Coffee Prince: Tenth Cup
by javabeans
Oh holy frijoles this was a good episode.
I’ve been careful (I think) to indicate that I’ve been enjoying Coffee Prince, but held off on a verdict… Given a history of disappointments, I kept expectations low in starting this series; I just hoped it would be light fun. As of today’s episode, I can say with certainty that I love Coffee Prince. I was so curious to see how they’d handle the pseudo-homosexuality angle, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
The story works whether you see Eun Chan as a girl, of course, but also if, like me, you find yourselves occasionally forgetting and thinking she really is a male, or at least some kind of new hybrid gender. I’m telling ya, the actors are selling it, particularly Mr. Gong Yoo (Yoon Eun Hye is doing wonderfully as well, but I’m speaking specifically to the struggle with sexuality-questioning here). I actually believe Han Gyul as someone struggling with feelings of homosexuality, rather than merely thinking, “But she’s a girl so this is all moot.” It’s NOT moot — because the way they’re exploring his struggle is really rewarding for me.
(Background) SONG OF THE DAY
Arco – “Alien.” One of a few songs used in today’s episode.
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EPISODE 10 SUMMARY
Eun Chan runs into Han Sung at a neighborhood convenience store, and they sit down for an awkward talk. Han Sung apologizes to her for startling her with his kiss, and she says she’s been having some trouble with that, too: “Should we just forget about it?” Han Sung replies he has a good memory, and she revises: “Then, should we pretend we’ve forgotten?”
Han Sung asks why they need to forget, and seems disappointed in her answer that they should, in order to be friends again. Han Sung: “Friends? You want to be friends with me?” Eun Chan readily answers yes, so he says (not totally convincingly), “So I’ve made another good friend. It feels great.”
Eun Chan tells him about Han Gyul wanting her to quit the cafe. “I guess I like him. No, I really do like him, a lot.” She asks if he’s surprised, and Han Sung says he’s not — he already sensed it. “But things are bound to get complicated, since he thinks you’re a guy. Are you going to confess to him?” Eun Chan answers, showing her insecurity: “I think it’s better to get along as a male than to be rejected as a female.”
Worried about Han Gyul, Ha Rim goes to his place and is concerned to see the place in such a wreck and Han Gyul looking so rough. Ha Rim asks what’s wrong, persisting until Han Gyul responds.
Han Gyul: “I… I like him. Go Eun Chan.”
Ha Rim: “My Chan? Come on, I like him too…”
Ha Rim trails off, realizing the implication. Stunned, Ha Rim asks if Eun Chan knows, and Han Gyul just says, “What’s there for that guy to know? Don’t worry. I’ll get over it soon.”
Ha Rim’s concern for Han Gyul puts him in an irritable mood. He sees Eun Chan’s (feigned) indifference to Han Gyul’s continued absence, and snaps at her. Doesn’t she care about their boss at all? Without knowing the full story, Ha Rim assumes that Han Gyul is alone in his personal torment, and that Eun Chan is blissfully unconcerned, so her attitude fills him with indignation.
Just as Ha Rim’s accusing Eun Chan of being rude and uncaring, Han Gyul arrives. He greets everyone but Eun Chan, whom he ignores and won’t even look at.
Eun Chan fights back tears as she tells Sun Ki, “He looks like he went through a lot of pain.” Sun Ki agrees: “Yeah, looked like it.”
Yu Ju’s considering going back to New York for work. Han Sung asks if she’s decided yet, and she replies, “Choice one, I go. Two, I wait. Three, I don’t go or wait, but we break up. Which number will it be?”
Han Sung: “Can you give me some time?”
Yu Ju: “How much? A week? Ten days?… Looks like you’ll need more than that.”
While cleaning up that night, Han Gyul and Eun Chan steal glances at each other, but Han Gyul looks away immediately every time. Ha Rim asks him: “Is it that hard just to look at him? It’s written all over your face — you’re so tense you can’t even turn in that direction.”
Eun Chan waits for him outside, but he keeps her firmly at a distance. He tells her not to hang around him, to stay away (physically), and not to concern herself with his affairs: “If you don’t like it, you can pack up and leave.” Eun Chan bristles at his coldness, and rides her scooter in front of his car, forcing him to look at her. Unable to move, he angrily honks the horn. Throwing a resentful glare his way, she leaves.
Still thinking that Eun Chan is ignorant of Han Gyul’s feelings, Ha Rim asks her what she thinks about homosexuality (she doesn’t really have an opinion on it). In a misguided attempt to help, Ha Rim prepares to go on a coffee delivery run with Han Gyul, then fakes a stomachache and calls Eun Chan to take his place.
Eun Chan keeps trying to smooth things over to maintain a friendly conversation, but that just makes Han Gyul angrier. Upset that he won’t talk to her, as soon as she gets in the car, Eun Chan turns on the radio, which he turns off. That fuels her mood, and after a brief battle over the radio dial, Han Gyul orders her out of the car. When she won’t leave, he walks over to her door and drags her out by the arm. She glares at him furiously, and asks why he’s toying with her.
Eun Chan: “You said you liked me! You said you wanted to be sworn brothers!”
Han Gyul: “Do you really want me to be your brother? Would you really like that?”
Eun Chan: “I don’t like that either. Do you think I do? You said you wouldn’t like me as a girl, that you liked me as a guy. And in a month, you’re going off to America. What do you expect me to do?”
Starting to blink back tears, she goes on: “I really liked being at the beach… I was doing fine all on my own, and you came and made me into this…” Han Gyul reminds her of the time she asked him to leave her alone so she could get over her feelings for him: “Let me borrow those words. Leave me alone.” This time, when she doesn’t follow him back to the car, Han Gyul grabs her and drags her back.
Han Gyul: “It’s only a month at most. In one month, it’s over. I’ll bear it till then, so you do the same.”
Eun Chan: “It’s over for you as soon as you leave, isn’t it? You don’t bother thinking about who you leave behind. Fine. Let’s get along for the remaining month.”
Barely able to control himself, Han Gyul tells her to shut her mouth. One more word and she’s asking to be hit.
Arco’s “Alien” (also posted up top)
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They drive in silence. Han Gyul looks over surreptitiously while Eun Chan wipes away angry tears. In a small gesture of remorse(? compromise?), he turns on the radio.
Eun Chan tells her sister (who’s annoyed that Min Yub is ignoring her, which is driving her crazy) that she and Han Gyul had a huge fight. But:
“He says I’m making things hard on him. Why am I so stupid? Thinking about it, he’s the one who’s been wronged. What did I do that gives me a right to cry, or yell? What do I do now? It really seems like he’s hurting because of me.”
Eun Sae tells her to tell him the truth.
Eun Chan: “If I tell him… I might not see him again. I’m afraid of how angry he’ll be that I lied to him. It might not be the right thing to do, but he’s going to America in a month anyway. Just for one month… just… I’ll just…”
Over the next few days, the Coffee Princes prepare for their public performance (meant as a promotion for the cafe). They start off haphazard and unskilled, but gradually manage to pull it together.
Han Gyul and Eun Chan continue not to talk. The most they can do is look at each other.
In a nicely poignant, wordless scene, Han Gyul carries dirty plates to the kitchen, where Eun Chan is washing the dishes. Slowly, he moves next to her, first washing alongside her, then using the dishes as an excuse to reach across her for closer proximity. And finally, they both reach into the soapy water — and freeze completely still, alarmed, unsure how to react to the accidental touch. Han Gyul quickly withdraws his hand from the sink and leaves.
While setting up for their performance, Eun Chan is greeted as “oppa” by a flock of girls (Eun Sae and company). Han Gyul witnesses the scene from above, disturbed to see Eun Chan receiving so much female attention. He’s even more bothered to see Han Sung arrive to give Eun Chan congratulatory flowers.
The performance gets off to a lively start with Min Yub as the MC. They use instruments made of coffee-related implements (beans, crates, utensils) in keeping with their coffee theme, as well as singing and dancing. Even Eun Sae is impressed to see Min Yub onstage, getting lots of attention. One of the songs they sing is “Java Jive” (this is the song, although this track itself isn’t used in the show).
“Java Jive”
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After the performance, Han Sung sits with Han Gyul while the Coffee Princes dance around energetically. Han Gyul fights his jealousy when Sun Ki grabs Eun Chan to dance (Min Yub intervenes, taking Eun Chan’s place).
It worsens when Eun Chan gives Han Sung a present — her first attempt at roasting coffee beans. Han Sung happily accepts: “How can I drink this coffee? I’ll want to save it.”
Unable to contain his jealousy, Han Gyul needles them both, telling Han Sung he’s treating Eun Chan like she’s a girl. Han Sung merely smiles knowingly while Han Gyul keeps picking on her. He asks Han Sung how he can stand Eun Chan’s attention — he couldn’t. “Ugh, I can’t look at you guys — you look like a couple.”
He deliberately brings up the name Yu Ju to provoke Eun Chan, and she gets the message, leaving right away. Han Sung walks her home as she tells him despondently how Han Gyul wants her to quit work. Starting to cry, Eun Chan explains:
“But I don’t want to quit… because I need to earn money. No, that’s an excuse. It’s because I like coffee… another excuse. He’s so warm, and fun, and I like him. I like him so much I wish I could forget about the lie I told… I know I was wrong… but still…”
Now crying in earnest, she continues, in between sobs:
“I wish I could have him by my side… that he’d like only me… that he wouldn’t go away to America… But what is this? I’m not a man or a woman. And I’m so scared I can’t say a word.”
Han Sung can only offer her a silent pat on the back (and he seems to see that there’s no room for him in her heart). As they near her house, Eun Chan regains her composure and thanks Han Sung for his comfort.
Han Sung: “I don’t really know what this is… but I’ve found I like being with you, whether you’re laughing or crying. Promise me something, that in front of me, you’ll act however you want. That you won’t hide your mood or your emotions. What do you say?”
She promises.
Han Sung talks to Yu Ju on the phone while she’s with Han Gyul, who tries not to notice when Yu Ju mentions Eun Chan. Han Sung tells her that Han Gyul and Eun Chan both like each other.
Yu Ju doesn’t know what to do with that knowledge, but tells Han Gyul she’s sorry, though she doesn’t explain why: “I wish nobody would get hurt… but that’s too much to ask for.”
At work, Ha Rim asks Eun Chan if she’s good friends with Han Sung, and she says yes — they meet often, hang out, ride bikes, eat and drink together. Around the corner, Han Gyul overhears this with dissatisfaction.
Finally, Han Gyul looks up to see Eun Chan, and notices the belt on her apron has come undone. Without warning, he goes up her, putting his arms around her to retie it.
Uncomfortable, she takes over. Min Yub rushes in, elated that Eun Sae has texted him to meet for dinner, and grabs her in a huge hug. Unable to stand watching that, Han Gyul immediately breaks them apart.
Later, Han Gyul overhears Eun Chan talking cheefully to Han Sung over the phone as she does the dishes. Ha Rim brings in an improperly washed cup (a customer complained), and Han Gyul vents his jealousy by scolding her. She apologizes, and offers to do the after-hours cleaning.
Yu Ju tells Han Sung she’s decided to leave for New York and start over with DK. She tries to make it sound like she’s leaving him (like she’s cold and flighty), but she’s merely pretending to be. Alarmed, Han Sung tells her not to go:
Yu Ju: “Thanks for saying that.”
Han Sung: “All right, like you said, I wavered. No, to be frank, I still am. But don’t leave. I know I’ll come around soon, so don’t go!”
Yu Ju: “You’re not just wavering. You’re in love with her. How foolish of you, not to realize you’ve found a new love.”
Done for the night, the Coffee Princes leave without Eun Chan, to whom Han Gyul has given instructions to clean the entire cafe as punishment for her carelessness.
Ha Rim: “He’s leaving My Chan alone to suffer by himself.”
Min Yub: “Yeah, no matter how strong he is, it’s too much to make him do it alone.”
Ha Rim: “How much nicer would it be if he were a girl?”
Mr. Hong: “Leave them alone, if they like each other, what does it matter if they’re men or women?”
Ha Rim latches on to Mr. Hong’s words —
Ha Rim: “Do you know something?”
Sun Ki: “There were people who didn’t know? What’s wrong, they’re good together.”
Ha Rim: “You talk so easily about other people’s—”
Sun Ki: “Eun Chan’s a girl. Where’s the problem?”
Ha Rim can’t believe it (Min Yub carries him inside before he can react), and becomes angry with Eun Chan for tricking Han Gyul. He’s also upset with the others for keeping it a secret, though they’re of the opinion that it’s not their decision to say anything. Ha Rim has seen Han Gyul’s suffering up close and feels how unfair it is to him, but Sun Ki says he can understand Eun Chan, needing to take care of her struggling family — “Do you think she found it easy to lie?”
Ha Rim tries to call Han Gyul immediately, but is stopped. He yells out furiously when Min Yub snatches his phone and shoves him in a room to prevent him from going to Han Gyul.
어른아이 (Adult Child) – “Sad Thing”
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Han Gyul drives home, assailed with memories of Eun Chan along the way. How she cried in his car earlier that day… how he tied her apron… how she blew air in his face while he slept…
Coming to some kind of decision, he turns around and heads back to the cafe. He runs in to face Eun Chan, staring intensely at her face…
Startled, Eun Chan starts to explain that she’s trying to fix some damage to Yu Ju’s mural drawing.
Still silent, Han Gyul swoops in purposefully —
After a brief kiss, Han Gyul backs off. This time Eun Chan grabs him and initiates another, longer kiss.
Breaking apart, Han Gyul tells her, “I’ll say this just once, so listen to me. I like you.”
As a small smile appears on his lips: “Whether you’re a man, or an alien… I don’t care anymore.”
And, continuing as Eun Chan absorbs this: “I tried getting rid of my feelings, but I couldn’t… So let’s go, as far as we can go.”
Additional thoughts:
I know a lot of people didn’t see Que Sera Sera or read my recaps of it, but for those of you who did, hopefully you know what I mean when I say that this episode reminded me a lot of QSS’s Episode 9 — you know, the big one. That one.
Not because of the content — but rather in the feeling that everything has been cracked wide open. The heroes (Han Gyul here, Tae Joo in QSS) have tried — and failed — to contain their feelings. Their jealousies have caused them to lash out at the source of their affections, because deep down they’re actually upset with themselves. And they spend all episode alternately trying to ignore the source of their frustrations, and being unable to tear their eyes away.
And now that our heroes’ efforts prove ultimately futile, the denial is swept away. Where we go from here is completely up in the air.
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Tags: Chae Jung-ahn, Coffee Prince, Gong Yoo, Lee Seon-kyun, Yoon Eun-hye
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1 canyayasis
July 31, 2007 at 8:00 PM
thank you. and wow!
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2 kat
July 31, 2007 at 8:10 PM
yay, i'm da 2nd one
haven't even read the summary. hope it
's gd coz ppl said there's kiss and acceptance and stuff
xxx
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3
July 31, 2007 at 8:11 PM
awesome!!
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4 wizie
July 31, 2007 at 8:11 PM
my, you're quick. thanks javabeans...i'm tempted to see the translation in the end;-)
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5 kiwee
July 31, 2007 at 8:12 PM
i love han gyul because he's willing to step on his pride to be with the guy (yeah i forget sometimes too, haha) he likes. i mean, most "men" that think they have to be Manly Men would never accept the fact that they like a dude. homosexuality is just not on their Manly List of Manly Things To Do. and for that, han gyul is love.
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6 len
July 31, 2007 at 8:12 PM
Hi again. Thank you. can not wait for the summary. i really appreciate your hard work.
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7 babyelephant
July 31, 2007 at 8:14 PM
it's 4.12 a.m in the UK ....i couldnt sleep at all and keep refreshing your page to see if you have uploaded the 10th summary...this episode made my waiting worthwhile...every second of it!!!!!
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8 kiwee
July 31, 2007 at 8:23 PM
oh yeah... is it odd to say i wonder how homosexual people would view this as?
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9 coughsyrup
July 31, 2007 at 8:23 PM
Thanks for the quick summary, javabeans!
The way Min Yub carried Ha Rim into Mr. Hong's house like a school bag, was funny as hell! Hahah....
And of course.... the kiss is just so perfect. I think, by far the softest kiss on screen ever.
Han Gyul finally gives in! Hooray!
Argh, but as you said, this episode is similar to QSS episode 9...
Too sweet and too wonderful a scene.... this could only mean something is imminent in the near future.... *huaaa*
We saw the preview already..... Han Gyul's going to find out that Eun Chan is a girl, in the next two episodes, right? Urgh.... he's going to get reaaallll angry... =X
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10 solarisk
July 31, 2007 at 8:23 PM
WOW
that was an amazing episode, and recap
Thank you Dramabeans!
I find it refreshing that, it looks like, CP is trying to go a bit deeper than most other kdramas, and I'm really appreciating that the writers are not being limited by certain beliefs.
There are twists at every episode, and like you said, where we go from here is really up in the air.
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11
July 31, 2007 at 8:32 PM
OMG you're so quick
now im anxious to see the next episode ..........but i'll have to wait (tears)
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12 Bamidele
July 31, 2007 at 8:32 PM
Poor Han Gyul, he is and is going to be in alot of pain because of Eun Chan, this drama is turning out to be a very original drama, and the actors deserve quite a bit of the credit. They've taken the story and made it into a visually and emotionally tangible work. I love how they are dealing with this idea of homosexuality, that finally he admits to himself that he loves Eun Chan, no matter who she/he is. For the person inside, for the character, strength, and honesty of Eun Chan. I cannot wait for next week, only two more weeks of this awesome drama!!!
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13 varms
July 31, 2007 at 8:33 PM
Yeeess!!! :) I've been refreshing for two hours waiting for the Tenth Cup summary... I love Coffee Prince like mad now!!! Your novel summaries are great too!!! Thank you!
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14
July 31, 2007 at 8:36 PM
thanks soo much for the summary...i was waiting for it for soo long..i really like the direction tht this drama is taking...thanks soo much ....
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15 jinkzzmec
July 31, 2007 at 8:39 PM
whaaa.....i thought this would be the episode where eun chan's identity as a girl would be revealed but i guess not.....hahahaha...have to wait till next week then.....good episode....now, the hard part is trying to get it together so i will last until next week for 2 more episodes....thank you javabeans for the translations.
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16
July 31, 2007 at 8:45 PM
thanks for your summary!! now everyone finally knows eun chan's real gender. only han gyul is left to find out - wonder if he'll be happy that he's not a homo or will he be furious that eun chan was lying to him the whole time?
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17 rainey
July 31, 2007 at 8:49 PM
Thank you very much. This episode was both heart-wrenching and enchanting by turns. Right now though, I don't expect HK is going to take this big reveal very well. In a way, I think Coffee Prince is mostly about his journey and let's not forget he's still got family deception? to deal with as well.
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18 Deedee
July 31, 2007 at 8:53 PM
Thank you so much for summarizing this for us!! I also LOVE Coffee Prince. Too bad the episodes (raw ones) don't come out as fast as ur summaries...and I'm not even Korean but I look forward to this every week! Especially with ur thoughtful inputs! Reading this makes me want to watch the episodes even more. I hope these butterfly feelings can last til the end of the series!
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19 doozy
July 31, 2007 at 8:54 PM
Yes! I remember that QSS episode, after the big, controversial scene.
I like this new plot development because it officially shows that HG likes Eun Chan for Eun Chan, for her personality regardless of her gender and that's wonderful. Ah, this week's episodes make waiting for next week's even harder...
You know, I actually wasn't even going to follow this drama because I was indifferent to the cast. What made me decide otherwise is simply curiosity as I wanted to see YEH's gender transformation and also, the title drew me in because coffee is cool, javabeans is cool and so, by association, coffee prince must be cool as well, right? lol..
And I'm really glad I tuned in because I've enjoyed the show and your summaries tremendously! Once again, thanks for the amazing recaps.
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20 doremi02
July 31, 2007 at 8:55 PM
The last sence in this episode really reminds me of QSS ep.9, the big one. Really touching!
Thanks Sarah as always for your great work.
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21 obivia
July 31, 2007 at 8:57 PM
(another sigh of satisfaction) Thanks, dramabeans!!
You know... of all the "competing women" I've seen in dramas, I like YuJu the best. There's no malice... no condescension. Although, at first, I didn't like her. She's... intuitive, insightful, thoughtful... a good head on her shoulders. I'm sorry to hear that she's planning on going to the States--maybe she'll change her mind and end up w/ HanSung in the end?
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22 Jessica
July 31, 2007 at 9:05 PM
WOW! Great episode!
One thing that I'm so impressed about is the consistency of their characters.
Like how the characters personalities don't all of a sudden change to fit the story.
Like when Min Yub finds out EC is a girl, he doesn't say anything to Han Gyul because MY's loyalties are more towards EC.
And when Sun Ki finds out, he's nonchalant about it because frankly, he doesn’t care.
But when Ha Rim finds out, his immediate reaction is to tell HG because they are close friends.
I love how the characters have their own personalities, and not one that is dictated by the script! That’s definitely good attention to details!
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23 sarahbelle
July 31, 2007 at 9:05 PM
I totally agree on all parts. In fact, you pretty much echoed my thoughts exactly. Gong Yoo's acting has really impressed me, especially in the last few episodes. "the way they’re exploring his struggle is really rewarding" -- exactly! This is how I would've said it if I were as good with words as you are. ;)
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24 wandergirl
July 31, 2007 at 9:07 PM
You're right, it does remind me of QSS ep 9.
What a painful episode for both Han Gyul and Eun Chan :(
Looking forward to the next episodes.
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25 hua
July 31, 2007 at 9:07 PM
*Giddy with joy* What an awesome episode! Been busy and haven't had time to watch the episodes this week - your summaries are such a joy to read! Thank you! Oh, FYI, I've uploaded some songs to your unofficial CP ost post. :)
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26 izie80
July 31, 2007 at 9:11 PM
Need to know what she was saying in the ep 11 preview. i'm going to die not understanding. please translate. Especially the time when she was running after the car and cying afterwards. thanks
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27 whawhawha
July 31, 2007 at 9:11 PM
omg, omg, OMG
poor han gyul
really, give the guy a break, he's so friggin distressed and sooooooo in love with eun chan
AH
i really can't wait
this it too hard to cope with
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28 snow_drop*
July 31, 2007 at 9:12 PM
So he finally accepted his feelings despite the feeling being he is gay huh? ^_^
He is bound to figure EC is a girl sooner or later but it's really a hard bet on his reaction. There is a think line differentiating between feeling elevated and perhaps lied to at the same time. HG will probably be more relaxed [mentally] if he knows that she is a girl; however, there will be in him an unforgiving feeling that she lied to him and made him struggle. By then, he will probably face his pride of being lied to. I think they wont be happy together for a while until he can let go of his pride and forgive her. I guess she should spend sometimes feeling remorseful of what she lied, although it can be understandable due to family circumstance and fear of rejection.
Then again who am I to say how the story goes. I will just sit in my seat and patiently watch how the director will deliver the next few episodes to come.
One again, thank you for the wonderful summary while I await the subbing teams. ^_^
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29 gailt
July 31, 2007 at 9:14 PM
you're right, what happens next is anyone's guess. this drama has proven to be beyond light and fluffy; i love it.
it's so cruel the way we all have to wait until next week (next freaking week) to know what happened. sometimes, i wish i have the complete drama all ready for an all-nighter. argh.
as always, thank you much, javabeans.
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30 docmitasha
July 31, 2007 at 9:15 PM
I know exactly what you mean in reminding you of QSS. I could almost see Tae Joo's inner conflicts when I saw Han Gyul struggle, but I feel TJ's personality was more volatile, almost violent (because his character was meant to be like that), I appreciate the tenderness and humaneness in HG's struggle in Ep 9 and 10. I also appreciate that he shared with Ha Rim, which made me realize how important this is to HIM, thats his own personal struggle, because I think the number one issue would have been the taboo: how will everyone else think of me? but the PD takes this to a very different level, and really makes it (in this episode) of how Han Gyul needs to sort it out within himself and for himself. Reminds me of Brokeback Mountain in that sense.
On the other plot: I must say this, I'm disappointed to see Han Sung and Yu Ju's relationship fall apart. I never actually came to really like her, but I really did like the comfort and warmth that was so apparent with their long relationship. You could see it had been built on many years. I mean she did him wrong and all, but it was really nice and kind of real to see them get past that and be able to tease each other and deal sensible with feelings. It was a very adult, natural kind of relationship and I can't say I won't miss those scenes. Though its clear Yu Ju's seen the truth before Han Sung realizes it.
Someone discussed on Soompi that this series was about so much and one of those themes was the journey, like the coming of age, as you struggle through and accept who you are or what you feel. It feels like each character is doing that...even minor characters like Sun Ki and Eun Sae. Its like we get to see these very natural characters endure through something life-changing, and see how they come out on the other end. And I think the actors portray that very, very well. YEH is an astounding actress...and she plays a role of a honest, heart-open-feelings-open, straightforward and warm person who's suddenly enveloped in these heart-rendering conflicts with an amazing talent. Eun Chan the guy has guts, innocence, brightness and the broad shoulders that need to carry huge responsiblity...Eun Chan the girl has the same guts, innocence, brightness and everything, and also the vulnerability, the sweetness, the raw emotion and plain beauty....and sometimes its all together and you can't tell who this is and it becomes a "hybrid" like you said! And Gong Yoo....wow...what you said is exactly how I would put it. I can't think of any other actor who could play such a difficult role the same way...from A to Z you never hate HG but slowly realize his vulnerability and an actually convoluted but very affectionate personality that is simply looking for love, understanding, acceptance. And that getting to like him and love him becomes so important now when you share his pain and struggle.
I'm blown away by this PD and the writers in the way they're continuing to unravel this story. This is what everyone said about Brokeback so its trite, but I'll say it again. In the end, any relationship is simple about love, and the struggle to attain love.
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31 yelibean
July 31, 2007 at 9:17 PM
you know...i was thinking the exact same thing about how this episode reminded me of QSS episode 9....it had the same feeling...as if both HK and TJ were trying so hard to contain their feelings but in the end they just let go of what was holding them back and poured out their hearts...
i have to say the writers are doing an amazing job in giving this drama more depth than dramas of this genre tend to have....
in a sense i am glad that I did not really have high expectations for this drama when it first started because I keep getting impressed every episode....it honestly keeps getting better and better....
the first episode was .....hhmm...interesting....
and every episode after improved more and more one after the other...
I feel so bad for H
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32 yelibean
July 31, 2007 at 9:18 PM
oops...meant to say HK....hehe
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33 Turtlegirl21
July 31, 2007 at 9:20 PM
Me too, me too!! I have been coming to the site all day waiting for the summary! And I have a final tommorrow! LOL. Oh well, this was somewhat more important. Also, I am so loving this series, but I am so ready for them to be together as man and woman!! The pain they are both going through it making it a little sad. Thanks as always!
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34 nixxochick
July 31, 2007 at 9:20 PM
i totally have to agree with you on the whole QSS comparison...it sort of sucks knowing that just like in QSS we are heading for a rough 2 episodes (rough because Han Gyul is bound to find out Eun Chan is a girl...and im sure he'll get mad and end his acceptance of their relationship)
but thank your for posting this recap so quickly...now we just have to wait one more week to see what will happen
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35 jennyo
July 31, 2007 at 9:21 PM
The best Kdrama I have ever seen
They are just perfect for each other. And the actors are doing a fantastic job. I also have the feeling that she is a HE. That even though HK likes her thinking that she is a he, HK still goes for it. It is so sweet and sad at the same time, because he is suffering, A LOT.
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36 3ll3
July 31, 2007 at 9:28 PM
man, thanks so much for this. i look forward to reading your summaries on coffee prince twice a week. i think this is my summer drama this year. there's absolutely so much to love about it. i was afraid it was gonna go downhill the way witch yoo hee did. but it looks like it just keeps getting better and better. thanks again for this!
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37 Vivianna
July 31, 2007 at 9:30 PM
Thank you Javabeans for such a wonderful recap. I am one of the crowds clicking the refresh button for the past hours. I watch the drama with the Chinese subs. But I like to read your summary to compare notes. Not understanding a word of Korean, I don't want to miss out something in the sub-translations and surely I can make up by reading your summary. Besides, I LOVE your added comprehension which is like the perfect essenses to the whole synopsis. The story is more vivid with your comments.
I have been thinking --if EC's role is played by Lee Junki instead, what would happen? I was so congested seeing HG's expression when he tried to embrace the sleeping EC at the beach ( ep-9 ). To him, it is a confession to his sexual orientation.
Of course, Korean TV is quite conservative and would not allow a play like "Brokeback Mountain". As audience, we know all the time EC is a girl, so the whole thing is very light-hearted. But poor Han Gyul; he is the only one and the LAST one to know the truth.
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38 Rokku Ramu
July 31, 2007 at 9:31 PM
Holy....I don't know what to say next! lol This episode is awesome, I can't wait to watch it (I read your summary first and then watch it while reading the summary along the way). Thank you!
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39 Juls
July 31, 2007 at 9:32 PM
Omo! So much has happened in these last two episodes. My heart has been in my throat esp. with all those han gyul moments... his struggle with his feelings for eun chan. The end is almost here..I almost wish it wouldn't end since I know I will be sad to see this wonderful series end. Oh, well. Thanks again for your up to speed summaries:)
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40 dee
July 31, 2007 at 9:32 PM
This week of Coffee Prince has sure been intense. I've been moved by both episodes. Thank you so much for the summary. :) Now i'm only hoping Monday would come by faster so that we could see episode 11. *sigh*
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41 AneL
July 31, 2007 at 9:33 PM
a friend introduced me her...and the rest is history!!! Thank you for making my miserable life HAPPY !!!! I so LOVE you for making me and everyone here HAPPY
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42 secret admirer
July 31, 2007 at 9:40 PM
It was around episode eight when we first noticed that this drama has changed focus and became more of a Han Gyul's story. Even back then, Gong Yoo's acting has hinted that this will be the start of his character's transformation. Guess what, a couple of episodes later, we see that he totally owned his character and in the process, created a legion of fangirls (a lot of them "residing" in this blog). he he he.
Yes, the drama started out as the adventures of Eun Chan but now has evolved into a depiction of Han Gyul's emotional journey into adulthood. Love has no guarantee. It promises but often does not delivered (see the case of Han Sung and Yu Ju). However, for those who are brave enough to take that leap of faith, the rewards can be so **** (you guys feel in the blank here). Let's see if Eun Chan will react in a way that will be deserving of this man's courageous admission of love. Maybe it is her turn to do the same.
It was a lovely summary, javabeans! Thank you.
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43 katarina1
July 31, 2007 at 9:42 PM
What excellent reviews and comments.
You're a talented writer. Thanks for translating and commentary, it helps even when the episodes come out, since the subs don't tell everything. Very helpful column.
Korean dramas are an obsession and we're all hooked.
Coffee Prince, so well done!
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44 clutzyshell
July 31, 2007 at 9:45 PM
lol omgosh.
HARIM. he's so slow.
For some reason, I didn't expect sunki to be so... friendly.
like he changed. taking Eun Chan to dance, weird....
I think Han Gyul is going to be SO pissed when he finds out she's lying to him.
It's sweet what he says to her at the end.
Man... Han Gyul... pwns Han Sung LOL
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45 sam
July 31, 2007 at 9:48 PM
thank you so much for the summary!!! I had this rush came while reading through the last part. I can't wait to see how Han Gyul will reacts when he finds out Eun Chan is a girl. So intense!! thanks ^_^
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46 Acey
July 31, 2007 at 10:03 PM
I loved, loved loved watching Han Gyul's face in the last few minutes... from the brooding scene in the car to that shot when the camera just zoomed out from him, which I think marked the point of his decision... as though he stopped short, and the camera left him behind, illuminating the path in front of him... and then later in the shop when he ran in, and he found her, and he looked at her before he dashed out, and the kiss, and as he watched her as he made his confession, to the hug, and the way his face slowly melted into a smile as he returned the hug I mean - he practically didn't say a word - in fact when he said I'm only going to say this once I was thrown aback because I was so caught up in the scene that it startled me a bit, and those are very very beautiful lines (I especially like the alien bit heh) but I mean basically he didn't say a single word, and yet you could see every flicker of thought and emotion that was going through him. I was just ... blown away. That's really amazing acting. I liked watching him in Biscuit Teacher, of course, but these inner struggles are something entirely different and he's still able to convey them so well, and I'm just like... WOW. [Also I am now v.jealous of Yoon Eun Hye heh]
Some people are berating Eun Chan for not telling him about her being a girl sooner and causing him so much pain, but having watched thus far I really really don't see how she could ever have had a chance or have borne to tell him - because every time she's wavering, teetering on the edge of to-tell-or-not-to-tell, he comes up with a better friendshippackage that just keeps her from going over the edge - gives her newer more better reasons to keep the status quo, because he's giving her more and more that she could lose if she told. Higher opportunity cost, if you like.
So although in a sense Han Gyul's struggles are more intense, because he seems to be handling a betrayal of his own /self/, well, I don't think it's much easier on Eun Chan, knowing she's a girl but seeing no way out of this man she's trapped herself in. Like she said,
"But what is this? I’m not a man or a woman. And I’m so scared I can’t say a word"
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47 babyfat
July 31, 2007 at 10:14 PM
I love your summaries of this series , it's so enlighted . Love to read your additional thoughts to each scenes. It's great. I don't speaks Chinese nor korean , so I do replied on your summaries . Thank you.
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48 Ima
July 31, 2007 at 10:19 PM
as a non-korean viewer... kudos to the creator of HG for making him more human than just a man (if you know what I mean). is his character a reflection of the new korean man? if so then I'm impressed (but feel free to burst my utopian bubble). kudos too to YEH as the actress portraying EC. most of the time I forget she's that cute girl from Goong. her character portrayal is higly convincing.
with regards to HS and YG, I think it's about time YG gets her karma. to feel the pain on the other end of the spectrum. but I think these two are mature enough to work things out. ;)
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49 Auntiemame
July 31, 2007 at 10:27 PM
In retrospect, I think there is something else that may be evidence of HG's journey into adulthood. I think the evidence will be if he gives up his Lego's. During the Lego's scene, my thought was that HG and EC were just two little kids playing Lego's that also had very adult feelings of love and sexuality for each other, which could be very problematic.
This is definitely a different type of KDrama. It is absolutely fabulous in all aspects. And, these summaries add even more to this show. Thank you to everyone.
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50 Ima
July 31, 2007 at 10:28 PM
oh yeah, and unlike in QSS, I doubt if anyone will boycott watching the next episodes. because (for the love of g*d) IT IS getting more interesting. but I don't know, I'm not a guy nor a hybrid gender bender. :D
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