i guess everyone agrees with your assessment of this episode. No objections so far! I admit i'ven't seen a single episode of this drama. But, i've read every single summary of the series you've posted. Sometimes i find the summaries more exciting and intelligent then the actual dramas. I wasn't planning on watching this drama to begin with and i prefer to read about it and read your interpretation of it. So thank you!

No rebuttal here!

I actually pulled the trigger and dropped the drama precisely because of Eun Soo. Call me impatient, mean, stupid or whatever, I just really really despise her character and couldn't bear it in the end.

Congrats on finding a way to sidestep that javabeans! It's an amazing feat in my eyes :(

"If you’re having issues with Eun-soo, does that affect how you feel about the series as a whole? Are you still enjoying My Sweet Seoul?"

Not reading the rest of the recap for fear of spoilers (^^), but I've disliked Eun Soo (and Choi Kang Hee's portrayal of her) from the beginning. Have ranted about it at my forum and on twitter so I won't rehash my comments here, but she's the main reason why it took me seven episodes to really enjoy the drama. I'm fully on board now, though. I'll keep watching this for Lee Seon Kyun (he makes everything bearable) and Moon Jung Hee. The realism and relationship dynamics are very compelling to watch, and it's just an extremely well-directed drama. Reminds me of Alone In Love.

thanks for the recap. : )
i truly enjoy your recaps on my sweet seoul episodes because your analysis and interpretations are very in-depth and meaningful.

No rebuttal at all!
I read the summaries as soon as they come out and although I know what is going to occur, there is nothing like actually feeling the anger and disgust for a character gurgle in your stomach, clog your throat and pertrude, rather profusely, out of your mouth.
To be frank, I hate Eun Soo! But to be fair, I do want to see how the show ends. I need to know that somehow, someway, someone will tell Eun Soo to her face that she's an idiot. Whether its the wind, a talking dog, a random child on the street, or a metaphoric moment, I don't care, I'm not picky (believe me). I just NEED it to happen. Am I being too hopeful?
Reading this ep., I'm glad somebody loves her because she'd be pitful if it was left up to me. No wonder she's on that stinkin' island alone! I couldn't even bear to watch the show because of her initially but now I watch to get angry with her while anticipating the next scene with Lee Seon Kyun.

Disappointedly, I will continue to the end...And for all those that feel the same: We're all in this together!

I, too, found Eun-soo annoying right from the beginning. That's part of the reason why I've found it so hard to get into this drama (still having trouble now).

Thunderbolt, I think of Alone in Love when I thear those insightful voice overs. Shame about Choi Kang Hee. Don't like her acting much. Perhaps it's the hair... I have been known to be a hair discriminator before...

Eun-soo has a hella lot of growing up to do by the end of this show.

I'm always checking for your My Sweet Seoul recaps! Although I don't have the chance to watch it yet, your recaps are neverthess making the drama very alive for me. I agree Eun Soo really gets on my nerves very gratingly! Other than her character, she has a really bad hair-do man!!! Nothing likeable about her. However, I hope you won't give up on this drama just yet. I'm following this for Lee Seon Kyun! He portrays so much 'feel' effortlessly, something about his charisma.

I stopped watching My Sweet Seoul after Epi. 7 because I hated Eun Soo so much. Now I only read your summary. Eun Soo's character has ruined the whole entire series. It's funny of how Eun Soo pointing out other people fault, but she never has the gut to tell it straight to people, for example, her co-worker borrowing money for the coffee machine and her boyfriend not having a real job.

I hated seeing how Eun Soo has the privilege to move out away from the suffocating environment her father created, yet, she doesn't want her mother to get a divorce. I don't think her father will ever change. He's unhappy because he made himself that way. Just like Eun Soo, he pointing out others fault to prevent himself from seeing his mistake in life.

Overall, the only part I like it about this drama are the interior of her apartment.

Eun Soo personality and her face is exactly like my ex-boss, especially the big double eye-lids and the short hair. If only I have the picture to prove!

and thank you for the wonderful summary.

I'm still watching despite finding Eun-soo really annoying. I like how the drama as a whole -- how it's shot, the music, etc.

i am only watching this drama bec of Mr Deep Voice...

other than that...I find it boring...

i kinda stopped watching, too, (though I may go back to the last few epi's if i find a few hours of free time) because i completely agree with you about eun soo, though everyone else is so wonderful...even jane's growing on me. on the outside, i have no problem with eunsoo--she has a cute, artsy vibe (i point this out, because she isn't pretty in the traditional sense but attractive just the same) and she has these unique mannerisms. however, her moral compass is really unstable and she lets her emotions (insecurities and fears) determine her course of action, which, in her mind, absolves her from any huge blame in the repercussions that follow and, boo hoo, eunsoo mopes and whines cuz relationships are so hard for this wishy washy girl who happens to have two awesome guys pining for her and a mother who dedicated a majority of her prime to raising her. it makes me wonder if the guys are too in love with the idea of eunsoo to see that she doesn't even understand true convictions and sacrifice; even anti-heroes have some morals and can turn their backs on useless societal norms. as you pointed out before, she can say really insightful, "pretty" things about other people or her feelings but that's as far as her empathy goes...pretty until it becomes uncomfortable.

I totally agree with you and I felt exactly the same way you did when Eunsoo told her mom to stay with her dad. I was like, How Dare You!!! I mean, didn't she see how her dad's been treating her own mother like dirt all her life while she's growing up? That just made me despise her and how dare she ask out Youngsoo. Gah she just has no respect for other human beings other than for herself.

i gave up on it a while ago. and then i got bored and watched 2 more eps, but i was reminded of y i had given up before :P

Haha I was wondering if you would give up this drama! I've only watched thru Ep7 so far, so I don't know how will feel after that, but up until that point, I have no problem with Eun Soo. Not saying she's perfect, just saying I understand her, and I like the actress. In fact, I had read your summaries on eps 4-6 before watching them. I was working on subs for 7 and needed a quick way to catch up, thank you javabeans! However, I did go back and watch and noticed that I saw the drama in a different light than you did. While I avoided the spoilers, I did read your last Eun Soo rant and was thinking, if you hate the main character, I don't think it would be very enjoyable to watch. I'll keep watching for sure and thanks javabeans for your summaries this far!

wow i am still surprised you're still watching after how much Eunsoo never changes and niether does your hate for her.
i've just been reading your summeries (great job!)
she just seems like a really insecure weak girl, nothing i havent seen before.
she doesnt really know what she wants, just wanders
did they just throw in young joo in the story? as her soulmate? is nothing gonna happen with him?
kinda weird
i like how you put that young soo is "an understated, nuanced character" i feel that too!
let's just wait and see if she, or anything changes!
yay

I'm not annoyed with Eun Soo's character at all. I do not think she's supposed to be that likable. I don't think she's a strong actress but I really like the writing. If my mother would tell me after having lived with my insufferable father (he is, very much so) all these year that she wanted to divorce him, I may also suggest that she think about staying. Yes, selfish - not denying that - but it may be the first words that pops out of my mouth. Who knows, it's not happened and my mother would probably never suggest it.

"It’s turned my initial admiration for a well-crafted series into a love-hate relationship. (Well, more like-dislike.)" LOL

I think I feel the same way about the drama as well but also feel that I have been too into it (waiting for something to change, that is) to give up now.

Certain moments in the drama are awe-strickingly realistic in a quirky way and it is, in my opinion, a very beautifully written script (they really bring up some deep moments of real thought). These moments are my moments of love. However, then I am struck by these hateful moments of hypocrisy, going back-and-forths, lies and tasteless behavior from Eun Soo's character. These moments are unfortunately my moments of hate towards the drama. However, because of those little moments where I see optimistically (and perhaps idealistically) potential for change from Eun Soo's part, I can't seem to completely give up on her despite the many disapointments.

Honestly, I think part of my dislike of Eun Soo's character is linked to the way the actress plays her. Dramas that I have watched have had some flawed characters, but I could still love these characters because despite their flaws, they always had an endearing side to them that would always outshine any disapointment. Unfortunately, Choi Kang Hee seems so unbelievably fake in moments when her quirkiness is supposed to overcome everything else, making it almost impossible for me to not stay angry at her character's mistakes. In certain moments, I think to myself that if another actress was playing her role, I would have completely different feelings towards the drama. I guess the amazingly real and endearing play of some characters by some of the actors in contrast to the unbelievably frustrating play of Eun Soo by Choi Kang Hee is just too much for me at times...

I have to add, however, that I am not surprised with Eun Soo's behavior towards her mom's confession because just as towards Jane, when she was rethinking the whole marriage concept, Eun Soo pushed her towards moving forward quickly instead of taking some time to think through why she would be feeling that way. I guess that is how Eun Soo deals with her problems and therefore expects others to behave accordingly.

On another note, her lie to Young Soo is not really a lie in my eyes because what she told him was basically that the words he saw was what she was actually feeling at the time (even if she didn't have the courage to actually write them) which really is a minor detail because I would have been more annoyed if the feelings weren't true and she would still be leading him on.

Anyways, I am most probably going to continue to watch this drama (hoping it will pick up) because like they say in most love-hate relationships, you can't hate what you don't love...

Looking forward to more discussions, criticism and debates,

MM

P.S. Sorry for my amazingly long commentary, I really can go on forever....

i'm not watching this series....

but lee jung! i love him!

I'm still loving this drama. Eun Soo character never bothered me. In fact, I find her character refreshing. Her (many) flaws make the show that much more interesting (although Yoo Hee and Young Soo are still my favorites :D). This is definitely a drama that is better watched in full detail. I love the writing! It was so cute that Young Soo and Eun Soo met at the Corner cafe.

Thanks for the recaps! I hope you will continue with this series. :D

another episode and my dislike for the Eun Soo character keeps growing....like i said in my last post she doesnt deserve to end up with either guy, they are just too good for her.....

but at the same time i can kind of see where she's coming from....especially with the whole situation with her mom. i think i would say the same thing to my mom...yeah it might be selfish or whatever you want to call it but it's only natural to want your parents to stay together even if it makes either party unhappy

While I don't hate her character to the extent that you do I still 'dislike' her.

The writers are trying to make her too realistic, that is with (a hell of a lot of) flaws and while I do like characters with flaws, the thing is when I watch a drama I do expect to see a likeable character and when I don't like a dramas main character a lot of the appeal disappears.

Still, I like the majority of the cast and the drama itself remains enjoyable so I hope you continue these recaps but here's hoping to an ending where Eun Soo ends up lonely.

phew. I finally watched the 10th episode (1박 2일 seems more appealing). The series does have that rare sense of realism, but sadly, is affected by the main character, who runs away from her problems, and leaves the audience in frustration.

There are a few reasons why I think the drama would still be worthwhile to watch: the directing, and the other characters: Young Soo, Yoo Hee, Tae Oh (I do wonder if he's still going to be in the rest of the drama) and even Jane, who at first lacks maturity. Heh...maybe the series would have been more "enjoyable" had it focused on Yoo Hee.

Poor Poor Eun Soo...so many people think the worst of you...

*runs and Hugs Dahee* I'm all for Eun Soo with THE VOICE aka Young Soo...and I'm now going to venture to read your rebuttals to dear Javabean's #%^$&&%*(# on Eun Soo shi - AJA AJA Hoitin'

I like Choi Kang Hee from the 1st Episode and I STILL like Choi Kang Hee...sure she has her faults but I simply cannot find her selfish.....wanting her mum to stay with her dad... is a yearning of most children... as parents treat their children like they are somewhere about 10 years all the time regardless of their current age (in a couple of years i will be 40) and children treat their parents like they are still 10 years... it cannot be totally selfish, that's how I feel anyway.

Eun Soo has seen her mum accepting/staying with her dad for what 30 years?, a long explaination would have helped her understand better...if I were to catch my mum out on a date lovey dovey with a stranger, I don't know what I'll do!!!! I do know however I would feel my mum was wrong as she is still married.

With Tae Soo - I think her mind cannot accept Tae Soo while her heart can - but the constant clashes of her mind and heart exhaust her - most girls know what they DON'T want in life or in their life long partner, Tae Soo has many great attributes but doesn't give her that key factor where most women want - stability for the future...with Tae Soo, life would be iffy with Young Soo - more chances for concrete marriage where the husband's status, intelligence, maturity, reliability could help make "till death do us part" an absolute reality....THAT folks is what the majority of women in this world want...I have read some survey and this is so true...

ok my 2 cents are up...

Eun Soo's character is not perfect, but who is? This drama is portraying what happens in real life. Sometimes one gets torn between two loves and this shows the struggles of a woman in such a situation. It's delightfully peppered with the struggles of her 2 friends. Modern day drama for single and married women, that's the show's appeal to me.

That's my take on the drama.

What you fail to understand is that My Sweet Seoul is a character portrait of the one character you're griping about - Eun-Soo. From beginning to end, the series is a visual extrapolation of the proverb, "Who you are is known by the company you keep." Every single person in the series represents a facet of Eun-Soo's personality. Obviously, having been raised in that house, she would have picked up some bad habits from observing such a dysfunctional marriage. She is a bit like her father, but that is not the sum total of who she is. Toward the end, Eun-Soo starts to show us another side of herself, namely, her mother's courage. Rather than foreboding, it should have inspired you, and would have, had your analysis not been so shallow.

This tip is important for truly understanding "My Sweet Seoul": The series is brain candy that views like a deep novel reads. If you can look past the surface, you'll love it. If you can't, you'll likely hate it.