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Showtime Begins: Episodes 9-10

We get lots of development this week, both in learning about the past and in moving our leads’ relationship forward. But the killer is closing in, and the past has already started bleeding into the present.

 
EPISODES 9-10 WEECAP

The Full Moon Killer – and the spirit who possesses him – has recognized Cha-woong and vows revenge for what happened 2,000 years ago. But before he catches up, our leads get a small respite to focus on another pressing matter. Namely: romance.

Cha-woong has not only figured out his own feelings, but he’s ready to act on them, even going so far as to beg his rival magician to teach him a magic trick involving a ring that the magician boasts has a 100% success rate at winning women’s hearts.

That done, he buys a ring and prepares to confess his feelings to Seul-hae. But, of course, she’s already on a sort-of date with Hee-soo. Spotting the pair entering a bowling alley, the young female shaman YE-JI (whom I confess I’ve avoided mentioning until now because she annoys me to no end) calls Cha-woong there, hoping he’ll decide to give up on Seul-hae as a result.

Being that they’re in a bowling alley, the four end up challenging each other to a game. Hee-soo bowls nothing but strikes, while Cha-woong sends all his shots straight into the gutter. (And the ladies don’t seem to get a turn at all?)

That’s when the ghosts step in. Suddenly, Cha-woong’s gutter balls start jumping back onto the lane and knocking down all the pins, and Hee-soo’s shots take sudden turns into the gutter or come to sudden stops.

Hee-soo’s jaw drops lower and lower by the second, but Seul-hae knows what’s up, and glowers at Cha-woong disapprovingly.

Afterward, Hee-soo steers Seul-hae off to a café so he can confess. She gets giddy as usual when he compliments her, but when he admits he’s known for a while that she likes him, something gives her pause. Suddenly, all she can think of is Cha-woong, and she asks Hee-soo for time to think things over before she agrees to officially date him.

Of course, Cha-woong spots them through a window, and believes he’s lost his chance. That sends him into such a heartbroken slump that he designs a dramatic finale for his magic show featuring real snakes, knives, and a depressing ending that he insists is the pinnacle of artistic expression.

Fortunately for his assistants, that idea gets tabled, because the murderous spirit arrives on the scene. Hee-soo and Seul-hae are called to investigate the site of a triple murder, and Seul-hae recognizes all the signs of the Full Moon Killer’s handiwork.

She brings the General to view the crime scene, and he’s able to see exactly what happened there and to confirm that it was indeed the same killer and the same spirit from ten years ago.

While the search goes on, we learn some important pieces of information. Seul-hae’s past-self was a princess, and both she and Cha-woong experience dreams about their past-life relationship. The evil spirit was at one time in love with the princess, and blames Cha-woong both for “stealing” her from him and for sealing him away the first time.

The General also tells Cha-woong that the spirit could choose to possess a different host at any time, and that it does so through blood – so he can’t get wounded anywhere near the spirit. Yikes, that’s definitely foreshadowing.

Meanwhile, Hee-soo’s father spots the Full Moon Killer by chance, and panics to realize he’s still alive. Pathetically, however, his chief concern is protecting his image. As evidence mounts that this is the same killer, he confesses to a disgusted Hee-soo that he’s terrified of his incompetence coming to light, after he’s put so much effort into building up connections and accolades.

Everything he did related to that case – from “stopping” the killer himself to taking in his deceased partner’s orphan – was to advance his own position. Now, his only goal is to take out the Full Moon Killer quietly, before the news gets out.

Hee-soo’s father reaches out to a contact with a large criminal network to comb the streets for the killer, but when his subordinates corner said killer, they’re easily overpowered. Only one is left standing for Seul-hae to apprehend, and all he can tell her is that the killer mentioned Cha-woong’s name.

In a panic, Seul-hae rushes over to Cha-woong’s house to make sure he’s okay. He is, thanks to the General, who’s bought them some time by facing off against the evil spirit in an epic duel.

Both spirits were left severely weakened and need to replenish their energy. The General does this by retreating into his painting, but the evil spirit will need to feed on more victims who have those special channels to heaven.

Fearing for Cha-woong’s safety, Seul-hae decides she’ll have to stick close to him and keep watch. She calls it a stakeout, but it amounts to moving into his house for the time being. And since he doesn’t have a single guest bedroom in that ginormous house of his, he insists on letting her use his bedroom while he sleeps on the couch.

He also thoughtfully prepares a surprise birthday party for her. But she’s so weirded out by the sight of him carrying a cake and serenading her sweetly that she assumes he must be possessed (having been warned that someone possessed by a spirit will act in very uncharacteristic ways) and attacks him with pepper spray.

Poor Cha-woong has to be rescued by the ghosts, but once they explain everything, the party goes on, and Seul-hae looks very touched by it all.

But the killer is still out there, and he finds Seul-hae while she’s out on patrol. Realizing she’s being tailed, Seul-hae bravely confronts him, knowing exactly who he is. He’s hardly fazed by her nerve or her fellow officer’s taser, but when he gets a good look at Seul-hae’s face, he freezes. The spirit is so stricken to recognize her that he flees to process the discovery elsewhere.

Now it’s Cha-woong’s turn to fear for Seul-hae’s safety. As everyone gears up for the imminent confrontation, Cha-woong tasks his ghosts with detaining Seul-hae in his house while he heads off to face the killer alone.

I find it refreshing the way we’re slowly learning about the past timeline rather than having it all dumped on us at once. Every new flash we get both builds on what we already know and gives us new information that puts everything into greater perspective.

I also love that, more and more, we’re seeing Cha-woong’s dorky side come out (him giving Seul-hae a tour of his room had me in stitches). It broke my heart when he concluded that, both in this life and the previous one, he’d been the cause of all their problems, because it’s another reminder that the arrogant, closed-off, selfish Cha-woong is just an image he uses to protect himself from further hurt – when in reality, he’s a big ol’ softy who totally just wants to love someone who’ll love him back.

 
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Arggrrr! I also can't stand Ye-Ji and her apparent money loving ways. I was shocked at the 360° turn regarding Seul-Hea's partner and I just want him to run because he's about to get hurt.

I screamed when Cha Cha Woong bought a ring 😂😂😂; I thought I had missed an episode because how do you go straight to offering a ring 😆.

I first thought that Cha Woong will be possessed by the evil spirit but I'm now pretty sure it's going to be Hee-Soo. I'm still not fan of Hee-Soo but it was good to see him utterly disgusted by his father. I won't mind if his dad is killed off tbh.

The halmeoni Shaman will die right 😢... Sigh

I'm really enjoying this drama, it's always good way to end my weekend dramas. The ghost trio + advisor choi are a delight as usual 😃

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After episode 10, I think it will be Hee-Soo that gets possessed as well. And I know halmeoni Shaman is going die or come close--I KNOW it and yet I will still be mad when it happens. She's had to manage Ye-Ji. Isn't that suffering enough?

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Yeah the grandma has kdrama death written all over her. I was hope Yeji would fall in love with the officer pursuing her later on - like him being there for her while she's grieving. But gross to see her chase after him knowing he's rich and knowing that he doesn't intend to go into the real estate business. I can't wait until she gets introduced to his mom after having unknowingly insulting her.

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I'm sure the show will give her a nice redemption and yes I can't wait for her to meet her futur "mother-in-law". I knew it had to be the cop's mum the moment she bumped into her 😂😂

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"She's had to manage Ye-Ji. Isn't that suffering enough"

I know right

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I'm predicting grandma won't make it too! Also YES I cannot stand Yeji, I sincerely hope the cute policeman doesn't get himself killed getting entangled with her!!

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Ughhh, for a minute I thought he might also die when grandma was speaking to him and telling him to be careful but I really hope he's unharmed

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I was scared that the Trot singing policeman will be killed! And I do not want the granny shaman to die either.

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This remains an enjoyable show for me, although I don't eagerly anticipate its latest episodes the way I do some of the other ongoing kdramas. The bowling scene might be an example why. It just wasn't that funny to me, and I thought it went on too long, though I like the humorous chemistry of the ghosts.

Two other observations:

1. For me Hee-soo continues his membership in the Strong Woman Do Bong Soon honest policeman/unlikeable rival love interest club. In fact his character seems to be modeled after the one in Strong Woman. The sooner he's possessed by the evil spirit and dispatched as a rival the better, in my opinion.

2. As a viewer, I keep getting thrown back into the Joseon period (this show, Tomorrow) even though I'm not a big fan of sageuks. Am I an unwitting participant in a fantasy kdrama where a time traveling television continuously switches to medieval costume dramas?

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Technically, this one goes back to what is probably Gorguryeo, since the General is "2000 years old", and the costumes are more what you'd expect from early and pre 3K. So, definitely not Joseon. ^-^

Fantasy Kdramas often untilise the past life trope, so they often have a backstory subplot from a past era. This is quite common and not isolated to these two dramas, or even to heavier fantasy shows in general. It's basically just a designated sub-flavour of Korean dramas, and can be even expected somewhat from shows that incorporate it with either Buddhist or Shamanistic mythology elements.
The time travelling television ensnared you in its fantasy fusion sageuk grip and won't let go ;) ;)

To name just a few examples: Mystic Pop Up Bar, Goblin, HDLL, Tale of the Nine Tailed, Legend of the Blue Sea, You From Another Star, shit even Chicago Typewriter counts.

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Thanks for the correction! When I see pastel clothed women on my screen my vision blurs and I lose all sense of historical chronology.

In all seriousness, I am shamefully ignorant about Korean history pre-1950. In fact, as soon as I get a chance I plan to correct that with some serious reading. Of course, I could do that reading now if I wasn't watching so many K-dramas, but then I'd be missing out on the bowling ghosts.

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Haha no worries. On the other hand, I love historical fashion and I love Korean history so I over notice these things~

Ofc, you could always throw in some more traditional historical based sageuks to compliment the reading AND the drama watching... 👀
Some of them are heavily fictionalised but I'm sure the Sageuk Club would be happy to recc you some... ;)
I don't know if you're a sageuk watcher though XD

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That bowling alley scene was a true work of art, IMHO. 🤌 This patent ridiculousness is *exactly* the reason why I'm watching this show and am enjoying the heck out of it. Another good reason: The delicious OTP, of course, even though I probably couldn't care less about the reincarnation aspect of it all. I liked them both best when they were just two random people with sparkling chemistry instead of an entire past life haunting them from thousands of years ago.

Surprises of the week:

- I really felt for Hee-soo during that scene with his father when he said he'd thought power of his position had corrupted him. But no, the man's been a pathetic waste of space all along. That's must be a hard realization for Hee-soo to face about his own father and I can't imagine the guilt he's probably feeling towards Seul-hae.

- I don't really like Ye-ji (or, rather, the way she remains an underdeveloped caricature), but I gotta admit that I found her unrepentant opportunism immensely funny here. I definitely recognize your hustle, girl, even though I question why any self-respecting person would voluntarily settle for someone with life priorities like yours. That said, the "meeting the parents" scene will definitely be funny.

- Seul-hae's (almost?) confession. And Cha-woong's reaction. They're such adorkable cuties and I can almost feel my teeth rotting during every single one of their interactions because they're just. so. sweet. Honestly, thank you, show. I get so much second-hand joy from watching them and I really need the endorphins right now. 🥺

Personal Disappointment:

- I feel the reveal of Cha-woong's involvement in the evil spirit getting free was rather clumsily done. A more elegant way would have been to introduce that bullying flashback early on, only to put it into a new context in this episode with regard to the evil spirit's escape. I realize, of course, that this is a foolish complaint about a show that plays fast and loose with logic enough as it is, but it's unfortunately an impression I just cannot shake.

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The bowling scene definitely made me LOL with tears coming out of my eyes. They were not even trying to make it look naturally with the balls defying physics round after round. Seul-hae's suspicious stare is icing on the cake.

It's also sort of heartwarming how these ghosts band together to help Cha-woong out. I'm not sure how long they've been together, but he's not as lonely as he looks.

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When the bowling scene started, I was surprised to see that Cha Woong was willing to play fair because I had assumed that the ghost will get involved from the get go. It was utterly ridiculous when they stepped in 🤣

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Idk if it's just cos I've been sick and out of it, but these two episodes lost me a bit.
Feels meandery and fumbled in its execution. Like it doesn't know how to get where it wants to go in the best possible way. It's always struggled with that, but it was a lot more jarring for me this week.
First week I was less interested in the overall story too.

I'd like to see more intentional development of Cha Woong's sense of duty and understanding of the spiritual, and why that is important on its own, id est, a *parallel*, rather than dependent, development along with him beginning to care about others (aka Seul Hae), and less arbitrary love triangle stuff.

Also I can't stop thinking about Lee Seung Gi in the lead role for some reason, and it won't go away. I'm sorry PHJ 😅

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Great now I can't unsee it. You're right, he would have been amazing in this role.

I also have trouble with the development of Cha Woong's reasoning for becoming involved in the "shaman" world. It seems that the only reason the plot is going to give us is coercion/bullying from the General and now a heavy dose of kdrama-logic induced guilt and a side of affection for Seul Hae. All of which leaves me unsatisfied. With only 6 episodes left I dont see how the writer will effectively convince the viewers that he chose the life of a shaman for his own sake, because it's genuinely what he wants to do.

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(RIGHT?!?!)

Yeah, and it's a shame really, cos it was one of the things I was looking forward to most about the drama.

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I like the lead actress (in other things) but I'm less and less inclined to watch each following episode of this series. On one hand it seems like it was written to entertain 12 year olds, on the other hand there's serial killer murders.

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I love a good slow burn but I'd be lying if I said I didn't spend the better part of this week screaming at them to kiss already 😂

This week’s antics were great, I love the ghosts (and Advisor Choi) with all of my heart (that bowling scene was a cinematic masterpiece).
Despite him having the personality of a piece of toast alongside penchant for wearing only black and brooding most of the time, I’ve found myself inexplicably crushing on Heesoo - not for endgame with Seulhee though, I'm still firmly rooting for the OTP.

Also just when I thought we’d gotten the angst over and done with, the revelation that Chawoong was the reason the spirit broke free seems like it’s going to spell more angst down the line. I’m bracing my self for the episode 12 (or thereabouts) break up already.

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With the kdrama rules, they should've kissed already since its already episode 10! But I suppose this is not a pure romcom so it may not make sense storywise. But they already hugged and cohabited so they just skipped the kiss part. I do hope the kiss will happen before the big showdown so we don't get to eait too long.
About the last laragraph, Imo it was the bullies' fault that the evil spirit broke free not Cha Woong. But I see your point why that will cause angst in future episodes.

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Right?! Ep 10 and nothing??? But you're right, there's so much going on and this isn't pure romcom. A part of me wonders whether a kiss will trigger a full flashback of their past lives for them 🤔

And oh yes sorry no poor wording on my end - I meant to say that even though it's not his fault, the interpretation by him that it is his fault opens an avenue for potential angst and noble idiocy to squeeze through now I guess 😪 I'm taking it as a good sign that he didn't dwell on that too much but maybe its a red herring because the real angst will come from the past time line link?? Since there's a lot of potential there also for both of them to think they're dangerous for each other, once they find out the full story.

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That is possible. The writer may reserve the kiss for a dramatic moment like that. But if the story of their past lives will be revealed then we will see why Advisor Choi needs to atone for it.

I sure hope the writer will create a better flow in the next episodes. Writer-nim put a lot of clues on what may happen. Cha Woong still has a bit of growing up to do so so he can be mentally strong to face the evil spirit and the events of the distant past.

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😂 I'm with you! They need to get together ASAP because the angst is definitely heading our way.

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I really felt bad when Cha Woong thought he was the problem after he woke up from another dream about his past. Behind his cold exterior, he is really just a kid starved for affection. Hopefully he can be brave enough to fight for his love when the time comes.

Seul Hae is adorable with her endless denials. Girl, just tell him you like him to get it over with. 😄 but I understand being cautious about it since its all too new. Plus Cha Woong did not give a great first impression either.

Re Halmoni, I can't help but think of her as Yeon Soo's grumpy halmoni in OBS. I really like halmoni in both dramas so I hope she does not die here as well.

Yeji is annoying but mostly because she is clingy to Cha Woong and her sudden interest in the police officer because she found out his Mom owns half of the city. But I think that ajumma she fought on the street is the said mother. Looking forward to her being cut to size when they meet.

I really like the General now that he has changed his goal to reuniting Poong Baek and the princess. I sure hope that he will vanquish the evil spirit with Cha Woong's help. Which I suppose will mean his possession of his body. Looking forward to Park Hae Jin changing his mannerisms to match Jung Joon Ho's.

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Just such a warm and funny drama! I love how Cha-woong went from realizing he likes her to giving up his prime slot in the magic show to get "how to attract a gf" advice from his professional rival to getting a ring. His "hyuuung" was adorable. Hee-soo had been in love with Seul-hae for many years and even knowing she had feelings for him for some time now, only now decided to end their wait. This is why you're the second male lead!

Cha-woong seems cold, but he really wears his heart on his sleeve. And I can see why Seul-hae responds to that. I think he was always this nice kid and not that different from his grandfather. I remembered he had enjoyed watching how happy people were to receive his grandfather's help. It was only when he saw those same people backstab his grandfather that helping people would just remind him of that pain.

I wonder when Cha Cha-woong started seeing ghosts. I feel like if I could see ghosts, I would get them on my side to protect me from bullies. It seemed like aside from being a shaman's grandson, he had a normal childhood, complete with the usual unappetizing bullying. I would love to see some sort of flashback to how he met the trio and to spend some of the next 6 episodes helping them move on, though Cha Cha-woong's home without those ghosts being rowdy would also be kind of sad.

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Though ep 9 and 10 had its fair share of comic moments, the show is at its best only when it does not get serious with the evil spirit because it is becoming tiring, repetitive and I frankly do not care for their past lives. Instead of going the usual route, the drama could make Cha Woong be the title winner in the competition by having a finale, which for the unsuspecting audience eyes could be magical, but is actually a showdown with the evil spirit being taken down with the help of ghost employees and Adviser Choi. Now, this would ensue lots of hijinks like the last scene in ep 10, where Cha Woong tried to negotiate with the evil spirit🤣🤣. With only 6 episodes remaining, I hope they focus on resolving the earthly desires of the three ghost employees rather than dragging the angst between Cha Woong and Seul Hae.

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The sooner our employees' desires are satisfied, the sooner they say goodbye to us. I expect the employees' story to take place in ep 14 or 15.

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The bowling alley scene had me in stitches, like others I was surprised that CW decided to go solo and attempt to win fair first.Ye Ji annoyed me as usual, but I'm hoping for a laugh once she meets her future mother in law.
Like others, I'm still waiting for that OTP kiss! I've been conditioned to expect it at this stage! But seriously, CCW, straight to the ring? You'll have SH heading to the hills...

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I must say comedy really suits PHJ but he is the kind of actor who can pull any kind of role even negative roles too and does not age at all lol. The ghosts are the best part of the drama, the intangible kind of family he always has. The moment they went to ruin their date for Mr Cha...Hehe.

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This is my weekly 'happy pill'. It is a simple story but everybody is so sweet even the bad guys :) I love our main leads although I am not sure comedy suits PHJ well but still they are cute .

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It is my current favourite as well!

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Let me stick out my neck and say this (and I am really bad at predictions, I did not predict Dobby dying, sob).

The corrupt police chief will be the one who will get possessed in the end and the son might have to kill him off. (There I said it). I remember the part where the evil spirit told the currently possessed guy how he was already an evil person even before possession. And this made me think it will be the chief who will get possessed.

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There is something comforting with this show. Among all the ones airing concurrently this is what I click to watch first. Not surprised that this is from the same writer of Mystic Pop-up Bar as I felt the same way when I was watching that. Although the villain here is scarier (the actor is doing great - genuinely scary), the comedy here is more ridiculously funny, too. But I like the MPUB back story better.

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I keep on reading so much good stuff about that show (MPUB) but every time I take a look at who is the FL, I can't even start watching.

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The ramyeon scene with the chase around the table was fun and a joy to watch.

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