Point-counterpoint: In defense of Eun-soo
by Dahee_Fanel
[Javabeans here. As I’ve mentioned several times in the past, I have a few issues with the otherwise charming SBS drama My Sweet Seoul, which has prevented me from enjoying the series as I probably ought. I expressed, in growing dissatisfaction, my initial disconnect with Choi Kang-hee’s acting, a growing frustration with the Eun-soo character in Episode 7, and then an all-out rant after Episode 9.
I wanted to get the other side and bring a more balanced view, because god knows not everyone hates Eun-soo, otherwise this series would have no audience. So I invited Dahee Fanel, who has previously done me the honor of sharing her 2007 wrap-up review, to explain the other side. The result was an enlightening conversation, and despite the fact that I think Dahee and I pretty much disagree on most key points (LOL!), I had tons of fun debating the point with her. Hope you enjoy!]
SONG OF THE DAY
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” (Btw, who calls oysters “er-sters”? Or pronounces after “off-ter”?) [ Download ]
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javabeans: So obviously I’ve been hard on our girl Eun-soo. I feel conflicted about this, because on one hand, I don’t want to taint the drama-watching experience for someone else with my bias, but on the other hand, sometimes I just hate her so much.
Dahee Fanel: I actually find all the Eun-soo hate going around amongst some viewers of My Sweet Seoul to be really interesting (and sometimes puzzling), as I’ve never felt even remotely inclined to hate her myself. In fact, I was actually startled upon reading some of your thoughts on her behaviour, as it had never crossed my mind to, say, be angry at her for her reactions to her mother’s supposed infidelity, or for her ping-ponging between Tae-oh and Young-soo. I really love the fact that she’s flawed to a very realistic extent. I was getting tired of all those K-drama heroines who declare themselves to be flawed, but are in actual fact pretty perfect. (Pretty and perfect?)
javabeans: I’ve ranted pretty extensively about why she irritates me, so I don’t want to repeat everything. I’ll just say that I wish Eun-soo would have to suffer for her selfishness, because if did, I’d probably like her more. If the drama were taking care of her punishment, I wouldn’t have to, so to speak.
Dahee Fanel: I actually think that the ways she is reacting to her problems are punishment enough. I don’t think that she’s ignorant of her own faults, and that she’s particularly aware of her tendency toward cowardice. I do think she feels guilt, and that all that guilt is catching up to her slowly, as the drama progresses. It’s seeping into the rest of her life, and forcing her to take a second look at the way she’s living. In that respect, I think episode seven was a really clear example of consequences catching up with her, and that the subsequent episodes show an evolution of her very gradually (perhaps too gradually for some) coming to face the fact that, at 31, she really needs to grow up and become an “adult.”
javabeans: I’m glad to hear that you’ve never had a problem liking Eun-soo. I know some people may say that Eun-soo is supposed to be unlikable, but I don’t buy that because she IS our heroine. I’d rather feel that she is likable to some (although I don’t know how ya do it, Dahee!), rather than entertain the idea that I’m supposed to feel all this disgust and irritation with her.
Dahee Fanel: I think that Eun-soo has a certain charm to her that may not be evident to many. She holds a certain youthfulness and joie de vivre that appeals to me, and I do see how she could charm those around her, and inspire the love of two men at the same time. She has this weird ability to touch people, to “hit the mark” with her words (that I believe Yoo Joon himself mentioned before…was it episode five?). It’s sort of hard to explain, but every time I see her, I feel it.
javabeans: Interesting how you bring up the realism thing — I like that My Sweet Seoul is more realistic than most other dramas. Definitely agree with you there. But I’ve got to draw a line and say I don’t want real-world realism. I want dramatic realism, not verité, because real people being selfish is difficult enough to swallow on a daily basis. I don’t want a show to make it this hard for me to like it. (And I really, really want to like My Sweet Seoul.)
Dahee Fanel: I personally am a fan of cinema verite (although, admittedly, I haven’t seen a lot of it), so I guess it all boils down to a matter of taste. Dramatic realism is all fine and dandy, but it feels really refreshing to me to see the world that I live in properly portrayed on the screen. That extreme realism makes me think, “So I wasn’t alone in those thoughts and feelings after all.” It heightens my ability to relate. Sometimes (most of the time?), dramas are good for being escapist entertainment, but I personally am happiest when things truly connect to real life, as I know it. (There are, of course, always those few exceptions…Like, say, Strongest Chil Woo.) I suppose it makes it difficult for the show (or Eun-soo?) to obtain widespread popularity, however, as it may show things that some people can relate to, and others can’t.
javabeans: You called her “evolution” gradual. (You must have oodles more patience than me!) I call it nonexistent, which is my main issue. If she were making mistakes and LEARNING from them, I don’t think I’d be annoyed at all.
Do you think age has anything to do with it? Or is this an issue of personality conflict and nothing more?
Dahee Fanel: I think the whole learning from her mistakes thing connects to that realism as well — not everyone’s a quick learner, and old habits are hard to break. But I do think she is learning, although it’s not blatantly obvious. For me, the break-up with Tae-oh was the big catalyst for change, and a major turning point in the show. I feel that all her subsequent actions — quitting work, contacting Young-soo — are part of her new efforts to improve her life. Which, clearly, was blighted by her own cowardice and flashes of self-hatred. I think it’s that cowardice that really makes her depend on people the way she does, that makes it so difficult for her to say “I’m sorry” when she needs to. And then there’s the Tae-oh factor, who I really think brought out the worst in Eun-soo. He made her feel pressured to act younger than she really is, and with that comes a certain sense of immaturity and recklessness. Yet when we see her with Young-soo, she’s calm, professional, thoughtful. And after seeing episodes 12-13, I’m pretty confident that Young-soo, unlike Tae-oh, tends to bring out the best in her, and thus has the ability to help her to change. Which is why I think that the “romance” in this show, rather than being about finding a Prince Charming or a Mr. Right, is really about Eun-soo’s own personal evolution and maturation. So it’s like an odd mix of age and personality — she’s at an age where she’s entering a new phase in her life, when she’s no longer considered by Korean society to be “youthful,” and thus has to struggle to fit in to the standards of adulthood around her. Yet she’s also rather immature in her cowardice, and attached to that sense of youth, and thus it’s very difficult for her to change.
javabeans: You are absolutely right in that her charm isn’t evident to everyone, because I don’t see it! But I don’t doubt that there are those who can empathize with her.
Personally, I wouldn’t apply the term “joie de vivre” to Eun-soo — she lives life with too much second-guessing and self-consciousness for me to see her as joyous.
Dahee Fanel: Hmm, you’re probably right — “joie de vivre” is the wrong term to describe her. But it’s so hard to explain…I guess it’s sort of like, she can see the joy in the little things? One well-phrased sentence can warm her heart and brighten her day. I don’t think everyone can react to little, often trivial, things like that, and I admire her ability to appreciate the quiet moments. I guess that’s what I was trying to describe.
javabeans: I agree that she was at her worst with Tae-oh, but I wouldn’t pin the blame on him for bringing it out in her. I think he treated her well, and it was her own issues that broke up that relationship, and ultimately her insecurities brought out the worst in her. His youth, his life direction — those are qualities she couldn’t handle, not him. Whereas, she’s much easier to like as a character when she’s with Young-soo, but you’ve gotta admit a relationship with Young-soo doesn’t challenge her strength as a person. He’s easy to like, easy to show off — he’s rich, good-looking, mature, and a successful businessman. She was challenged by Tae-oh and failed; if she succeeds with Young-soo, it’ll be because she wasn’t challenged. I don’t think that’s the fault of the men, but a mark of weak character for her.
Dahee Fanel: I think that Tae-oh was at least a little to blame, although I certainly am not suggesting that Eun-soo wasn’t mostly at fault regarding the disintegration of their relationship. I think that he was rather clingy, and moved the relationship waaaaay too fast — I mean, moving in without even telling her beforehand? I’m sure he wasn’t trying to be disrespectful of her personal space, but that’s certainly what it felt like. It’s like he was so blind in his puppy-like giddiness of love that he didn’t see that the things that he was doing were unnerving her and making her uncomfortable. Sure, she should have said something to him. But I don’t think he really understood her. For example, when he dumped her — I realize that that was the healthy thing for him to do, and I was happy that they broke up, but I was annoyed with him regardless. I felt like he really didn’t consider her age, or the insecurities she felt over their age difference. Is it really so hard to tell her a plan, however trivial, so that she can feel a little more at ease? Eun-soo thought up that idea so that she could tackle her deepest insecurity with the relationship, because she really wanted to make it work. But Tae-oh didn’t want her to meet halfway; he wanted her to come entirely to his point of view. It was like he was approaching their relationship in a strictly youthful and “love must conquer all” kind of way. A very idealistic way. But she’s older, and more experienced, so she knows that love really doesn’t conquer all.
javabeans: Oh man, Tae-oh moving in unannounced! So, so creepy, wasn’t he? I thought that was a definite sign their relationship wasn’t going to last much longer, but I was surprised when Eun-soo seemed happy enough with the move. I definitely agree that he rushed their relationship — maybe that’s why she feels more comfortable with Young-soo’s sunflower-slow speed — and it was obvious she didn’t love him back the way he loved her.
But you’ve gotta admit that you can’t blame Tae-oh when Eun-soo uttered not a peep in protest. If you tell someone you love them, and they say it back, isn’t it natural that you’d believe them? Eun-soo never gave him an indication that she wasn’t ready, so I hold her responsible for her dismal communication. While he was pushy, at least he was honest. Eun-soo was disingenuous. I HATE disingenuous characters. And people.
Really, you thought Tae-oh wanted her completely on his side? I got the opposite sense — that he was dying for the bare minimum, a teeny little give, for her to throw him a friggin’ bone already. Like he
said when they broke up, he’s been lonely for too long. She’s given him so little to work with, and all he wanted was for her to have some faith in him, which she never was able to give.
Dahee Fanel: Actually, this reminds me of Dal-ja’s dilemma in the latter episodes of Dal-ja’s Spring, and how she wanted Tae-bong (spoiler alert?) to go back to being a lawyer. She and Eun-soo have similar feelings in this, and I remember being really angry with Dal-ja for the way she was acting. It makes me wonder why I’m not at all angry with Eun-soo. I guess the difference lies in the fact that Eun-soo’s situation feels much more rooted in reality, whereas Dal-ja’s…well. Let’s just say you don’t go around meeting guys like Tae-bong every day! Also, I felt that Dal-ja’s desires lay in the whole “the man MUST support the woman!” kind of thinking that generally drives me bonkers, while with Eun-soo, I feel it just stems from a desire for a little more stability in her life — a stability that she naturally(?) would want, at that age.
I…actually disagree that a relationship with Young-soo wouldn’t challenge her. Maybe it feels that way now, but I think that Young-soo has some deep psychological issues that Tae-oh never had, and that eventually, they’ll start shadowing the relationship. The question is, how will she react to those issues? And will it be her, or Young-soo who starts dragging the relationship down?
javabeans: I also thought Dal-ja was stupid for pushing Tae-bong back into law. But the key difference is probably that she backed off, and HE went back to make her happy of his own will. Naturally she was very happy with that — which annoyed me — but she didn’t make him do anything unwillingly. In contrast, Eun-soo pushed Tae-oh beyond the limit, and he had to leave for his own sake. But you’re right, Tae-bong is definitely not your average guy! Definitely too perfect to be real, but as a kdrama hero I’m not complaining.
Potayto, potahto?
I’d have liked Eun-soo more if she’d been a side character, but as our series heroine she really doesn’t work for me. Aside from the not-liking-her factor, there’s the fact that it’s through her eyes that we see the drama, and therefore I feel like she taints my view of the drama.
Dahee Fanel: Potayto, potahto, indeed! I love seeing the drama through Eun-soo’s eyes, mostly because I love Eun-soo. :)I was surprised by Eun-soo being pretty okay with the move, too, but after some thought, I realized that she probably just accepted it because she thought that her misgivings and fears were silly, and that she was wrong to be afraid of getting so close, so quickly. I think she just wanted to go with the flow, to fall with him in that youthful exuberance. And I think she was trying to stamp down those fears, because, as she’s said several times, she’s a coward. And that’s bad. But, y’know, in the end, it all wound up exploding out of her (like most things do when you keep them bottled up), so it was definitely not a good move on her part. But I think she was really trying to adjust for him, to try not to burst his bubble. Plus, y’know, she’s a coward, and it would have been out of character for her to tell him right away how she felt. (But she DID tell him her feelings eventually, at least, in that conversation where she hugged him and couldn’t look him in the face. Oh! And remember when, in an early episode, she told him that they shouldn’t sleep together that day, because she was afraid? Tae-oh told her he understood, but he didn’t really, did he?)
I think that when Eun-soo presented that life plan idea, she was giving him something. She was showing him that she wanted to tackle her most basic insecurity with him. But he rejected it. And I think Eun-soo was remarkably tolerant of his pushy, stalker-like ways, but he never really appreciated that, either…probably because she never told him it bothered her, but honestly, isn’t it simple common sense to know that it isn’t okay to just move into your girlfriend’s house without telling her beforehand?
And regarding Dal-ja…Before she backed off, she was VERY pushy about it. At least, that’s the way I remember it. I might be wrong — I haven’t seen that show in quite a while. I don’t think Eun-soo was ever pushy to that extent. She never told him to get another job or anything like that. She just wanted him to have a plan, “just in case”. Because she was in it for the long haul. That’s miles different from telling a guy to go back to being a lawyer so that he can support you.
But all that being said, their relationship really was doomed from the start, so I don’t see how they could have lasted regardless. It was too much, too fast, and with too little maturity involved.
javabeans: I’m finding this conversation fascinating! Who knew there were so many ways to interpret the same things?
Dal-ja was pushy, but I think her reasons are a little more justified than Eun-soo’s, because the basis of her argument was because Tae-bong was working himself to death and she was worried about his welfare. She was definitely happy about all the fringe benefits that came with Tae-bong returning to his cushy law job, but the real catalyst was seeing him drag his exhausted body home every night after doing hard labor, watching him pass out while brushing his teeth, and so forth. So I saw her actions as a mix of selfishness and genuine concern. Eun-soo, on the other hand, wasn’t asking for a life plan for Tae-oh’s benefit — it was for hers only. Which is why I was so annoyed with her.
Dahee Fanel: Hmm, I guess I never really gave Dal-ja the benefit of the doubt. I always thought her selfishness far exceeded her concern. But for Eun-soo, I always give her the benefit of the doubt…Guess that shows which character I liked better, huh? Also which actress I like better. 😛
javabeans: What about Eun-soo’s friendships? Her relationship with “soulmate” Yoo-joon? Any thoughts on that?
Dahee Fanel: I really like when Eun-soo’s with her friends. I love how open and supportive they are with each other. And I love the realistic dynamics of their fights, and the varieties of closeness they experience with each other (especially the Jane dynamic…Eun-soo and Yoo-hee really seem closer to each other than they are to Jane, don’t they?). As for Yoo-joon…They have such an interesting relationship, don’t they? I really like that they’re just “soulmates”, although there are hints sometimes of a more romantic kind of interest. I do believe that, if soulmates exist, they don’t have to be strictly of the romantic kind. Two best friends can be soulmates, or a brother and sister can be soulmates. I like the way My Sweet Seoul is presenting that aspect of “soulmate-ism.”
javabeans: Eun-soo’s friends are probably the highlight for me, particularly Yoo-hee, but also Jane. Funny how my opinion on Jane has had such an upswing from the beginning.
Perhaps I’m speaking from life experience, but I’m of the opinion that men and women really can’t be (close) friends with no romantic entanglements. (I’m not counting mere acquaintances.) I used to believe it could happen — it seemed so narrow to say something was impossible — but frankly, life has really disabused me of that notion. So this Yoo-joon “soulmate” thing is interesing for me, because I don’t think they’re platonic friends, but rather a romantic possibility that has either missed its chance or hasn’t found it yet. I also haven’t seen much to indicate that they actually ARE soulmates, other than the characters telling us it’s supposed to be true. We’ll see where that takes us.
Dahee Fanel: I dunno, I’ve always had a lot of male friends, so I’ve always thought it was sort of silly for people to say that men and women can’t be friends. Especially since I think that a lot of people tend to approach it from a heterocentric point of view. But I guess it depends on the people involved. But whoops, I’m sort of getting off-topic, aren’t I? ^^;
Yes, I’d like to see more evidence of their being “soulmates” as well. It’ll be interesting to see how their relationship works out in future episodes.
javabeans: Well, I don’t know about you, but I’ve found this point-counterpoint has certainly lived up to its name!
I want to thank you again for your thoughts — they’re much appreciated, I’m sure, by fellow Eun-soo and My Sweet Seoul fans! I’m amazed at how vastly our opinions differ, but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it? I hope everyone else enjoys reading your “defense of Eun-soo” as much as I have.
Dahee Fanel: Thanks to you, too! This has been really fun, and really interesting. ^^ Love it!
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Tags: Choi Kang-hee, Lee Seon-kyun, My Sweet Seoul
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1 dinda77
July 24, 2008 at 6:42 PM
I totally agree with Dahee. I've been trying to write comment on this subject since like the earlier eps, But then i am not good with words so I resigned hehe
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2 Nea
July 24, 2008 at 7:09 PM
Thank you both so very much for this. I am grateful. Especially even the Dal-ja comments. Tae-bong was amazing and DJ was silly at times but again my thoughts seem to be more similar to javabeans concering both women. I think that it is wonderful to see the differences of opinion. Though my hatred of Eun Soo has not subsided, there are some points that I am more likely to think about conceding in:)
This has been refreshing, for on this topic, there doesn't necessarily have to be opposite sides of the fence, but, rather, equal weight on the see-saw.
Again, thank you. I'd love to read what you both have to say once the series has ended!
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3 LOVIN IT.
July 24, 2008 at 7:13 PM
haha i on the other hand see more of javabean's side although i agree with some of dahee's points...
yeah same here. i would like to see more of how eunsoo and yoojoon are soulmates.
i enjoyed reading this point-counterpoint! :)
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4 leafy
July 24, 2008 at 7:24 PM
wow! It's really enlightening to read about two different points of view :D
But I agree with both of you, there are things about Eunsoo that are annoying but then there are things that make her endearing to me, something that makes her more realistic about how she handles real life problems like insecurity and doubt which I can easily relate to too!
Thanks for this javabeans!
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5 Brit
July 24, 2008 at 7:40 PM
I have to agree with Dahee with liking Eun Soo as a character. Although I love the usual romance shows that have "pretty perfect" (great phrase btw) female protagonist, Eun Soo and the dynamic she has with her personal relationships makes me think after each episode. Even though I may 'hate' what she does at times, each of her actions actually fit who she is as a person, which is refreshing.
I do, however, agree with javabeans about Choi Kang-hee's acting. It's really... uncomfortable... at times. But thankfully it's not bad enough to completely kill my liking of Eun Soo.
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6 Amyable
July 24, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Dahee did such a wonderful job of expressing how I feel about My Sweet Seoul and Eun Soo! Thank you Dahee. I agree with you 100%
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7 Annie
July 24, 2008 at 9:20 PM
I enjoyed Dahee's 2007 wrap up review last year. I have to say she has good taste in dramas.
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8 Muffin
July 24, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Heh, I can't comment because I haven't seen the show. I only read Javabeans reviews so I have to lean with her opinion and point of view.
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9 merela
July 24, 2008 at 9:48 PM
I was single at 31 and I would have done exactly what Eun-Soo did if faced with the Tae-oh and Young-soo situations. At 31, most women would have had at least 10 years of dating experience and many have earned the right to be "selfish". I think being "selfish" is part of being single because once a woman gets married and has children, selfishness goes out the window. It takes more than courage to date (and eventually marry) a man 7 years younger if the woman is in her 30s. Most men in their early to mid-20s are not ready to settle down and like it or not, single women in their early 30s are often faced with societal and familial pressures to get married. This is one of the reasons I can't dislike Eun-Soo too much. She reminds me of many women I know, including myself.
Thank you Javabeans and Dahee Fanel for your point-counterpoint discourse. I really enjoyed reading it.
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10 Linda
July 24, 2008 at 10:06 PM
a wonderful idea and source of insight.
thank u for sharing this with us!
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11 tangshin
July 24, 2008 at 10:10 PM
its reasonable to hate eunsoo. i may be biased because i hate choi kang hee but her character isn't doing her any good. i personally can't relate to dahee's opinion. i think its absurd that people even think her persona is appealing. but i don't agree with calling this "realistic." yeah, i guess there are more older women-younger men relationships now then ever and the problems seem more trivial compared to other dramas but i can't wrap my head around the idea that common people talk and walk like the witty eunsoo. well, witty isn't the word. im not sure how to explain it but she seems too fake. [i know. its a drama but still...] ahh, and i hate her friends. super annoying. yoo joon and yoo hee...totally unbelievable. tae oh, im totally okay with because naturally i sympathize with him. poor guy. but hey, im okay because the end is pretty predictable if its a korean drama. :)
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12 haezi
July 24, 2008 at 10:43 PM
it's always great to hear more than one point of view. i tried to like eunsoo's character since i actually think choi kang hee is cute and unique, and while i don't hate her, i am annoyed with some of her passive behavior. i think the break-up, though, was good for both eunsoo and taeoh; she was too rooted in her own reality to take that leap of faith, and he was too idealistic to accept eunsoo's compromise. i just hope she does evolve to be someone who is suitable for youngsoo.
i do agree that eunsoo has a wonderful ability to find beauty and meaning in the simple joys in life, but the appreciation is often shallow since you'd expect someone like that to truly take those leaps of faith no matter how unstable her future, but this is the idealistic me talking here. the more realistic, eunsoo-like cowardly me understands her misgivings, though i can't say i like this part of myself. all in all, eunsoo could be someone i'm friends with, but not someone who could inspire me to take my own leaps of faith.
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13 choram
July 25, 2008 at 1:09 AM
I know Dahee meant well but I still don't find Eun Soo remotely likable for your same reasons.
Nice discussion though....I like this new feature!
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14 bluelime
July 25, 2008 at 1:59 AM
thanks : )
i enjoyed reading it.
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15 merriwether
July 25, 2008 at 3:29 AM
Despite not agreeing with Dahee's argument, I thought her insight on Eun-soo was quite refreshing and interesting and I like how she backed up the points she made. I realised from the points she brought up that maybe it's not simply a matter of the character of Eun-soo being written badly but the fact that I personally dislike characters like her. Her selfishness is quite off-putting for me and some of it rests of Choi Kang Hee's acting (for me). I just can't warm to her acting - it leaves me a little cold actually and that's partly why I've never warmed to Eun-soo.
Thanks for the debate! I would actually like to see more discussions on other dramas in a similar format. They're very insightful and thought-provoking.
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16 katwoman
July 25, 2008 at 5:04 AM
Thanks for this. It gave me a push to continue my watch. Finally got pass Episode 2 and find myself interested enough to anticipate the next episode.
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17 K-lover
July 25, 2008 at 7:41 AM
Ha...ha I'm on the same page as Katwoman. I've been reluctant to watch this series simply because everyone has been on either side of the spectrum, either liking or disliking Eun Soo. And since Javabeans, has been ranting on and on about the series, it didn't look too promising.
So it's actually quite nice and refreshing to see Darhee's view. Especially the part where she said that she likes Eun Soo for her ability to find joy in simple things but is yet unable to truly move on with her own personal issues. Because like Darhee said, I've also been in Eun Soo's shoes.
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18 hjkomo
July 25, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Thank you for this post! :D
I'm excited to see how Eun Soo's journey unfolds.
This drama (all aspects of it) really is too beautiful to be missed!
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19 bethany
July 25, 2008 at 3:16 PM
super fun! these are definitely interesting... thought provoking~
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20 Kiongna
July 27, 2008 at 8:07 AM
*High Fives* dear Dahee..! I'm totally with you on this one...I just couldn't understand why dear Javabeans and Thundie couldn't take to Eun Soo or more like Choi Kang Hee's portrayal of Eun Soo - I find her so endearing in all her faults... and I never once though her selfish...somewhat blur, wanting to please too much, timid sometimes and falling into small potholes here and there loads of times - and many times not intentionally...aisah.. I do feel for her...
Can't wait to see her progress with THE VOICE - ohhhhhhhhhhh producers, writer - DO NOT, I reiterate DO NOT pull a fast one on us Eun Soo and Young Soo shippers and DO NOT I repeat DO NOT do some !@##$$%%% ending (that was like no ending!!) like that of some bodyguards drama aigooooo a lorry of tomatoes would like not be enough to do my baseball practice on ya! (LOL I don't even play baseball!! LOL)
I so like how Eun Soo and Young Soo's slow, gentle progress into their relationship...every second - PRECIOUS...all the pauses..the simple words..LOVE em
AJA
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21 jb
July 27, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Wow...sigh...envy...the two of you really have a way with words...I almost believe between the two of you, you can influence how the world sees kdrama!!!!
Dramabeans, I hope you can continue to put up 'My Sweet Seoul' episode summaries. One, you write so well and I love reading your stuff. Two, I don't speak Korean and I have been watching 'unsubbed' episodes but still loving the premise of it and always waiting patiently for your writeup. But now, Youtube/Veoh have taken the episodes off so I am totally cut off from this series.
...Sob...strong anti-Eun Soo feelings aside, could you please continue to write the summaries...I know I am not alone...right? Anyway, as always, you have been wonderful - every posting, every word, keep it up dear! Have a good week ahead..
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22 Jo
July 28, 2008 at 10:50 PM
The song is awesome anyways.
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23 kotatsulove
August 3, 2008 at 9:46 AM
thanks for this discussion! while i'm kind of in the middle of both of your views, its great to hear another side. while i love hearing Javabeans' opinions, i find myself being biased against Eun-Soo because that's all i hear. i don't hate Eun-Soo, but i definitely am not a huge fan of her character. i'm merely sticking with the show because of the sub-plots. and the voice.
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24 melica
August 16, 2008 at 2:30 PM
I am a little late in beginning watching this show but I thought I'd add my two cents...
I think Eun Soo seems pretty realistic. She seems like a lot of women in their twenties and early thirties trying to figure out what it means to be an adult and what one wants when she doesn't really know herself or her motivations that well. And she is moving forward sort of blindly and people are caught in her confusion and cowardice. Also I didn't see her confessing love to Tae-oh as disingenuous. She completely meant it but what that love actually adds up to in relationship longevity and compatibility isn't all that much. There is a lot of love to be had but most loves don't end up being grounds for stable long lasting relationships. Just my opinion...
Thanks for the point-counterpoint.
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25 Atreyu
August 24, 2008 at 5:15 PM
I am not good with words.. but i can't help it but to drop a few cents worth..
At first i was a bit skeptical with this drama, knowing that not many ppl into this kind of drama.. of self discovery journey.. i love it! its the same feeling as i had after i watched Someday..
what eun soo experieced is what normally a 30s single woman would experience. There will be times that we are not certain of the direction that we are taking.. and sometimes, we like to use some diversion as a way of trying to feel so frustrated in life..
I feel that Tae Oh is like a diversion that eun soo needs.. all this while, her life has been a bit down.. not turn out as what she seems want it to be.. tae oh has make a her see another angle in life.. with tae oh, she becomes more matured and more certain of what decision she should make/take.. as for yong soo.. he is her pillar of strength.. i agree with dahee's comment.. when we want to seek a life partner, we should search someone who can bring out the best in us.. and that's what Yong soo did.. the love just blossom.. sigh.. i just loveee the love story between yong soo with eun soo.. even though the pace is a bit slow.. but then, we should enjoy journey of love and discovery..
lastly.. that compass is absolutely cool!!! now, they are moving in one direction..
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26 xiaoSxin
October 23, 2008 at 7:27 AM
oh god.. JAVABEANS AND DAHEE.. you rock!!!! this counterpoint discussion is amazing!!! excellent job on the analysis!!!! i have not watched my sweet seoul yet but after reading this, i'm already geared up to watch it so that i know what is all the buzz about Eun soo's character.. I didn't watch it before because from the descriptions it is like another 30 something working female torn between a younger guy and a successful male. and I LOVE DAL JA' S SPRING, so i wanted to take some "time off" between these 2 series so that when I watched MSS, I wouldn't compare it to DJS.
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27 sleeplessinwgtn
October 26, 2008 at 3:34 AM
I'm glad someone as eloquent as javabeans has explored Eun Soo's character on the other side of the fence. I liked the drama and didn't feel the negativity towards Eun Soo that majority of the commentators did.
As Dahee highlighted, Eun Soo is not the typical pretty and perfect lead character. Pretty much like the 2nd female lead in Coffee Prince, Han Yoo Ju, who was disliked by a lot viewers at the start because she was insensitive to the 2 cousins, stringing along Han Kyul and cheating no Han Seong. However, I think that's reality... sometimes you find yourself in a situation when things are better left grey rather than black and white. Of course we know that sooner or later we cannot keep sitting on the fence.
These dramas show the journeys we all make to 'near perfection'. Sometimes, the pace is slower than we would like it to be.
I can understand Eun Soo and I love how she portrayed the character.
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28 deannadsc
November 26, 2008 at 12:37 AM
where can i find MSS' drama recaps for episodes 14-16, please? the dvd i bought has the worst english subtitles & i rely very much on your recaps to fully understand the twists & turns leading to its ending...
thanks & keep up the good work!!!
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29 glee:)
April 2, 2012 at 5:58 PM
That comment that dahee made about soulmates not always just being restricted to lovers really stuck with me. It reminded me of an incident 2 or so years ago when I told my older sister that I had found my soulmate; my best girlfriend. My sister blamed at the idea that two girls could be soulmates, and I'm glad to hear that others have the same belief as me that "soulmate" can be interpreted differently:)
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