Boys Before Flowers: Episode 4
by javabeans
Episode 4 was much better than Episode 3 — although really, like that was hard. Episode 3 was funnier, but 4 was more grounded in reality, which makes it much more watchable, imo. Is this going to be a pattern, with Tuesdays outshining Mondays? I suppose if we must have it one way or the other, I’d rather the good episode be on Tuesday to leave us with a better impression to last us till the next installment.
SONG OF THE DAY
1sagain – “사랑은 떠났어” (Love has left). There are a lot of really lame spellings/acronyms for kpop artists (Fin.K.L., H.O.T., 8eight, Buga Kingz (booger kings?), Pe2ny, Se7en — yeah, I said Se7en), but “1sagain” — pronounced “once again” — probably takes the cake. (It reminds me of how the Wonders, the band in That Thing You Do, originally spelled their name the “Oneders” to be clever and everyone mispronounced it the “oh-nee-ders.”) But I do like this song. [ Download ]
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EPISODE 4 RECAP
After Ji-hoo yells at Jan-di for interfering, she walks off with tears in her eyes. He looks upset with himself, but the next day, when everyone gathers at the airport to send Seo-hyun off, Ji-hoo is conspicuously absent.
Jan-di is in a mopey mood, thinking of Ji-hoo. She asks Jun-pyo in a dejected voice, “Can I ask you something?” Jun-pyo responds, “If I said no, are you going to not ask?” Referring to her (formerly assertive) attitude, he tells her, “Just act like you did before. This doesn’t suit you.” For what it’s worth, Jun-pyo has said this a couple times before, which I think is telling — he might complain about how she always talks back but that’s obviously why he likes her. He’s got no use for weak, defeated girls.
Jan-di asks if it’s a good idea to “push down your feelings and not show any emotion” when you like somebody a lot. He tells her that’s crap; it’s the same as ignoring them. If the earth caved in the next day, wouldn’t she die of regret?
A little surprised, Jan-di responds, “You know, you may not be an idiot in everything.” He acts as though that’s a compliment, and says he’d rather regret doing something than regret not doing something.
Seo-hyun says her goodbyes to F4 (I suppose it’s F3 right now), and it’s nice to see them acting like longtime friends. She hugs Jan-di and asks her to remember her request (to make Ji-hoo smile again).
As she walks to her gate, she looks around, hoping to see Ji-hoo and disappointed when he doesn’t appear.
Just as the guys sigh that Ji-hoo’s acting pretty cold by not coming, he appears. He’s actually been here for hours.
Jan-di thinks Ji-hoo’s being a coward, and takes him to task: “What are you doing? Is this all you can do? Follow her!”
At that, Ji-hoo produces his ticket and passport: “I’m taking the next flight.” Woo-bin wonders what made him change his mind; Ji-hoo says that Jan-di did.
Before leaving, Ji-hoo turns to Jan-di: “Thank you. It’s because of you that I realized I’d have to be honest. You taught me that sometimes you need the courage to hang on. I’m glad I got to know a girl like you.”
He leans forward and kisses her on the forehead — Jun-pyo watches, bothered — then leaves.
Afterward, Jun-pyo and Jan-di stand outside his car, watching airplanes take off. He breaks the silence by facing her, leaning over her to say something. Unlike the last time he tried (and failed) to kiss her, this time her heart starts pounding.
Jun-pyo: “I’m only going to say this once, so listen up.” She nods nervously, and he continues: “Geum Jan-di, ___ with me.”
And just when he says that bit, a plane flies above and drowns out his words. BWAHAHA. (I think he says, “Go out with me,” but we can’t be sure.)
Jan-di blinks uncomprehendingly, not having heard those crucial words. But Jun-pyo straightens and smiles in satisfaction to himself.
So while it’s no surprise to us, it is to her when Jun-pyo walks up to her in the lunchroom and says, without preamble: “Saturday, 4 pm, in front of Namsan Tower.”
He starts to leave, then turns back: “If you’re even one minute late, you’re dead.”
Jan-di looks after him, a little confused but mostly unimpressed with his high-handedness. She doesn’t notice that Min-ji is looking on with a stricken expression on her face.
Since Jun-pyo doesn’t give Jan-di any chance to respond, she dismisses it from her mind, going shopping with her mother instead on a bargain-sale hunt. And I do mean hunt. They grapple with other thrift-loving ajummas for the massive discounts, and by the time they leave, it’s evening. It’s also snowing.
Feeling guilty pangs for ignoring Jun-pyo, Jan-di asks her mother if anyone would wait in the snow for four hours for a promise that was never made. Her mom says that’s crazy, but Jan-di isn’t reassured. Making a sudden decision, she tells her mother she has to go somewhere and runs off, heading toward Namsan Tower.
Jan-di looks almost disappointed to find the courtyard empty, until she spots Jun-pyo huddled on the side, shivering in the cold.
She holds her umbrella over his head; he asks where the hell she’s been: “Didn’t I tell you not to be late?” He isn’t outright angry — irritated might be a better word. Jan-di returns, “When did I say I would come?” He replies, “You’re here.”
She protests, because she wasn’t intending to come. He persists, “But you did.”
Feeling bad, she offers to buy him a hot drink and helps him up. He staggers to his feet and leans heavily into her. Misinterpreting his intentions, she kicks him to get him off.
Indoors, she buys him coffee from a vending machine and calls it “thirty thousand won coffee” (about twenty bucks). By way of explanation, she tells him to follow along.
On top of the building, they look at the cityscape from the observation deck — this is just like watching from the expensive Sky Lounge.
She marvels at all the stars. Jun-pyo laughs at her, “Those aren’t stars, those are satellites, you stupid girl!” Jan-di retorts, “Aren’t you the idiot? You think there are that many satellites?”
The watchman comes up to the doors to lock up for the night. He only gives the deck a cursory look and is distracted by a phone call, so he misses the two of them.
The lights shut off, alerting Jan-di and Jun-pyo, and they hurry to the doors. The handles have been chained together, and there’s no way to get out.
Jun-pyo doesn’t panic, since they can always call for help. Unfortunately, he left his phone behind, and Jan-di doesn’t own one.
Now worried, he blames her; she says it’s his fault for waiting foolishly for hours. He protests, “This is the first time I’ve ever waited for anyone.”
They wander into an enclosed area, which offers a little shelter but is still freezing cold. Jan-di tries to keep her distance while Jun-pyo starts to cough, and says, “Sorry.” When she asks where his driver is, Jun-pyo answers that he sent him home — he wanted to try things commoner-style.
Shivering, Jun-pyo asks, “Can I be honest?” She eyes him warily as Jun-pyo leans in her direction, then collapses on top of her.
Thinking he’s trying to get fresh, Jan-di shoves him aside, then realizes he’s burning up with fever.
She takes out some of her new purchases — a woman’s scarf and shawl — and wraps him with them. They fall asleep like that until morning, when they are let out.
Fearing her parents’ reaction, Jan-di declines Jun-pyo’s offer of a ride home; she’ll use the bus ride to think of an excuse to tell her mother.
Jun-pyo moves closer to tell her the excuse he’d make: “Since we spent the night together, I’ll take responsibility.” (That phrase, used in that context, is misleading and suggests that something actually DID happen between them. Jan-di kicks him in response.)
Unbeknownst to them, they are seen, and photos are taken.
When she gets home, Jan-di falls on her knees and begs forgiveness, but her family is in fantastic spirits. The guy she saved is the heir to Shinhwa Group! Of all the people to help!
Furthermore, they’ve received a whole slew of gifts in gratitude. Jan-di is bewildered — how did they know? Where did this come from?
Her parents rave about Jun-pyo, who dropped by — taking advantage of her slow bus ride home, no doubt — to ask them not to scold Jan-di because she’d been helping him all night.
News spreads quickly, labeling Jan-di as Jun-pyo’s new girlfriend. Suddenly, everyone is eager to befriend Jan-di (except the mean girls, that is), and the unexplained attention creeps her out.
Jan-di discovers the reason when she comes to the TV screen in the lobby. Displayed onscreen are the pictures of her and Jun-pyo that morning, making them look a lot chummier than they are. When the F4 guys arrive, Yi-jung asks Jun-pyo if the rumors are true.
Jan-di hurriedly insists, “No, it’s not! It’s not what you think at all!”
Jun-pyo ruins that by interrupting, “Yes, it’s true.” Everyone gasps in amazement, and Jun-pyo slings an arm around her shoulders and steers her (unwillingly) down the hall. The students gossip in excitement, with one notable exception: Min-ji, who watches tearily.
Min-ji goes home early that day, so Jan-di drops by with the same consolatory stuffed sheep that Min-ji had previously given her. Withdrawn and depressed, Min-ji asks cautiously if the gossip is true.
Jan-di hesitates, then answers that it’s all a coincidence and an accident. Min-ji says, “But it looked like he liked you.” Jan-di says no way — even the idea is absurd. Jun-pyo was just playing around. At the denial, Min-ji laughs in relief, suddenly much cheerier. She hops out of bed and announces that she’s all better now. She wants to go out and have some fun.
While Jan-di waits for Min-ji to get ready, she looks around and spots a Shinhwa Kindergarten yearbook. Curious, she pulls it from the shelf just as Min-ji walks in. Panicking, she grabs it from Jan-di, yelling at her not to go through other people’s things.
Taken aback to see this side of the normally demure Min-ji, Jan-di apologizes. Min-ji recovers, saying more calmly that she’d written weird comments in the book, so she doesn’t want anyone to read them. She apologizes.
Whereas Woo-bin and Yi-jung took a lot of amusement in Jun-pyo’s clashes with Jan-di, now they ask more seriously if he’s “for real” about her. Yi-jung reminds him that where they’re concerned, their parents have final say in their relationships.
Jun-pyo scoffs, as this is a bit weak coming from two supposed players:
Jun-pyo: “Were you just calling yourselves men in name? Were you acting all cocky without being real men?”
Yi-jung: “What’s a real man to you?”
Jun-pyo: “A man takes responsibility from the beginning to the end.”
Woo-bin: “To the end?”
Jun-pyo: “Yeah. To the end.”
Min-ji takes Jan-di to a club featuring live performers and suggests they dance. Jan-di declines, so she sits out while Min-ji goes out on the floor. When Min-ji looks back, she sees Jan-di wandering around, and is bumped by another woman.
Unexpectedly, Min-ji slaps the girl. Suddenly she’s no longer sweet and shy, but a stone-cold bitch. She sneers, “If you’re ugly, you should at least dance well.”
Worried about Jun-pyo’s latest comments, Yi-jung drops by the restaurant looking for Jan-di. Ga-eul tells him Jan-di’s not working today, so he asks if she’s her friend, and how long they’ve known each other.
At her answer (“Since kindergarten”), he smiles and figures that’s good enough: “So you’re best friends. Then let’s go.”
At his pottery studio, Yi-jung explains that he’s afraid that Jan-di will get hurt, and asks Ga-eul to advise her friend. Initially dazzled by the tall, handsome, rich guy, Ga-eul’s opinion drops once she gets his drift: “What kind of advice? That she can’t climb that tree, so don’t bother trying?”
Yi-jung ups the charisma, smiling at her and saying that cute girls like her are scary when angry. She sees through the charm and tells him that he must have thought he could fool everyone with his pretty face, but he misjudged her. She’ll pretend this conversation never happened.
Ga-eul gets up to leave, but stops and comes back for one last word, temper flaring. After all, Jun-pyo’s the one who likes Jan-di, not the other way around: “Jan-di doesn’t care to climb that tree.”
As she’s exiting, she runs into Woo-bin, who wonders what that’s all about. Yi-jung says it’s nothing, and that she’s exactly the type of girl he dislikes (backwards and unfashionable). And yet, his eyes say otherwise…
Jan-di roams the club, feeling bored and out of place. She encounters one of the performers, who senses her discomfort and suggests they head outside, where he plays her a song on his guitar. (I don’t think she really cares for the stranger, but appreciates the reprieve from the club.)
Seeing that her water bottle is empty, the guy hands her his. She sips the water, her vision goes blurry, and she blacks out.
In the morning, Jan-di awakens in an unfamiliar hotel room with no recollection of the night before. On the mirror, written in lipstick are the words, “Thanks for last night.”
She frets all morning about those words, trying to convince herself that nothing happened, wondering why she can’t remember anything.
Of course, this is also the day that Jun-pyo decides to make a little change in his appearance. He remembers Jan-di’s rant against him, when she said she hated “everything about him” from his curly hair to the fact that F4 always dresses in normal clothes when the rest of them are required to wear uniforms.
So that morning, he takes an extra two hours to get ready, wearing his uniform for once and having his hair straightened.
Jan-di is accosted by students, but whereas her reception the day before was sycophantic, today the Bimbo Threesome are furious at her for insulting Jun-pyo and therefore, by extension, everyone at the school.
Jan-di is totally baffled at their attitude until they drag her to the television. On it, photos are splashed of herself and the strange guy from the night before — in bed, half-clothed.
F4 arrives to see Jan-di surrounded by hostile faces, and Jun-pyo steps forward to defend her. Ginger tells him, “Don’t be fooled! Look at this and come to your senses!” And she points at the TV.
Jun-pyo glances over. Jan-di jumps in front of the screen, trying to block it and insist that it’s all a misunderstanding. He pushes her away and stares grimly at the photos, then turns to her: “What kind of mistake could lead to these pictures?”
Jan-di shakes her head, confused, and says, “I think someone set up a trap for me.” In a hard voice, he asks, “Was this all you were?”
Hurt that he’s so quick to condemn her, Jan-di fires back with tears in her eyes, “I don’t care whether you believe me or not. I don’t even know why I have to explain such an absurd situation to you. But this isn’t the truth.”
Jun-pyo grabs her shirt and clenches his jaw. He says in a low voice, “I’ll just ask one thing. Is the girl in that picture you?” Jan-di can’t say no, and a tear falls.
He shoves her back and glowers, “You said you didn’t care whether I believe you or not. You’re right. Geum Jan-di, from here on, I don’t know who you are.”
After he leaves, the mob descends on Jan-di, but you get the sense she doesn’t really care — the damage has been done with Jun-pyo’s dismissal of her.
Jun-pyo’s fury is so extreme that his friends worry about him, never having seen him so upset about anything before. They decide that they’d better get to the bottom of this before someone winds up seriously hurt, and head over to solve the mystery.
Woo-bin, Yi-jung, Ga-eul, and Jan-di look closely at the photos and ask if Jan-di can remember anything odd about the night before. Jan-di recalls the message scrawled in lipstick, which is odd, since it wasn’t hers. Why would a guy be carrying lipstick around?
Furthermore, the way the pictures are shot requires a third person to have taken them, which means there was somebody else involved. The guys take note of the mystery man’s tattoo, and use a combination of their brains and lots of money to get information.
The music club owner isn’t as helpful as they’d like, so the guys use a form of polite blackmail. If they aren’t pleased with the guy’s cooperation, they might as well run him out of business. Yi-jung: “Two weeks should do it.” Woo-bin: “We’ve got our reputation. We’ll have to make it a week.”
Woo-bin owns the neighboring building, which would make a nice venue to set up a competitor to drive this guy bankrupt.
What follows is some of the most ridiculous tomfoolery I ever did saw. To prove their point, Yi-jung displays some of his saxophone skills (to prove they’d be willing and able to make good on their threat). So now the pottery genius is also Kenny G? Look, I ignored the atrocity that is Ji-hoo’s violin-playing, but here I cannot remain silent. THAT’S NOT EVEN THE RIGHT KIND OF SAXOPHONE.
Woo-bin does his part by dancing… is that the Charleston? To cha-cha music?
Naturally, the two guys are successful. (Oh, the power of elevator jazz and ballroom dance!) They track down the guy in no time.
On the other hand, Jun-pyo is still working out his aggression. First it was guns, now it’s a sword.
Min-ji shows up unannounced to hand him a hotel key, which leads him to the room where Jan-di’s photos were taken.
The photos are piled in the center of the bed. Jun-pyo recognizes the familiar setting in the pictures, and his temper erupts. He throws things around the room — pillows, bedcovers, sheets — and after his tantrum, Min-ji steps into the room and tells him, “Please don’t be hurt. It’s ridiculous for you to be like this over a bitch like her.”
Min-ji appeals to Jun-pyo to calm down, saying this is too unfair for him to be so hurt over Jan-di.
Glaring at her with contempt, Jun-pyo grabs her and asks, “Weren’t you her friend? Can a friend talk like that?”
Min-ji whispers, “She stole you from me.”
Jun-pyo shoves her to the ground and heads to the door. Min-ji grabs him from behind and begs him not to go. He breaks free of her grasp and she cries, “Why her, but not me?”
He walks away, remembering Jan-di’s insistence that she was set up and that this is all a misunderstanding.
At school, it’s a free-for-all as Jan-di is knocked from her bike and jeered at. It’s like she’s come full circle, back to how she was tormented as a result of the red card, only this time the harassment is more malicious because she dared make a fool of the Great Jun-pyo.
Jan-di yells back at them, “Is this all you can do? Do more! Go on!” So they do, pelting her with water balloons shooting a fire hydrant at her, till she collapses on the ground.
COMMENTS
I think it’s obvious that the characters show some differences from previous versions. Do you think we could maybe get past that now, since we’re four episodes in?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not decrying comparison-making — I think comparisons are fair. But if half of the comments are purely “This is different from the Japanese/Taiwanese version!” I think the discussion starts becoming irrelevant to this drama itself, which is what I’m more interested in. Gu Jun-pyo is based on Doumyouji, but it’s clear his character diverges in some key points. He is a little thick-headed, but he’s not as blatantly stupid as Matsumoto Jun’s portrayal. He’s not as violent or hot-headed, either. This Jun-pyo is cold, hard, and can be cruel, but he’s not a cartoon character.
Kim Joon is doing really well as a Casanova, but Kim Bum, I think, is hampered by his baby face, which makes it odd to see him hitting on women who are clearly much, much older than him. It’s not the acting that is his problem, just the contrast between his appearance and his behavior. That’s why I was happy to see that he has good chemistry with Kim So-eun (Ga-eul), because she’s age-appropriate and was cast (most likely) with him in mind. She’s also a pretty good actor, and their scenes hold up well. Phew!
Also, he does much better in scenes that have no romantic overtones, such as when he coerced the club owner into giving up information. Nice to see a flash of the Kim Bum I’d been excited to see, because he hasn’t really shown much of his actual acting ability so far.
RELATED POSTS
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 3
- Overnight star Lee Min-ho awash in CF offers
- Cast members featured on Boys Before Flowers OST
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 2
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 1
- Hana Yori Dango creator cheers on Boys Before Flowers
- Boys Before Flowers production press conference
- Boys Before Flowers has its Evil Mom, goes overseas
- Rounding out the Boys Before Flowers cast
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Tags: Boys Before Flowers, Gu Hye-sun, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon, Lee Min-ho
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51 Auntiemame
January 13, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Both the Japanese and the Taiwan versions had separate seasons 1 and 2. Does anyone know if this version will be same or will it be seasons 1 and 2 combined?
The reason for my question is that the plot is moving very fast for solely a season 1 and we still have 16 episodes to go.
I also wonder if the agreement for the rights to film this drama came with any restrictions as to how much or little it can be similar to the Japanese version.
I also like the Yi-jung and Ga-eul pairing. I don't know the actress who plays Ga-eul at all. But, she's very good, as well as pretty.
Thank you, as usual, for the recap. Always a treat to read your writing.
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52 Rainey
January 13, 2009 at 9:50 PM
I didn't miss Ji-Hoon at all. If he could stay gone for a couple more episodes I wouldn't be sad.
Thanks for the recap.
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53 jazz
January 13, 2009 at 9:53 PM
just finished watching all epi at one time...
i enjoyed Lee minho's acting so far. He attracted viewer's attention. i really wish the female lead be someone else coz Gu Hye Seon 's over-acting and annoying silliness plus the crazy screaming are totally drive me crazy.. She looked so old esp. when she started yelling, her eyes' crow feet and the loosen skin on her face are so visible.. ..Let her be an HS student is a big joke.
Kim hyun joong looks exhausted and spaced out. That was so awkward when he was with HCY. His charm and glowing with hwangbo at WGM are totally vanished here. i am sorry but i still don't see him into the role of Rui yet..
Kim Bum is hawt and cute as always. I can't wait to see his relationship with ga eul.. they look so good together......
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54 lovely
January 13, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Have you guys watched Sang Sang Plus with the cast of BOF, it was hirlarious and everyone from the cast was adorable. Hope Ji Hoo will be able to bring charm to his character because actor himself in real life is quite lovable and witty, and doesn't lack a bit in the beauty department....Best of luck to him. SO happy with the drama's high rating!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bmQqkE-d8U
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55 cindy
January 13, 2009 at 9:59 PM
HI there ^^
Wanna say thanks you so much for the summary.
I'm a big fan of " Hana Yori Dango"
Watching the third version didn't bother me at all.
I enjoy this korea version and take it as a brand new drama, and trying not to compare it so much with the taiwanese and japanese.
Love this show and love your summary.
thanks
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56 all4movies
January 13, 2009 at 10:07 PM
This is my favourite version of Hana Dori Yango. I like the japanese version too, but I thought Domyouji was too violent for my taste. Plus the korean guy is a lot better looking. I really don't care for the taiwanese version.
This drama is definitely a keeper for me. I even like the music.
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57 lovin it
January 13, 2009 at 10:15 PM
thanks for the recap!
i personally think the korean version is doing pretty well.. junpyo is a better portrayal than domyoji who was often over the top
ahhh in the japanese version i loveddddd rui so much that i still have pretty high expectations of jihoo here and plus kimhyunjoong was a cutie in wgm..,,
hmmm when are we gonna see junpyo's sis?
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58 popcorn
January 13, 2009 at 10:16 PM
I don't think I do much comparision but I do get bored easily if it's something I already watch (and read) for quite a few times.
Anyway, the story is actually rolling now. I think I can give it another chance. :D
Thanks for the review. BTW I usually don't finish reading your recaps. I read the introduction then at the end to see your thoughts on it, not your summary. I mean, I do after all dislike spoilers. :P
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59 summerxsummer0
January 13, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Thanks for the recap!
I've seen both the Taiwanese and Japanese versions. I loved both, each being different. At first I didnt really like so much as to how this one was different in a lot of things, but its also a different version.
But now, I really like how its different, it fits well.
The cast, is a lot better than expected, in my opinion. At first i wasnt sure if the girl who plays Jan-di could hold the role well because she seems more cute than sassy. But she does a really good job playing the part. And im totally in love with Lee Min-ho, he fits the part so well- looks, character, everything! His acting is very good, im so glad he got the part!! And i think Hyun Joong plays his part well, for a rookie. At first, i thought he fit the look perfectly of his character. But he could use some improvement in his acting, but overall hes doing pretty well with his character. And i feel the chemestry between Jun Pyo and Jan Di.
I am finding myself loving this show so far, just like how i loved the other versions. Im even getting excited for the next episodes, as if i dont know what is comming next, because i really dont since things are a bit different and unique to the korean version. And i love it! I cant wait for the next episode! If this is going to be like 20 episodes, im going to have so much fun watching! :)
And i have to say, out of all of the songs on the ost so far, the only one i love is SS501 song "내 머리가 나빠서 " (Because I'm Stupid)" It fits so well!
IM IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG!! lol
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60 dramafreak19
January 13, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Lee Min Ho, keep it up, buddy, you're doing great!
LOL...without KHJ the majority of the episode, there isn't much for people to complain about, haha...(poor guy)
YESSSS! KIM BUM + GA EUL!!!!
Yeah, Kim Bum has the baby-face of century (Jang Geun Suk included), but wow, what a beautiful face it is...you need to give him credit for keeping his character grounded and for generating chemistry with Ga Eul...I love the lip she gave him and the way he went "Oyyyyy..." They're SO cute together!
In that really tense scene where Jun Pyo's asking Jan Di about the pictures of her, all I could do was ogle at Kim Bum in the background. SO bad of me.
Also loved the way Jan Di used her coffee cup to protect herself from Jun Pyo...loll...the airplane thing made me burst out laughing...=D
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61 vern529
January 13, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Honestly, the only reason I took a look at this drama is because you were doing the recaps (if you're doing recaps then the drama is worth a look, at least from my perspective). After watching the first three episodes (and part of the fourth), I have to agree that it is a little rough around the edges.
I guess that I am one of the very few who has never seen any of the other versions, so I had zero expectations and nothing to compare this version to. But I have to admit, that there are moments in each episode that I find so compelling that it makes me want to continue to watch.
Now I'll have to check out the other versions...I'm still deciding which to watch first, although I am leaning toward Meteor Garden.
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62 elle
January 13, 2009 at 10:41 PM
it's hard not to make comparison to the anime, manga, taiwanese/japanese versions that's being done before this one. I think one thing that really bother me was how those four doesn't seen like close friends at all. I can put up with the awful music, bad English and all the other things you pointed out before.
I have to admit out of all the versions this one was the one I felt most connected to "Doumyouji", probably because of the actor himself. Most of the giddy feeling came from the scenes he's interacting with people.
by the way thank you so much for the recap! I watch the Chinese subbed version but my 8 year old daughter reads your summaries! She commented it's less painful than watching the hour long show for some good moments. :P
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63 balletbabe
January 13, 2009 at 10:45 PM
I like Jun Pyo's acting so far, I mean he is no Matsumoto Jun, but he's not that bad. I can't feel chemistry between Jun Pyo and Jan Di [ well maybe because she is not suppose to like him as of yet but still, you know?!?!? ]. The way the two guys bribed the club owner made me think "WTF". Anyways I agree with your on the comment about Kim Bum. And what about I Kim Joon's character I know he's new to acting and everything but I'm really really not feeling him, well maybe { i'm praying} that he'll get better!!!
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64 miss.jules
January 13, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Thanks for he recaps, entertaining as usual :)
Jun-pyo's pama is so..... PERMED in the screencap of them at the observation deck. Lols
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65 chiara
January 13, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Thank you so much for this!
I like JanDi's expression as JunPyo left the cafetaria feeling hurt. She didn't care getting bullied by other girls, she seemed so sad looking at JunPyo.
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66 bethany
January 13, 2009 at 11:26 PM
i agree! watching this episode was a lot more... bearable. even enjoyable.
i'm loving the ways theyre making this version their own. their being the koreans! thanks again for the prompt recaps~
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67 anf322
January 14, 2009 at 12:06 AM
thanks for the recap. the eps are getting better and better each time. i haven't watched the japanese nor taiwanese versions. so i hope people will stop comparing the other versions and watch this drama as is. i know its hard but try not to spoil it for the others. =D
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68 jkl
January 14, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Thanks for the summary! Great as always!
When I saw Ji Hoo come back in the preview, I thought...ugh. Who knows? He may suddenly improved. Maybe he finally understood how to play his part instead of being confused like he was in the first three episodes. I hope Jandi lowers her volume. It's not very...cute. I understand she is supposed to be a strong, tough, and vocal girl , but you can be all three and not be screaming all the time. The only times I think her screaming is appropriate is when she is being bullied or attacked. Other than that, not necessary. But, I do appreciate that she is making her character her own. Oh Lee Min Ho, keep doing what your doing! I like! Me like!
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69 jen
January 14, 2009 at 12:23 AM
i just loOoOve LMH's straightened hair. I must say, he carries the permed and straightened hair pretty well for a guy. Ü
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70 night
January 14, 2009 at 12:29 AM
I am loving this drama thus far. I think your right that it's not good to compare it too much with the japanese or taiwanese version even though it's easy to fall into that, because we will then miss out on the charm of this version and It's quite charming If we must go into it, and I can't help but automatically compare some of the facets myself, then I would say I really do think that character development is being paced well in this version versus the other ones. You get a sense of who junpyo is without knowing his whole story and it makes you really want to know his story. I guess like other people said, it's a bit more realistic in a way to see how his violence and anger are tied to his loneliness, unlike in other versions where the violence seemed sometimes exaggerated and meaningless. And while Jandi seems really over the top, she's realy normal cosidering the family she comes from.
Anyways. The club scenes at Circle club really brings back some memories. Haha dramas and mvs really like to film in that club.
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71 tokai
January 14, 2009 at 12:34 AM
I have to admit I can't share the general feeling here that this episode was better than the ones before.
I liked the first half... but as soon jan-di and the evil-friend-in-sheep-clothes visit that club and those completly-pathetic-and-useless-for-the-story music acts start it gets a bit too absurd, IMHO. All of those music acts actually... there was zero point in them and it just wasted screen time. Feeled like MTV from the 80s. Well.. at least it seemes like the guy could play his guitar.
So.. what was with the pen? Did he write something... i first thought he wanted to paint her face for the fun, he's Jun Pyo after all... then I thought he wrote some little love letter and hid it somethere in their bag... still thinking about this the 2nd half was very confusing. I really thought for some reason Jun Pyo has switched back and wanted to hurt Jan Di again... and he's the guy in the pictures himself. Well... you see there it started to stop working for me. ;)
The recap unclouded it a bit at least... still it goes a bit too fast and too absurd there. Is Min-ji some kind of kidergarten love by Jun Pyo... and why they acted like they don't know each other at all in first episode (lick-clean-the-shoe-scene) and now seem to have some kind of akward past.
Oh well... waiting for next episode now... hoping for less of these silly music acts. ;)
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72 dot.dot.dot.
January 14, 2009 at 12:37 AM
I totally agree with you. I'm kinda tired of people always comparing, I mean, I have too, but it doesn't bother me much. The one thing I think I might have to compare is the scene where they get locked outside together. Alot of people complained that it needed rain. But the snow is very "korean" so I didnt mind that and the roof. The roof was typical, as well. What I wanted more of was the scene where Jan Di takes care of Jun Pyo. This was suppose to make their relationship, or what they have of one, become more... bonded (for lake of a better word). And I didnt think it fully executed that importance, although you see Jun Pyo waking up and happy that she had taken care of him, some what. And what I'm curious of is what Jun Pyo writes?!?! Did anyone notice that? I'm sure its gonna be there for future references, but still, I want to know! And I really enjoyed the scene with Yi Jung and Ga Eul, where he steals her away and talks to her. Like Jun Pyo and Jan Di, you can feel the chemistry between the two working already! I can't wait to see what happens with them. And I think F3 should wear uniforms more often! They looked so good walking down that breezeway with their lollipops. And also the scene where Jun Pyo comes to defend Jan Di (the pictures incident), I also noticed that when Jun Pyo walks over and Jan Di turns to him, she looks him up and down. Noting that he was wearing a uniform with straight hair. I think this is also a big moment for her, because she sorta realizes that Jun Pyo is serious. Some what, about her. Okay... so enough said on my part. Sorry so long! OH and great screencaps!
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73 asianfanatic
January 14, 2009 at 12:45 AM
so far, im liking this version more than the 2 previous ones for 3 reasons: 1) the character of gu jun-pyo is better played by lee min ho than his taiwanese and japanese counterparts. aside from the obvious fact that he's most gorgeous of them all, his version of domyouji certainly has more depth. he can play dumb in one instant and all sweet and kind the next without having to overact and over-react -- a common mistake of jerry yan and matsujun . he can make that instant shift in character with so much ease -- a true sign of his inherent acting ability. he is truly a natural. im sure he will really go a long way and im soo happy that he was given such a big break. he truly deserves all the good reviews about his acting. 2) the story-telling (all 3 eps since i havent watched ep 4 yet) is light years better than meteor garden and HYD combined. this version is funnier (even without the actors trying too hard esp. LMH) and more realistic. the script is better too minus the occasional "yo-yo-yo!" hiphop lingo used. 3) the co-stars are all surprisingly good actors except for ji-hoo. i think joo ji hoon would have played a better ji-hoo. but then again, there is no perfect drama, right? Over all, BBF is so enjoyable to watch. it makes waking up on mondays and tuesdays so much more bearable!!! i cant wait for ep 4!
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74 ichiru
January 14, 2009 at 1:02 AM
Thanks for the recap!
I was also a little bit glad that JiHoon and Suhyun only appeared for a few minutes in this episode not that I don't like them...but I guess Jihoon will be back soon!
JP telling something to JD outside the airport is the funniest scene! He was satisfied after saying it but didn't confirm if she really heard it! well of course he said he won't say it again haha
And also the trapped scene--I wonder what he did to the pen, I thought he's gonna write something on Jandi's face? or he kept it..maybe they'll show it in the next few episodes..
Kim Bum really looks comfortable with Kim So-eun, maybe because they're the same age..I hope their characters ended up together--to be different from the original
You're right that Joon Pyo's character here is not like cartoonish or should I say it's more on the mature side or reality....where he won't go hitting just anyone he sees if he's mad instead he uses material things or stuff to vent his anger, which is better; unlike the jap version--but still matsujun did a good job. And I also like that Joon pyo doesn't yell alot, like the last scene with Jandi in this episode, normally in korean drama if not based on anime he'll say it like this "WAS THIS REALLY YOU IN THIS PICTURE? TELL ME! TELL ME!" then storms out and hits everyone on the way. He's pretty calm for a Tsukasa Domyouji but he still fits in the same way.
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75 vanillart
January 14, 2009 at 1:05 AM
i'm starting to enjoy the series.i bet it's gonna be great.hope so.anyways, minho's acting is superb!.i think that he's the best compared to the other lead actor in HND and MG.(no offence.huhu)
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76 Eth
January 14, 2009 at 2:49 AM
I hate Goo Hye Sun. Her portrayal of Makino is terrible. I'm not even comparing this to the other versions but seriously? How miscast can you get? She's plain, old and a bad actress. I just don't see how she got the role. Ain't there a lot of talented young actresses? I'm not being ageistic but logical. Her character is supposed to be young. She looks like 40. Sigh.
She reminds me of that girl from Que Sera Sera.
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77 eveningstar201
January 14, 2009 at 3:08 AM
I have to admit that I am guilty of constantly comparing all the different versions of HYD and the anime/manga. However, I have to admit the K version is really cming into its own now. I always thought that Jun Pyo was just not violent enough for Doumyoji but I'm starting to understand that this is Lee Min Ho's own interpretation and actually it works pretty well too. And I have to say out of all the Soujiro/Yuuki pairings, the Kim Bum/Kim So Eun is the one which I am liking the best. In all the other versions, Yuuki was a bit of a fangirl, following Soujiro around like a lovesick puppy but I like Ga Eul's guts. I really hope they develop this storylie more than they did the other versions. Yes yes, more comparison but hey, it's all positive! =) And thank you for the recaps. They keep me going while I impatiently wait for the subs.
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78 Maria
January 14, 2009 at 4:09 AM
I like reading your recaps!
Anyway, I'm loving this version! It would be boring if it was exactly the same as the japanese or taiwanese version.
The thing I like the most of 'Boys Over Flowers' is Lee Minho's Tsukasa/Jun Pyo. I think he's doing great as the character and his acting is natural and convincing. He's the best thing on the serie at the moment. Every time he's on a scene I get excited (and I'm not saying in a fangirling way) because his Tsukasa is so appealing in his own way. I think he'll probably be the best Tsukasa in all version.
(I know you asked not to compare all the versions, but I didn't liked Matsumoto Jun's portayel of Tsukasa because first of all he's short and too thin and it was hard to believe he was the leader of a group with boys that looked more stronger than him and also to believe that other people were scared of him. Besides he made his Tsukasa look too stupid and too dumb, it was funny, I admit, but that's not how the character is. Tsukasa is supposed to be strong and almight, but he's not dumb, he only doesn't know how to speak his own language properly but he speaks lots of other languages perfectly and at some times he even represents his family's company when his mother is not home - a dumb person wouldn't be like that, right? Also I think Matsumoto was not convincing on showing how he was attracted to Makino.)
As for Koo Hye Sun, I'm starting to get used to her portrayel of Makino/Jandi. At first I didn't like how she tried too hard to look cute and to convince that she was a high school girl. I was disapointed by her acting because I always thought she did great on other tv series so I was expecting she would do the same on 'Boys Over Flowers. But on the latest episodes she's acting more natural, specially on the deep or sad scenes. (Anyway, I think her looks are perfect for Makino because F4's beauty really stand out next to her because of her commoner face)
Other that improved besides Koo Hye Sun is Kim Hyun Joong, he is acting more natural and less stiff than on the previous episodes.
Kim Joon is doing great for a newbie, his acting is natural and if I didn't knew he was a newbie, I'd thought he had experience in acting.
As for Kim Bum, I think he's doing fine.
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79 momoisluv
January 14, 2009 at 4:56 AM
there were really good caps with kibum in it. :DDD
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80 Tammy
January 14, 2009 at 5:15 AM
ZZZOMG! THIS IS MY FAVE EPISODE BY FAR & I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE FIFTH ONE :(( Huhu, the sneak-peak is so frickin' exciting!!!!!
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81 reverie
January 14, 2009 at 5:23 AM
Yes, Yi Jung and Ga Eul.....waiting for something different in the Korean version.
And MinJi......she's the best!!! LMH is getting better in each episode.
Re. Jihoo....
Rui in the manga is emotionless, with his marble childlike eye.
He start to have emotion and smile after he met Tsukushi. Rui's biggest change is after he went back from Paris. Interesting to see how he will show/act it in future episode.
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82
January 14, 2009 at 6:04 AM
why do men always grab the women by the collar in kdramas... is it suppose to make them look macho?!?!?
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83 Ally
January 14, 2009 at 6:21 AM
"He is a little thick-headed, but he’s not as blatantly stupid as Matsumoto Jun’s portrayal. He’s not as violent or hot-headed, either."
^ I can't agree with this more, I disliked Jun's portrayal of Domyouji, it just made him very stupid and hot tempered! Thus, I really like how Lee Minho portrayed Domyouji, with just the right amount of arrogance, temper and stupidity XD This is the first time I'm liking Domyouji more than Rui lol.
And I absolutely ADORE the Kim Bum x Kim So-eun scene, I think they make a veryyyy cute couple! Definately looking forward to more of them, and more of Kim Bum ;)
Thanks for the review, I've always enjoyed reading them :)
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84 jippo
January 14, 2009 at 6:33 AM
I think that each actor--and their portrayal of their respective characters--is finally growing on me. It helps to have low expectations going in. Especially for singer-turned-actors.
I am quickly reading (scanning, more like) the manga to get a better sense of the characters, and I am quite happy with most of the acting, which is why it's so jarring to see the moments/stretches of poor acting and weak directing.
I thought that this version was going to be less cartoonish, as we have been witness to some very "real" aspects in the plot (i.e., how Jan-di gets admitted into Shinhwa), but the portrayal of Jan-di's family and those "tomfoolery" moments throw me off. I've not encountered Makino's family in the manga series as of yet, so I don't know if the production is trying to be true to the manga writer's interpretation, but honestly, must Jan-di's family be so flat (in their money-grubbiness/fascination with high society)? If they go from these one-dimensional characters to being more complex and involved persons in Jan-di's life in future episodes, I am going to scream in frustration.
And lovely, thanks for the link, I'd been looking for it.
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85 G
January 14, 2009 at 6:38 AM
Thank you so much for your recap!
I can tell from all of the comments that everyone appreciates them as much as I do! Like someone mentioned, you do a great job of pointing out small moments in the drama, and you always characterize and analyze them perfectly. I always find myself re-watching the moments you mention, too.
Your recaps are also why I am keeping up with the drama, because some of the weaker points are hard to sit through and it helps to have an overview of events of the episode. Otherwise, I really think I might fast forward to any Yi Jung or Jan Di/Jun Pyo moments and not pay much attention to the rest.
I also think you are spot-on in your comments about the direction. It feels off and not in-sync because sometimes the director (or whoever is in charge of this part) will use cutesy sounds and slow-mo, but it seems like it was thrown in there at the last minute. I'm not trying to make too harsh a criticism, though, because I can't decide if I want them to tone it down or amp it up. It always occurs to me when I watch the previews of the next episode that the sound effects and moments play well in a teaser but sometimes don't mesh too well in the actual playback of the episode.
Thanks again for updating, and I'm sure we're all looking forward to next week!
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86 b020
January 14, 2009 at 6:41 AM
I really don't understand why everyone keeps complaining about Kim Joon - that's his character: stiff, wooden, and completely outside of everything. Like reverie said in above post - its his return from Paris that we'll a more animated guy. I think that everyone who complains about his stiff acting is actually a compliment to Kim Joon's acting ability since that is his character.
KHS has a crush on Kim Joon's character right now - his act of kindness in the midst of all that madness, yeah, I'd be crushing and think a bit better of him. When he comes back from Paris is when we'll see the real love triangle.
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87 kirara
January 14, 2009 at 6:53 AM
Javabeans.. I totally agree with you.. this episode is much better.. and its going at a somewhat quick pace but its also has a different spin.
I'm glad that its starting to break away bit by bit by the other versions and see scenes and storylines that's different. I think it definately creates more interests for the viewers. I also do agree though that I was a bit confused with the whole saxophone and dancing scene, but I'm guessing they were trying to keep it the whole romantic comedy idea.
And I hate to point this out, but at first i had a difficult time trying to line up the korean actor who plays tsukasa: Gu jun pyo? but in that one scene where he asks her to go on a date with him and he had the beanie on, he looked very much alike with Jerry Yan (Taiwanese version of Tsukasa) and that look started to rub off on me, so now he's finally getting to me..
Thanks to all your screencaps.. will continue watching!
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88 stargazer377
January 14, 2009 at 7:14 AM
i also liked the acting in this episode but the music!!! argh! the music has seriously got to go. it really hinders the drama because the music sometimes makes the drama seem like it's from the 90s trying to act hip for 09. and i wish they stopped using "paradise" so much.
but thanks for your hard work javabeans! i'm actually excited for mondays and tuesdays now!
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89 lily
January 14, 2009 at 7:16 AM
I agree with you Bebo. This serie is more and more horrible.
What is laughable is people seing Jun Pyo is anyone but Domyoji (because if you read the manga you will see Domyoji is a Stupid, Brat, arrogant, violent, impulsive, rich man and Jun Pyo is simply not Domyoji (maybe Min Oh can't portraying this kind of character and like someone say "lack of passion" so Jun Pyo is like that). Domyoji is all but cold (Rui is ), weak, mature, with zero chemistry with the lead actress. Jun Pyo can't be the best Domyoji because he doesn't play Domyoji. Jun Pyo is not Domyoji and it getting more and more obvious!!
@Maria maybe you are in love with Min Oh physic but Tsukasa character is Dumb, brat, stupid while Rui is the opposite (That's why in all versions Tsukasa was hated while Rui was loved at first). Jun did A GREAT JOB to make believable his portraying (Playing extrovert, dumb, brat, violent stupid people is a Hard ). work)
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90 moonchyld
January 14, 2009 at 8:09 AM
thank you for the recaps!
i find it quite amazing that after reading the Hana Yori Dango manga, watching both the Japanese and Taiwanese drama versions, I still feel giddy seeing the story unfold. ^O^
one thing i will say is, the Korean version is probably (so far) the TRUEST to the manga. the Japanese version was over-the-top and diverged in many aspects from the original manga, while the Taiwanese version was I guess, low budget and had an older cast (but was amazing nonetheless). this Korean version, for me, is like reading the manga all over again, but enacted by people. it's a pleasant surprise.
i understand your comments about how sometimes the drama feels skippy, not edited well and if you will, corny, but i applaud this version for being so true to how the story was told in the manga, and for keeping up with the original settings and time line. =)
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91
January 14, 2009 at 8:20 AM
thanks alot..
i always check this thread nowadays ~~~
can't wait to watch this ep..
i don't know why jun pyo got curly hair like matsujun..
he should just stay with straight hair lol..
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92 nickynisa
January 14, 2009 at 8:20 AM
thanks alot..
i always check this thread nowadays ~~~
can't wait to watch this ep..
i don't know why jun pyo got curly hair like matsujun..
he should just stay with straight hair lol..
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93 lily
January 14, 2009 at 8:25 AM
LMAO "The truest to the manga" I can't help but LAUGH!!! Maybe if you say MG (Because this horrible drama followed the manga to the T) I would say yes. But...
-Talking about overracting look at Jan-di Poor Girl can't stand a chance against Mao Inoue LOL
-Rui zero charisma, looks like a retard off character, People are Happy because he is not here anymore ("Truest to the manga" Are you kidding me?
-Jun Pyo is Mature (he is more mature than Akira), supporting, nice, weak, cold, looks like a prince charming but a little stupid (Are you sure it's the truest to the manga???) Maybe we didn't read the same book. Maybe you like Jun Pyo character (because it's all about look) but I wonder if you liked Domyoji's character at first in Manga (If you said yes I would think we didn't read the same manga). Domyoji all but what Jun Pyo is at the moment. Domyoji is extrovert not cold. LOL
-Kim bum looks like a child who is trying to not be virgin anymore
-Korean gangsta man Akira...No comment (yo yo yo) WTF???
And LMAO "the elevator" scene supposed to be the Dommyoji-Makino relationship key point fell flat because Jun Pyo is already a charming prince so you can't distinguish the harsh, violent, baka, stubborn, brat Jun Pyo(??) of sensible, weak, nicer, calm domyoji OMG what a wasted.
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94 ~lin~
January 14, 2009 at 9:13 AM
I also want to see more of Kim Bum... he was really good in East of Eden, so I hope the PD will give him more on screen time... I guess we'll just have to find out in next weeks eps...
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95 ss
January 14, 2009 at 9:21 AM
sheesh i feel like im watching a replica of the taiwanese version.. wish they could adopt more loosely..
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96
January 14, 2009 at 9:30 AM
This show is fun and very amusing! I am looking foward to the next episodes.
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97 KATE
January 14, 2009 at 9:54 AM
I just want to say...i love this drama...love it...and as always love the racap as well...^.^
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98 KOK
January 14, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Didn't really like the EP 4, the pacing was so off in the latter end of the ep, the first half was really good tho.
And yeah I agree Jon Pyo was too nice to begin with, the contrast isn't there when he's nice to her, the directors not getting the characters right at all.
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99 jo
January 14, 2009 at 10:17 AM
i'll make this 100th comment~~
I <3 LEE MINHO!!!
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ok..back to my point.
this drama is better than my initial expectation. I love the fact that it diverges from much of the original plot, settings, and characters. It's refreshing for me because I had watched the other two versions. So far, I still believe that the Japanese version is better overall, but this one definitely has the potential to top the other two. (TW version just sucked, imo)
Lee Minho amazes me, so does Gu Hye Sun...since I actually had trouble liking her in Strongest Chilwoo. I doubted her when she was casted as Makino's character, but she proved me wrong
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100 hulahoops87
January 14, 2009 at 10:21 AM
I would say BBF is the most realistic version of HYD (minus the awful CG and the horrible soundtrack of course). I think both lead casts have done great job so far. I could actually feel their emotions especially joong pyo without him had to do much. Well done Min-ho!!
We must keep in mind that HYD is a Japanese manga so of course there would be changes once adapted to Korean storyline. I found it interesting how 3 versions of the locked out scene took place at 3 different places (HYD in the elevator, MG an the staircase and BFF in the outside lift?). My favourite for that scene is the HYD version. I can still remember Makino gave Domyoji her period pain killer. Just a small act but yet so sweet and memorable!! Anyhow looking forward to the next episode of BFF:)
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