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King the Land: Episodes 9-10

It’s tough to move on from the kiss heard round the world last week, but it seems King the Land has found its method: more kissing (and lots of it). We up the ante on love this week, as our leads move from liking and confessing to vacationing and talking about the future. With so much intimacy and closeness, it’s too bad they’re still hiding their romance from the people they care about most. But luckily, that doesn’t include us — we’ve got a front row seat to all the adorable details.

 
EPISODES 9-10

Junho Yoona King the Land: Episodes 9-10

Can we just pause and have a moment for all the white pants in these episodes? Junho knows how to put the hurt on some jeans and his stylists are obviously out to kill. Whoever decided to throw him into the pool in those pants clearly wanted me dead.

About the story: we’re over the hump of last week’s padded plot progression and back to the pace we’re used to. And that means the focus is again on our leads and the slo-mo romance that lets us savor every second. We open with a replay of last week’s hot and spicy kiss, just to remind us where we left off — as if it wasn’t already burned into our brains for eternity.

From there, we move into some secret on-the-job dating, which involves handholding in elevators and various cute conflicts about how much to interact at work. The big deal for me is how much smiling is happening this week. Our leads are ecstatic to be together and they couldn’t hide their happiness if they tried. Won may hate fake smiles, but he’s fully adapted to real ones now that Sa-rang is his leading lady.

Junho Yoona sleepover King the Land: Episodes 9-10

But, relying on smiles to relay how they feel about each other also leads to miscommunication. So, taking the sage advice of Sa-rang’s grandma, Won decides to go for a pretty and proper confession. One night, while they’re camped out together during a power outage, they both express their insecurities about the relationship. Won is worried that Sa-rang doesn’t miss him or like him as much as he likes her, and Sa-rang is concerned about what other people will think. Won sits up straight, looks directly at Sa-rang, takes her hand, and says he likes her a lot. “Will you accept my feelings?”

After a light kiss on the lips, she shakes her head yes. Then we get the sweet, smiley (no panting) kiss that I was expecting last week. Afterward, they sleep in the same room, very innocently, and Won confides that he liked everything about Sa-rang from the start. He vows to be by her side always — and our OTP is officially dating. Yay!

For someone with Won’s money, though, dating is an extreme sport. The next thing we know he’s whisking Sa-rang, Da-eul, and Pyung-hwa off to Thailand for a quick getaway. This idea gets cooked up when Won is at Sa-rang’s apartment listening to her friends complain about work (ahem, his family’s business) for the bazillionth time. They still don’t know he’s the chairman’s son, and so, they speak freely, thinking he’s a low-level manager.

He hears about how Da-eul was promised a trip with her team if they met their sales goal and how Pyung-hwa was supposed to get a promotion for boosting her team’s ranking. Neither employee got what was promised, and they blame themselves for being naïve enough to believe the bosses would make good on their word. So, behind the scenes (and behind Hwa-ran’s back), Won makes the Thailand trip happen, and rigs it up so that all three women — each the best in their respective departments — can go together.

I was getting a little sick of the mistaken identity joke, wishing Sa-rang and Won would just come clean with who he really is, but then we get a payoff when both Won and Sang-shik go along to Thailand too. Since Won is essentially using Sang-shik’s identity as his alias, he makes Sang-shik pretend to be the one in charge and lead the team’s vacation. Unfortunately, Won back-talks a little too much to make this reversal truly funny (and I ended up feeling a bit bad for Sang-shik), but at least Sang-shik gets to revel in paying back his boss’s poor treatment for a while.

Episode 10 takes place in Thailand and it’s shot like a tourism ad but, honestly, it worked on me. Sign me up! The drama has a few breaks from its shiny convention by introducing handheld cameras in some of the crowded tourist spots, like an outdoor market and a local noodle place, giving it an air of authenticity and making these some of my favorite scenes. Afterward, there are a bunch of magazine-style shots that I could have done without, but all in all, it was worth it to see the sights.

Junho Yoona pool kiss King the Land: Episodes 9-10

For Won and Sa-rang, the trip is basically one long date, even as they try to hide their feelings from the rest of the group. No one is buying it, but they continue to sneak off to try to be alone together and this is where we get the most intimate moments we’ve seen so far. First, there’s a nighttime scene in the pool at their vacation house, where they both end up in the water, fully dressed, talking (and smiling) in between a series of small kisses.

It’s obvious that they’re deeply comfortable together and I found this sequence more fluttery than the kitchen kiss last week. This feels like a progression in the story as we see their level of closeness developing. And then, well, there’s another long and spicy kiss, which, I’ll put on the record, felt earned this time. Hooray for this not being a one-and-done drama when it comes to the kisses!

Lee Jae-won Go Won-hee King the Land: Episodes 9-10

On top of all that, we’re getting a second love line! Pyung-hwa has a hoobae at the airline, LEE RO-WOON (Kim Jae-won), who’s got a clear crush on her and this week we finally get enough movement for me to introduce him. He’s been hanging around, subtly trying to make his intentions known, but when he shows up in Thailand during a layover, Pyung-hwa can’t really deny his feelings anymore — and neither can her friends, who tease her mercilessly.

Ro-woon ends up joining the team for dinner and then stays the night with them in their cramped, two-bedroom (one for women, one for men) house. He has to leave early, before anyone else wakes up, but Pyung-hwa has left him breakfast to eat before he goes. I’m happy to see she’s reciprocating after it seemed like she was initially writing him off for being young. He may be her junior in age, but the kid’s got an old soul with wise advise and no qualms about showing his affection.

On the last day of the trip, Won and Sa-rang finally throw caution to the wind and attempt to slither out of the house in order to spend the day alone together. They’re caught, holding hands and sneaking out, but they run away and continue with their plan. By the time they go to dinner that night, Won has worked up the courage to tell Sa-rang about his mother. He relates his backstory, about Hwa-ran being his half-sister and his mom disappearing without a trace when he was young.

Then he tells her why he has an aversion to fake smiles: “In my life, no one showed their genuine emotions.” But Sa-rang came along, being totally authentic, and changed all that for him. When Sa-rang hears that he’s looking for his mother, she says, “Let’s find her together.” And even though Won says it’s not necessary, it’s one of many instances this week where we see these two planning and assuming a future together.

We end our episodes with our leading couple at a fancy rooftop restaurant, dressed in formal wear, discussing their wishes. Sa-rang wants to always be this happy and Won couldn’t ask for anything more. Then they say I love you to each other and send us off with one final kiss.

Junho Yoona rooftop kiss King the Land: Episodes 9-10

I was ready to argue that literally nothing happened in these episodes, but actually, away from the forced plot developments that we saw last week, we’ve returned to what this drama does best. The romance is still blooming now that our leads are officially dating. We’re past the point of the early push and pull and going into deeper territory. We see them inching closer to each other, moving toward talk of marriage and how they’ll reconcile their lives in the future. We’ve already seen Sa-rang’s grandma accepting Won — not even knowing who he is or how much he’s worth — and now we’ll need to see how Sa-rang fits into Won’s life.

Also, Won opening up to Sa-rang about his background is a major hurdle for his character (and this story is mostly his). But we also see that maybe he’s letting go of his original goal of finding his mom now that he has love (literally “sarang”) in his life. Although saying “I love you” felt a little fast to me — especially considering Grandma told Won to get to know each other better first — I feel like the words are there to cement all the action we witnessed in these episodes. These two are solidly crazy for each other, which makes me very afraid of next week and how all this perfection might be blown to bits.

Junho Yoona King the Land: Episodes 9-10

 
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Even though I believe most of us agree that we just sat through an episode on Saturday with very little of anything whatsoever and then an extended PPL for Thailand on Sunday, there were two scenes from this week’s King of the Hill that I simply adored.

—I was absolutely charmed by the way that Gu Won kept failing the “future grandson-in-law” tests set by Halmeoni’s gossipy “friends.” Her face spoke such disappointed volumes…because clearly she’s completely smitten by him and wants to brag. And then the scene in the bank!!! And that he just let her give him that money to open his Housing Savings Account!!! That was the cherry on top of a fantastic cream puff of a plot point.

—The way that, as a fellow flight attendant, Pyung-hwa knew Jae-won would have to get up super-early to get to work, and then clearly went the extra mile to be up even earlier and make sure he had food for breakfast was simply the bee’s knees in my book. She had, for reasons I feel I completely understand (and that I think go beyond her noble idiocy about whatever relationship she had with smarmy pilot dude), been putting Prince Flight Attendant off and putting him off—but this act really got to me. It was quite simply beautifully done, heart-warming, and just a little surprising. I was so happy to see how thrilled it made him too…

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That bank scene was everything! And I was so happy when Pyung-hwa made Jae-won breakfast. Finally, she started opening up to him!

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The boasting scene at the market was really funny because how small is the currently scoring all the points grandmother going to feel after dissing the hotel as a glorified guest house when she finally gets to see the place from the new owners point of view I can imagine an all expenses show off grandmother plus friends trip there in a future episode.

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Ok, I’m finally ready to admit it: there was basically no plot progression in episode 10. Was there a ton of relationship progression? Yes. Was I still having fun? Absolutely. But Beanies who have been miffed about the pace of the plot were/are totally correct this time. No way around it. I want to see Won do more than say he’s going to take responsibility for things. He obviously sees the issues, but we’ve done enough to establish that, and now I want him to really take charge and do a good job and beat his sister because he’s smart and listens to his employees and isn’t terrible. And I want Sa-rang to help him get there. I do want that. But we still have time.

I really loved watching our leads get closer though. They had real conversations about things that bothered them, they made their feelings really clear, they shared personal things about themselves, they aren’t one of those weird couples who never kiss again after they get together (by a long shot!). I think what I really loved and thought was so adorable were all the little moments of them just being giddy to be together, like neither of them could quite believe it. It felt so authentically like two people in a new relationship (and one they aren’t totally ready to share with everyone yet) that I couldn’t help but giggle along with them.

Other loves: the three friends’ easy and close relationship, Won earning Halmoni’s approval, Ro-un showing up to crash their vacation party (and Pyung-hwa getting up early to leave breakfast out for him!), Won’s absolute commitment to wearing white while in Thailand.

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“Was there a ton of relationship progression? Yes”

Totally agree! It’s like watching scripted, polished Single’s Inferno. Now I get why that show is popular.

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"Absolutely. But Beanies who have been miffed about the pace of the plot were/are totally correct this time."

Couldn't agree more! I understand that this is your typical cheesy romcom hence the prime focus on their relationship but yes, I would also like to see the plot progress as well. I'm getting anxious over the lack of power Won currently has within the company. That's definitely gonna come back and bite all of us in the ass in the upcoming eps.

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What was ridiculous for me was the already tight schedule for the 100 year event and he seems to have way too much time on his hands as it is without then swanning off on a company sponsored date of a lifetime.

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Exactly! All the obvious PPL hasn't bothered me too much until now, but this ad for Thailand tourism was ridiculous both in its brazenness and its place within the storyline. I haven't watched that many Kdramas, but I can't think of one that's been so in-your-face with PPL as King the Land. At the end of their wedding scene in episode 16, I can almost picture our couple saying, "We're going to Disney World!"

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The King: Eternal Monarch beats this show by a mile—make that 10,000 miles. The most blatant product advertising in all of Kdramaland. The show should have been called The King: Eternal PPL!
Here's just a small sample:
https://youtu.be/ygpF-N4DCLg?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/LALAy1r-NZk?feature=shared

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Yeah, my complaint is usually that romance dramas aren't focused enough on the romance, but this seems too far in the other direction. Is there not a happy medium?

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I hear you, but I’m pretty fine with it. It seems like just yesterday we were all rolling our eyes at the unnecessary serial killer in a rom com, so if the pendulum is going to swing hard in the other direction, I feel fine about it for now. I want the plot to go well, but as long as I’m still having fun (and I am!) I’m happy for them to take it slow.

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Pyung-hwa has a hoobae at the airline, LEE RO-WOON (Kim Jae-won), who’s got a clear crush on her and this week we finally get enough movement for me to introduce him.

How sad is it that we're on Episodes 9-10, and this is the first time that Ro-woon is being introduced in the recaps? Pyung-hwa and Ro-woon's story is literally like watching a web drama that has eight 10-minute episodes (and even that is more than the screen time they get).

I screamed when Ro-woon said that he had plans tonight, "Is their plane in Thailand?!" When Pyung-hwa was on her phone all during dinner, I thought that she was texting with him, so I screamed when Ro-woon walked up from behind her like straight out of a fantasy. I was hoping that she would make him breakfast before he left, so her note and his reaction to it were adorable. I wished that their team had flown back on his flight, so the ungrateful purser could serve Pyung-hwa and get jealous of Ro-woon making heart eyes at her.

After the offensive Arab prince last week, the least the show could do is bless us with a handsome Thai Prince this week.

This incentive trip should've only been taken by Sa-rang, Da-eul, and Pyung-hwa. Won did not deserve to go. He's not a best employee; he's barely even an employee. We never see him work. Pyung-hwa I understand because she was first in sales after selling illegally at the jjimjilbang, but all of the Alanga team had contributed to their sales goal and all were cheated out of their trip to Bali, not just Da-eul. Won would've never sent the three of them on a trip to Thailand if they weren't Sa-rang's friends, just like he would've never taken the company helicopter to rescue a random employee. It's annoying that everything he does is because of Sa-rang or love or getting Sa-rang to love him.

Eusha eusha! Sang-sik was the MVP of this episode. I cracked up when he said, "If you want to sabai, you can go home and do it on your own."

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I was waiting for Nichkhun’s cameo as well🥲. But I guess the trend that there won’t be any 2PM member cameo on Junho’s drama continue. Weren’t they together in Thailand for Golden Disc Awards tho? *still salty*

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I really respect Junho's dramas for NOT including cameos from his band members. Cameos like that always take me right out of the story - and there's little enough to cling to right now to begin with - and generally involve a bunch of smirking and breaking of the 4th wall. So thank you, Junho, from the bottom of my cranky old heart, for actually being a professional.

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I agree. This has been my bugbear too. Yes, he is not a screaming vile chaebol and he can be vulnerable. Yes, there have been glimmers of awareness about what hardships mere mortals are subjected to because of his family’s wealth and power but he is still very much a member of the ruling class who doesn’t doubt his place at the top of the hierarchy and is invigorated by entitlement.

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@panshel I should’ve read your comment first before posting. You’ve so eloquently wrote what I was also thinking!

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@Linarrick: No need to worry as your comment is also good!

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Yes, he basically just paid for a trip to be with his girlfriend and her friends--which, incentive for the best employees or not, has really terrible optics.

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Worse still, he wasn't the one who paid for it. He embezzled company funds without the director's approval to pay for a trip to be with his girlfriend and her friends.

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Ah, yes, that's much worse

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Sorry I am working my way through the comments and adding mine as I go so didn’t see yours until just now. I couldn’t suspend my disbelief regarding the chances of getting away with sending this group together for such an epic reward trip. Especially as the implications was this is going to be the offer for future incentive based staff rewards. No company no matter how rich is going to do that and if they do are they really in single sex dorms where colleagues have to share a bed?

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There was a time, when a drama became a hit, the cast and crew would be rewarded with a vacation (I’m not sure, how many of the crew members would get the vacation tho). For example due to the success of LOVE IN THE MOONLIGHT the cast and crew got to go to Cebu.

https://www.soompi.com/article/908721wpp/moonlight-drawn-clouds-cast-crew-enjoying-reward-vacation

I honestly thought, Won would give an incentive vacation to all the employees so as to get them on his side for the 100th Anniversary to beat his sister. Obviously not everyone could go at once, but an easy fix would be to form groups from different departments and stagger their vacations. This can conveniently explain why, Sa-rang and her besties could travel together. Also not stretching the budget for the show, a win win I say!

Yes this would be an inordinate expense, but hey profits are really worker’s unpaid salaries so…

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I have no idea about South Korea’s tax laws, but I’m guessing the expense for the 100th Anniversary, who only the wealthy would attend, would be a tax write off? So why not give the employees their earned vacations (or instead more annual and sick leave, or increase in wage etc etc) and put that as an expense and pay less tax?

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Hmmm, wasn’t Won saying something along the lines “… and the other employees will go on trips afterwards”, when planning this getaway with his secretary? I thought this referred to the other team members of Alanga/King Air. But maybe it was just my brain not wanting to find obvious fault with him/wanting to justify this trip no matter what, and I have imagined the whole thing 😂😅

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He did say that, but it still looks really bad that he prioritized his girlfriend first. And honestly I would need to see him follow through with the others, I'm a bit skeptical that he will.

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I’m happy Pyung-hwa, Da-eul, and Sang-shik get this holiday, however wrong it is for Won to arrange it (using company’s money?). Holiday for company workers are scarce and there is no way they can’t afford the accommodation by themselves.

Junho in white pants are divine. His white coat should also make longer appearance.

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These were incentives for the top performers for each of the company's main divisions. That it happened to be Sa-Rang's besties, I think, falls into the category of K-drama coincidence.

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Are there any other shawols here?
Did you have a SHINee moment and immediately think of SHINee's new song "Hard" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrDeQ4sF0zo) as the characters kept repeating  "We go hard" in regards to their trip.  We go hard like criminal,  Hard like the beat, Hard like my flow..😊

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Shawol reporting for action! LOL Good observation!

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I don’t want to Yuck anyone’s Yum. So please feel free to skip this rant:

I don’t like Won, there I said it. If this character wasn’t played by Junho and instead by a certain Hallyu actor Lee, I think the more grating flaws would be evident. Look I usually like flawed characters, but these episodes just solidified why I can’t stand him. All he does is pine after Sa-rang, anything he learns is from HER, he is incompetent AF. Yes the sister is awful and I’m not gonna defend her, but I can’t take this rivalry seriously when Hwa-ran’s been working there for god knows how long and Won literally just started working there for the past six months!

I don’t want to say it’s sexist but it’s sexist. Look I wouldn’t complain if he came from he studies and started fighting for worker’s rights that he learnt from his expensive ass education. (Go full Marx on me bro!) However, this isn’t the case. Won is just as arrogant as his sister.

He learns about Sa-rang’s friends being conned and what does he do? He literally ONLY takes them on a vacation?? Let’s not forget Da-eul’s WHOLE TEAM were incentivised to work their asses off to meet some ridiculous sales quota so they can get a vacation in Bali. Turns out it was lie, so where’s their Thailand vacation Won?? (I get the show has a budget, but I dunno use some AI to insert them in or something)

As other beanies have pointed out, if it wasn’t Sa-rang in danger, would he care at all about the safety of a random employee?? Get them a helicopter?? I honestly don’t think so.

So why am I still watching? It’s the cute Noona romance between Pyeong-Hwa & Ro-woon, they get so little screen time but are always the highlight of each episode.

And my absolute favourite is the Da-eul’s relationship with her daughter! Asdfghjkl! Their FaceTime chat was the most wholesome, heart tugging scene, and for the first time in is this drama, I rewinded the scene to rewatch it again!

But yeah time to use the FF button for the rest of the show I guess…

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And, ‘workin’ is a generous term to define what he does.
I loath to defend another member of a chaebol family but she at least appears to have worked to exploit their workforce. The whole set up with their somewhat dimwitted ‘stepford’ dad pitting them against each other is disconcerting and vile. I know it happens in RL - see the Murdochs as exhibit one among many others - but with a story so thin - it is just grist to the mill of sexism.

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100% agree!

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Kinda of topic but why didn’t Lee Min-ho take this role instead? It’s perfect for him and I could easily skip this drama. Junho of course would take the role in ASK THE STARS starring opposite Gong Hyo-jin. It makes perfect sense as both these actors worked with the writer before (WOK OF LOVE & JEALOUSY INCARNATE). Don’t mind me I’ll just go cry about what could’ve been…

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Oh, I didn’t know any of this! It would have been a treat for sure.

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As much as Junho starring in Ask The Stars appeals, I still think King the Land is the right choice for his future career. South Koreans pretty much sleep on Junho until the My House fancam blow up, and that clip was from 2015 my goodness!

A story set in the space could very much gone wrong and he will be back as the "nugu" guy. No matter how much success TRS brings him, without a follow up successful project, it will be somehow regarded as luck .

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I would say Gong Hyo-jin is a bigger star than Yoona since she starred in more hits, but I agree. Sci fi so far doesn’t seem to bring in the ratings or popularity. 2021’s anticipated SILENT SEA featuring Gong Yoo wasn’t a big hit and didn’t receive good reviews either

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Yoona definitely has a big star power due to her long withstanding CFs, but I know whose acting I enjoy watching.
Gong Yoo and his neck tattoo sure is the best thing coming out of the Silent Sea.

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You saved me a long post. I really, really, really wanted to like this series. I am so nit picky on actors that it's hard for me to get invested in most of them. I like Junho and he is the only reason I am even here so you are so very right - a certain Lee would have helped saved about 10 hours of my life lol! But I am realizing just liking the actor won't work, I really need to like the character. This probably is the most unattractive chaebol character I have seen. Beautiful visuals only go so far.

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100% agree about needing to like the characters more than the actors. A while ago I dropped Queen of Masks after one episode because I neither liked nor could sympathize with any of the characters. Especially for the ML and FL, I need to like at least one of them a lot to finish a show. And in KTL, I like Sarang and her friends, the grandma, the male flight attendant enough to overlook the ML's shortcomings. At this point, I'm more interested in what happens in those secondary storylines. I can tolerate Gu Won, but only because I don't take him too seriously, because this is a light comedy that doesn't seem very interested in characterization or realistic plots.

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Right, I get that Sa-rang doesn't want him to reveal his identity, but there are anonymous or subtle ways he could improve the workers' situation beyond gifting his girlfriend and her besties a vacation.

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I honestly expected him to investigate and then start making plans for new incentive programs across the company - yunno, fix the actual problem? But of course he’s so busy with the Anniversary . . . 🤔 doing what what again?
(*looks around in bewilderment for actual work being done*).
So a sudden sugar high trip gifted by Daddy Long Legs, super-squee that it was, felt pretty insulting to the viewer. But I guess Thailand wanted a Crazy Rich Asians moment and this is where it fell on the shooting schedule.
Or we’re just being manipulated into a higher high before all the sh*t hits the fan starting in Ep 11, so it feels like an even lower low ?
Oh, surely not 😉

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In general, I agree with your assessment of Gu Won. He's a very weakly fleshed out realistic character, and the only thing that makes him seem a bit human is the way he was traumatized by his mother's disappearance. So far, he's been one dimensional and his only "work" has been to pursue Sa Rang, which makes no sense if the storyline about competing against his sister for control of the company is to be taken seriously.

Having said that, I enjoy the show enough to keep watching because I realize that this is just a fluffy, sugary comedy whose main purpose is to deliver eye candy. And like candy, eating too much of it can cause stomach problems, which I think is what's happening to many viewers.

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Showing the whole first kiss again at the beginning of episode 9 provided confirmation that Junho breathing hard between kisses is as hot as any lip action. Halmeoni opening a savings account for Won - and how wordlessly stunned and touched he was - were lovely. Junho competed in an extended wet t-shirt contest that unsurprisingly Junho won. Nothing else happened. We all have different takes, but I found Sang-shik’s “we go hard!” self-appointed tour guide act as difficult to watch as if I were the one being dragged around without a break; it seems like every drama has to have a sidekick whose main characteristic is categorical refusal to read the room.

I wonder if they took the hyperspace elevator from Good Job and it made a stop at the basement level in that show’s batcave/wardrobe, because nothing else could account for the sudden appearance of black tie and evening dress on the rooftop. Also, yes, Junho and his stylist are conspiring to commit mass murder.

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On a more trivial note, IMO, Junho should never have his hair styled back. It doesn’t suit his face as I realised on MK and it really alters it. Down with that HS!

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I need much, much more evidence before I'm willing to accept this conclusion. What's MK?

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Manager Kim! I always assume you know everything!

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oh whyyy?😂 I'm a member of #junhoforeheadcult

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Could we still stay internet friends despite this chasm?

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We can agree to disagree😂

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Me too! Foreheads rule!

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I just re-watched Just Between Lovers and agree that Junho with bangs is best. I also preferred his 2018 incarnation: more weight, less plastic surgery.

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@skelly: Thanks for agreeing. People should have autonomy over bodies but I wish these noticeable changes to his appearance hadn’t occurred. I understand the normalisation of PS in SK among those who can afford it and globally actors are highly conscious of their weights but I loved jis 2018 face.

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Oh my gosh, the whole Go Hard troupe was exhausting and all I could think was, this is why people hate tourists! Where was someone Korean to tell they were too noisy? 😂

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I was expecting someone Korean to read their T-shirts and say something too! For some reason I was convinced I had heard the go hard phrase on a song or some other drama and it was bugging me the whole way through. I still can’t place it😬

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Omg I was on a Korean Airlines airplane years ago (sadly it was just a layover at the Incheon International Airport, but hey I still get to claim I went to South Korea!) and I usually have nervous tics. I do this subconsciously, this time I was tapping my fingers at the back of the seat in front of me. I was told off by a Korean man sitting in that seat, which fair enough, I agree it would be annoying. But yeah after that incident, I stayed super quiet, and kept my hands together during the rest of the flight 😅

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The assistant (wow, I already forgot his name) annoyed me a lot this episode in general. Not everyone likes everything to be super scheduled!

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Junho competed in an extended wet t-shirt contest that unsurprisingly Junho won

So funny.

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Plot? What plot? I thought we were just here for the kisses, lol!

I have to say I can't disagree with some of the criticisms of this show. Won definitely still has some growing to do. He's talking the talk, but now he needs to make it happen. I'm hoping this is where the show is going for the rest of the episodes.

That being said, I do love the relationship progress, although I did think the "I love you"s came pretty quickly. There's some solid relationship building happening, and I appreciate seeing them comunicate with each other and really get comfortable with each other.

My favorite non-kissing scenes this week were Won & Halmeoni. So, so sweet and touching!

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He's talking the talk, but now he needs to make it happen.

THIS OMG YES

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‘ My favorite non-kissing scenes this week were Won & Halmeoni. So, so sweet and touching’ 👈🏾 was it me or did she take him on the trip after beating him for not doing anything other than hand holding! Is she really not suspicious of his wealth after he sorted her out with the chaebol hospital hotel room & the fast track injections etc. which allowed an early discharge home and immediate mobility improvements as she went on the boasting tour at the market. (Was it just me querying how a room which had all that space only had a stool beside the bed! I am guessing it was for camera angles because it allowed him manoeuvrability when he was getting berated, again).

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That trip was definitely Halmeoni's spoonful-of-sugar after the beating! I thought she'd be too sharp not to catch on to something after he paid for her treatment, but then she opened the savings account for him and I was blinded by the sweetness of it all. I'm a sucker for those family acceptance moments - I just melt into a puddle of brainless goo. Then they go to
Thailand and my brain turns on again, and I start wondering why Won's not working on the 100th anniversary event, and why Sa-rang's friends don't question why the only people receiving free trips just happen to be besties?

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That saving account was beyond sweet and totally in character after saying he was just one of the options. Her making him peel onions on first meeting when his posh suit showed he is not an average Joe showed she is not easily impressed. I wonder if she ever met the previous boyfriend who appeared to be a friendly and popular bloke but was very self centred and immature and in no rush to settle down.

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I wondered too if Halmeoni met the previous louse/bf, if she's so pleased with Won because of the comparison. If she knew anything about Sa Rang's ex she had to have recognized his selfish character. Halmeoni is a sharp character and would have noticed what Sa Rang was too close to see. This actress has been in so many dramas, I first saw her in Coffee Prince which was filmed 15 years ago

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What do I even say when nothing happened.

For starters, I think Jun Ho has nice arms.
He looks much better in the relaxed attire.

I do like that they are enjoying the secret dating. Their interactions were natural and they both wanted to hug, kiss, touch which was refreshing.

Rowoon is 😍😍😍
Just give him more screen time please.

List of things to do when I Thailand - do the food street tour, tuk tuk toir, visit the temples and go to Vertigo and Moon bar for a night drink and great view.

The Secretary is super annoying. I just don’t find him funny.

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I love good Thai food and will be in heaven if I ever get there!

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So these episodes had me weak for various reasons...

Weak with worry: Hwa-Ran is plotting hard with all her might, ignoring her child even. And what is Won doing ? Worrying about Sa-rang and going on vacation after a major power move. Wonnie you have to work, hunny. You can't fail at the 100th anniversary party. Select the guest list, pick the table settings, pick a font for the invitation, do something!

Weak with the feels: Halmeoni is everything! She was the highlight of ep 9. Her teaching Gu Won how to love was in such contrast to his Dad scolding him earlier that love is not for him. And then when she opened the account for him, my eyes welled up.

I just love how Won is finding a family of his own apart from his biological family.

Da-eul with her daughter reminding her to take care of herself was also incredibly sweet. Wives and moms tend to put themselves last but it was such a poignant reminder that you can't care for others if you don't take care of yourself as well.

Weak with laughter: The number of times I covered my mouth to keep my self from screaming laughing 🤣. That group, they are too ridiculous. Sang-sik and Won are so extra! I love them. And Rowoon just joined the hijinks so seamlessly. I agree script wise the actors don't have the world's best dialogue to work with but it's the little details that strike me still. For e.g. when Rowoon gets up to get ready for his flight and Won and Sang-sik roll over to cuddle each other. I almost died laughing. The whole Thailand episode felt like the director said, "Guys you be you and we'll just record some of it."

Weak in the knees: Akkkk, guys Rowoon may be Pyeong-hwa's junior but he has such swagger. I love his confidence. He knows who he wants and not afraid to let her know it. 💕 And yes, as others shared, she is reciprocating. Eep!!!!!! I can't even capture my excitement in actual words.

As I mention swagger, let's reflect Won escorting Sa-rang to King the Land. I am proud of her for only falling apart after he left, because in that moment when he leaned forward my heart stopped. He drips charisma when he is ready. The pool scene was another example.

I do agree the love confession on the roof top was a bit early but overall these episodes were my weekly doses of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin all rolled into one.

Expecting some more drama to kick in next week guys so hold strong...this week was the frosting but we're getting to the cake below

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😆 “you have to work, hunny”! Thank you for that.

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‘ Wonnie you have to work, hunny. You can't fail at the 100th anniversary party. Select the guest list, pick the table settings, pick a font for the invitation, do something’👈🏾 The only thing missing from this was ‘please, I am begging you’

‘Expecting some more drama to kick in next week guys so hold strong...this week was the frosting but we're getting to the cake below’ 👈🏾 agreed.

You get the 🫘Beansprout award🌱 for saying all I wanted to say in a much better way than me and then some.

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Awww. As much as I am enjoying how the actors portray their characters, I understand that the plot is underdeveloped for 10 episodes in. While I'm still giddy and swooning I am also bracing for the inevitable backlash

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Plot progression? Who cares about that when we get two episodes of fluffy cuteness with JUNHO and Yoona plus grandma? I even loved the Thailand TRAVEL shots, too (who cares when/how they changed to evening formal wear?) My screen just lit up with pure pretty through 9-10 and I loved it.

But now I'm already stressed about the turmoil that is surely coming at the episode 11-12 point. Such is life in the Kdrama zone...

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Every time Won declares that he will always be at her side etc etc I’m like oh god, hold on.

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I dropped KTL at episode 3 so I didn’t dare to jump in any discussion about this show. However, I still go through the recap every week. As far as I remember, Junho’s character hates the service smile on the employees and he asked Yoona’s character to stop showing that in front of him. So in the recaps, I sort of look for screenshots of Sarang with other expressions rather than THAT smile but funnily enough, she doesn’t seem to have any other happy face rather than that smile even when she’s with Won. To be fair, I don’t see Won has any other expression than the smitten look either 😅 I love Junho but I’ll be (patiently) waiting for his next project then.

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Like I said on my fan wall the other day - ‘it is all fluff and no substance’

At this point in time I want some shizz to hit the fan to keep me engaged.

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Did anything really happen in ep 10 aside from an ad for Thailand? Side note: I am not tempted to go to Thailand, but I am now craving Thai food.

I really want to like Won, but he's making it very difficult for me. He's putting zero work into his job. Maybe it will be a plot point that the awards banquet will crash and burn, but part of me is worried that he's magically going to pull it off and I'm just gonna have to accept that. If anything, the drama has convinced me that he and the sister should work together, he can care about the employees and she can handle the actual operations and, y'know, making money.

I feel ridiculous saying this because I usually criticize romance dramas for having too little focus on the actual romance. I'm frustrated with See You in My 19th Life for having too much plot at the expense of the romance, but this isn't the solution for me either. I was getting so bored during the last few eps. Is there any balance that can be found?

Also, I felt like it was WAY too early in the relationship for them to say they love each other.

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Ok, so here’s what will happen.
Won will have his ass handed to him by Sis, repeatedly, will learn all about Life from the experience and then he and Sa Rang will join Halmoni and make her restaurant a Pan-Asian superchain. Or just take over all the roadside rest stops in Korea. Or decide to spend the rest of his life sitting at the bottom of a swimming pool. Oh wait, that’s the wrong show 😏

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Your recap is so much more entertaining the actual episodes @dramaddictally! Thank you.

Vacous is the word.

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For me, episode 10 was a little too much of a good thing. Fine, make progress on the romance side. But leaving for a vacation while he's supposed to be in charge of a big event? Seems like a non-sensical dereliction of duty. Surely they could have kissed many times while working together to plan for the big event? (And it's possible that we'll see that in the next episodes.) I suppose the money from the Thailand Tourism Bureau was too good to pass up.

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And to top it, ONLY her besties got to go. What about the entire teams that ha dbeen busting their behinds?

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Alas, I think we're learning that we can't expect that kind of reasonable fidelity to the plot from this show. The only plot they're focusing on is "How and where can we set up their next kiss?"

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LOL!! The dramas where we WANT that kiss so desparately and get it in last 10 seconds. And then this, where even the kisses are starting to fall flat.

So flat that people actually noticed them going into the pool in long pants hahaha!

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They were wearing shorts in the pool, too. Like, jean shorts. Is that a cultural thing?

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@vienibenmio It is possible. Swimsuits might be frowned upon in drawing rooms in conservative societies (makes no sense though, that steamy kiss is OK but swimsuits not?)

I just remembered - in the reality series In the Soop, four of the five of Wooga squad members were wearing long shorts and T shirts in the pool, except for PSJ who was the only one in swimming trunks.

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@vienibenmio They were all fully clothed in every pool scene. It looked weird to me as I know swimsuits exist in Korea. I also noticed that the three women were relatively covered-up on their Bangkok outings, with long sundresses over t-shirts or under cardigans. I don't know if that's meant to respect Korean or Thai sensibilities, though - plenty of tourists in the background of those scenes were much more lightly clad.

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@elinor I do get confused by the way most women dress in the dramas because I see them dressed much more casually otherwise (T-shirts under sundress, leggings under dresses etc). Maybe it's a K-drama thing.

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We have just crossed the mid-season threshold, we have the happy couple, cuteness dialed up to 11.

For me, that means it's time to ask what is coming next.

Obviously, we are at the point where the excrement is going to interact with the oscillating air circulation device. Gu Won has declared war on his sister a few episodes ago, so we are more than due for that to take center stage. Get ready for a very different Won at this point.

This is almost certainly going to be the root of the inevitable "breakup." How do you know it's going to happen? It's a K-drama. My bet that in this case, though, it's going to be from Won's effort to protect Sa-Rang, not so much the result of a fight.

Sa-Rang has a natural gift where hospitality is concerned. I'd like to see what she ends up doing to make the 100 year celebration a success.

To that point, I'm betting on a part of that being a menu that gets back to the root of traditional Korean cuisine. There has been a consistent focus on how wonderful those foods are with Won trying so many dishes for the first time. I just can't see that not being followed up. Anticipate Grandmother being at the heart of the catering.

The reveal of Gu Won's real identity. Soon-He is already being hard on him to make sure he's good enough for her granddaughter. That's not going to change. In fact, if nothing, she will set an even higher bar for her approval. And it won't have anything to do with money. It will be about love and priority. Her besties? That will be the trope shock, of course.

I'm not going be surprised if Sa-Rang is running the hotel by the time we reach the end, while Won has taken over the entire family business, letting his father retire. In fact, I'm beginning to suspect that this is his father's intent but that he wants Won to earn it.

I have no idea how the mother drama for both will work out.

So far, what I'm liking most of this drama is the lighter tone. I've been in need of cheese, camp, and fun and this one fits the bill. Love To Hate You did a good job of that earlier this year and been one of my favorite romantic comedy stories in a very long time. This one is going to obviously turn into a real power struggle, but I hope the writers manage to do that in a way that doesn't abandon the fun we've had up to this point.

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‘ I'm not going be surprised if Sa-Rang is running the hotel by the time we reach the end, while Won has taken over the entire family business, letting his father retire. In fact, I'm beginning to suspect that this is his father's intent but that he wants Won to earn it’ 👈🏾 this is my theory too or they run a different enterprise.

I think Won has the skill set from the studies and the heart for the staff to have an ethical business but his examples of hands on when he got sacked day one, his oblivion to his impact when loitering with intent in the lounge etc. makes me wonder what happens when he can’t pull in favours and the key people are undermining him because they are sucking up to his sister who has the chosen track record and so will be their long term boss.

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Hey, Dramaddictally. You missed calling out one the the most charming parts in the episode 11 escape.

Yoon-ah did wonderful channeling her inner Audrey Hepburn. Between the pink dress and the LBD later that night with her hair up, she was beyond adorable.

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Yup. She was absolutely GORGEOUS

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not done with ep10 yet. just had to stop to lodge my complaint.

who the hell goes into a pool in long pants???? dumb.

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Hahahahaha! This.

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Keep the long pants please. I know I can't handle Junho in swimming trunks lol. And he will be so STRESSED about having to look perfect on camera.

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Same! He looks amazing in suits, fantastic in his vacation casual looks...my brain will experience system failure if it goes further 😂

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I was thinking the night shoot in a country with insects would be a nightmare for the actors avoiding being bitten and jumping every time something lands on them. So it made sense to be fully covered especially with multi angle in the water shots .

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Well, I'm an expat in a SE Asian country and it's completely normal here. Into the pool/sea in whatever you're wearing. At first it baffled me; now it makes total sense (and removes issues of sunburn, body shame, clothing judgementalism etc).

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interesting!! i had no idea...

i thought maybe junho has really skinny legs or something, like the handsome italian tennis player, berretini...
: D

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Thanks for this info! Interesting. I wonder if the PD knew this and the pool scenes were planned or if they had other reasons for fully clothed swimming

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@dramaddictally thank you for the weecap this week. I loved the extended Thailand PPL I don’t get how they managed to pull that off without it being a massive pain for the tourists but they have their own film industry so will have ways and means. The accommodation was gorgeous and it was funny seeing the three men having their buddy chat and later cuddle. I look forward to seeing the three female friends and their respective partners on a couples trip when things are out in the open. I need it to be an appropriately funded trip this time and I need to see the husband berated and shamed by the other two men for taking his wife for granted.

I am struggling with the company paid extended jolly with his girlfriend while back at the ranch Won has shown no signs of setting the wheels in motion for a huge event. Unless Won is making it look like he doesn’t care to distract his sister and has it all in hand for a big reveal later, he is way too blasé. I don’t see how this is going to end well when time was so limited and he is not on site to head off the expected friendly fire.

I am calling it that when child Sarang originally went to the hotel with her mum she met child Won and his mum. I hope that we find out what happened with his mum and it is not another one of those stories where she was allowed to stay to wean him but then was removed from his life because he was an heir but she was disposable. It would be great if she has a prominent role in the rival hotel so is doing ok but sad that she has maintained no contact even now that he is an adult. I wonder what kind of contract she was forced to sign that cuts her out for ever. I wonder is Sarang and the soon to be found mother in law will be similar in personality and commitment to the job so they all end up running the King business or their own family business. I hope we see Won’s mum has been watching him from afar all this time, although I have a bad feeling she might have died and the dad covered it up to save Won from the pain.

Am I the only one surprised that no one in the company has seen Won so no one recognises who he is.

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Woah, the „childhood encounter“ trope! I haven’t thought of it yet. While KTL is indeed checking all the trope boxes, so now this doesn’t seem impossible?! (Not complaining though! Haha)

On board with the due reckoning of the golfing husband. Hopefully Da-eul will get rid of him somehow…!

And yes: Gu Won - WHEN will you do the work?! Episode 8 previewing the upcoming battle of the siblings, the lingering 100 years event and still… he goes on holiday. While I enjoyed the romantic couple scenes immensely, this somehow felt off. I fear that there will be again some easy way out for him to ace the event no matter what (like the smooth yet simple solution to the Prince situation), but I’m missing the build up to a responsible, able company leader who earned this place rightfully and understandably. (And gains the trust of his employees along the way!)

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Well this is a first time that I gave zero damn that there was literally no plot in two whole eps of a drama. Because Junho's face and swoonyness overload. And don't even get me started on the hoobae. Prrrrr...

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I think I won't like Won as a character. After 10 episodes, he didn't show any growth as a worker. He can't make a difference between his working place and his dating life. In an office romance, at least the 2 characters are working and it's better when one of them is not the big CEO. So the writer will make him a great manager because he can do everything and he's the ML without any development like for the food.

I like the 3 girls together, they're fun to watch and I really like their friendship. I need more development for them too!

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The romance and chemistry between the leads is fantastic and I wish the writers had stuck with that and did a tight 10 or 12 episode romantic drama. I believe this drama would have been better following the example of Love to Hate You…just tell a love story without the cliche backstories.

I frankly do not care about any of the subplots. The obligatory childhood trauma with the ML’s mother seems so haphazardly done. We don’t need some ridiculous trauma story from childhood to like the character. The best friends stories seem thrown together and are not fully fleshed out. We are introduced to a poor excuse for a husband but it’s all surface level and then he disappears from the story.

Now onto my biggest pet peeve…the ML’s character….I don’t love it. I love Junho but not the character. It is written so superficially. He is looking to oust his sister in running the hotel but apart from bringing the prince has done precious little. He has to organize the biggest event for the hotel ever and his response thus far has been to chase after the FL at work (extremely unprofessional) and then look a fun trip on the company. Is his sister a nice person…no…but she clearly seems to be the better manager. After all, she recognized the FL’s talent and promoted her on merit and not seniority.

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I am fast turning into team sister. I am hoping they find a middle ground. They are making the sister one note too. She is a very capable manager but forces her personal feelings to the backburner and fights her brother every step of the way because she know the unfair advantage Won has for just being a son. She has probably hated him for this reason. The father is a piece of poo. There could have been a great moving story right there. Sigh! Why can't they mix a bit of reasonable melo with the fluff?

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Yes, and what's with them adding the plot point of her husband wanting a divorce? And this week, they show us how she ignores a seemingly urgent call from or regarding her child.

Is the show using her as a cautionary tale about how being overly devoted to your work destroys your family? Or that women can't have success without their family life suffering (which also seems to be implied with Da-eul's husband being such a wastrel)? Not really sure yet what lessons we're supposed to glean from her character.

Either way, I feel like she's too profit-minded and yet remains under-appreciated by her father.

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I fear that they're just showing it to make her even more of a villain (look at how she neglects her child!)

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The lazy writing is mind boggling. They are like, hey we don't have a fleshed out villain, we need one. Whoom! Make this woman neglect her child.

There. Perfect villain in a perfectly sexist drama masquereding as romance. Fun fact: Sa rang will have to spend her life catering to the whimses of her lazy a** husband because he can't be bothered to do any of his own s**t. Junho's character did more things to help himself in TRS as the King than he does as a spoiled clueless all-talk-no-walk chaebol.

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This. I really can't figure out what this show wants to be, The storyline of the missing mom seems to now be an afterthought? I do predict that the next episode will take a hard right turn, as the last few episodes just went from 0-100 on the love story, ending with what feels like a real quick exchange of "I love you". There's some bad news and heartbreak coming.
There is a part of me that wants to see the ML get pegged down a notch from his sister, as he deserves it for all the reasons others have pointed out here. Again, the comeuppance is coming.
I feel like the FL's character hasn't really been developed as well. What we know is that both her parents are not around, assumed to be passed away? But what else do we really know about her apart from her dedication to her job and she had a crap ex BF?
Don't get me wrong, I still like the show. If I had to pick between this and "See you in my 19th Life", I would pick this. The other show is a slog and I don't have the same level of anticipation that I have for KTL each week.

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It's also just.. like... okay, I hate to rank trauma, but this IS airing at the same time as See You in My 19th Life and I can't kept help thinking about Seo-ha's trauma compared to Gu Won's, the latter of which is literally that his mom left and the staff kept smiling at him.

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Honestly, Gu Won's backstory isn't even traumatic in terms of how the mental health field defines it. His experience wouldn't qualify him for a PTSD diagnosis.

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Many of you will know this but I didn’t. That brute, Junho, once broke OTY’s arm!
https://twitter.com/Koreaboo/status/1678827764177334273

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I didn't know Taec grew up in Boston suburbs. I had been wondering the secret behind his distinct New England American accent.

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I have to admit that I am very jealous of him and others who can speak fluent korean and english. Check out this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7p9vn7nRUo&t=1246s

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@dncingemma Since you are bringing up Junho stories, maybe you didn't know that for this show, the writer had to take time off for a family emergency just as the script for episode 10 was due.

Netflix, showing its usual respect for writers, was not only going to fire her but also sue her for breach of contract. Junho said "NO! Writers have rights too! Yoona and I will tour Thailand, throw in a few kisses, get dressed up, and we're good--the writer can take the time off she needs."

So this last episode was a beautiful case of life imitating art: Junho for workers rights!

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Haha. If only the drama had a writer! I thought a PPL-focused chatbot had written that ep!
But he really did break Taecyeon’s arm when they were arm wrestling! My new theory is that Junho was always hellbent on KD-world domination within their group and was trying to neutralise Taecyeon any which way he could. He is like a KPop Dr Evil!

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I think Taecyeon will soon be thoroughly neutralized by classic Kdrama kryptonite: a show that begins promisingly but ends badly for all involved.

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How dare you, young man. How…dare…you.

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I hope not! I’m envious of all of you who have been able to watch it. I saw some clips and Taecyeon is really funny. And, the vampire friends are a great addition.
I hope it doesn’t derail itself. The drama seems like such a little gem.

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I haven't seen the latest episode yet, but let me just say, I'm a bit concerned based on last night's story. Whenever destiny and past lives are brought into Kdrama play, melodramatic tragedy lurks.

Fortunately, King the Land can avoid this trap, merely by throwing in a few decent kisses every episode! Then who cares about the narrative. I certainly don't!

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@hacja: Thank you kindly.
It is horrible for sure. Please stay well.

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@attiton: Your reply to @hacja has cheered me up to no end - I’m sick with bronchitis - it just made me giggle and then some! Thanks for this.

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Hope you feel better. Bronchitis is never pleasant.

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Oh, no…I’m so very distressed to hear that you’re ill! But—if this wasn’t already clear—I am always happy to bring even a sliver a joy to other people, especially dear ones!

I hope you feel much better soon. I’ll be sending all my best thoughts your way. 💞

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@attitonha: Thank you kindly too! Your public service hasn’t gone unappreciated! The only silver lining from being this sick is that when my head is not foggy, I take the risk of coughing even more by reading your funny back and forths. It is worth it.

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I am awarding you the Hanging in there 🫘Beansprout🌱 award for keeping the banter going from your sick bed. Praying for a speedy recovery.

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@reply1988: Thank you for being kind as is your wont!

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KING THE LAND (Ep. 9-10) In Episode 9, I realized that Gu Won is really not good at his job. He has done no planning for the big event but decided to take over all hotel operations. He sits back at his desk only thinking about Sa-Rang. Instead of working, he goes to see Grandma. He wastes time going around with Grandma (who is showing him off to her friends for their reaction of this “candidate.”) Instead of working, he goes on an expensive incentive trip with Sa-Rang’s friends. Again, he shows no boundaries for his position or for Sa-Rang. For a person who acknowledging rewards for hard work, he has not put in any effort on his own work. I can see another Gu Won “snap of the finger” miraculous perfect anniversary bash conclusion. His sister is the one actually focused on her job (see did not take an emergency call from her son.)

Sa-Rang is smitten by Won’s attention which she did not get from her ex. But is that enough to have a healthy relationship?

The Thailand trip was mostly filler. But is not their secret relationship now out of the bag? Perhaps Won gets in trouble and loses his position with this latest stunt. This will have to cause problems for Sa-Rang at work and her personal life (from Golden Employee to Golddigger.) What was that formal clothing change at the end? To show that Sa-Rang fits into the upper class? Also, what is the deal the OTP can only kiss if they are being drenched with water.

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LOL, yeah... I was wondering the same thing with the formal wear at the end. As if Gu Won suddenly turned into James Bond.
With the Thailand thing, I was half expecting Lisa from Blackpink to make a cameo, as she is Thai.

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Agree with many of the comments from other Beanies.

I love romcoms — the tropes, the sugar, the fluff, the I'm-so-giddy-I-can't-wipe-this-silly-smile-off-my-face moments, but too much of a good thing can still be bad, and I think I hit my limit at Episode 10. Even the squeals of delight from our three best friends while on their trip were grating on me.

So Episode 10 was the first time I set Netflix to play at 1.25x speed (except for the convo Won and Sa-rang had about his mother, which I watched at normal speed).

Hopefully, we get some plot progression next week. I wish Won would get a crash course on life and responsibilities and accountability and actually grows up! ( Like, dude! Openly flirting with an employee in a hotel that no doubt has cameras in hallways and elevators is no bueno! Plus, if they get caught, Sa-rang will be painted as the employee who's sleeping her way to advance herself. He should care about the negative consequences on her professional reputation more than he does right now, especially considering how devoted she is to her career and job.)

Here's hoping that the still-unresolved plot points are given enough airtime in the remaining episodes to unfold with dramatic impact, rather than getting crammed into the last 10 mins.

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Setting it to play a higher speed is brilliant. I just do other things and half watch, but that's a really great idea. Especially because it's hard enough to cram this one in during the weekend along with 19th Life.

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I have a premonition that Won is not too worried about the anniversary celebration and the invitations because he's not going to invite "important" people, he's going to have a party for the employees. That will round off the focus on the workers as valued individuals and not disposable property. It will also be consistent with what Won has learned from Sa-rang about the people in his company with all its subsidiaries.

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I am loving this suggestion I hope it comes to pass as it does make perfect sense. It will of course lead to major domestics from those who feel they have been snubbed especially if they are the sister’s partners in crime. If he does it right with the press it will make anyone arguing against it look bad in public.

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I just had a flashback to a Chinese period drama where they avoided the politics of hierarchy by inviting the parents of the key people. I think it was Nothing Gold can stay but I might be making that up.

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Oh that would be super! And his sister could not have any public complaint if he couched it with the press as a follow up to her comment that the employees are the true owners of the company. Take THAT sis!!

He could also use the party to recognize the employees who have worked a long time, like the guy at the main entrance with 30 years. Won had a thoughtful look when this was pointed out to him.

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I just can't! not watch this! This is just what I need for a pick me up. I watch each episode twice just to relive the fun! there are a few dramas that I save and savor and wait to watch each episode cause I don't want it to end and this is the one this year. Yoona is adorable and spunky and Junho is, well Junho at his sexy smoldering funny best. Take me away King the Land! I love the other actors also and it is just my delight each week. And I need the break from life.

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cause, you know, I was in Junho's life in my other life. (the make believe one)

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won does not deserve to go on that trip ngl he has done nothing to deserve it. he didnt work his way upto the position he was given and threw a fit when he spent a day in their lives.. hopefully he does something about this in the next ep.

not saying this show needs a third act serial killer or stalker but this show needs some interesting conflict i really dont need fluff for the next six episodes. that being said.. yoona oh man what a cutie i can almost forgive this shows transgressions when she does aegyo on screen.

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I like the show for its light-heartedness. For sure it doesn't hold me in like intense stories ( when I say that usually I am thinking of uncontrollably fond). But its an easy on the heart and head drama. The sub-plots are a bit extended here and could have been richer. The light feel of the drama takes me back to watching Business Proposal, but BP for me was undoubtedly funnier with excellent comic timings. I liked the way the relationship is moving but each time I feel Won will finally take charge on the professional front something misses the mark. Sometimes he says he will do it but then spends a lot of time on misc matters. Just an observation though, not a criticism. I guess there are hits and misses everywhere and the chemistry is charming enough for me to see this drama through. Good for a light drama watching

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👋 Welcome to the Beanie comments section, we hope you will have fun while you are here.

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I'm commenting as I watch, so even though the drama has ended it's fun to read all of the comments here of your thoughts while you were all watching live!

I'm enjoying this one so far, and accepting it as a light fluff watch so I can ignore most of the incongruous plot points. Love the scenes with Halmeoni, the three friends and the airline couple. (The bank account!! 🥹) Kim Ga Eun also played one of a friendship trio in Because This Life is our First and I liked her there too.

Junho does smoulder scenes very well. The wet restaurant kiss scene with his intense looks and breathing - and asking permission! - were ooooh la la! He's still not Gong Yoo level for me, though! 😄 To each their own...

I loved the silhouette scene in Halmeoni's restaurant!! Awesome! The physical comedy made me chuckle, and the almost kiss gave me Sound of Music vibes. I bet the actors had a lot of fun filming this one.

I'm thinking either Won is going to pull off the 100 anniversary party at the last minute like he did the prince visit, or he'll fail and this will be the middle of drama trouble part but he'll succeed by the conclusion. The best idea was from @dramalover4ever with the employee party.

It's funny to read comments from Mother Bean @reply1988 because I often have the same practical thoughts! The car keys in the water, so expensive! The logistics of filming in crowds in Thailand. Why no one recognizes Won as who he is given he's the recently returned son of the chairman, isn't he pictured on the website or in the news?! And I also wonder about a childhood connection during Sa Rang's visit to King hotel. Great minds and all that! 😁

Loved the Thailand trip though it was not well done of Won to use company money for a date. And I can't recall the first name he has given himself as Mr. No, but if it's Won, then he's No Won.... Hehe.

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Good to have another beanie who gets distracted with real world practicalities while happily watching K dramas😊. Feel free to mention me so I can come in and share the journey with you when appropriate😉. (I am having issues with internet and being gateway errored frequently so there may be a delay in my responses sometimes)

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I'd also like to say that I've also vicariously enjoyed "seeing" you progress through this drama, @goyangi, as you "like" comments. I keep wondering what you are thinking of it and was glad to catch this comment go by!

So happy you're enjoying yoursel!! Keep your light touch! This is a good drama...but not to be taken too seriously :)

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Oh thanks beanie friends for replying! I'm usually so far behind in watching dramas that I figure I'm likely posting only for myself 😄

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Usually when I see notifications I go to see if there is a comment as often beanies read, like and add their own comment. I often sit with a drink reading comments as beanies are generally very humorous and/or informative.

However, when beanies are hate watching without seeing the funny side the negativity is palpable and stand out like that character from Pegasus market who gives off toxic fumes so despite the aroma of the food he is cooking for people to taste no one goes near him 😬. It’s a shame when that happens because the beanie hate watching comments sections can be hysterically funny.

Sometimes weecaps and comments sections of shows I have chosen not to watch become the best comment sections on the site because weecapers and beanies turn their disappointment and bafflement into something entertaining.

Most beanies use the beanie tab to see the most recent comments across the site and like the comments from there unless they want to see the reply in context. So, I am sure I am not the only one who will respond to a comment after a show has finished airing. Exhibit one 👉🏾 @attiton

Unfortunately, I will miss some comments when I have 🛜 issues or the site is playing up or it’s a weecap day of a popular drama.