110

Our Beloved Summer: Episodes 11-12 Open Thread

Ready your hearts and your tissue boxes — we’ve reached quite a moving portion of our story. As our not-a-couple couple start breaking down their walls and communicating, it leads to some unexpected insight into our hero.

 
EPISODES 11-12 WEECAP

Well-crafted is the word of the week for Our Beloved Summer, and perhaps the best one to describe the drama as a whole, too. This week we saw some important turning points, and just like life, sometimes those moments are as happy and poignant as they are painful.

For Woong, that turning point begins with a fun vignette about a neighborhood ajusshi and the abandoned puppy that he took in and now babies. In the flashbacks, Woong seems tickled by the puppy’s easy and lazy life — his owner carries him around, pushes him in a stroller, and plops him on a tufted pillow to rest. Woong says it’s his dream life… and yet later, our drama pushes this metaphor even farther, and into some new territory.

It’s not hard to find the symbolism of the abandoned puppy when we look at Ji-woong’s storyline, and we do look at that quite a bit in this week’s episodes. Despite how understated this character is, gosh, it’s with a heavy heart that I watch Ji-woong struggling to come to terms with his feelings.

He literally makes himself sick slaving over the docu editing — but really, it seems clear that more than the workload, it’s the emotional weight that’s bearing down on him. Poor Ji-woong not only has to muster the courage to transform the docu into what it truly is, and must be — Woong and Yeon-su’s love story — but he has to come to terms with his feelings for Yeon-su, too. It’s getting harder to hide it from the other keen observers around him (what an industry he works in!). And from the two people whom it concerns the most.

But as it turns out, Ji-woong is not our only abandoned puppy. Our next abandoned puppy is first foreshadowed for us, and then revealed. The pieces of this puzzle have been so very subtle — and I think that’s what makes Woong’s big reveal so moving. Through gentle whispers, we learn about Woong’s true past, and suddenly it’s as if everything perplexing about his character falls into place.

Making this reveal even more moving, we learn it with Yeon-su. Though she and Woong are pretending to be friends, it’s clear that this fake phase won’t last long. Yeon-su can’t hide her care for Woong, and that trail of jujubes that leads him to his house tells him everything he needs to know.

Finally, though, it’s Yeon-su that takes the lead as the two talk honestly over dinner, and this becomes such a beautiful confession scene between the two. Woong says he’s always missed her, and wants her to love only him, and Yeon-su’s eyes are brimming with tears of reciprocation. It’s clear to everyone around them that these two are made for each other, from Yeon-su’s grandmother, to Woong’s lovely parents, who have so much wisdom and insight.

I have always loved Woong’s parents — the actors, the characters, their delightful scenes, the grounding and love they provide to the story — but the big reveal this week only hammers that in even more.

After Woong and Yeon-su’s confession, he slowly tells her that his parents are not his real parents, and that as a small boy he was abandoned on the street by his father. As mentioned, sooooo many things are colored in by this reveal: the vignette of the abandoned puppy we learned about earlier, the trauma that has shaped Woong into the adult he’s become, his willingness to share his adoptive parents with another abandoned puppy (Ji-woong), and finally, just how lovely Woong’s parents are, opening their hearts to all these sad little boys. *Weep*!

At this point, it’s hard to imagine how the drama can get any better. This week was definitely peak for me. The pieces of each storyline have been beautifully illuminated, and I’m ready to sit back and bask in it. Luckily, this is what the drama lets us do for a bit.

Woong and Yeon-su awkwardly and happily settle back into dating, with all the hiccups and sweetness we might expect. I love these two together so much it actually hurts. Whether it’s their “accidental” meetups, silly and swoony missteps, or that gorgeous black-and-white sequence at the gallery — well done, Show. And perhaps Yeon-su’s line about loving Woong for who he is encapsulates this drama’s loveliness best.

Our Beloved Summer isn’t afraid to strike a balance between sweet and bittersweet, though, and maybe that’s why the emotions feel so deep. Whether it’s the journey the leads have been on all this time, or the heartache in their pasts, or even the heartache of our second leads, the story has a wistfulness to it that I’m truly going to miss.

Of course, there’s two more weeks to go in the drama’s run, and plenty more to unpack on our way there. Particularly, the relationship between Woong and Ji-woong continues to be as subtle as it is moving. Ji-woong’s bitterness stings, but we also feel it with him; Woong’s instinct to always go to this brother-figure first also stings, but in another way entirely. Their friendship continues to impress me with how little is said, but how much is communicated. And as much as I love our couple, my heart is most with Ji-woong, drowning in all the bitterness and hurt he needs to let go of.


 
RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , , ,

110

Required fields are marked *

@missvictrix, thanks for your prompt and ‘well-crafted’ recap!!

You’ve really captured all the subtle and poignant points and emotions in these two episodes (and indeed the whole drama). This is the kind of exquisite recaps deserve our full attention. I do think the writer and director have poured their heart and soul into this story. Their way of storytelling style - reflective of their love of those movies/dramas as entitled in each episode - accentuates our whole viewing experience to immerse in the YS-Woong journey.

As already mentioned elsewhere, the jujube-chestnut tribute to Coffee Prince is so exciting that I almost scream out loud. So, so lovely! All of a sudden, I realise why I love OBS without reservation - it is that same fresh and delightful tone as in CP despite the bittersweet story. (And Han-Kyul is an adoptee too.)

I just wish this is not the peak, losing some steam like CP in the last few episodes.

11
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

It’s a beautiful beautiful piece of art!! It gives me the same butterflies as coffee prince did so many years ago ❤️

7
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I was beginning to question if these two were actually right for each other and these last two episodes put my mind at ease! They are so beautiful when they are open and honest with each other. And that coffee prince nod? Ah my heart!

5
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

You have no idea how your words just settled my heart. I am trying to remain spoiler free, but I had to at least get a feel of Beanie reception of these two episodes since it has been a genuine question.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

You know how much I have watched the end of Episode 11, and cried so hard my head is now very hurt in headache, as I am writing this piece.

Should I say more?

The fact we have 2 more weeks to go shows 2 things. 1. Shouldn't many K-dramas end with just 12 episodes? Sometimes those dramas ruined itself because of those 2 more weeks. Quite of lot of those dramas I think they are masterpieces when they comes to Episode 12, then they have become mediocre, to say the least, when they have their finale in Episode 16, or 20 (I am looking at you, The King's Affection, although it is still very good somehow when it comes to Episode 20, but quite a lot of those plots really need to cut down somehow). We don't know about Our Beloved Summer yet, and I really hope it won't.

I said last week that the true father mystery of Woong is one of those most dread thing I am watching in this drama, as I hated that same plot unfolded in Her Private Life. For this drama, this have my tears become river ... I really hope that this plot won't become a distraction of the main plot, just like Her Private Life.

Certainly I can't predict what will happen for the next two weeks, but by judging the over-sweet Episode 12, there are still quite a lot of stuff the drama need to deal with. Where Ji-woong's heart goes will be one of the most important, and I really hope his junior, Chae-ran's care for him can be seen. NJ's whereabout I do concern, too; she seems to be just an idol, and probably the most open yet most opaque character of the drama, but her way to deal with loneliness I hope Woong can help out somehow, although not as a lover, since she helped Woong to understand how to deal with fame.

Even our beloved pair, I think there are unsolved issues. Yeonsu's pride is still part of the problem, although Woong has tried very hard to accommodate it. Although I don't want Woong's past overshadow the main story, but obviously it is the reason he has a hard time to express himself.

Now Woong's paintings have a person to accompany, I hope the story will be just as amazing as his painting.

6
14
reply

Required fields are marked *

Just in case you don't know:
Episode 11's title's tribute is a 1989 French film: Mes nuits sont plus belles que vos jours is a sad story by French Polish director Andrzej Żuławski involving a computer scientist with a fatal brain disease meets a hotel worker (Sophie Marceau) who has a promiscuous mother forcing her into an exploitative act. After a short and physical love relationship, they commit suicide together.
Episode 12 refers to Begin Again, which is about a new beginning of a fired music producer (Mark Ruffalo) and a rock star's dumped girlfriend (Keira Knightley), as he discovers her singing talent and help her to make her debut album, their love grows ...

9
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

And one more thing, the illustrator behind Choi Woong is French painter Thibaud Herem, and this is his Instagram.

Enjoy.

6
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks for your comments @imperialtitus. Your knowledge and insight have really deepened my appreciation of this show! I also completely agree with your thoughts about whether the show should have ended at episode 12. In some ways, emotionally, I say yes, because, as you say, the next 2-3 episodes risk ruining the wonderful trajectory of this story. But I agree, there are still a lot of issues to work out with all the characters. I hope the writers are up to the task they set for themselves, but even if not I like what they have done so far. Also, the acting, especially of Kim Da-mi and Choi Woo-shik, has been a real highlight of the show for me!

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

About the actor/actress, I think I can't express enough with those limited words I have. I can't even imagine if these two characters are played by another actor/actress other then them.

According to some reports (which I can't verify yet), they actually tweak the confession a bit in the end of Episode 11 so that it is more impactful. It is quite impossible if it is not like the "monster newbie" as Dami, or an actor with such wide vision in mind as Woo-shik (he studied directing in Simon Fraser University, a proud fellow Canadian of mine, heehee). You really have to understand the whole drama to get that right.

2

Oh my god i need someone to compile all their titles movie reference because i was starting to think that i might be wrong bcs i don't know the ep 11 title is also a movie ref 😭😭

1
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

"Yeonsu's pride"

Pride and insecurity, I must add.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Speaking of which: i wonder if they will give us Yeonsu's backstory. Where are her parents? Whose debt did she have to pay off? Under what circumstances did the two break up previously? I feel this could help them overcome their communications issues. Writer-nim might just spring a surprise on us next week. Fingers crossed.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Maybe it is better if OBS is a 12eps drama. I did feel like we are in ep 16 with what's happening in ep 12. But I gave it second though, maybe with 4 eps left, the drama can explore Yeonsu & Woong relationships more. Because until ep 12 we only know what happen after they broke up, just a little bit why they broke up. I think it is more than just Yeonsu's insecurity. Or how their relationship change after the pause (they had multiple break ups but never separated this long) and they are now both grown up. I'm curious about how actually theit relationships looks like when they are not mad with each othet, or how they solve problems when there are differences. Or how the last break up changes both of them.
I see the possibilities ha ha

3
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I just hope they adress their biggest issue that of communication and not go pretend nothing was wrong till now as pretending won't make the problem disappear,just come back again because there wasn't said out loud...If they don't talk they will fall shortly in their old ways...U think by now they learned after so many break-ups...

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think both of you, @pohonphee & @miky88, addressed the obvious yet most important. Woong and Yeonsu have been getting back together, but what they are doing right now is somehow like when they first fell in love. They simply need to grow up. The way Yeonsu bugs Woong is lovely, but she can't simply bug him to her death. Due to his abandonment experience and her poverty, they obviously feel very insecure on their relationship. As a result, she keeps on asking him question and he accommodating her way too comfortably. They have to learn to put down their pride (more on Yeonsu) and improve their communication skill (more on Woong) so that they can be better lovers.

So, now Woong really need to deal with his past of being abandoned. We don't need to know who his real father is (otherwise, it will fully distracted the main storyline, just like Her Private Life which I hate the most), but he need to settle with his current parents about the issue. Currently I think he would have put the issue in a dark place to let it rot, and if he keep on doing so, it will hurt all his love ones, even Yeonsu can't tolerate that, and I really fear he can't grow healthily, both physically and mentally.

3
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

One thing important in Episode 11, Yeonsu read some letters on Woong's table, one of those is from Le Museé d'Art d'Avant-garde de Paris de France, inside did mentioned "concerning variability and invariability". In an interviewed conducted in a past episode, Woong did said the reason about not putting human in his illustrations because "people do change a lot, but building don't."

This may goes back to what he read in high school about the concept of impermanence. Furthermore, one of his earliest book read (and being caught by the camera) is Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Episode 1), which emphasize Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of eternal recurrence. I am not sure if it hinted something happening in the future, but it doesn't seem very happy ...

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

By the way, Friedrich Nietzsche's eternal recurrence may probably the main theme of the story as well. In Episode 7's Epilogue, both Woong and Yeonsu skipped their class and went to the library. One of Woong's borrowing books was Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Woong even recited the meaning of his eternal recurrence to Yeonsu, showing that he thoroughly understands Nietzsche's philosophy.

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love your recap @missvictrix. You made me see the events in the episode in a more thoughtful perspective. Ung's parents are absolutely wonderful people and I can see clearly the depth of love they need to share. Ung and JiUng are truly lucky.
You make everything that happened in the episode so much clearer that I was not able to connect when I watched it. I have to rewatch it again.
There are so many gorgeous moments between Ung and YeonSoo in this week's episodes that I can not even begin to describe. The episodes were indeed well crafted and bitterweet for most characters.
The highlight for me is that long awaited conversation between our leads. Choi Woo Shik and Kim Da Mi are such great actors that they conveyed that scene with soooo much charged emotions. I love them.
Then the morning after their late night convo and just about all their scenes together after that really. YeonSoo and Ung are so different when in love that I just want them to be this happy for a loooooong time.

10
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hum...

I'm not so happy with these episodes.

Yeon-Su and Ung didn't really speak. Ung did and I was kinda disapointed because for once Yeon-Su was ready to make the first move and to be honest. I think it's important that Yeon-Su expresses her feelings.

For Ung, the revelations explained his sleep issues. But I didn't like it and the fact they are dating again will just push it back but he needs to adress this problem more seriously. Yeon-Su is not the solution.

You can't hide to a child that he was adopted, especially if he wasn't a baby. It's so stupid. The fact they hide it, they hide they had a son, they didn't think that Ung could remember his past don't really correspond to the parents we knew until now.

I found the writer chose very too drama-esque backstory to the characters when the rest of the story is pretty nice.

I'm really sorry for Ji-Ung, he's trying to hard. It was interesting how Ji-Ung and Ung talked about it without talking about it. Their friendship is really nice to watch.

I just would have liked they showed us why he loves Yeon-Su because like that he looks a little bit dramatic for nothing. They didn't seem to share scenes together except the hair tie one and it's too small for so much torturing...

NJ is my favourite character. She's so honest with her feelings and with people around her! She's breath of fresh air!

The OST is really great. It suits so well the mood of the drama.

5
21
reply

Required fields are marked *

PD Park is my favorite character 😁 The actor should take more comedic role

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

He deserves a bigger role. He was so charisatic in On the Verge of Insanity or tortured with his crocs in Navillera.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have hope that Yeon Soo will speak up more in next week's episodes. I agree that she didnt get to finish her thought. I am actually interested on what she was about to say before Ung cut her off.

5
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hmmm, it is really difficult and hard
for both - adoptive parents and adopted child. When there's a deep traumatis involved you as an adoptive parent would like to vive just love to that child and forget about everything what went wrong. With work and child's fast growth is easy to deny that that child has other biological parents. When adopted children learn that they're indeed adopted they start doubt the love of their adoptive parents ( only in the cases where they are not abused) and start to ask questions, look for their origins and feel lost.

A little child needs to be reminded all the time that he is loved. Not with presents, money but with a hug, soft stroking, kissing and nicely clearly spoken words, soft glances. I myself don't know how and when I would be able to reveal to a child, my child, that he is adopted if he was. It's really like stepping on a frozen river. Never know when the ice can crack. It must be even harder when the child is of your own kind.

1
10
reply

Required fields are marked *

vive - give

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

As an adopted child myself, you don't want people lying abour your origins.

There is nothing wrong to be adopted. By lying about it, by making it a secret, you make it like it was a problem.

The parents completely shut down the eventual questions he could have about his biological parents.

For the son they lost, they could explained to him he had a big brother who died.

Children are way more sensitive, observer then we think, they listen everything. You can't hide something so important.

5
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

Children are great observers indeed and they reflect the ideas, behaviour of their close environment like a mirror and sometimes just a blunt remark can be a cause of an avalanche of actions nobody could even imagine about their own child. I don't want to excuse parents who don't tell their children that they are not exactly theirs but as a parent myself I wouldn't like my child to be hurt by their classmates with unreasonable hate. But yes everyone shouldn't be repressed to know about their own origins. It's really difficult to do things right.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

With Ung, he accepted it early on that he was adopted. He accepted the love this new parents gave him. He never questioned it. This is why, there was never a conversation about it during his childhood. It was never brought up. I'm not sure if parents can simply tell their kids they are adopted out of the blue, without the child asking for it.

Now, for the dead son. I can't figure out that one. They could have told him he was the brother. But it seems like he was the replacement for the dead son. This one is hard to accept.

2
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ung has sleeping issues, he has to take sleeping pills, he's afraid to be abandonned... Clearly, he needed to talk about what happened with his parents or a professional.

3

True. The abandonment issue needed to be addressed, which in some way would be connected to the adoption.

But from how I interpret it, being adopted was not cause of his symptoms. He didn't blame himself because he was adopted. He became this loving and generous person, because he was loved by his new parents. So, he did not feel the need to discuss it with his parents. I think the parents would have told him the truth, if brought up.

Yes. I do wished the parents and Ung had some casual talk (like Ji woong and Ung), so it can possibly start in a deeper conversation.

1

Also, Ung is probably an exception.

Yes. It is never a good thing to lie about the adoption. And it should not be promoted that everyone will become Ung if they are adopted that way.

0

I actually have to say that as someone who grew up with parents grieving a dead sibling, that part of the storyline is incredibly true to life. There’s nothing I hate more than seeing it reduced to a trope to add drama and nothing I love more than seeing it done well. OBS has done it so well that I picked up on it the episode before the reveal. When Ung’s mom got so sad talking about going to the countryside, I texted my friend and said “they have a child who died”. I know that look. I grew up with that look.

It also adds so much emotional texture and context to the earlier episodes. The way they dote on Ung and how rigorously his mom cared for him when he was sick. How they feel they can’t ask him about the heavier stuff he’s going through because it would open a whole Pandora’s Box. It explains - beyond just the abandonment issues - why Ung struggles so much with verbalizing his feelings. He grew up in a family that consistently demonstrated their love but left so much unsaid.

Is it wrong they didn’t tell him he was adopted? Absolutely. But not talking about a deceased child is heartbreakingly common. I know someone who never told her 30+ year old kids they had another sibling, yet you can see the effects of growing up with that unspoken grief permeating everything in their lives. Speaking about dead children is still almost taboo in so many places; people get uncomfortable, they expect parents to move on. Parents worry that they’re betraying their first child by having another or betraying their current child by missing the one that’s gone, that they’ll feel like a replacement…

So yeah this particular plot didn’t really feel unrealistic to me. It felt comfortingly (and sadly) very familiar and added so much context to what we’ve already seen. I’m grateful to this entire team for handling it with such care and authenticity.

3

@annalionhead. Thanks for your well-considered insight as it contextualises the behaviour of Woong and his parents and how they interact with each other.

2

annalionhearted>

I think there is a difference between not talking about a deceased child because it's painful and hidding the fact there is a deceased child in the family.

My grandparents had 3 children and the second one died before the birth of my father. They never talked about him but my father still knew about it.

I understand the pain to talk about it but hidding it, it's still an issue for me.

0

So, the photo the parents were looking at, was that a son that died or was lost or what? Did I miss something?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think died but it's not clear (but the picture kinda looked like the one they used for funeral). But we know that they left every year the same day.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The implication, I think, is that their son died young, and every year they go to his grave for a memorial service.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@kurama I might not always agree with you, but I always love reading your opinions and especially contrarian opinions. 😊

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

So, are there enough issues still to resolve in some lovely way, or are the remaining 4 episodes enough to let this drama go off the rails? Thoughts?

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I just hope we won't get a separation before the end or an open ending with them seing each other without dialogues...

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Amen to this comment.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Truly.... Everything about this week's episode shows that Our Beloved Summer is indeed such a well-thought and well crafted show.

Who the heck saw a traumatic abandoned puppy and think "Well, I'm gonna write something out of this". Ugh *chefs kiss*

I have been through pain and suffering the whole 5 weeks and my sadness all gone upon going through ep 12... I'm so happy to the point that I don't let myself to be so because we do have 4 episodes left where anything can happen.

What is their deal that they have so much power over my feelings?!

3
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I personally think the beauty of this drama is its played out like a novel. We hear their innermost thoughts and the characters are very relateable. This show got my heart from episode 1.

6
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Agreed! Instead of watching a drama, OSB comes across as a ‘live’ literary piece.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I always found Ung adorable but this week’s episodes cemented that even more. He is the most endearing character I have come across! His equation with his adoptive parents is so beautiful! Also the fact that after realising Ji woong likes Yeonsu didn’t change Ung’s relationship with him was so wonderful. And it’s so good to see him happy, back with Yeonsu.

4
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ung's love for Ji Woong is honestly so adorable. When he went to his apt because he was sick and Ji Woong asked him why he was still there. I literally said out loud, it is because he loves you. That was such a great sequence of scenes.

5
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The fact he offered to be roomates even he didn't really wanted it but he saw that his friend was very lonely.

6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ung just showed how important JiUng is to him. He is not vocal about what he feels but his actions show everything he needs to say to his bestie. Despite knowing his secret it does not matter to him since JU has not done anything to jeopardize his relationship with YS. That non-convo they had on ep11 just goes to show how much JU knows Ung that he can interpret his evasive answers.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am calling it. This is the most beautiful love confession I have watched in a drama. And it's not even a direct confession, it doesn't have any grand gestures, it doesn't have a blaring happy soundtrack in the background and it doesn't end in a kiss scene from multiple camera angles. It is just a simple scene of Choi Ung baring his soul and Yeounsu understanding exactly what he is saying , all the emotions are acted through their eyes and Choi Ungs pauses and gulps and his expression, no over the top gestures .. just that and yet it felt so intimate that it made a grown man like me cry puddles. And they do it all the time especially if Yeonsu starts tearing up , my waterworks starts. This is what drama is so good at. The subtlety. And props to Choi U Shik and Dami for this because not many can pull this off and the director and editor for taking the risk to utilize silence and melo to highlight emotions and not opt for grandeur , because many might feel it's boring . Choi Woo Shik & Kim Dami might not be hugely well known in the kdrama scene except recently through Parasite & Itaewon Class but man they are worthy of their awards and praises.
As much as I love heartbreaking confessions and the pinning but we all look forward to their lovey dovey scenes. And they delivered on that front as well on ep 12. They are so cringey & adorable.. Gawd 😅. I like that Yeonsu was a bit worried that if Choi Ung didn't feel the same way as before when they dated and if he changed and it all melted away Ung couldn't even wait so he showed up during her work and reassured that he is not going to disturb her during work, he came here just coz he missed her and just followed her around like a puppy. No wonder she fell head over heels over him. And Choi Ung' s monologue in the gallery in black and white was so poignant but i feel like it got lost in translation because i think it was more deep that i understood. If anyone has an interpretation of what he said plz do share. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Now onto the secondary male leads. Ji Woong is probably the saddest character now, that poor guy doesn't have anyone. The one person he had in his life, he can't even face him because he is in love with his girlfriend. And they are trying to show it realistically i guess how hard it is to move on from a special crush. I think it would have sold to the audience if we knew why he has such a big crush on Yeonsu. Like all we know he saw her and liked her, like crush coz she looks beautiful, i think it would be better if there was more depth to it, I don't know if they will show it in the next episodes. I hope he is able to move on from it and give our girl Chae Ran a chance.
Now as much as i love that we are getting so many adorable scenes.. i am scared for the next four episodes , i really they don't pull the noble idiocy breakup or main character dying arc bullshit, coz that would just ruin the whole drama because it will leave such a bad after...

8
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

I’ve been rewatching scenes from these two episodes whenever I have a moment. Apart from that almost mute but straightforward confession (please do love me!!), my favourite remains the black and white moment in the gallery. It’s a call back to all those lonely drawing scenes of Ung into the night that we are seeing in every episode. His monologue in Ep 12 of YS being there during his drawing is perhaps the most poetic expression - and making sense why we have those lone drawing scenes time and time again. So poignant and yet beautiful!

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

So it means Choi Ung actually thought about her everytime he was drawing alone all those times 🥺🥺

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've been watching Choi Woo Shik since Rooftop Prince.

1
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

He needs more recognition and dramas to delight us!

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I watched him in youtube clip from Hogu's Love. Gwad he's so funny. He did slapstick so well... 🤣
Dunno I want to watch him as the conventional stoic ML, see how he fares to such kind of role.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Question - is the little boy who played Choi Woong in eps 5 different from the one in the dreams? They look different to me!

We had a rocky start with NJ, but i like how she’s turned out. The nice thing about this drama is that despite using the std tropes and characterisations, the writer always manage to give us a little twist and keep the story warm and engaging.

With 4 episodes to go, i hope we get to see more of Woong-Woong and the finished documentary!

4
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Saw a photo of the child actors - you are right, young Choi Woong is played by 2 boys - the crying/lost Woong is different from the one sitting in front of his parents' shop/meeting Ji Woong in school.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks so much for a great weecap @missvictrix. Your alluding to a perfect mix of sweet and bittersweet aptly describes this drama.
Still pondering the film titles for each episode. I realize I've seen almost all these movies (even the strange French one) and keep returning to their plots to try to figure out where this drama is going. For instance, the ending of "Begin Again" concerns forgiveness and compassion for the leads' exes and moving on with life after they finish working together on a passion project.
That being said, I am content to sit back and let this writer/PD take me wherever they want to go (with maybe a few sessions in a counselor's office?).

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm glad they're past their stand-off with each other, but I'm keen for Yeon-su to get her chance to be honest. Like other beanies, I would have liked it if she had talked first - explained why she 'abandoned' Ung and said sorry. Just getting back together without apologising feels weird. It would have made more sense for him to reveal his past after they had established more trust.
I hope in the next few episodes they address Yeon-su's insecurity (like they did Ung's escapism) so they can both mature together.
Fighting!

7
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes this HAS to be one of the key things in the last episodes. Ung seems to be learning how to start dealing with his abandonment; Yeonsu HAS to start tackling her issues of poverty/need to succeed and control and so on. The ray of light I saw was when they went back to his apartment after he explained about being adopted. She finally stopped trying to "fix" his issues and said, "I don't know what to say or do." For me, she's now ready to start opening up too. I'm fairly confident the writer will move Yeonsu on too - it would be a massive own goal if it didn't happen.

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I feel so shattered after the epilogue of ep 11. I had neither read the Open thread post nor any of the comments, and it just gutted me. My mind had never gone there but I should have known by now that the KDRama Goddess is a capricious and mercurial one. Choi Wooshik has pools of affecting emotions instead of eyes, and Kim Dami continues to be a wonder. Now, who can I sue for feeling so wrecked after those concluding moments?

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love this show so much. To my mind, it hasn't made a wrong move yet. It's very thoughtful yet for me, never slow. You could say the ultimate resolution of reconciliation has never been in doubt, but the journey to get there has frequently surprised me.

I feel deeply for all the characters, which is the mark of great writing. Ji-woong still breaks my heart, but it's time for him to recognize his lovely and loyal assistant who clearly cares for him in the way he wants to be cared for.

But of course, it was Woong--the abandoned puppy-- who I most wanted to see happy, and these episodes were so wonderful in showing not only his vulnerability but also his strength in stating in the purest, simplest terms what he wants from Yeon-su. Such beautiful scenes.

8
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Episode 12 endend and I just started crying. More like sobbing. The episode filled my heart with so many emotions. Damn you, drama, how can you be this perfect?! I really can't believe how much I'm loving it and all these characters. I care for each one of them so much. I see we are all scared by the fact that there are still 4 episodes left. But can all this perfection go that very wrong? I believe in the writer and the director. Please, have mercy on us!
I love these small recaps, missvictrix! Thank you!!

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

From your lips…!

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I also wanted to say that because I believe so strongly in the transformative and inspirational capacity of the arts to realise human rights and a more humane world, I particularly rejoice in the inclusion of this deeply affecting theme of adoption and how love can forge an everlasting bond among three people who are wounded and in need to each other. As I understand, adoption is still disfavoured in many parts of the South Korean society and to have it featured in this moving context is a triumph of compassion and reason over bigotry and abandonment. Even if it changes only a few viewers’ minds and lead them to adopting children who are in need of love and care, it will be a victory worth dancing about with joy.

6
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

There is a particular series of episodes of Move to Heaven that you would appreciate then, if you have not seen it. It brought to attention the injustice of children who are adopted and not made citizens out of ignorance of the system (in this instance adopted in the US) . Wow, I was moved to tears which rarely happens.

1
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I loved Move to Heaven. Those eps made me think about and cry over. Am so glad you found them worth getting weepy about.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ah, I am glad you have seen them. Yes, I am happy I gave it a chance.
I actually went and researched the situation because I couldn't believe it! I thought that perhaps it was exaggeration for effect by the writer.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

This episodes were just ❤️. How tender Yeon-su is and can be was a surprise, so I finally see why Woong loves her. And he’s such a good friend and boy friend. Man, he’s perfect these two episodes. And honorable mention goes to hoobae that has a crush on Ji-ung. How she got him to go home while sick…😝. Oh, and NJ! Loved her inebriated confession and the surprised Ji-ung on how she already knew our lovers loved each other. I should rewatch this. Everything was well done. Oh, have I mentioned how much I live the cinematography? Yeah, that too!

5
17
reply

Required fields are marked *

NJ saying, "I wanted to become a writer for him. How crazy is that?". I want to become a screenwriter for this show. Just say'n.

3
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I would like you to be a script writer for a show as good as this as so many more shows like this are needed. Power to your pen!

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ah yes, I was thinking the same thing! XD Shows like this, that are able to move me so much, they always inspire me.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The cinematography is superb for sure on top of the script, casting, acting, directing, pacing and the interwoven humour and compassion. I love and cherish so much about this series. It has made me feel choked up and weepy but so worth it.

3
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

On the trivial side of things, I would like Choi Wooshik to take kissing tips from Yoo Yeon Seok. Please enjoy and have a fire extinguisher ready!😂😊

https://www.soompi.com/article/1474056wpp/11-k-drama-actors-who-are-great-at-kiss-scenes

2
7
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes. Agree. Gong Yoo should give a clinic as well. I just saw this…the extended cut from Goblin: https://youtu.be/p8Phm9nyWvw

1
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

😂😊. Thanks Ally! It should be an art form, right?😂

1

@Ally. Holy Cannoli. I would like to sponsor a few people to attend Gong Yoo’s Clinic. A waiting list around?😍😂

1

IKR! There should be…

1

@Ally - Our exchanges have made me laugh and cheered me up! Thanks a bunch fellow Beanie!

1

Me too! Goodnight!

1

I thought if there is one thing to fix about the show, is Choi Wooshik doing the kissing scenes 🤭
Gong Yoo, Yoo Yeonseok and I’d like to add Kim Soohyun in IONTBO *fanning myself*

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Notice that they keep the duration ep in exactly 1 hour, not like some dramas that went to almost 2 hours for each ep like 😏. I always went oh it is already 1 hour hmmm *sad*
But this what makes the story flow better since I think the plot is already thin to begin with

2
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

A lot of dramas need better editors. No need for any show to run over an hour.

4
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm thinking of Hospital Playslit. Second season really needed a good editor X_X

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I can’t finish the second season because of the length of episodes. I can’t sit that long in one place. Lol 😆

1

So funny. In my case, they feel too short. Hahha. Of course I can sit though the 8 hr version of Pride and Prejudice and it feels just right. So...

1

Why is this so beautiful? I watched 2 latest episodes twice and I’m still at awe on how “well-crafted” the show is just like @missvictrix described.
I know we’re still in danger of disapointments since there are still 2 weeks ahead, but honestly, I will forgive the writer if it really happens. I will still thank her (is it her or him?) for the most beautiful 12 episodes in over 10yrs of Kdrama watching.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Screenwriter is Lee Na Eun, female. I tried to send flowers over on My Drama List but don't have an account.
See: mydramalist.com/people/34465-lee-na-eun

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I am late joiner to the world of K-dramas and OBS is one of the best I have seen so far. It can easily be the story of someone we know. It is as if I would wait to hear about how they are doing after five or ten years. Choi Ung and Jeon-Su are an endearing couple and their characterisation is flawless. The talk of break up in the teaser is really upsetting --but it would be nice to see how they get over it.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This is how a pair of actor/actress can make a good ending into legendary.

SBS lately released the script comparation of the confession scene at the end of Episode 11, showing that they make some tweaks from the originally script.

For Dami's part, first of all, originally in the script, after Woong said repeatedly "I miss you," she has a line "Yes, I'm here." She also has an occasion to wipe off her tear on the face. She cuts them all out, and put all those emotions into a subtle "Hum", and she also delay that "hum", and finally the nod ("Hum" before he addresses her when he makes the request, and the nod to the very end). So most of the time she just looks at him in teary eyes, successfully expressing everything by doing almost nothing (except letting her tear folds).

Woo-shik's change may be smaller, but seems more important. In the script he simply says, "사랑해 (love me)", but when he plays the character, he adds a word, "줘 (please)", making his confession more like a begging. Yeonsu puts down her pride, and starts the confession, and he knows it is difficult for her to go first, so even he is the one not good on expressing himself, he rather take over hers and says his.

Even in the end in a confession, Woong still put Yeonsu's feeling first. That's how he loves her, and we all soak in the sea of tear because of them.

Special cc to @hacja, @redoy21, @epyc2010, @miky88, @pohonphee, @ally-le & @dncingemma

4
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Note: "줘" may also means "give", so Woong's request is in fact "come and love me" or "give me your love".

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

That just...breaks my heart a little more.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Thanks so much for this sharing @imperialtitus! Very subtle but impactful tweaks. And these two actors are just born to play YEon-su and Woong.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, thank you so much for sharing this.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Hi - i am a 63 male and i love this show so much, the situations shown sum up a lof of those one may encounter over life...like loving someone who is dating a friend.

BUT i wished i had not watch the last episodes epilogue...confused and distant fro the happy place i saw our main leads going...

I dont want to see Ji-woong get Yeon-su’s love and the expense of Ung.....i admit i am a romantic but its been great watching the little steps, mis-understandings het our two leads to where they are.....please continue this journey

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Episode 11 and 12 were brilliant! By the end of episode 11, I was crying along with Woong. His story is heatbreaking, and when I think of the breakup scene, I understand him so much more, I can relate to his pain, to his hesitation in starting a relationship again with Yeon Su. And that's why I was unsatisfied with Yeon Su and her character development. We as viewers understand the reason for the breakup. But she never properly apologized to him or never adressed it. He should have let her talk, I wanted her to talk and express that she wanted him back, that she was sorry for the breakup, I mean I wanted her to talk. I know she loves him, but I think they are quickly falling into their old pattern, with Woong being so in love and Yeon Su, still not being completely transparent, still not communicating clearly... I am on the fence with her. I am hoping the character development on her hand will focus on that for the remaining episodes. I am still very scared of Woong being hurt and abandoned once again 😏😏. He also has some work to do, and I think needs professional help to deal with the consequences of being abandonned, and the feeling of being a replacement, despite the unconditional love he received from his adoptive parents.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I seldom log in these days - but I just have to come on and share my love for this drama. It’s been 12 episodes and I’m crossing my fingers for the last 4 - if the directing, acting and writing continues it’s ending up as the best drama I have seen in the past year. I absolutely love the way the story telling enfolds in this, I love how the high school story is told concurrently with the current story, and I totally adore both leads. It has humour, love, tears and just great acting from both. Hearts out to CWS - he has always been under the radar, who knew he had it to be rom com king! I think every actor usually needs a breakout role to come out really into the spotlight for good roles, and this is really hitting the jackpot for him. And it’s not by chance, he met a really good partner in KDM but he very much put heart into his characterization of Choi Woong. The showed had me laughing, in tears and smiling to the brim in 60 mins. It’s a wonderful watch, highly recommended.

2
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Can I just bask in your drama-love for a moment?

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

He was excellent as the ML in Ho gu's Love.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Love him there--the perfect "fool". He played Ho Gu brilliantly and endearingly. Even if others thought he was a "hogu", he never saw himself that way, even if sometimes his actions were fool-ish. It's a fine line to play and only a talented actor could pull it off.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

This show is my happy place! And I loved the puppy metaphor. It was just--so--heartwarming. And so apt.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

The artist behind Ung's drawings is Thibaud Herem. He's a French artist living in London. He has a Instagram account : @thibaudherem

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@kurama I saw them a few weeks ago. Beyond gorgeous. I am in awe of talented people such as him.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Como la mayoría, supongo, he visto los capítulos subtitulados y por lo que os he leído, algunas cosas las he percibido diferentes. Por ejemplo, algunos comentáis sobre que los padres de Ung no le han dicho que es adoptado, en cambio yo en las escenas de los últimos capítulos creí entender que Ung no le ha dicho a sus padres que recuerda que lo abandonaron. Otra cosa que no he visto que comentéis, es que parece que los padres de Ung habían perdido un hijo, por eso también los viajes al campo. En cuanto a Yeonsu, ella comenta que la deuda que las arruinó era de un tío que ni siquiera conocía y no entendía porqué tenían que hacerse cargo ella y la abuela. Otra cosa que me sorprendió porque lo entendí así, es durante la comida de Ji-ung con NJ, esta parece como que le ofrece a Ji-ung un acuerdo para seguir cada uno intentando conquistar a Ung y Yeonsu, por lo menos eso me pareció. Comentáis también sobre los problemas de comunicación. Yo veo en Yeonsu un problema de egoísmo, que ya comentó su abuela que en parte era culpa de ella, y en todo caso problemas para expresar sus sentimientos, aunque parece que con el único que es capaz por mucho que le cueste es con Ung. Ella ya ha dicho en alguna escena que tiene un gran problema de sentimiento de inferioridad que viene de su etapa escolar y parece que la ruptura con Ung se produjo principalmente por ese motivo ya que quería que Ung fuera a estudiar a una universidad que ella no se podía permitir. En cuanto a Ung parece que el abandono de su padre marcó mucho su carácter y no puede soportar que las personas que quiere lo abandonen, por eso es introvertido y de pocos amigos. En la escena de la cena con Yeonsu no solo le dice que lo ame solo a él también le pide que no se vaya. No he sabido ver que Ung le haya dicho alguna vez a Yeonsu que la quiere y he creído entender que una de las cosas que espera Yeonsu de Ung es precisamente que se lo diga, en cambio parece que Ung prefiere demostrarlo con hechos más que con palabras. Sin duda es una relación muy difícil porque los dos tienen traumas por resolver que parece que les impide darse por completo, pero aunque se ve mucha química entre ellos y parece que se quieren mucho, todavía no he entendido porqué ya que no tienen mucho que ver y tampoco se complementan

1
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Welcome mulete! Really wanted to read your comment but my Spanish is very weak. Here's a translation done by Word translate (which captures the essence but may miss any nuance)
mulete's comment : Like most,I suppose,I have seen the chapters subtitled and from what I have readto you, some things I have perceived differently. For example, some of you comment on the fact that Ung's parents have not told him that he is adopted, instead I in the scenes of the last chapters thought I understood that Ung has not told his parents who remember that they abandoned him. Another thing that I have not seen you comment on,is that it seems that Ung's parents had lost a child, that's why also the trips to the countryside. As for Yeonsu, she comments that the debt that ruined them was from an uncle she didn't even know and didn't understand why she and Grandma had to take care of it. Another thing that surprised me because I understood it that way,is during Ji-ung's meal with NJ, this one seems like he offers Ji-ung an agreement to follow each one. trying to conquer Ung and Yeonsu, at least that seemed to me. You also comment on communication problems. I see in Yeonsu a problem of selfishness,which his grandmother already commented was partly her fault, and in any case problems to express his feelings, although it seems that with the only one he is capable no matter how much it costs him is with Ung. She has already said in some scene that she has a big problem of feeling inferiority that comes from her school stage and it seems that the break with Ung is she produced mainly for that reason as she wanted Ung to go study at a university that she could not afford. As for Ung it seems that the abandonment of his father marked his character a lot and he can not bear that the people he loves abandonhim, that is why he is introverted and of few friends. In the dinner scene with Yeonsu not only tells him to love him only him but also asks him not to leave. I have not been able to see that Ung has ever told Yeonsu that he loves her and I have believed that I understand that one of the things that Yeonsu expects from Ung is precisely that he tells him, instead. it seems that Ung prefers to prove it with deeds rather than words. It is certainly a very difficult relationship because the two have traumas to resolve that seems to prevent them from giving themselves completely, but although you see a lot of chemistry between them and it seems to be that they love each other very much, I still have not understood why since they do not...

1
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

@ Alluvial fan and @mulete
Thanks for this. Isn’t it irritating that the default gender pronoun in this AI translation is a him and he, and not, her and she?

I bristled a bit at Yeonsu’s characterisation by her grandmother as selfish. Halmoni wasn’t fair or right. In reality, she was anything but. Yes, she was haughty, demanding and prickly but never selfish. Being poor is a struggle which marks one’s life and they became impoverished because of the uncle. She survived both emotionally and financially as best as she could.

1
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

@dncingemma Thank you for this. I feel Yeonsu's gets an unnecessary amount of hate because of how closeted she is but there isn't much sympathy for her context.

Woong's backstory explains at some degree much of what we saw from him so far. Regardless, and despite how sad is this background, it doesn't change the fact on how privileged he grown up.

Woong seems to be pretty oblivious to everything that happens around him, and sometimes it almost looks like he only expects the inconditional company of the people he loves (which makes sense given his abandonement issues) but there's little emotional support from his behalf. It surprises me even more knowing something about his background now, that he can act so completely clueless about the struggles of the people around him. He didn't seem to understand the sacrifice Yeonsu had to make to take him on that trip; why she has to work so hard, how precarious is her situation. I know this is partially on her behalf for staying silent about it, but in reality, you only need two eyes to see it.

Yeonsu has always been rooting and motivating Woong to aspire for greater things. At some degree, maybe the things she fears she might never get for herself. She wanting them for Woong is not an act of selfiness but the opposite; she is willing to give him up because of the fear of holding him back.

But there's so much more to this. One of the most heartbreaking scenes for me is when Yeonsu tells Woong "he is the only thing she has to give up". Growing up without anything, I imagine there's no biggest fear than having something to lose. That one thing that allows you to dream of a better future. Losing it might throw you into a state of despair from which you might not be able to recover. I think when Yeonsu says these words, is on a desperate attempt of protecting herself. If she ends up the relationship, if she controls the circumstances, maybe only then she might have a chance to survive the heartbreak. This was her pride, because in the end, she realized that even on that circumstances, she still couldn't live without him.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

@acarrieres: I adore your comment.

1

I am catching up on your weecaps, @missvictrix. Thank you.
My heart was in my throat at the end of ep 11 and just a puddle of goo for the rest of the episode. This couple makes me melt and I keep finding new reasons to love this drama. I am on my rewatch as I catch up to the back half of the drama and I am blow away by how well the puzzle pieces of our characters' stories and motivations fit together. It is even more rewarding to rewatch knowing the end (so far ) from the beginning.
Also, I have never found a couple's hands more romantic and sexy than these two. Ever since the hand hold in ep 8 when Woong grabbed ahold of Yeon-Su, the focus on hands has stood out to me. It is a way to convey their growing intimacy, emotional and physical, and I have not seen anything like it.
I heard this director is a rookie and the PD is also young. What a talented crew--including all the actors!

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

One more comment.
"Their friendship continues to impress me with how little is said, but how much is communicated." @missvictrix, well said. Indeed, I think this could sum up the whole show where many things are communicated without being said and the writer most often shows rather than tells. So refreshing, in my opinion.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *