk away once he is satisfied that he will have no regrets. So, the photos might have been a means to get Gi-Seok to raise his game...

With respect to the interaction with Principal Lee, I kinda get the feeling that Chairman Kwon is playing all sides. He has been encouraging Gi-Seok not to back down, telling Jung-In that feelings are fleeting and he's a man of patience, whilst using reverse psychology on Principal Lee.

But Chairman Kwon also knows that young people (such as Jung-In) tend to rebel if they feel forced. However, I think he also lives by the principle of no regrets, so Jung-In will need to be strong and fight for what she wants – or more importantly, what she doesn't want - before Principle Kwon will be prepared to walk away.

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Thank you, TeriYaki, for the excellent recaps! You always bring more clarity to the onscreen shenanigans!
My absolute favorite thing about this show is watching Ji-ho and Jung-in blossom into full-blown technicolor brilliance under the gaze of each other. They seemed to be faded, monochromatic outlines of themselves in the beginning, but now they become more alive with each episode.

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Reading all the comments, everyone has said all that I wanted to say. Really great insights and aptly described. Just to add what impressed me the most about JiHo was his conversation with GiSeok. That entire dialogue just revealed JiHo was the one with integrity and backbone.

Can’t wait for the next episode!

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Chairman Kwon looks like he's just watching a drama, hahaha.

He encourages and puts down all sides equally, I'd be hella unimpressed if he really were trying to manipulate some sort of outcome because it just seems likes he's throwing fish food out there and seeing what happens.

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"Throwing fish food" - thank you @peeps for this priceless visual.

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Just reading the recaps make me smile, thank you @teriyaki. JH and JI brings out the best in each other and i think their love is getting stronger that no one can stop what their heart desires. JI has stepped up and has given all the assurance to JH. It is their trust and honesty that makes their love stronger. How i love this show. Last 4 episodes to go:)

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I’m sooooo into this drama🥰.. love also the main lead star..

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I'm not sure if anyone has pointed this out yet, but my most favorite part of episode 24 was this: when Ki-seok proposed to her, Jung-in was thinking of the clothes that were hanging outside Ji-ho's apartment... that in itself was such a lovely thing. Their relationship is going to be so domestic and it's going to be so wonderful.

Thanks for the recap, TeriYaki! :)

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I actually did a double - take when I saw this scene and watched it again and again. I initially thought it was an editing mistake! But I thought the PD must have shown this to depict how calm and peaceful it must have been with Ji-ho as compared to the pettiness with Ki-seok

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Indeed!

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Yes! The domestic scenes at his flat feel like a sanctuary from the messy real world. I'm all about them finding cute domestic bliss.

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I rewatch the episode after reading your recap. Then the experience becomes twice as rich. Your words are beautiful.

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Such a difficult episode for me to watch, espesh Shi-hoon’s “apology” and smirk no. 2. I reaaally don’t like Jung-In’s dad, and was happy to hear that Mama Lee plans on a divorce.

Mostly I feel like I can’t reconcile with the traditional Korean values here, like how family pride is more important than supporting your daughter who is a victim of domestic abuse. I also can’t understand why it’s so difficult to get a divorce. Umm if famous celebrities can do it, why not Seo-In?? Really hope we get a satisfying ending for this arc.

Thankfully Ji Ho and Jung-In’s relationship provides warm comfort. Somehow I am assured that they will choose each other, no matter what. Happy for them that she finally slept over! :p

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I pondered much on certain themes in these episodes - transience/ transcendence of feelings, human nature (particularly basic respect), which illuminated particularly during the conversation between the lead couple before Jung In met up with Ki-seok. I suspect this may address what may creep up some viewers’ minds on whether or not Jung In’s actions thus far may be considered frivolous and wantonly silly. That harkens to the initial episodes and the culmination on how the lead couple is truly more suited in bringing out the better/best in each other. And when the fundamentals are there and ready to grow properly and mature over time, it’s juxtaposing to see on how ready the lead couple is ready to take the step towards marriage/ the endgame as Ji-Ho nicely puts it, despite all the odds, family obstacles, as compared to Jung in’s and Ali-seok’s previous entropy. All I can say is I can’t wait for Wed :)

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Kiseok lived in so much fear and need of his father's approval that he is almost unreal. His personality is formed so much by his desire to be worthy of his father and unlike the sisters he never learned to rebel. They at least rebelled to the best of their ability. Kiseok gave up his music and didn't trust his love for Jeong In because he was always second guessing himself and his father's opinion. With Kiseok there was no there there, so he was useless in a relationship. And this is why he's so petty now. What a truly horrible human being.

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Jiho's mum is kinda cute 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, if she only knows :D

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I adore Ji ho's parents. They are the right balance of wanting their child to be happy and backing off when need be.

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I agree! They're so cute! You can see the hapiness of their son it's the only important thing for them. They trust him to know what is good for him and his son. I like the little secret between his dad and Jiho with the alcool :)

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And Mom knowing about it. HA !!!

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This! I agree!

.....but I think a large part of their acceptance is due to their current station in life- they're small business owners, hard-working (yet poor when compared to Jung in's family) so they haven't much to lose.

And conversely, this is why Jung ins dad is so vulnerable to appearances and societal pressure. They are a high achieving, upper middle class family and he doesn't want to lose any ground.

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But you would think that Jung in's Dad would just stop. When The Chairman offered him the foundation position after his retirement, that should have been it. The Chairman, for all of his faults has never gone back on his word or has been shown to threatened Dad's job as their kids were dating.

He doesn't know how to read a room and it is really embarrassing. He is embarrassing. What is he gonna do once his wife leaves him and his children stop talking to him.

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@larelle79 Yeah, .....but for all the talk of rebelling amongst 'the womenfolk', no one has yet to actually do it. They are still falling in line with the dads commands, cause it's a monarchy🤴

So, even if the SK laws were changed in the early sixties, cultural practices don't automatically follow. For example- we have the 60's civil rights act in the US, but racism is still present. It is the same in SK, the laws exist, but it doesnt change Confucian values re: family, which still reign supreme.

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Can someone please explain to me what the big deal is about Jiho being a single father? Why is that considered an automatic disqualifier? I am guessing this makes sense to Korean audiences but in the West a single father is the stuff of Hallmark romance movies.

I originally started reading recaps on Dramabeans because they focused on explaining the subtle nuances of culture and language that are lost to international viewers. See the recaps of My Name is Kim Sam Soon, for a great example. We don't seem to get that anymore and I miss it because I'm not getting any more out of the recaps than I do by watching the episodes.

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Oh, that’s very unfortunate. Hehe let me share my perspective as someone born and raised here.

I think it’s because of the responsibilities that come with it when you marry a single dad. You can’t just be a wife to the man. You automatically make yourself a mother figure to a child. Some might like it but for many, at least how we Koreans see it is, it’s an added burden that you won’t have if you marry someone else.

Most would prefer to go into parenthood when they feel ready and want it, not because that’s the only deal they could get to be with the man.

Also now in Korea, the birth rate is hitting a record low every year. Which clearly shows how most of us don’t want kids in our lives, whether it’s due simply to personal preferences of some of us or because of the circumstances many of us are placed under - marriage at much older ages, unkind work environment for moms and/or dads, whoever is the main caregiver, expensive housing, expensive private education since barely no one can really make it now only with public schooling, etc.

Although this is more of my personal opinion, another thing is even with my own child, I wouldn’t really have a control over how our relationship unfolds, but to just wish everything will be okay.

Many times, parents do what they could on their part, but kids would just go rebel against them, hating on them, hurting them, etc. of course the other way around is highly pissible too.

The bottom line is raising a human being is a really hard and reverence worthy work.

So it’s understandable that not many would like to avoid the heavy duty and discourage others, as well, from jumping into it without much thought.

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You should read the article @beantown linked in the comments. It explains really well why a single father or a divorced woman are considered like this.

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O...M...G!!! I hear you! I literally spent days/weeks/years trying to find out WHY KIM SAM SOON hated her name!! Thank goodness for Dramabeans and recaps! And what I wouldn't give for a sporadic feature that answers all those mysterious questions for us international viewers😀😎😎

My limited understanding is that in Asia the family is valued more highly than the individual, which is a complete flip of westernized thought; the interests of the whole family are to be considered above the personal happiness of any one individual.

Ji ho's single parent status is the same thing as the scarlet letter of the Puritans, a public badge of shame indicating his failure to meet societal norms.

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looking good out here

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“..in Asia the family is valued more highly than the individual..”

This explains Principal Lee’s panic at marrying off JungIn to KiSeok quickly before news of SeoIn’s divorce breaks out. Marriage in Asia is not just between two individuals. One is also marrying into the family.

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In addition to the above mentioned comments, I think this issue could also be traced back to bloodline? I read somewhere the importance of having offspring from the same bloodline, maybe not just in Korea, but Asia in general. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Though this could be the olden days kind of thinking.

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There is definitely an objection to taking care of children that are not your own. This is probably why we often see children in K dramas abandoned by their parents when they remarry.

My mother is half Korean half Japanese and I grew up in Japan so I know the mentality of not loving or accepting anyone not of your blood but I do not understand it.

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Wow! The acting in this show is off the charts amazing. I watched this episode raw because I just couldn't wait and just watching their faces and reactions told me so much. As much as I hate Shi-hoon's character, I have to give actor Lee Moo Saeng credit. He's nailing it! That smug "jackpot" smile when he had Seo-in in the bedroom "apologizing" told me everything I needed to know. Every expression and mannerism changed the moment he learned of her pregnancy. He thought he had her cornered. I loved it when I finally saw it with subs to hear Seo-in call him on it! You think you've just won the jackpot but I still want out. And then mom... Kil Hae Yeon's sputtering indignation let me know right away that Shi-hoon was spouting lies during his confession to Principal Lee. Well done!

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The actors and actresses are phenomenal. Props to Lee Moo Saeng for playing a despicable character. I can’t even stand a rewatch of his scenes.

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Agreed! I also love the pensive look on Jae In when Young Jae told her that Ji Ho’s parents run a drycleaner’s. As though to say, “uh oh, Dad won’t be impressed with that.”

And the pained look on Seo-In accepting congratulations over her pregnancy, which got leaked.

Really masterful acting by the actors on this show 👍🏻

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I'm sorry but can I just say their father is so. freaking.
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@#$%^&*&^%$##$%^&*&^%$#$%^&*&^%$%^&^%$%^&^%$

... yeah that

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Is it just me or did anyone else think that the scene when Ji-ho attempted to kiss Jung-in and clumsily failed was a blooper but the director still decided to include it in because it just showed how realistic, humane and grounded this kdrama really is? If it was, I think it was a brilliant move. If it was scripted though then it was perfect acting on the leads’ part. Either way, I loved that scene.

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Now that you have said it, I think you make a good point. That particular scene came across as a bit odd to me/disorienting, so I wasn't sure what what was going on. But the actor almost seemed embarrassed by it, and so it was really endearing in the end

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did anyone notice that after jung-in met chairman kwon, she seemed abit unsure of her own feelings? cos chairman kwon told her that feelings can change and after that meet up she also asked young-joo about her thoughts on that matter.

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I don't think she's not sure about her feelings for Jiho, but about the fact feelings can change like her feelings did for Ki Seok. Jiho and Jung In have some obstables to overcome, there is Eun Woo and you can't know what the futur will be. So it can be a little bit scary.

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Hmm, I don’t think that Jung In was unsure. In fact, I find Chairman Kwon’s words very cryptic and he’s a wild card. I felt that Jung In was trying to understand the implications arising from the surreptitious nature of that conversation. My wild guess is that Chairman Kwok may play an indirect role in assisting the final resolution of Jung In’s and Ki Seok’s failed relationship.

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I agree that the chairman is an unknown quantity. We have yet to see him commit to a course of action - he's too busy stirring up trouble and manipulating the players. Also, the total fear that Principal Lee has after years working for the chairman tells me he's not a good guy, and not to be trusted.

Btw, he's also failed at his personal relations, if he has lost his oldest son and wife and they're estranged and living in America.

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What i love about the chairman is that he is the most powerful person and because he is inscrutable, he becomes a kind of mirror of other people's neuroses, expectations, worth, fears. His silences get interpreted by people who desperately want to please the topmost guy in the hierarchy and he probably is way more understanding about life and emotions than they give him credit for.

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"Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk" is an expression that a person must back up their words with action. In JI case, she talks about breaking up but her actions signal the opposite. When she accepted the engagement ring instead of dropping it on the ground and running away to end it, her action overrode her words.
Because of the parallels to Pretty Noona, JI character seems to be an unsure, immature and prone to follow the expectations of others put upon her. She likes the idea of having a boyfriend but not a committed relationship. It is like she is grasping to keep her personal freedom. She fears the unpredictability of change. As a result, she keeps making the same mistakes.

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Half the problem is her. She is way too nice and she leaves a little crack of hope open for her ex by answering his calls, meeting up with him etc.

When the guy doesn’t listen or respect her wishes then he doesn’t deserved her respect. It doesn’t matter if they dated for 10yrs or 1 week.
I lost count of the many times she told him that it’s over but he keeps coming back.

How about cutting him off completely or a restraining order if that doesn’t work? That’s what a straight forward and strong will girl would do.

It’s getting tiring to watch them go back and forth like this.

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I just started watching this show this weekend and I don't think I have ever gotten through 12 episodes faster. This show is everything Pretty Noona who buys me food couldn't be. I love the characters, and of course there are a couple who are so extra but its a drama so that's expected. I can't wait to get through the next two weeks so we can find out what happens!

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Having lots of sisters and watching this show makes me miss them A LOT!

Anyways, back to the show. Principal is not a father! How can he possibly react that way knowing his daughter was hurt and call it a mistake?! If I could punch someone, it would be him!

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I'm in this weird space watching this drama. I really love it but i find myself distancing myself because i feel the reality of the storytelling will be messed up by one or two kdrama tropes. I just feel that Eun-u's mom will conveniently show up because the drama wants her to and not because it is something that would actually happen. I always think that some stories have enough plot to mine if the writer looks toward realism but somehow the writers often want to pile even more twists and turns and angst into the story. Which often makes a story feel unrealistic. This is kind of how i felt in Beautiful World, where the snobby hubby tipped into murderous and was made to be the bearer/cause of guilt for the entire drama. That kind of thing makes a story feel overwrought and unreal. All that said, i do like this drama a lot but...at a distance because my heart kinda rebels against the pain that excessive manipulative storytelling causes. Thanks for the recap.

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I hope very much for Eun-u’s mum to show up and let whatever remaining issues be resolved - I want closure for Ji Ho’s previous relationship, so that the lead couple can move on and start their new journey. I have so many feelings towards the next episode, which has been most stirring and unsettling episode for me thus far. I can’t wait for the recap.

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I hear you.. very unsettling for me too. Can hardly wait for tonight’s episode

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Then whole thing is stressing me out. This is why i gave up on daily dramas. I hope for resolution and not just another false inorganic way of adding stress to the viewers and characters.

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I am reeling from tonight’s episode. I wish there is some forum or group where I can vent...

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@jemy1977 Lets take it over to the fan wall! We can mark it as a spoiler and talk in the comments.

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I agree! I need to vent as well! I have invested so much emotionally in this drama. only 2 more episodes. argh!

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I'm like @jemy1977, I think Jiho deserves to know what happened and not to live in the fear that she will come and take his son.

The question is how will they bring up the topic. It can be done very well or very badly with unecessary angst.

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The trailer from the next episode really flustered me, to see Ji Ho’s emotional state which hasn’t shown in this light - it’s great for the show to reveal and expound on this.

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In one episode, he told Jung In that he will tell his story. I want to know it too. It looks like he was really in love.

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In a episode*

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Based on the Eng subtitles, Ji Ho said early on that “just one more time”, when he said he wanted to try and see where hoping to see Jung In in person for her to return the money would lead to. I’m pretty sure Ji Ho was in love with Eun-u’s mum at that time and the next episode seemed to corroborate that. I’m nervous for tonight! Be still, my beating heart! Lol

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yes I agree. to see jiho in that state is super heartbreaking. I am really nervous about tonight's episode. hope the story line is not going into extra unnecessary angst!

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All the men in this drama except Ji-Ho goddamn infuriate me. Ki-seok and Principle Lee are certifiably crazy with how they completely disregard every word Jung-In says, like how Lee was adamant she would never be seeing someone else when she literally introduced Ji-Ho to him. Shi-hoon, too, is a poor excuse for a man.

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